21st Century Elan
Ford's 2-litre Zetec is out 16-valve engine of choice for the Elan. In this part of the series we explain exactly how to adapt it for any RWD application
ZETEC. FORD WERE so proud of their new engine that higher-spec models wore the name as a badge of honour on their bootlids and tailgates. Ford enlisted the help of bike makers Yamaha when it decided on a Pinto replacement and the result was the 16-valve, twin-cam Zetec. An iron block was retained but with alloy head and sump, the Zetec weighs in at around 20kg less than the heavweight Pinto. Better still, the bellhousing pattern is the same, so fitting a rear drive-drive box is no problem. There are companies that will sell you expensive kits to adapt the engine for RWD cars, but Andy Widnall at Spyder Engineering (01733 203986) uses a lot of standard parts which save money.
