I was recommended to use the Amsoil SDF-34 oil filter for my Zetec engine.
Now, I was about to make a purchase and someone brought to my attention that the SDF-34 is for the SPI engine.
To make sure this wasn't BS, I went to Amsoil and they do not list a SDF filter for the Zetec, only the SDF-34 for the SPI.
I have been told the SPI and Zetec use two different types of oil filters, which the Zetec one is supposed to be better. Can't recall the details right now.
You can enter your Focus info here and it does not display any SDF filter for the Zetec.
I thought that SVTF used the FL-400 filter in 2002-2003 but people who have 2004 SVTF's have said that the SVTF Suppliment manual now tells them to use FL-2005, which is what the Zetec uses.
Not sure why Ford decided to use the SPI oil filter on the Zetec/SVTF. Maybe there was a crap load in the warehouse they needed to dump off...dunno.
If Amsoil is confidant that the SDF-34 is comparable to the FL-2005, then they should update their application guide so the Zetec has the SDF-34 listed.
I want to switch to the SDF-34 but not if the manufacturer of the filter doesn't even recommend it for my engine/car.
yeah, I understand what you are saying there, I'm using the SDF-34 right now, like I was saying the SVT block is the same as the Zetec block. So the filter will work, and has worked for me. I agree that perhaps they need to update their application catalog, and I believe Dan (SS) has been working on having them do that. But I'm pretty sure if you called Amsoil they would tell you that you'd be fine, and I'd feel safer with the SDF filter that's used on the SVT than I would the other filter considering that their is no difference in the two blocks.
Last edited on Wed Sep 15th, 2004 05:16 pm by RPIJG
As Joe has mentioned - there are some of us who have mentioned to the "powers that be" about their information re: the SDF-34. As a dealer, I've had to explain this before as well.
I have been running the SDF-34 in my car so has Dan (FX3) in both of his cars. There have been no issues and the quality is exceptional.
My car runs like a dream and I wouldn't trust anything else right now, until Amsoil designs something new for us to play with.
Also, as Joe mentioned - if you were to call the Amsoil customer service line, they would refer you to the SDF-34 for the Zetec. Hopefully, they will fix their product search to do the same.
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I beleve that the SPI 2.0 the Zetec 2.0 and SVT 2.0 all use the same engine block. There for the 3 ford filters will fit any Ford 2.0L motor. I beleve the biggest of not only differance between the ford SPI filter and the Zetec filter is a baffle that closes when the filter is spun off. The Zetec filter has this and the SPI one does not.
You should be fine with the Amsoil SDF-34 filter in a Zetec motor. I can tell you that Pokes, Tiff, Chelly, Joe and Myself(2 focus's) are all using the SDF oil Filter. Wait Pokes had the FL2005 due to her motor blowing up recently (unrelated to amsoil products). I am also prety shure StormStrikes is using an SDF-34 also.
Anyone else????
If you are really shared adout using the SDF-34 filter than Amsoil carries the full line of Hastings filters. This is not as good as the SDF but still considered top quality and FYI the FL2005 is actually a decent filter also.
Prior to the installation of the Amsoil by-pass system I ran the SDF-34 on my 2000 ZX3 and had absolutely no problems. Ive sold to a few others with the Focus 2.0L Zetec and they have run the SDF-34 as well with no problems.
Unfortunately Amsoil seems to be a little slow in updating their application guide but rest assured that the SDF-34 is totally safe for use on the 2.0L Zetec.
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2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
I though the SVT had a "long block" and the regular zetec was a short block? - At least that is what I've read causes many of the svt parts to be harder to use on the regular zetec? Or were those people just making shit up?
Well you know Ive never been wrong before, so I guess now is as good of time to be so as any, . But as far as I know the blocks are the same. Part of what makes Ford SVT, Ford SVT, is that they do not typically create the SVT vehicles from scratch to be what they are. Rather they take what is in production, in this case the Zetec 2.0L motor, and just make it all the better, higher performing and such.
Ive never seen anything that would indicate that the blocks from the SVT Focus and production Focus are different from one another. On the same token though I have never heard of anyone just taking the block from an SVT and using it on a ZX3 either but I believe that to be just because there is no advantage since they are the same.
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
Long block & short block usually refer to the way engines are purchased. A short block would include just the block, heads, & maybe the intake manifold. A long block would include all of the above plus crank, pistons, valve gear & cams.
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Mr. Versatile wrote: Long block & short block usually refer to the way engines are purchased. A short block would include just the block, heads, & maybe the intake manifold. A long block would include all of the above plus crank, pistons, valve gear & cams.
yep I was gonna say that
And Joe and SS are correct also in that Ford gives what the got in production for SVT to add and modify. The SVT 2.0L has differant head, intake and exhaust manifold.
The same is true with the Mustang and the Cobra. Ford gave SVT the production GT motor and SVT designed the Cobra/SVT motor from that.
SVT doesn't stop at the motor tho as you probably know.
. But as far as I know the blocks are the same. Part of what makes Ford SVT, Ford SVT, is that they do not typically create the SVT vehicles from scratch to be what they are. Rather they take what is in production, in this case the Zetec 2.0L motor, and just make it all the better, higher performing and such.
