I’ve been looking at pics of different engine blocks trying to get an idea of what would be the best set up for a strong reliable engine build. There are a number of options out there; Focus ST 2.0, 2016-2019 Fusion 2.0 Ecoboost or the Focus RS 2.3. All with the 2.3 internals of course.
I’m leaning more towards the 2.0’s due to the semi closed deck design, whoever, I have some questions I’m hoping our community can help answer.
Here is a side by side comparison of the 2.0 ST (left) and 2.3 RS (right) blocks. The difference between “B 2.0” and “B 2.3” has been associated with more material and thus better reinforced, but if you follow it to the top of the deck, it is open.
Is it an oil return passage or is it a coolant passage? This is also one of the areas the gets welded closed when using with the 2.3 RS head.
The next question for the comparison pic is, for the two areas I have circled, which oil returns, mounting points, plugs and what not get used? As well as for the front side of the engine (not pictured)? If you notice the larger circled areas on the left sides of both engines they are very different. The 2.0 ST has 2 mounting points, where as the 2.3 RS has 4. One in particular appears quite significant and approximately 3/4” in diameter. Do these points matter, are they still used just in different locations on each block?
And finally questions for the 16-19 Fusion 2.0 block as pictured above. Notice again in the circled areas there is a difference in mounting locations and plugs. However for the left circled area, this block has 3 spots as opposed to 2, but still missing the larger 3/4” spot. Does it really matter. Also if you look at the area signified by the arrow, similar to spots “B” in the other pictures, there is no extra bracing or coolant/oil passage. Is that area really strengthening the block? Some builders are using this block, but if that area isn’t “strengthened” similar to the 2.0 ST block wouldn’t it still crack under higher horse power applications? I like the idea using this block as it appears to offer better cooling jackets around the cylinders than the 2.0 ST block (look closely) and it appears as though you don’t need to weld anything closed, but if it’s going to crack under pressure, should I just go with the 2.0 ST block?
I look forward to your thoughts and I hope this helps others as well. I need to credit DeltaT for the side by side comparison pic as found in his engine build thread here.
Building a Strong 2.3 With a 2.0 Block
I’m leaning more towards the 2.0’s due to the semi closed deck design, whoever, I have some questions I’m hoping our community can help answer.
Here is a side by side comparison of the 2.0 ST (left) and 2.3 RS (right) blocks. The difference between “B 2.0” and “B 2.3” has been associated with more material and thus better reinforced, but if you follow it to the top of the deck, it is open.
The next question for the comparison pic is, for the two areas I have circled, which oil returns, mounting points, plugs and what not get used? As well as for the front side of the engine (not pictured)? If you notice the larger circled areas on the left sides of both engines they are very different. The 2.0 ST has 2 mounting points, where as the 2.3 RS has 4. One in particular appears quite significant and approximately 3/4” in diameter. Do these points matter, are they still used just in different locations on each block?
And finally questions for the 16-19 Fusion 2.0 block as pictured above. Notice again in the circled areas there is a difference in mounting locations and plugs. However for the left circled area, this block has 3 spots as opposed to 2, but still missing the larger 3/4” spot. Does it really matter. Also if you look at the area signified by the arrow, similar to spots “B” in the other pictures, there is no extra bracing or coolant/oil passage. Is that area really strengthening the block? Some builders are using this block, but if that area isn’t “strengthened” similar to the 2.0 ST block wouldn’t it still crack under higher horse power applications? I like the idea using this block as it appears to offer better cooling jackets around the cylinders than the 2.0 ST block (look closely) and it appears as though you don’t need to weld anything closed, but if it’s going to crack under pressure, should I just go with the 2.0 ST block?
I look forward to your thoughts and I hope this helps others as well. I need to credit DeltaT for the side by side comparison pic as found in his engine build thread here.
Building a Strong 2.3 With a 2.0 Block