Any info on the Cosworth 2.3 280BHP Engine Swap?

[OrangePeel]

I'll contact someone at the SCCA for a recommendation on which class to join specifically for my theoretical vehicle setup. I'll post back with detail on what I find. :)

By the way guys, thanks for helping me be thorough about this all. These are some of the questions I was hoping to receive.

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

I'll contact someone at the SCCA for a recommendation on which class to join specifically for my theoretical vehicle setup. I'll post back with detail on what I find. :)

By the way guys, thanks for helping me be thorough about this all. These are some of the questions I was hoping to receive.

A great track car is a caterham & you'd still have your D-tech.

[rambleon84]

This guy had a pretty sweet built motor until he killed it
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220779

Might get some ideas looking at his build.. Got up to 213whp using the stock intake manifold and tb

[darkknight9]

Originally Posted by felixthecat

A great motor for a Caterham. A lot of cash just to have the Cosworth name. All my tools aren't snap on's, some are matco, mac, cornwell & craftman. I give you credit for doing a na motor.

Wait, are you saying there's more tools out there other than craftsman?!

[wrc_fan]

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

I'll contact someone at the SCCA for a recommendation on which class to join specifically for my theoretical vehicle setup. I'll post back with detail on what I find. :)

By the way guys, thanks for helping me be thorough about this all. These are some of the questions I was hoping to receive.

SCCA Solo aka Autocross is not about power. Its about the driver, tires and suspension. Then maybe weight reduction, then power.

If you want to build an E Prepared car go for it, but you will not have a streetable ride. Street modified fwd would be the highest you can go IMO and have a streetable car.

To be competitive at street modified and above, you will need high dollar dampers (at least $2K) and need to make custom suspension links so you can run spherical bearings where ever possible.

Spring rates will be 600 inlbs + all around.

You'll need hoosiers as a minimum of course.

Then scrounge the rule book for every weights savings possible.

A limited slip differential is esential as well.

[darkknight9]

There's only one true setup for both race and street. A race league that demands street legality so you can drive to different awesome stages.


The suspension and cage will make the motor costs look small... but if you want fun, you will have it in spades.

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by darkknight9

Wait, are you saying there's more tools out there other than craftsman?!

^^^^^^^LOL ^^

[elsolo]

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

I'll contact someone at the SCCA for a recommendation on which class to join specifically for my theoretical vehicle setup. I'll post back with detail on what I find. :)

By the way guys, thanks for helping me be thorough about this all. These are some of the questions I was hoping to receive.

That's backwards from the optimal strategy.
You pick a vehicle to meet that best meets the rules of the racing class you want to run in.

Go to an event, see what the top guys are using, ask questions in person, take advantage of all the experience and knowledge of those who came before you.

If you just build a car however you please, then try to figure out what class it fits in, it's not going to be what you really want or need for that class.

[wrc_fan]

esolo is right, just because a car is in a class, doesn't mean it will be competitive there.

What are you overall goals with this car?

Do you just want to run local events? Do you think you'll do national events in the future?

Unless you completely redesign the front suspension, you'll only go so far in E Prepared. The honda civic (EF model I think) was the only other FWD car to win EP in recent memmory. Front double wishbone suspension short and light.

Maybe a chance in Street modified fwd, this year the minimum weight has been pushed up to further limit the honda crx. But still, front double wishbone, short and light.

I still think a 2.3 focus has a shot in street prepared F. It's course dependant, the 2.3 ford produces the best power in the class. But, this class you can't touch the long block, so your plans would bump you out.

[OrangePeel]

Hey all sorry, been out recording music for the past few days and forgot to check the forum.

Here are my goals Long and Short

Short
-Full Suspension Upgrades before Spring of 14'
-Rear Disc Brake Conversion by this Summer

-Wheels and Tires before end of year
Looking into the Ultraleggeras
(Dan from FSWERKS says he runs 15" over his SVT brakes fine)

Also, he mentioned that there is a millimeter of clearance, I don't know if I want to risk that on the track and have a rock get stuck in between the caliper. So I may just decide on 16" 's altogether. The other question lies in how light do I want to go with wheels over how much money I want/should spend on them. I feel the Ultraleggeras do a great job and at that price point, who couldn't love them?
_________________________________________________________

Once I am done doing all of that crafty work, I will move onto the long term. Since over the course of the next few years the wife and I are looking for a home I will more than likely start with reducing the weight of the Focus.

I plan on first replacing

-Front and Rear Bumper w/ CF
-Fenders w/ CF
-Roof w/ CF
-Hatch w/ CF
-Sound Deadening
-CF Seat with 5 pt Harness
-Reinforcing the Interior with a Roll Cage
-Relocating Fuel Tank inside of a CF housing as seen in the SRR Focus in Taiwan
-Look into what options I have with window replacement (Lexan or anything better, not really sure what's out there)

Once I am certain that the safety concerns are dealt with I will begin on the engine.
This being the reason I wanted to begin the research now, I love driving this car and don't want to invest in any other. I have been a fanatic since their inception in europe and was ever so excited with my purchase.

Now being that soon my wife will have her own "Family" vehicle to use for anything we need. This car is available to do as I please. And that which pleases me the most will be to familiarize and perform in racing.

I have a lot of time to fine tune my ideas before attempting anything engine wise so I will continue to tally up the pros and cons.

I really appreciate all the help thus far folks!

-Tochi