I have just complete the running in of my ST fezzy, eventually done my 1000 miles at last, and opened it up today and was well impressed even after going from a focus rs the fezzy feels quite quick, but dont know alot about the engine they have used in it, the only thing i know is its a mazda lump but my dad is a mechanic and does not rate the mazda engine due to problems with overheating/head gasket problems and inlet valves cracking....all i was wondering is has this all been rectified and how tough is the lump??? scared of braking it!!!! also will fuel economy get better thru age too?

Thanks

Rich. :-)

Well, dont really know anything about engines much but from the way the st has been designed i would be suprised if they picked a poor engine. If you look at the volvo 2.5 litre engine in the focus st its just about the best engine on the market. As for the, imo, superb mazda engine, i've had it up to 7500rpm and it didnt go bang fuel economy hasn't really changed that much for me to be honest, stayed at around 29-33mpg which i am pretty pleased with for a sporty car. The only downside i believe to the mazda engine is the fact that its cramped in such a tight engine bay, which means that is difficult getting cooler air into the engine so cooling may be an issue but people dont seem to have had any real problem.

I'm sure more people who have added mods to the engine will give you loads more info...

Hi, gotta agree with Chris, from what I've heard and read the ST's engine is a beaut, very reliable and quite capable of revving to 7000 plus for many years, its an existing engine that has been very reliable both in fords and mazda's, and it it has significant mods to boot, to cater for the more spoty nature associated with the ST. so have no fear, it'll last and last and last...I've had mine 8 months now and the car gets driven pretty hard, and its only been a pleasure...ciao

All The Fiesta and Focus Engines are built to last... that is why they are down on power to engines by other manufacturers, if you havn't noticed.

They are brilliant Engines.

I've not heard of any major problems with the Duratec. Its used widely in the kit car market too. The link below is a review of the Duratec coming from a kit car perpective, but it still provides loads of information. In short I think its an excellent engine.

Link

As for MPG, it about 30-35 on average.

Thats a great link, really good read there!

Thanks for that Mase, theres a lot of nice background technical information there.

Richard, like Chris I haven't had any real change in fuel economy, its stayed at about 30-35 mpg, but ultimately I didn't get my for its economy figures. And I've also revved it high without having any probs.

Thats a interesting link there mase, thanks.

Thrash it every day for 16000Km never missed a beat.