I just read an older thread on a similar topic and it looked like a LOT of work.

What kinda 1/4 times are these cars running w/ SB motors?

How much custom fabrication is involved - like, what kind of manual labor will I have to do?

I am planning to do all the work myself but how much $$ am I going to be spending - not including the cost of the car, engine, transmission, and rear end (I CAN use a Mustang's 8.8" setup, can't I?)?

If I could get a breakdown of all the major components: power R&P steering, suspension control arms, driveshaft, axles/spindles, etc... I'd really appreciate it.

this sounds like a huge project involving lots of time and money, so if after all this work and I'll still have a 13-14 second car, I'll scrap this idea right away.

 

Here is a link to a site that did a V8 conversion. Not a huge amount of info, but has parts for sale.

V8 conversion

 

Cool!

So the conversion is all bolt-on? I heard someone say they had to cut the wheel well or something

looks like $20k (price of car included, $6k used) - anyone have 1/4 times for 300-400+ hp Focus V8 conversions?

I estimate mid 11s to low 12s?

 

I believe they have to cut the wells for larger diam. tires you'll need to run. Engine clearence should be fine though.

 

looks like it may be a PITA to change spark plugs and perform maintenance in general.

 

As far as I know, you need to find your own engine of course. I think the GT40 302 is whats commoney used. then you get the engine cradle and all the other hardware from focus-performance. probablly need new shocks springs and struts. you need a drive shaft and rear diff. have to rerun the exhaust for duals. you'll have to remove the fuel tank and install a fuel cell. Im sure you could find out everything you need by contacting Kugel Komponants. they are the ones that developed the conversion.

 

the swap can be done for as little as 3500 minus the motor tranny and rear... you can go to www.ford-v8-focus.com... they have a lot of information and also www.tcf-v8-focus-conversions.com... as far as what motor you can use... 302 sb is the most common, although 351 windsor will fit just fine... also the modular 4.6s will fit with some minor modification to the frame although its a big pain in the ass with throttle linkage, fuel, and electronics... it sounds to me like your best bet would be a 351W with a 408 stroker crank... then a 1050 dominator and open headers... VROOM! you have to measure and cut your own driveshaft also... i would recommend buying a fuel cell from summit/jegs because the one they sell isnt worth putting it by the rear axel ($600 i think) oh yeah... the second link i gave you also has a how to for the whole kit... i hope this helps... i really think it will too... keep me updated, i live in fort wayne indiana and i would love to come see it when it is finished... oh yeah... u can use the t5 or the c4 for a tranny... good luck!

 

one more thing... you can use the 8.8... and also the 9 inch... but they recommend the 8.8 for such a rigid chassis unless your going to run a monster under the hood...

 

Thanks for all the links!

I'm thinking about a crate 351W stroker w/ a 4-bbl carb (750cfm or larger) w/ a 8.8 + 3.73s or 4.10s + Torsen and an AOD tranny (Lentech or similar).

Any problems with this setup? The OD would be useful for driving to the track so I don't have to fill up as often...

but yeah the fuel cell is a much neater idea.

What should I do about A/C?
Do I fill the fuel cell by opening the hatch/trunk?
So no P/S? How does it steer/handle?

Any brake/wheel upgrades for the RWD/V8 conversion? I was thinking if I can get 5 x 4.5 bolt circle axles + front hubs, I could bolt on my steel Crown Vic wheels for a cheap and HD 16" wheel upgrade.

 

the setup seems reasonable... a/c i havent looked into very much but im pretty sure you can retain most of the factory parts and just use a pump on the serpentine... you can run a hose from inside the hatch to the filler door if you want but i think it'd be cooler to open your trunk and have people see the fuel cell... as far as p/s you really dont need it... unless you dont have very much upper body strength... you have more feel for the road with the manual... a lot more... just dont let the girlfriend drive it... as far as handling ive heard it handles even better... but i havent seen any actual proof... the rear axel you can get mustang disk brakes, as far as the front i know you can do something but im not sure what you would use... all your questions can be answered by david at ford-v8-focus.com... hes done the kit quite a few times... what you may want to look into too is if he has the gauge thing worked out... you may have to get mechanical gauges, im not sure... hope this helps too

 

A couple of random thoughts on the V8 conversion:
Someone here said that if you dropped it into a Focus wagon you wouldn't need a fuel cell as the fuel tank in the wagon gives enough clearance for the axle. I haven't heard of a sedan or wagon conversion being done yet.
Basically the conversion is like stuffing an old Mustang under a Focus. The company that put the Cobra motor in has had it at some auto-x events in MI and didn't do very well but that could just be the learning curve.

 

How stiff would the steering be w/o power assist? I'm concerned that it would be a PITA to drive, I do have SOME upper body strength although not a whole lot.

I'll check out those links... but basically I'm thinking of a 392 stroker or something similar with at the very least 350-400 hp at the crank.

HOWEVER - is there any chance a 460 would fit?

For the driveshaft, I was thinking of going with a custom aluminum metal matrix composite shaft - it would cost me maybe $400 but I can be sure that it'd handle the higher speeds w/ an aggressive rear axle ratio (4.10s or so).

Will a Stang 8.8 (complete assembly) fit right in? What years do I look for?

 

an 8.8 is an 8.8... all you are using is the axel and carrier and what not... control arms and suspension are all new... a 9" will fit but it takes hp to turn it... if you run a high hp motor then a 9" may be the way to go... if you have ever driven a manual steered car you would understand... from a stand still... like trying to paralel park, you may have some difficulty... but as the car is moving it isnt much different from power steering...

 

The reason I ask about the 8.8 is that there are different 8.8s

A E-150/F-150 8.8 is different from a Crown Vic/Marauder/Grand Marquis 8.8 which is different from the Mustang 8.8

I see that there's a PS setup for the Focus conversion kits for $100 more than the manual steering.

Will a 460 bolt right in?

 

Umm... I believe the kit is for a smallblock v8. I don't think you're going to be able to fit a 460 under the hood of a focus.

 

Would a 5.8 stroker fit under the stock hood of a ZX3?

 

I'm thinking of a 392 stroker or something similar with at the very least 350-400 hp at the crank.

If you're going to be different and adapt a RWD for the Focus why not choose this Ford engine... http://www.kansasracingproducts.com

How about ordering it with a GM or Mopar head?
Better yet a 4-valve per cylinder head!
http://www.araoengineering.com

No problem bolting it up to a RWD or fitting it into a Focus. Half the weight too!
Regards,
Gerry Dedonis

I've got a Ford engine ready for assembly too!! Write me for special pricing as we're having a Fall sale!!

 

yes metro

 

"Super Rod" mag. did a build with Kugel last August and they have the whole thing with lots of pics in the magazine, if you get a hold of them maybe you could pick up a back issue.