[theescaperoute]

So, I've been all over FJ (FocalJet) and their members rave over the BSD (Balance Shaft Delete) for the Duratec 23. It knocks twelve pounds off of the rotating assembly, and should help with the acceleration characteristics pretty nicely. The Ranger's 2.3 doesn't have the Balance Shaft, so I'm not worried about the engine's life over it. The question is, which 2.3 do we have? I'm trying to find that out before I order the part.
Also, my exhaust arrived, and my springs are on the way!
:woohoo:

 

[jonas1022]

I wasn't aware that the Ranger engine was different from ours. But it must be somewhat different as the 2.3L is what they have offered the past couple years, while the E/M/T, and Focus have the 2.5L.

 

[kkreit01]

Here's some reading over on fordfusionclub:

http://www.fordfusionclub.com/index.php?topic=47956.0

http://www.fordfusionclub.com/index.php?topic=100433.0

If I was in warranty, I wouldn't do it. Also, the E/M/T 2.3 is also different from Fusion (iCVT?).

 

[theescaperoute]

I'm just barely out of range for warranty, so no concerns on that front.
I also want to drop the 2.3 next for the 3.0 next summer... :rockon:
So I think I'm going to get it. I'll be sure to give you all the information over it, once it's installed and everything.
Orrr, if I can't find a trustworthy 3.0, I might just opt for a Cossie 2.3. Idk how I'd ever deal with that under my hood.
A guy on FJ has 50k on his BSD, and no issues. Some were suggesting to swap the crank for one that never had the balance shaft on it. I think I'll do that as well. Fun times ahead...

 

[jonas1022]

What kind of money are you talking about investing in the BSD? Or for that matter, what kind of horsepower gains do you hope to realize? For more performance on the four pot I'd look at using a low pressure turbo. Say, under 6 pounds? It'll get you more go for your money, it's free horsepower relatively speaking and fairly light. A little poundage never hurt anyone, especially since these SUVs (or any other) are not the lightest machines to begin with.

 

[theescaperoute]

The BSD is just a blockoff for the oil feeds to the Balance Shaft, and it's only a $30 part from FocusSport.
If I saw 5 or 6 (the old rule of thumb is 1 hp for 1 lb off the rotating assembly, so that would mean 12ish) I'd be happy. And yeah, I've considered boost, but really, I'm looking for little, inexpensive wake-ups for the 2.3, at least for right now. I'm thinking either boost next summer, or a v6 swap. Until then, only time will tell.
For now, I'm going through SCT for a tune, CAI, exhaust, you know, the basics.
I have my Z/28 that I'm working on, so I'm trying to keep my time and funds more focused on that. Its sole purpose is for being loud and fast, and that's about it.

 

[jonas1022]

Yeah, Z28's can be loud. Fast? Idk about that. What year is yours?

 

[theescaperoute]

1974, the last of the TRUE Z/28s.

 

[escape05xls]

isnt the focus 2.3 different than the escape 2.3?
Never mind.... 2.3 focus is a duratec. supposidly same engine in the focus from 2003-2007 as the 2005-2008 escape.

 

[theescaperoute]

You're correct, and that seems to be the size of it.
There is also the Ranger's 2.3 that doesn't have the balance shaft, thus making the delete part pointless.
I wanted to confirm that we do, in fact, have the Focus 2.3

 

[escape05xls]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Durat ... Duratec_23

seems like it as our stated output is 151hp and I dont recall the escape having VVT which the mazda does, milan/fusion do as well (being the revised newer 2.3)

 

[kkreit01]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine#Duratec_23

seems like it as our stated output is 151hp and I dont recall the escape having VVT which the mazda does, milan/fusion do as well (being the revised newer 2.3)

..and there is a large difference felt in power between the 2. I had both at the same time: 07 Mariner fwd 2.3 vs. '07 Fusion fwd 2.3. There was a huge difference in power (felt) between them. A lot of it was also due to the tranny (4 spd auto vs. 5 spd auto). The weight was nearly the same (within 100lbs).

 

[escape05xls]

yeah vvt in the mazda and fusion/milian must help a ton. sure helps with gitty up, nothing like dumping moar power into your cylinders when you mash the gas. We should try and find pics of this focus 2.3....

just saw a pic...holy crap its identical I would think just check the mount points...but I bet it would fit.

wonder if the focus 2.3 has any sri's

 

[theescaperoute]

So I guess I'm going to drop the $30 for the delete.
At my next oil change, I'll install it.
12 pounds off my crank, suckas.
And yeah, there are a lot of parts for the 2.3 (FocusSport, Cosworth, Steeda) for the Focus, so since it appears to be the same thing, as far as I can tell, we may be set up for a ton of performance parts.

 

[escape05xls]

I still cant find a pic of a ford focus 2.3l sri..... only cai's! Yeah i was eyeing up the cosworth parts gotta keep reminding myself the escape is the dd not the race car haha.

 

[theescaperoute]

I have to do the same thing....
I'd love to have the 280hp Cossie 2.3...
Hmmm. I'll look around, and keep you posted if I see anything.
I want the Cossie intake manifold, and I think I might get it when January rolls around...

 

[escape05xls]

the cosworth stuff is getting harder to find fyi so if you want there parts get them now or find some place that carries them... well at least the intake for the focus was done with...and now everyone wants it.

I was at Time Attack in IL this summer and met the Mazdaspeed 3 Rally team. they have a cosworth full engine/trans everything done.. it was a beautiful sight to behold...wonder if I have pics.....