Any Successful AWD Swaps Out There?

[Kickerbeast]

Originally Posted by bringler26

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

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.

[amoosenamedhank]

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.

[Kickerbeast]

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.

[amoosenamedhank]

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

[Kickerbeast]

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.

[amoosenamedhank]

Originally Posted by Kickerbeast

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.

[Kickerbeast]

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.

[Kickerbeast]

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.

[Kickerbeast]

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.

[PumkinSvt]

Originally Posted by Kickerbeast

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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