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Turbo LSX Focus

310K views 1K replies 149 participants last post by  BoostedLM7 
#1 · (Edited)
ok im making a post of my plans. i was going to wait till i was finished to post this but i figured you guys would really like to see the progress more than just the results.

the plan: To build a turbo v8 focus with upwards of 800hp for less than or equal to the price it cost me to build the 4cyl to make 400hp. this is all of course based on the fact that i am doing it my self and not paying someone to do it. i done the same with the focus build and i plan to do this one as well.

Info on the Build:

Motor: 5.3L Vortec out of a 2002 Chevy 1500 truck from a salvage yard for 500 including wiring, ecu, manifolds, etc. i am not some one that looks at things by brand names, the only thing i care about is the power, reliability, cost, and sensibility of it. i am using a chevy motor because of how universal all of their parts are, how compact they are, the power they can make, how little they cost, and they are very reliable. the 5.3 was very easy to find, i have a ls1 IM for it, and plan to get a corvette zo6 cam. after the project is finished and rolling i will save up and build this motor and push the t76 to the limits.

a modular cobra or navigator motor are both very large, very expensive, and very complicated motors. the 5.0's are junk when it comes to making a lot of power.













Tranny:
TH400 transmission. very inexpensive and very strong. i do not plan to buy a tranny controller so i need a mechanically operating trans. the plan is to either swap to a 4l80e trans and convert it to full mechanical/and manual valve body and build it or to build the turbo 400. this will depend on funds when the time comes. i have this ordered from a local salvage yard for 350.

Rear end and suspension:
the same salvage yard will be supplying me with what ever i need out of a wrecked mustang with a 4 link 8.8. this will include the linkages, shocks, springs, brakes, and wheels. i believe their price is 350-400.

the 8.8 will be what i use till the motor and tranny are finished. then i will be switching to a cobra independent. i will not be tubbing and building a drag car. i will do my best to make this thing handle as good as it does now.

the front subframe will need to be modified, but i will be using the stock focus suspension. my plan is to cut out the section where the tranny will go through the subframe and reconstruct it to fit under. the rack and pinion will need to be in front of the motor so i will be getting a rack out of something that will fit. the stock spindle will work fine. i just swapped the driver and passengers sides to move the tierod hook up to the front side.


Engine managment:
megasquirt will be used because this is a budget project. i am very happy with the reviews i have seen and for the price i dont think i could get much better. it may not be able to do as much as many of the ems's available but it will be able to make a very reliable driver and work great for the power.

gauges:
just going with all autometer gauges.

fuel:
i already have a return fuel system, i just need to buy 4 more injectors and new fuel rails.

pics of the tear down:





what the engine with turbo will look like:


i will be posting every time i buy some thing and telling what i paid. in the end will post a full list of every part i purchased and a list of every part i sold and what they sold for along with what i paid.

hope you guys enjoy

Tim
 
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#3 ·
yes i am using my current car. the one that made 353whp is now gone... well the motor any way.

the short block just sold yesterday to a new guy to the forum that going for a nice amount of power. the head is still for sale along with the turbo kit.

i am using the money from the stuff i sell from the last build to do this new build
 
#8 ·
i was going to suggest nitrous. but this is way nuttier!!!
and it sucks i wanst able to get that block from you in time.
i might be able to score the head though, i hope.
but most likely not.

when this runs post a video
 
#13 ·
I am not sure who is worse, you or John...both of you are crazy m-fers

Good luck man I will be watching!
 
#16 ·
a little more progress today. i decided not to wait on a cherry picker. i just pulled the motor by hand. got the head and cams off. cams sold so they are getting packed and shipped tomorrow. also did a little more interior stripping... any one got any tips on removing the passenger air bag, lol. i got the motor out and taken apart in about 30 minutes, spend over an hour on the air bag [smackbum]





 
#17 ·
damn now im jealous.. wish i could do this... i have a 351 out in my mustang that will push my 3800lb must in into low 10s.. i would love to see what it would do in my focus. but i like my 35 mpg..lol
 
#23 ·
367fwhp isnt the same as 367rwhp. i will get traction, lol. at 353whp i could not get any traction at all. im sure that putting down 550whp on the street will not be a problem. and for the tract 800whp will work nice [:D]
 
#26 ·
Only 800for track i would be heading for 1200 for the track with a turbo ls1. we gotta a guy down here that puts down 950 NA its nutts and he also has a mint 69 camaro with a ls1 that puts down 1400 thats his DD its nuts. The ls1 flow crazy and put down amazing power when on boost. Go for more POWER
 
#27 ·
Only 800for track i would be heading for 1200 for the track with a turbo ls1. we gotta a guy down here that puts down 950 NA its nutts and he also has a mint 69 camaro with a ls1 that puts down 1400 thats his DD its nuts. The ls1 flow crazy and put down amazing power when on boost. Go for more POWER
 
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