The Duratec 8v

Engine

Introduction

Most of Ford’s current generation engines used in both Europe and North America are called the Duratec, although there are significant differences between the various designs. The Duratec HE, for example, is nothing like the Duratec 8v that I’m writing about here. The Duratec was and still is known by several other names in different markets, such as RoCam (for Roller Camshaft) and RoCam Zetec (presumably the Zetec was used as the generic name for the Ford engine range, just as Duratec is used now).

The 1·3 version is essentially a different head on the original Endura-E block, which of course goes right back to the Kent!. The 1∙6 is a very similar head on top of what looks like a CVH block.

The Duratec 8v engines have been engineered to produce good low down and mid range torque, running on poor quality petrol, whilst fitting inside a compact engine bay. The valvegear features low friction properties and is noticeably quieter in operation than the Endura-E, although time will tell as to the Duratec 8v’s longevity. So far, so good.

Variants

There are two eight valve Duratec engines sold in the United Kingdom. The 1·3 litre version is now only used in the Ka but has seen service in the mark five Fiesta and the 1·6 litre, which for Europe is used in the Sportka and Streetka.

In certain European companies, Ford also sell a 60 PS version of the 1·3 Duratec. This is not the same engine but a renamed Endura-E (it lives on!). Ford have also sold a 1·0 variant in certain South American countries, called the RoCam Zetec. In some markets the 1·0 RoCam Zetec also benefited from a turbocharger to produce 95 PS, now here’s an ideal engine transplant idea!

I have compared the 1·3 Endura-E with the 1·3 Duratec 8v here, but essentially the Endura-E is stronger at low engine speeds and the Duratec is stronger at higher speeds. Those 1·3 Duratec 8v Kas without air conditioning are mated to a tall final drive, which robs them of the mid-range vitality that makes the Endura-E Kas fun.

Mechanical Reliability

Some early 1·3 Duratec Kas had starter problems, and in 2004 a batch of 1·3s were released with inadequate engine components, which had to be returned to Ford for repair work. Otherwise, judging by the reliability of the RoCam Zetec (essentially the same engine) in South America, this should prove a reliable engine.

Tuning

At the time of writing, there remains a shortage of proper tuning products for the Duratec 8v. Manifolds designed for the Zetec-SE engine are reputed to fit the Duratec 8v, Van Aaken Developments are rumoured to be producing a turbocharger kit, but Superchips are unable to reprogram the ECU using Bluefin. I have yet to find any aftermarket camshafts available.