I've driven a the old 2.5 Duratec in the Contour, and the current 3.0 in the Taurus, and neither one feels or sounds as good as the Mazda's. The Mazda's strength is once you get going, plowing through curves and making the most of the engine's powerband. The stock Ford version of the engine wouldn't work as well in that context.
Tech Feature: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine. The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners. By Larry Carley. Aug 23, 2018. #1. '15 Ford Taurus (not SHO) with 3.5 Duratec. This engine has solid mechanical tappets, which seems like a design from the 60's/70's (except it's overhead cam). I've seen lots of comments on here saying you need extra anti-wear additives for old style solid tappet engines. So does the modern Duratec also need these extra additives?Duratec Oil Consumption. About a month ago I put a new 2.3 in my ST. The stock motor was consuming massive amounts of oil. (Had 77k on the clock, and every oil change was done by a Ford dealer.) I have since put a new to me, (used) motor in it. According to the seller it had 35k on it, although I believe it sat for a while.Well u r correct. Water pump failure. Which turns into complete engine failure! What an absolute shit design Over 6000 for a used engine. Over 8 for a remaned. Doing some googling looks like these motors r a ticking time bomb. Looks like this design is in most new ford engines. Been a ford man all my life but this may change my mind. j41pu.