Zetec Camshaft Identification

Ford Camshaft Identification

Right, so you've heard about changing camshafts can increase power in your 1.8 Zetec.
Primarily this guide ONLY refers to the Silvertop Zetec (Zetec and Zetec E from 1992-1998)
Blacktop zetec camshafts may be different to the silvertop engines as the later engines do not use hydrollic tappets like the earlier zetecs.

I wont bore you with in depth details as to why and how as that is another guides job.
The purpose of this is to IDENTIFY what FORD Silver-top Zetec camshafts you have in front of you
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Firstly 1.8 - 105ps (77kw) and 1.8 - 115ps (85kw) camshafts are identical. The extra 10 horsepower is gained through a re-designed inlet manifold, Larger throttle body a larger bore Air flow meter housing (MAF) and of course, re-calibrated fueling by the EECIV management.

Identification of these camshafts can be done by using the location of the Shower rings along the camshaft.
Engine Codes RDA (105ps) and RKC (115ps)



1 Exhaust Camshaft
2 Inlet Camshaft
3 Cam Position Reference - Inlet Camshaft
4 Identification Rings
5 Driving end (pulley end)

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1.8 130ps (96kw) Camshafts

These differ to the 105/115ps camshafts, put these in a 105/115ps zetec engine and it will increase the peak of power from 5750rpm to 6250rpm.
Due to engine condition/age i cannot say how much extra power you could gain but the classic "cam trade off" means you gain power higher up the rev range at the expense of power/torque lower down the range.

These Camshafts are typically found in the RS1800 fiesta and the Escort XR3i 1.8 130ps.
These 130ps engines use the same design of the cast "EFI" inlet manifold found on the 105ps 1.8 zetecs however the bore inside is different, they utilise a larger throttle body (same diameter as a 2.0 Zetec) and the ecu's are mapped by ford accordingly for the extra air flow .
Engine Code RQA (130ps)



1 Exhaust Camshaft
2 Inlet Camshaft
3 Cam Position Reference - Inlet Camshaft
4 Identification Rings
5 Driving end (pulley end)

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2.0 - 136ps (Silvertop - Found only in the Mondeo)

Again these camshafts differ to the 1.8 105/115ps Camshafts and word has it that they have similar profiles to the 1.8 - 130ps Camshafts.
I know from experience that Putting 2.0 - 136ps Camshafts into a 1.8 105/115ps Engine yields more power at 6250rpm at the expense of torque lower down.
A relatively cheap mod if you can source and fit the camshafts along with the larger throttle body yourself.
Engine Code NGK (136ps)



1 Exhaust Camshaft
2 Inlet Camshaft
3 Cam Position Reference - Inlet Camshaft
4 Identification Rings
5 Driving end (pulley end)


Note: For information regarding the infamous "130 spec upgrade" which involves putting 130ps or 2.0 cams in your 105/115ps zetec then
Click here for a comprehensive guide

Guide for fitting uprated camshafts


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