what version zetec engine is in my 98 zx2?

After haveing to replace all of the pulleys and timing belts this weekend, i discovered they make more then one type of Zetec engine. I was curious if anyone knows exactly what model zetec engine is in my 98 escort zx2 DHOC? All of the data i have found say to look at the face plate for a paticular pattern of the words "zetec" and "16v." The problem is i purchased the vehicle used and this plate was missing. I went to ebay and looked at pictures of engines in other 1998 zx2's but i can't get a clear enough picture to tell.

History: I purchased the vehicle 5 years ago with 40k and just rolled over 170k. It seems to be a pretty good car that takes me from school to work, which is one hour apart, pretty well. I am intrigued to learn as much as i can about this model engine, seeing that it would be in my best interest that it stay running atleast a couple more years.

-marshall

As far as numbers, I'm 450 miles from my '98 zx2 right now. I know off the top of my head though that there is a VCT and non VCT Zetec.

Yeah, mine has a VCT on it. that is the thingy that has the little sproken on the right side of the exhaust cam (looking from the front bumper into the vehicle.) It has a sensor that reads the exact location of that cam and adjust things accordingy right?

I know they had the zetec-e engine until 1992-1998 but don't know if that one is in my car
Then they had the Zetec-r from 1998-2004
My car had to be the one right there in the middle.
-marshall

Well, I know that the engine was "borrowed" from the contour when the Zx2 was released. I would assume that when the Zx2 was made some minor modifications were made for this car. I would assume that the "R" is a safe bet because it covers the years that the ZX2 was manufactured. "1998 untill 2004" although the 2004 model year was actually sold as an '03. The dealership near me sold it's last one in January of '05. I'll look when I get home later this week and update.

-Mark

Ok, the Zetec-R was essentially the same as the Zetec-E except that a two piece crankcase was used to damp out noise and vibration, and mechanical tappets are used instead of hydraulic. VCT is irrelevent. The DOHC16 silver cover is the Zetec-E The Black is Zetec-R in the 1998 year. My Zetec-R came with a grey cover.

-Mark