I'm starting to look for a shell. I want to do an AWD swap. From some quick research I would like to use a 4G63 and use the 8.8 limited slip from an Explorer. I'm not sure yet how the engine would have to mount as I'm just in the research stages. Figured I would post this up as an idea since I don't have enough posts on here to put up a wanted ad in the classifieds. This won't be a short term project, but I am planning on working through this over a few years. I will be sure to post back here with info as I go. If anyone knows of a ZX5 shell, let me know. I don't want a sedan and I need a 4 door for the kids.

FYI, I will be building sheds on the side to fund this project. If anyone needs a shed built and they are close to northern Indiana, let me know. I can PM you detail.

no one on this site has done one. there are some awd swaps over sees but you will see nothing of them but a couple vids.

if you do a 8.8 go with the mustang rear not the explorer.. 4 link instead of leaf spring.

Haven't seen any on this forum but I sure know that I would love it if my car were AWD. Good luck and feel free to start a build thread when you start. I would love to follow your progress. [thumb]

Well that is the plan as soon as I find a shell or a car I can part out. Going to start putting some parts lists together tonight.

Here is the plan and decisions that need to be made as of now.

1. Find ZX5 shell
2. Strip any drivetrain out of it and sell that off
3. Rewire to make all interior stuff still work
4. Determine which way to mount engine (this will determine if I use a full 4G63 front drivetrain or if I will have to use a 4G64 mounted to an Evo 8 front drivetrain)
5. Mount/wire front drivetrain
6. Mount rear axle
7. Build driveshaft and exhaust.
8. Fuel and air.

These are my initial thoughts and order I want to tackle things. Obviously this is just a start and will likely change as I find specific parts.

Heard lots of talk about people doing this... not 1 person has followed through.

Here's to hoping your the first. Good luck to ya!

Got some interest in a couple of sheds today so if I can get those sold, then I should have enough cash to start looking for a shell. Once the cash starts comming in, I'm going to start on it.

heres to hoping you follow through.

to bad you want a zx5. there is a roush at the salvage yard. it is a bit banged on right side. but it is fixable. my frnd owns the yard, if i had a garage to put it in i would buy it. he is asking 2grnd. me & another member looked it over. looks to take about 1200/1500 to repair. black on black rally edition also.

I like the ZX3 better, but I need something I can put the kids in the back of easier. If I can't find a ZX5 or if I come across a ZX3 for under a grand then I'll probably pick it up. My goal is to sell off the parts I don't need and have around $500 tops into the shell. If I can get that I will be happy with the start.

By the way, I like the sig. You a Ramsey fan?

By the way, I like the sig. You a Ramsey fan?

i had that saying on my rear window of my drag car back in 1992. it jst came to me one night. also had one that said " speed kills, drive a chevy live forever " but dave is a good man & tells it right.

Hope you get it done. itll be sweet. i wanna do one i have the experience to do something like that but i dont have time nor money right now and "too many other projects" says the wife haha

I'm on the path...just need to find a shell...and convince the wife it's a good idea...

@ kicker:

Hey, I've got a cnc plasma cutter down here in Farmland, so any mounting brackets that are needed will not be a problem. I've got welders, torches, powder coat, yadda yadda. (just opened a fab shop) I'm also driving a ZX5 thats' trans feels like it will drop out any f%&king day now.

Any interest in a joint project, or just want it to be all yours? What are you looking at spending on a shell, if you want to do it alone?

The Boss:

I like the thinking but I'm not 100% of the timeline on this. I am going to cashflow the project so if the cash slows down, then the project will be slowing down. I'm planning on it being a longer term project. I like the idea of having a hand, but I don't want to tie anyone else down on my timeframe. Although, knowing you have the tools, when I am able to do it I will definately get ahold of you. As for as a shell, my goal would be to find one for around $500-$1000 depending on the shape of the body and interior. Obviously I don't care about the drivetrain/PCM/trans parts/ECT. I would pay more if there were enough valuable parts to sell and get the cost down. Until I get to dig into the wiring, I'm not sure what all I'll be able to sell. I suspect the Airbag modules won't work, but I need to dig in and see if the Airbag module gets the speed signal from the ABS or PCM. Just one of the small wiring tasks I've been thinking about. Would be nice to keep the ABS too, but not sure if that will be possible yet. Just need to see what I will get into. I'm hoping to be able to buy the shell in the spring and get it stripped and functioning next summer while I source out the drivetrain.

Kicker-I thought about this as well. When it came down to total expense it just made sense to buy a whole evo and just drive that or a subaru sti. I wish the best to your build, but like everyone says people have been talking about it for along time on here but realized the cost and just moved on to something different.

I'm not quite sure I agree with the costs thing. If you are going to use an Evo drivetrain, then yes, it will cost about the same by the time you find all the good parts. This is my overall breakdown so far for my plan

Shell - $500-$1000
Drivetrain - $400-$500
Wiring and ECU - $200-$300
DSMLink - $400
Kugel Komponents 8.8 Bolt in kit $1200
8.8 Diff $100
Driveshaft $400-$500
Engine Mount Brackets - $200
Misc hoses and general stuff - $400

I'm sure there is stuff that I'm missing, but that puts the cost at $3800-$4600
Bump some Evo injectors and an Evo III turbo and you should be able to put 300HP/TQ at the wheel. So you now have a $5000 11 second Focus. I compared the weight and the focus is only about 200 lbs over the 1G DSM and I know that setup will hit mid 11 seconds

Take that 1 step further and build the 2.0 to a 2.3
Stroker pistons and rods $750-$1000 new $500 used
2.4 Crank $150
20G TD05 Turbo $300-$500
Injectors $200
Walbro 255 $50
Clutch and Trans Improvements $600
Solid Tune - $300

Upgrade cost
$2100 - $2800

Estimated total cost
$6600 - $7400

$7400 and now you have roughly a 10 second Focus. I love Evos and STIs, but there is no way I'll find a stock one for $5000 nor a 10 second one for $7400. Now again, this is initial costs. I'm sure I would get into more, but I would have to spend twice as much to get an Evo and 3 times as much for an STI. Plus there is that one off feeling and saying "Yeah, I did that." Not to mention blowing the doors off some unsuspecting muscle cars.

My biggest struggle right now is I'm not sure what the front suspension will need for mounting. I won't know that until I get my hands on an actual shell. I want to use the factory DSM knuckles so I don't have to source out weird wheel bearings. I am thinking I might have to do some searching to get ball joints that will match the Focus control arm and the DSM knuckle. Might need to have a shop bore out the knuckle just a little so the joint will fit, but again, I need to get my hands on a car first.

Those numbers are all fine and good, but when you actually start digging in, you'll probably find many hidden and unplanned for costs. I'm not trying to discourage you or anything but with any major project like that, there are bound to be problems and added expenses. Furthermore, this is just the dollar value, it will take a lot of labor to get something like this done so you can't really compare this project car with going out and buying a Evo or Sti.

But as you said, owning a one of a kind car is priceless.

I see your point and I know there will be more involved in it than just this. Fortunately I was a Ford tech for 8 years so I know my way around a wrench. I'm not planning on paying anyone to do anything other than cutting some parts for me. I'm doing everything else so my labor is free. I'm sure at a standard shop rate of $85 an hour you would end up with $3000 in labor. For me there is a huge pleasure in doing the work. I sit at a desk all day now and I really need something to keep my busy at night after the kids go to bed. Plus I figure if I'm going to sit around for 4 years and save money to go buy a WRX, then I might as well build a faster Focus (which I've always had a soft spot for) for the same cash and kill two birds with one stone.

I like the discussion. Keeps me thinking about this project. I won't be able to buy a shell for a few months so I need to keep my brain going on it. I really am taking the time to try and think of all the angles and problems that might come up. I don't want too much to sneak up on me. I might get into it and find out the the engine won't even fit in the car, so who knows. Until I get a shell, it is really all just theories.

Im in the middle of buying parts for an awd.... should be don
e for focus rising

You can expect to pay at least triple your estimated amount. You would be the first one, on this forum, to complete the project. It's good to be the first. Usually someone talks about it, and then fades away.

I hope you sell a hundred sheds, man! I'll be nervously biting my nails waiting for updates on this... AWD is one of those things Ford should've made available, but hasn't... I AM a bit sad you won't be using a Ford mill (kinda want to see how that would be done), but an AWD focus with any engine is worth writing home about!

Thanks for the enthusiasm. Somewhat of a sad day and I'm going to be selling my Talon. Although this should help light a fire under my ass to get this project going. Once I get some sheds moving then I will definately be picking up a shell and starting on it. If anyone is around my area and is actually interested in a shed, hit me up. I'm of Facebook now too. Look for Law Storage Facilities. LETS GET THE PARTY TRAIN ROOLIN!

I also have a buddy that wants to start building parts to all makes and models to start selling. He wants to start up a business and I've been helping him with idea when I have the time. If anyone has idea of things that would be really cool, or fixes to common problems, let me know and I'll forward it to him. Once he starts making some stuff I know he will want to get set up as a vender. No, he isn't a hillbilly in his garage. Yes, he is an engineer and will be taking an engineering approach to this instead of just slapping junk together and trying to pawn it off as gold.

As I get this AWD thing going, I'm going to have him do analysis on as much of it as I can so I know it will hold up.

You can expect to pay at least triple your estimated amount. You would be the first one, on this forum, to complete the project. It's good to be the first. Usually someone talks about it, and then fades away.

I'm curious as to what your reasoning is behind this. I can fully support every cost I have there. If I have missed something, please do tell. I have been studying many pictures and doing a lot of planning already. The biggest issue I have right now is trying to source out a wheel bearing that can press into the focus knuckle and that my DSM hub can press into. The only other major cost that I'm unsure of is the lengt of the front axles. Even then, last I checked you could easily get a shaft machined with the correct splines to match up to a DSM inner and a focus outer CV joint for probably less than $100. I'm not trying to be as ass here, I just want someone to actually back up their claim that it is going to cost $15-$20 grand. Seems more like there are a bunch of jealous people out there that don't have the skills to pull this off. If I am wrong, then I will gladly appologize. To you supporters, thank you and I will keep you posted. Once I get a shell, I will start a new thread devoted to my build.

Seems more like there are a bunch of jealous people out there that don't have the skills to pull this off

I think your probably right on this. lol.

I hope you sell a lot of sheds. I wish I was closer and had the money to buy one. Good luck and can't wait to see progress when you get started.

Anytime someone starts such a big project, there is no way they can forsee every variable. You are right, I don't have the skills to pull of a swap like that. That wouldn't stop me from having an awd swap if i wanted one. I would like nothing more than for you to pull off the swap. If you pull it off and document it, then everyone can learn from you. I would love to see some awd swaps on the board. Good luck.

This is food for thought thou, this is for FWD and RWD gear box setup

http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/gearbox.shtml

ill have my swap done in the spring. jag v6 awd swap

this didn't last...

Well I don't exactly have the car sitting in my driveway. This thread was nothing more than a feeler and some thinking points. Right now I'm trying to sell some sheds, but most people don't want to buy them in the middle of winter so I'm looking to other avenues where I can fund this project. I'm still in the planning and finding a shell stage of the game and once I get a shell I will start an actual build thread. I don't expect to find a shell till sping/summer so it will be slow going.

have you looked into using the Volvo S40/S60 AWD parts? the cars are similar to the FoFo and came with 2.5T AWD!
If I were to ever come across a briefcase full of money, I would find a wrecked S40/S60 Turbo AWD and use that as a parts source.

Good luck with your build!

Interesting thought. My biggest reason for using the 4G63/4G64 setup is that I am familiar with that engine and it's potentail. The thing that made this whole thing very doable is the 8.8 that Kugel uses for the V8 kits. I forget what ratio (think 3.83), but a stock ratio 8.8 from an Explorer, Mountaineer matches perfectly to the manual DSM trans. Being as I can buy the kit to bolt that into a Focus, the hard part is really mounting the engine and setting up the front end. I'm still looking into if I can use the Focus spindles with a custom bearing that I can press the DSM hub into. It looks like it will work, but I'm not completely sure yet. Worst case, I can fab up some center shafts for the front axles. There are some little things that I'm not sure about yet, but all in all I don't think this would be a very hard install. Time will tell. That is if I can sell a freaking shed.

custom cv axles would be a lot easier than custom hubs. you just need a mitsu trans axles and some focus axles and have a shop put them together with the proper length shaft.

I figure that will likely be the way I will go. Anyone know what power the Focus axles will hold?

Looks like I'm getting about $500-$600 to start looking for a shell. Hopefully this project will be starting soon.

I figure that will likely be the way I will go. Anyone know what power the Focus axles will hold?

as much as you want to make 6-700whp. you can break them with less power but that is driver error. they will hold plenty of power

well after some major setbacks with the v8 swap (placement, ground clearance, overall weight, bad week.... blown turbo on DD that's getting upgraded), it's on hold for a bit, either to work on again as planned or do something else odd to it..... I have been really wanting an evo lately. I know of a wrecked evo nearby.

HMM shell, sell current drivetrain setup, go buy evo system and be happier. Get good ground clearance, have it installed faster and actually make decent power too. FML

I love the idea of the V8 setup, but after driving AWD for a couple of years, I am spoiled and don't like the idea of going RWD. Although, if this goes well, then I might look into doing a RWD 4G63 just to be able to do some killer doughnuts. The idea of an AWD Focus just makes me drool.

Escape engine and trans, Kugel Komponents 8.8 rear end....................... ?

Obviously there is more to it than that but it seems alot closer to reality than some peoples far fetched engine and drivetrain swap ideas. (not ment to offend anyone.)

No offense taken. I have 2 reasons for wanting to use the DSM setup. I know that the gear ratios will work with the 8.8 and I know you can make cheap power.

As far as any swap out there, you will have about the same amount of work (in general). You will have to swap or build harnesses, possibly upgrade the fuel, custom exhaust, build motor mounts, figure up axles, etc. With the AWD you have a little more since your dealing with the rear end, but in our case someone has already done the hard work you can just buy the kits. Just need to postion the engine in the right spot and have a driveshaft built.

I would say that anything that will work with the 8.8 gear ratios would be a good option for a swap here in either RWD or AWD.

After the AWD thought, I don't like the idea of using a V6 because of the weight difference. You have to think about how much extra weight you are adding to the front of the car and how that will effect the overall performance. Especially if it is RWD. Another nice thing about being able to make good power on a turbo 4 cylinder is that the weight will be much better balanced in the car. Speaking of weight, the Focus is very close in weight to the DSM so that can give you a really good idea of it potential (provided the body will hold up to an AWD launch).

Another benefit of keeping the 4 cylinder is it will be much easier to be a "sleeper" which is something I want. I would love to have someone in a Mustang or Camaro pull up next to me at a light and think they are all that.

I love talking about this with people. It is something that I'm going to try my hardest to complete as long as life doesn't get in the way. I am always up for discussion on swaps as it is truely something I would like to go into business doing in the long run.

Im pretty sure you can get the escape in a 2.3 duratec awd. I understand cheap power from the dsm engine, however in my opinion it would be easier to try and use a duratec platform since the upper mounts should be fairly similar.

Mounting to the Focus looks like it will be fairly easy. I've reviewed a lot of pictures (as I don't have mine yet) and the front "frame" rails are flat. I think a bracket could easily be made to bolt there and depending on the height of the engine bracket you could extend that bracket up to the strut tower. I like the your thinking though.

well after some major setbacks with the v8 swap (placement, ground clearance, overall weight, bad week.... blown turbo on DD that's getting upgraded), it's on hold for a bit, either to work on again as planned or do something else odd to it..... I have been really wanting an evo lately. I know of a wrecked evo nearby.

HMM shell, sell current drivetrain setup, go buy evo system and be happier. Get good ground clearance, have it installed faster and actually make decent power too. FML

do the evo swap. forget that tired old 350. they make less power than a zetec is capable of with just a turbo.

as far as rwd vs awd. i have both and which is right for you depends on what you want with the car. you cant really compare them.

as far as the v8 adding weight to the front end that just depends on how lazy you are with the swap. i cut the firewall and tunnel out to get the engine back and up high enough. my car sits higher in the front now than it did with the zetec in it with the same suspension set up.

my opinion on the duratec drive train vs the evo is just silly. i have heard plenty about the duratecs awd not being very strong and if your not doing an awd swap to make some serious power your just waisting time IMO

I want something that it is possible for me to drive all year. My DSM was about the same weight and even with AWD it was still a little slick if you weren't careful. I'm thinking starting off with a RWD Focus with the same powerplant wouldn't be a good driver in the snow if I needed it (Hopefully I won't). Besides that, I really do want to build a RWD Focus once this one it going. I do autocross from time to time, but my mail goal behind this project is to take a Focus to a place few have ever gone. I like to push the edge of what most people would even think about doing. Been thinking about dropping a R1 motor in a cruiser frame...Giggity.

I know I've only been looking for a week now, but I figured I could close my eyes and trip over a non running ZX3

I know I've only been looking for a week now, but I figured I could close my eyes and trip over a non running ZX3

Foci last for ever it seems like. The only ones you usually find with a blown engine are usually Spi (I don't think they ever came in a zx3 but I could easily be wrong) or an Svt which are rare to start with. Just a thought but have you tried any salvage yards? I know my local one has some nice sedan shells; you may luck out and find a hatch shell somewhere.

I'm gonna go hit them up tomorrow and talk to a guy. Maybe tell them if they get one in that isn't wrecked I'll buy the whole car off them for the right price. That way they can just make a quick buck. I've found a few around here and there, but most are about 5 hours away. I've emailed 3 people but haven't gotten any responces yet.

how much you willing to to pay for a roller with trans tunnel, 8.8 rear end, and 5 lug conversion

Not enough to make it worth your while. I've got about $700-$800 right now and I would need some of that to drive down and get it.

yeah i was just putting it out there cause what is done to mine will have to be done to yours to

Thanks for the offer. I'm hoping to be at about that point this fall/winter.

Good luck with that

Anyone know any good sources for a ZX3/5 shell? I can't find much of anything close and everyone that has a non running one wants as much as I can find a running one for here.

Anyone know any good sources for a ZX3/5 shell? I can't find much of anything close and everyone that has a non running one wants as much as I can find a running one for here.

focalized is selling a shell.

Judging from the search, it looks like he is in Texas. A little far of a drive from me. 3000 mile round trip. I could probably buy on here running for the same cash as my gas to drive there and back. Thanks for the tip though.

Still somewhat looking for a shell. I kinda switched gears from the shed thing for now. Not many people were looking. Have tons of people asking me to work on their cars so I am opening a part time shop out of my garage. If your bored, you can check it out on Facebook. I have a couple of past projects on there and I'm working on updating my current stuff. Mostly just repair stuff. Going to put pictures of my Yamaha Blaster restoration on there soon. Get some of these paying jobs out of the way and I should have the funds again to start looking for a shell. Anyone local that needs any repairs, hit me up. Search for me on Facebook. TheSwapShop. If I can get this all going right, then the AWD Focus will by the first official Swap Shop car since I've sold my Talon.

Does anyone know If a 2.0L Zetec DOHC Vin 3 (8th digit) engine will bolt right in a Vin 5 2.0L ? i have a 2002 with the vin 5 engine and its blown but i have a brand new crate motor but it looks a little different and i believe it is a vin 3 engine ? what is the difference and will it fit ? Ive been searching for an engine and everything on ebay says looking for an exact and displays all the other 00-04 models except mine and says Vin 3 ? need help asap Please

Still somewhat looking for a shell. I kinda switched gears from the shed thing for now. Not many people were looking. Have tons of people asking me to work on their cars so I am opening a part time shop out of my garage. If your bored, you can check it out on Facebook. I have a couple of past projects on there and I'm working on updating my current stuff. Mostly just repair stuff. Going to put pictures of my Yamaha Blaster restoration on there soon. Get some of these paying jobs out of the way and I should have the funds again to start looking for a shell. Anyone local that needs any repairs, hit me up. Search for me on Facebook. TheSwapShop. If I can get this all going right, then the AWD Focus will by the first official Swap Shop car since I've sold my Talon.

seen 3 for swap shop. nothing looks like it would b u

https://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=TheSwapShop&init=quick&tas=0.035656483531364414&search_first_focus=1333397475682

hmmm...I'll have to check out how it comes up in the search. Did you search for pages or people? Not sure if there is a difference. Here is the link directly. I searched and it came up when just doing a generic search. I have a really generic logo. Dual SS that come to dual exhausts. I need to have someone draw me up that really nicely. It's just a paint logo for the moment.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Swap-Shop/206829522759688

Edit
oh, I see the problem. Separate words. The Swap Shop. Looks like you have it all run together.

Does anyone know If a 2.0L Zetec DOHC Vin 3 (8th digit) engine will bolt right in a Vin 5 2.0L ? i have a 2002 with the vin 5 engine and its blown but i have a brand new crate motor but it looks a little different and i believe it is a vin 3 engine ? what is the difference and will it fit ? Ive been searching for an engine and everything on ebay says looking for an exact and displays all the other 00-04 models except mine and says Vin 3 ? need help asap Please

No clue, but you've come to the right place. Someone on here should know it, but I don't. Try starting your own thread though, not sure why you hijacked mine.

Does anyone know If a 2.0L Zetec DOHC Vin 3 (8th digit) engine will bolt right in a Vin 5 2.0L ? i have a 2002 with the vin 5 engine and its blown but i have a brand new crate motor but it looks a little different and i believe it is a vin 3 engine ? what is the difference and will it fit ? Ive been searching for an engine and everything on ebay says looking for an exact and displays all the other 00-04 models except mine and says Vin 3 ? need help asap Please

Vin 3 is Zetec 2.0 DOHC
Vin 5 is SVT 2.0 DOHC

I would confirm these to make sure

Tom

Haven't been on in awhile. Been putting all of my extra time into finishing my Bachelor degree and working in the shop. The project is still on the burner. Just need to get some capital so the shop can start on it. Got some other projects in mind as well, so depending on what shell I can find first will determine what I get. Hope to be able to get a shell yet this summer. It only takes time and money...

have you considered a wagon with a blown spi pretty easy to find

I have, but I have no clue how to make a Focus wagon look good, lol. If I found some way to make it look nice, then I wouldn't mind getting one. I can find sedans all day long, but I have a soft spot for hatches.

It's hard but possible. Here's my favorite Wagon: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=261638

I have, but I have no clue how to make a Focus wagon look good, lol. If I found some way to make it look nice, then I wouldn't mind getting one. I can find sedans all day long, but I have a soft spot for hatches.

The same you do with any other foci make classy choices and add euro parts[giddy]

jst so you know

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=287724

if you find one for cheap with a , with a halfway decent engine.. hit me up, ill be looking for one before long. only a zetec though, not a spi

It's hard but possible. Here's my favorite Wagon: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=261638


That one isn't too bad. Maybe if it was a dark blue instead of the silver. Put some black rims. I saw a debadged dark blue ZX3 the other day. Black rims, nice tint, and very clean. I loved the way it looked. I think it's the length vs the height that turns me off. Looks too much like a wagon, which well, it is. I think if i'm going to build this, then I'm going to start with the body style I want and that is the hatch. Time will tell.

Just need to get these other cars out of my hair, although other projects are actually going to be paying the bill for this project.

The same you do with any other foci make classy choices and add euro parts[giddy]

It's not even the classy choices. It more about the long squared off shape of it that makes it look like the back of an old Volvo wagon.

Why not use the drivetrain out of a mazdaspeed 6/cx-7/ Volvo S-40? Since they are all similar platforms, I'm guessing the swap would be much more straight forward.

There is already a member on MSF.org that did this in his MS3 using these basic components.

Mostly cost and known performance. I could pick up the DSM drivetrain, ECU, and harness for about $500-700. I also know what the 4G63 can handle and can find parts very easily. Also, unless another engine and trans will just bolt in place, then I am going to have to fabricate engine/trans mounts anyway. One key piece to this puzzle is that the 4G63 trans will mate up to one of the factory gear ratios in the 8.8 rear end, which there is already a kit out there to bolt into the car. That means that I don't have to deal with cutting the rear pan out and putting something in place that has to hold a rear diff. I know it can be done with anything really, but this is the simplest way that I see. I don't see any hurtles that any other drivetrain will save me. I still have to deal with the rear end, wiring, fuel, axles, engine mount, etc no matter what drivetrain I get.

The Mazda engine is a Durtech derivative .... so the transmission would bolt up to any 2.3/2.0 engine out there.

Ok, so that would be one aspect that would be a little easier, but I cant see that outweighing having to put the IRS under the back. Plus I know I can build the 4G63 for a lot cheaper. I could probably build the motor for what it will cost me to turbo one of the other setups. The MazdaSpeed 6 would be a good start, but that drivetrain will probably cost me more than this entire project will, lol.

All in all, it's an economical solution. Maybe in the long run I'll build up a complete Ford drivetrain, but right now I'm looking for a budget build.

Ok, so that would be one aspect that would be a little easier, but I cant see that outweighing having to put the IRS under the back. Plus I know I can build the 4G63 for a lot cheaper. I could probably build the motor for what it will cost me to turbo one of the other setups. The MazdaSpeed 6 would be a good start, but that drivetrain will probably cost me more than this entire project will, lol.

All in all, it's an economical solution. Maybe in the long run I'll build up a complete Ford drivetrain, but right now I'm looking for a budget build.

Fair enough... thought I would just throw a few more options at you.

I apreciate the discussion. I have thought about doing a RWD Focus for awhile. I just happened to run across the knowledge about the DSM guys using 8.8s when they blow up the stock rear diff because it works with the DSM trans and thought this would make a killer Focus.

Still working towards starting this project. Just waiting on funding. Those stupid storms that rolled through Indiana about a month ago wiped out my saved cash so I have to build that back up.

On the plus side, I've had some jobs move through the shop, but most of the money from those is being sucked up to buy special tools that I need. Hope to get this Windstar I did the motor on up for sale in the next week and that should give me about half of what I will need to start of the project.

Making more progress to a shell. If anyone knows of a non running ZX3 that I can pick up near northern Indiana, then let me know.

This project is still moving forward. If I can't find a shell soon, then I'm going start getting the small parts I know I'm going to need.

Making more progress to a shell. If anyone knows of a non running ZX3 that I can pick up near northern Indiana, then let me know.

This project is still moving forward. If I can't find a shell soon, then I'm going start getting the small parts I know I'm going to need.

There's a zx3 shell that's caged for sale over on focaljet.


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I saw that one. A little too aggressive for what I am currently looking for. Thanks for the heads up.

I found one about 3 hours away from here. Someone is supposed to look at it today, but if it is still there on Saturday, then I am going to go get it and officially start this project.

if you find one for cheap with a , with a halfway decent engine.. hit me up, ill be looking for one before long. only a zetec though, not a spi

I met a cutie at tye gas pumps a month ago; I started talking to her 'cause we both drove up in our hatches... she has an '02 in black with 65k-70k miles on it, interior looked clean and she told me if I had $4200 I could have it. I tried to get my little brother out of a 4.0l Ranger (cause he keeps bitching about gas mileage), but he wouldn't even consider it.

I still have her number and a pic of the car. It ran well and the body (hers too!) is in fantastic shape. I saw her go past me last week in it, so I know she still has it... juss sayin'.

That ZX3 fell through. The hunt continues. They are out there, just not many close to me.

I may have already asked this a while back but have you tried any salvage yards?

I'm going to talk to the one yard the next time I'm over there. I don't think they like to sell the whole car though. But it is always worth asking. I found a couple more on Craigslist, but people listing don't put if they are a hatch or sedan. Waiting to hear back on two of them.

Got some leads on a couple of cars. Should know more tomorrow. Really want to get this project started. Been hoping for a year now.

Had 2 possible cars today and they both fizzled out....this search is starting to piss me off...

I think I might have one. Had a guy contact me today and it is actually fairly close. Crossing my fingers that I will actually be able to start this project!

[woot]

Been looking forward to what you can do with this for a while now. It will be great to see things actually start happening.

I don't know what you've decided to use, but trust me that the subaru drivetrain won't work.lol.

I recall a powered by subaru thread...

Nope, no Subaru drivetrain. The plan is to use a DSM front (engine/trans/transfer case) and an 8.8 rear setup like the RWD Focus uses. The gear ratios in one of the stock 8.8s will match up with the DSM manual transmission. The key to making this AWD is the 8.8. I'm going to try to go a little different than the Kugel setup as I really want to see if i can use the stock setup Focus suspension. If I can, it will save me a good amount of money since I won't have to buy their expensive coil overs. There are a few little bugs to figure out, but overall I think I have most things covered. I've had a little time to think it through.

Any word on the shell you planned on buying? I'm interested in seeing this project.

Waiting to hear back about the title. The guy moved and is having a hard time finding it. Worst case I'll run the VIN and make sure it is clean then get a bill of sale while I wait on the title. Not like the car is going to be finished in the next couple of months. I have a friend that went through the same issue with a car he bought so I have a resource of getting a title even if this guy flakes out, provided there isn't a loan on it which I doubt since he "had" the title.

Back to searching. Apparently the guy went to the storage place to find the title and the car has been stolen.....WTF?!?!

Back to searching. Apparently the guy went to the storage place to find the title and the car has been stolen.....WTF?!?!

What the heck. Your just not having any luck are you. lol

No, not so much. I had someone else text me today. We will see how this goes.

Well after another one fell through, I finally found one and we have agreed on a price and a pickup time. This time...this time..this time, this time, this time this time this time this time......this time?

I'm hoping it works out for you this time. I feel the same way about finding a place to dyno my car in Orlando. Every shop I go to seems to have a broken dyno or the appointments fall through. It's ridiculous. All I want to do is dyno my original 60 hp engine before I install my Zetec. [giddy]

Keep us posted and take lots of pics if it works out!

Well, I finally found one. Not as good of shape as I wanted for a starting point but it is a starting point and it appears to be 95% there. I'll get some pictures of it and get an actual build thread up this weekend. Might even have time to start getting it stripped down this weekend if I can get the transmission rebuild in the other one so I can get it out of the garage.

Subscribed! Sounds like an awesome project, can't wait to see how it progresses [thumb]

Congrats on finally finding one. I'll definitely subscribe to a build thread if you end up making one. Can't wait to see some photos.

Thanks. I started a new thread below. I need to get the trans back together on my 04 sedan so I can get it up for sale here in the next week. It is going to be funding part of this project. Once I get that done and the other side of the garage cleaned out then it is coming and and the front will get gutted. I'll have lots of stock ZX3 parts for sale here too if anyone needs anything.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310574