Dave 
A used engine for a zetec conversion can be had for 100.00 and up. I bought a brand new Factory Ford Zetec for just 
over a 1,000.00. The price for the kit to install is seperate
from the motor purchase and if you ruined a zetec motor for
lack of oil changes. You would only need to replace the motor not the install kit. We're not talking cost to convert the
van  to a zetec just the cost to replace a motor in one already converted. 

Bill M
Mystic,CT

On Dec 6, 2012, at 6:42 PM, craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I have a spare engine sitting on a pallet that I paid $100 for. It has
> under 30K miles and a warranty (assuming i use it soon).
> That's the price of three oil changes.
> 
> -Craig
> 
> 
> On Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 6:02 PM, Jonce Fancher <streetbugs@frontier.com>wrote:
> 
>> Well I have had the Z in the back of the 8 5 since the 1st conversion
>> group.
>> As for the oil changes 5k for me since I do not do off road dirty
>> conditions etc.
>> Or if I am within a the 5k zone before a long trip.
>> Last year I did a 4300 Mile trip in 15 days, So just need to do a oil
>> change when I get back.
>> Been back for a few months and have not done the oil change but also
>> have not cleaned out the van since the trip either,
>> Just to busy and really do not drive it for much then trips.
>> Oil change in due and still enjoy the conversion.
>> 
>> Jonce
>> 
>> 
>> Please do not take what I am about to say as advice! It is simply
>>> what I've been doing.
>>> 
>>> I have about 10,000 miles on my zetec a oil over the course of about
>>> a year and a half. I last pulled the dipstick to check in August,
>>> and that was the first time in about six months.
>>> I even moved this engine from a different Van in that time, and did
>>> not change or check the oil while the engine was on the stand.
>>> 
>>> The engine has mobile 1 synthetic, and I put a new filter on it
>>> sometime last year. I may do that again soon.
>>> 
>>> What am I tryin to prove?
>>> Nothing.
>>> The last oil analysis I had came back acceptably, and I just don't
>>> see the need to baby a $300 engine block. Oil isn't cheap these
>>> days, and I really hate changing it. Yes, I actually enjoy changing
>>> engines more than I enjoy changing oil
>>> Am I crazy? Maybe. Please don't tell me if I am though, it will ruin
>>> the surprise.
>>> 
>>> Your zetec is built well. The bostig sump holds a lot of oil. Modern
>>> oil rocks.
>>> 
>>> -craig
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Dec 6, 2012, at 1:59 PM, JarrettAnthony Kupcinski
>>> <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Every 5000 miles/6 months assuming normal operating conditions.
>>> 3000 miles for extreme service conditions. The Bostig
>>> recommendation matches Ford's.
>>>> 
>>>> -Jarrett K
>>>> 89 Westy powered by Bostig
>>>>> What did the engine manufacturer recommend for the engine when
>>> it was new in a factory installation?
>>>>> 
>>>>>> Bostig recommends an oil change every 3 to 5K using synthetic oil.
>>> Since
>>