Parts from SVT:
Cyl head w/ cams Dual stage intake w/throttle bracket Throttle body Fuel rail Timing tensioner and idler pullies Timing bracket Brake booster hose and clip (plugs into back of mani) Valve cover Upper timing cover
Parts from ZX2:
Thermostat housing Engine bay wiring harness Timing belt Throttle cable Coil pack & wires Injectors MAF
New parts:
Cam gear for the intake side (adjustable or not). You can use a Focus Zetec or the intake one on the ZX2. SVT VCT delete Standard Zetec head gasket (Felpro part# 9005PT-1) SVT valve cover gasket Zetec head bolts/ARP head studs Synthetic oil & nice oil filter 3ft of 5/16” fuel hose 2x 5/16” fuel injection hose clamps 3ft of 5/8” Coolant hose w/90* bend at one end 2x 5/8” worm gear clamps Various vacuum plugs Vacuum hose(s) Cable stop

The SVT Focus came from the factory with 170hp at the crank. Several factors affect the increase in power:

• Dual Stage Intake Manifold
• Larger Intake Ports
• Intake Cam VCT
• Aggressive Camshafts
• Upgraded Valvetrain
• Tuned Header

The stock ZX2 came with 130hp at the crank. As you can see, you'll net a nice increase in power. You also gain a little compression bump by using a standard Zetec head gasket. This is a really cheap power adder and I highly recommend it! The SVTF head is a direct swap onto the ZX2's block pending you have all of the parts listed in this guide. I will probably forget a few things, but if you feel like something is missing, please inform me.

Prior to the swap

Please inspect your SVTF cylinder head before installation. Mine had some serious water jacket damage and postponed the install by a week. I recommend at least a resurface and a cleaning if the head checks out okay. Bring a few buddies for the install. You can speed up the install a great deal if you have some helping hands. Install anti-sieze on your exhaust studs. Run 5w30 full synthetic motor oil. Reason being is a Ford 'newsletter':

• SAE 5W-30 is recommended for the SVT Focus 2.0L Zetec HP and 4.0L V6 applications, which are the only gasoline-fueled vehicles not recommending SAE 5W-20. The Ford Engineering Material Specification for SAE 5W-30 service fill oils is WSS-M2C205-A, which specifies ILSAC GF-3 requirements and the display of the API Certification Mark. That newsletter can be read here: ilma.org/resources/ford_2004_my.pdf

Swapping the head

There are a few important notes to consider about fitment during the swap:

• Remove the passenger side engine damper to make room for the intake cam spool. You have to cut one part off the upper timing bracket for it to sit flush.
• Don't buy a SVTF alternator bracket because it doesn't fit our alternator. You can use the stock one and have no clearance issues. The stock alternator bracket will be missing one bolt when you go to install this cyl. head--the very top one.
• Cut the SVT upper timing cover so it slips right into the spot it needs to go.
• The upper Focus ZX2 timing cover can be used if the VCT system is deleted with a VCT delete kit.

Important tools:

• Torque wrenches (in.lbs and ft.lbs)
• Bone saw
• Dikes
• Wire crimpers (whatever you call em)
• Timing tools
• T55 Torx
• E10 and E6 Female Torx sockets, aka splineheads
• 6mm Allen wrench
• Several deep-well metric sockets (Esp. a 12-point 15mm & 16mm)
• JB Weld
• Black and Red RTV silicone gasket makers
• Black electrical tape
• Solder gun
• 3/8”, 1/2", and 1/4" drive socket wrenches
• Various extensions
• Several metric 6-point and 12-point sockets
• Crescent wrench
• A few sets of pliers

The article is provided courtesy of The_underclassman aka Brown from FordEscorts.com forums.

Also see

• Ford ZX2 cylinder head replacement for the entire procedure.
• Ford ZX2 specifications for all the proper torque settings and tolerances.
• Ford ZX2 SVTF intake manifold swap for more information on swapping SVT focus parts with pictures.
• Ford ZX2 timing belt replacement procedure
• Ford ZX2 timing belt replacement walkthrough
• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.