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Author Topic: OK gear heads... engine swap questions  (Read 2093 times)

Offline gibsonguy

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« on: May 14, 2005, 11:41:15 am »
A friend of mine installed a H22 in his civic 4 dr sedan. The car is manic to say the least and it got me thinking of a possible swap myself. I have a Focus ZX3 that could use some zing. I have seen 5.0L RWD conversions but this proves costly and time consuming (costly as I don't have the experience to do this kind of job myself)
How about engine alternatives? I have a few ideas...

1. Contour SVT engine 2.5L V6 195hp
2. Taurus SHO engine 3.2L V6 225hp
3. Mazda (Ford) Duratech 3.0L V6 220hp

Are any of these viable options? Are the transversely mounted? Anyone know of a Focus owner who swapped an engine? Where can I get engine/tranny info?
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Offline articsteve

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2005, 11:01:18 pm »
I have seen 5.0L RWD conversions but this proves costly and time consuming

Probably so.

The lightest motor/tranny combo is where I would head so that would most likely be the Contour SVT motor.  The SHO motors are probably all blown up and the Ford 3.0 ...


http://www.focaljet.com/

http://www.ffoc.co.uk/
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Offline blue_oval_fan

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2005, 08:44:04 pm »
I've spoken with the shop foreman at the dealership where I work part-time and he told me that any motor swap would also entail a new computer compatible with the new engine,along with engine mounts,etc.

A good magazine now on the market, " focus fanatic",has tons of info for anyone wanting to customize their Focus.It's put out by Primedia,Inc., the same folks that bring you the "Fast Fords" , "Mustangs Monthly" and "Mustang & Fords" magazines.
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Offline maritime_storm

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2005, 12:49:28 am »
I agree, if you have the expertise, and Donald Trump's bank account you could probably shoehorn in any of the above. But in reality you're probably wasting your money to try an engine swap. There are better bang for the buck mods already available and don't forget to check with Ford itself, they have a motorsport division which would more than likely offer a performance{SVO, SVT} engine for the Focus already if you feel the need for an engine swap.
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Offline ktm525

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2005, 12:06:20 pm »
I would go with the 3.0L Duratec over the 2.5L SVT Duratec. Horsepower is the same but the 3.0L puts out 200 ft/lbs vs the 170 ft/lbs of the 2.5L. Better yet would be a 3.0L install with the SVT heads and intake manifold.

The SVT 2.5 over the standard 2.5L was : Better intake, variable intake runners(polished), and the 3.0L throttle body. The exhaust was a poser dual setup with a single exhaust feeding the muffler and then two tail pipes.

Anyhow I wouldn't bother with the above. Sell your car and try to locate a SVT Focus and then hop that engine up.
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Offline alldz

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2005, 03:50:48 pm »
I remember reading an article about John Coletti (ex SVT boss) and there were a few prototype Foci running around with the Contour V6 in them. The weakest link in any of those swaps will be that crappy transmission that Ford uses.
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S60

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2005, 04:11:43 pm »
Ford Racing Performance Parts reveals its first catalog dedicated a sport compact performance parts for Ford's small cars, including the Focus and Escort ZX3.  
The Fast Focus catalog will include many rally-inspired parts from Ford's participation in the World Rally Championship racing series.
Ford Racing has even brought V8 power to the sport compact enthusiast scene. Working with Kugel Komponents, Ford Racing will offer a V8 rear-wheel drive conversion kit for the Focus. So, for those enthusiasts out there who must have V8 power, or just want to have the ultimate "sleeper" vehicle, this is it.  




http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=17964
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Offline barrie1

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2005, 08:24:50 pm »
There's also the Small Block Chev drop in unit that a lot of people use. They are a lot cheaper to buy then the Ford Racing parts and always seem to fit better. How Deep are your Pockets?  
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Offline gibsonguy

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2005, 08:58:23 pm »
Not deep enough for that!!!!
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Offline mrthompson

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2005, 09:56:41 pm »
A Chevy Small Block in a Ford?  Sacrilege!!!  

That's just not right.  The weight of the V8 would ruin the wonderful steering feel of the Focus.  
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Offline barrie1

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2005, 11:21:24 pm »
Next time you are at a carshow have alook at all the old Ford Hotrods and other makes as well. I guess around 90% of the custom builds have the Chev engine in them. With the physical size and the cost to produce HP being the cheapest by far they are the most used engine in any make of custom old toy. It makes them driveable everyday as well.
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Offline chris

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2005, 09:10:19 pm »
why don't you go for the turbo or perhaps supercharger routes?  Swapping engines takes pretty serious cash to get everything working right.  Surely there's someone out there that makes  a monster blower for the Focus... would keep the handling of the current machine too... not certain a V8 would be a good idea.

...although there is a guy around Calgary that has an old mgb with some big ol v8 (yup, Barrie... likely the venerable bow tie small block) with a monster blower on top.  Rear is all tubbed out with monster tires.  Kinda cool but kinda sacrilege to do that to a 'b'
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Offline barrie1

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2005, 10:09:10 pm »
Over the years I have been involved with around 8 different small car V8 conversions. I have helped install the small block engines into 2 MG's, 1 1958 Anglia, you had to sit in the back seat to drive that one. 1 1955 Nash Met with a 394 Olds in it. Built a box frame and dropped the body on, 1972 Pinto with a 440 Chrysler in it also and numerous engine swaps into full size or medium sized vehicles as well. You can make a small block fit into almost any car on the road to-day.
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Offline initial_D

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2005, 10:19:28 pm »
First thing I would do is check an auto salvage place who is on-line in Canda and even the US, ask them to keep an eye on the engine from a Focus SVT. Should be able to buy the engine & ECU package for a decent price.  

The SVT Focus also has a 6-speed along with the 170HP engine, maybe swap out the transmission also.

(Message edited by initial_d on May 17, 2005)
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Offline im_gone

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2005, 08:13:29 pm »
Hi guys i have question for yas. Nobody on PEI can answer it for me. I want to put a sho engine in my 95 escort gt i have the whole sho to work with. If anybody knows any info it would be greatly appreciated.  thanx guys.                
    GT.....
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Offline initial_D

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #15 on: June 24, 2005, 10:29:20 pm »
Well, first thing to worry is there enough room in the engine bay? Is the stock tranny and front drive axle able to handle the horse power? Then the ECU, all that wiring harness .....

Car&Drive did a couple conversions a few years ago, turn a FF CRX into a MR with a Ford 5.0L V8; the sencond is also a FF Festiva into a MR with th ShoGun Yamaha engine. In both cases the engine sit right behind the drive, and it becomes rear wheel drive. Monster little cars! You can search the web for details on those two conversions.  

Putting a Mazda Turbo engine in an Escort / 323 is more common. But since you already got a SHO at your dispossal, why not? Sorry, not much help here.
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Offline tpl

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #16 on: June 25, 2005, 06:40:19 am »
I have a different suggestion altogether.

Trade the focus for a late model golf.

1.8T   get a chip

2.0    get the supercharger kit from Neuspeed.

a) cheaper
b) you will have a working car
c) whatevr handling the golf had...and making golfs handle is a known and not difficult task will be preserved 'cos you are not adding weight.
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Offline safristi

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #17 on: June 25, 2005, 10:35:38 am »
I'm Gone yer BIG DREAM could be a NIGHTMARE if ya try yer swap...that would be like switchin' Ahnold Schwatzendoofus's parts into Katie Holmes....maybe TOM would like IT but we say Nada,No Way Jose.....

  Welcome PEI'er...quit pullin' yer sPUD!!!!!
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Offline barrie1

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #18 on: June 25, 2005, 02:18:40 pm »
I would suggest you take your measurements with the inner front fenders removed as then it will give you the exact amount of room you have to work with. You'll know if you can fit which engine combination under that hood then.
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Offline danlblais

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OK gear heads... engine swap questions
« Reply #19 on: June 29, 2005, 02:59:04 pm »
I have a 1989 Honda Accord EXi.  I was wondering if i could buy a JDM K20A acura engine with the following specs and equipment.  Every site i go to only includes hondas from 1990 and up.  SPECIFICATIONS


» Jdm engine : K20A
» Year : 2000+
» Valve train : DOHC, IVTEC, 16 Valve
» Jdm transmission : Hydraulic
» Displacement : 2L

» Horsepower : 220 HP
» Torque : N/A
» Compression : 11.0:1

» Price : 5500.00$ (USD)

YOUR JDM K20A SWAP INCLUDES


» Jdm motor, Jdm Transmission
» Jdm Engine Wiring Harness
» Distributor, Jdm ECU
» Complete Intake Manifold
» Alternator, 2 Brakes discs
» A/C Power Steering Pump
» All Brackets and Sensors

here is the site i got the intel from
http://www.naganojapanese.com/jdm_k20a.htm
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