Engine and drivetrain
Every ZX2 has the same 2.0-liter Zetec, with 16 valves, twin cams and variable cam timing, which the Focus version of the engine didn't get. It drives the front wheels through a Mazda-built 5-speed or a 4-speed automatic.
The Zetec
| Item | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 2.0L Zetec DOHC inline 4, 16 valves, iron block, aluminum head | Confirmed |
| VIN engine code | 3 (8th character) | Confirmed |
| Bore × stroke | 84.8 × 88.0 mm (3.34 × 3.46 in) | Confirmed |
| Displacement | 2.0 L, 121 cu in | Ford owner’s guide |
| Compression | 9.6:1 | Ford owner’s guide |
| Output | 130 hp @ 5,750 rpm, 127 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm | Ford brochure |
| Valve timing | Variable camshaft timing (VCT) | Ford brochure |
| Fuel | Sequential electronic fuel injection with a “fast-opening throttle” | Ford brochure |
| Engine control | EEC-V | Ford brochure |
| Ignition | Distributorless coil pack, waste spark | Confirmed |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 | Ford owner’s guide |
| Spark plugs | Motorcraft AZFS-32FE, gapped 1.22–1.32 mm (0.048–0.052 in) | Ford owner’s guide |
| Base timing | 10° ±2° BTDC, not adjustable | Service data |
| Oil pressure, hot | 54–80 psi at 4,000 rpm | Service data |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm, fuel cut at 7,200 | Reported |
Ford quoted a 100,000-mile tune-up interval “under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes” in every brochure from 1998 to 2003.
Variable cam timing
Ford’s 1998 and 1999 catalogs list “16 valves with variable camshaft timing (VCT)” for the ZX2. VCT is usually described as acting on the exhaust cam and doing the job of an EGR valve, but we’ve only seen that in Wikipedia. Reported
2003 torque
Ford’s 2003 brochure and cars.com both give 127 lb-ft. Consumer Guide, TrueDelta and KBB give 135, possibly borrowed from the Focus’s rating. The factory figure looks right. Disputed
ZX2 vs. other Ford 2.0s
- Escort sedan and wagon: a different engine entirely, the 2.0L SPI SOHC 8-valve with split-port induction. 110 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft @ 3,750. Ford brochure
- Focus Zetec (2000–04): no VCT, and it uses EGR instead. Owners report that Focus intake manifolds and exhaust cams don’t fit the ZX2 head, and that valve covers, exhaust manifolds and starter positions differ. Sources disagree on how far the heads differ. Disputed
- SVT Focus: VCT on the intake cam, 10.2:1 compression, larger valves, 170 hp. Reported
- S/R: the same engine with a premium-fuel Ford Racing calibration, a revised intake and a Borla exhaust, for 143 hp. See the S/R specs.
Transmissions
Manual: Mazda G5M 5-speed
| Gear | 1998–99 | 1999½–2003 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.307 | 3.310 |
| 2nd | 1.833 | 1.830 |
| 3rd | 1.311 | 1.310 |
| 4th | 1.030 | 0.970 |
| 5th | 0.795 | 0.750 |
| Final drive | 4.10:1 | 4.10:1 |
The 1998–99 ratios are confirmed. The later ratios come from one source. Reported The 4.10 final drive is in Ford’s 2003 brochure. The clutch is hydraulic, with a master and slave cylinder.
Automatic: F-4EAT 4-speed
Ford’s service data calls it the F4E-III; Mazda calls it the F4A-EL. Ratios are 2.80 / 1.54 / 1.00 / 0.70, with 2.33 reverse. Confirmed Ford’s 2003 brochure gives a 3.74:1 final drive.
The automatic is the ZX2’s weak point. See Known issues.
Timing belt
Ford’s 2003 Normal Service schedule says to replace the timing belt at 120,000 miles. Service data The 1998 schedule lists no belt replacement at all, and owners report that early manuals gave no interval. A 1998 Ford bulletin revised the belt and tensioner setup procedure.
Whether the engine is interference is still disputed. Gates’ catalog data flags the 1998–2003 2.0L DOHC belt (T294) as an interference application, while other timing-belt tables list the engine as free-wheeling. Disputed Treat it as interference, and replace the belt and tensioner on any car without records.
Modifications
Owner-reported options for a mild performance build: Reported
- Headers: Pacesetter makes a ZX2 Zetec header (part 72C1168).
- Cams: Kelford lists a Zetec cam for the 1998–2003 ZX2. Many Zetec cams are for the European engine and may not fit the ZX2 head.
- Intake: the Focus 65 mm throttle body doesn’t fit the ZX2 intake without work.
- Timing belt: Gates sells a racing version, T294RB.
- Turbo builds exist, typically on a rebuilt bottom end with forged rods. Focus turbo kits aren’t confirmed to fit.
We haven’t found Ford Racing parts for the ZX2 other than the S/R components. Share your build in the forum.