[07FocusST]

If it hasn't been known by now that there only a few companies that market turbo systems for the Duratec Focus. A few members here and myself aren't willing to pay $3,000-$4,000 + S&H for a pre-fabbed kit. Some of us just want to liberty to say "yea... I built it myself".

Thankfully FF has some people with a great amount of knowledge (or balls) to make their own systems. I personally want to give a BIG shout-out to Sporadic for taking the time to post all of his information and pictures here on FF for all of us to study. Without his inspiration I probably wouldn't even consider attemping to build my own system.

With that out of the way I will list all the parts I will be using during my build:

- IHI RHB52 from 1987-1988 T-Bird Turbocoupe
- 60lb/hr Siemen Fuel Injectors w/ C-F-M Adapter Harness
- 2.5" Universal Front Mount Intercooler 24" x 7" x 3"
- 2.5" Intercooler Piping & Silicone Couplers (Turbo-to-Intercooler)
- 3.0" Intercooler Piping & Silicone Couplers (Intercooler-to-Throttle Body)
- Pre-Fabbed 2.5" Intercooler Pipe w/ HKS SSQV BOV mount
- 3.0" Blow-Thru MAF house w/ 2005+ Mustang GT MAF sensor
- JGS Turbo Manifold
- SCT Flash Tuner
- Oil Supply Line w/ Adapters & .06 Restrictor
- Oil Drain Line w/ Adapters & Oil Pan Weld-on Bung
- 2.5" Home made Downpipe Assembly w/ 2-O2 Sensor Bungs
- Oil Catch Can

** Equipment for Later **

- A Pillar Gauge Pod
- Boost/Vac Gauge
- Electric Oil Pressure Gauge
- Electric Water Temperature Gauge
- Wideband O2 Sensor

The plan is to run my Turbo System at a low PSI to keep things safe. I am running my setup to utilize a Blow Off Valve. Heck, if you have a turbo system then you probably would like to hear it. I know I would.

I am using the HKS SSQV because of their high reputation. The RHB52 turbo can be hard to find replacement parts for so I would suggest to everyone who considers building your own project to look for the T3 turbo used in the later years of the Ford SVO/TurboCoupe or even the Merkur XR4TI. This will save you a big headache if you run into the same problems I have.

Some of you reading this are probably wondering about a few things, so I will answer a few before I post some pictures:

"If the IHI RHB5 is hard to get parts for, then why didn't you purchase the T3 Instead?"
Simple, the T3 is even harder to find used because they are universal. There are a million places that carry parts for it. The T3 may be bigger in size but I feel safer starting with a smaller turbo.

"I have been told that running a BOV on a car with a MAF style computer system can cause engine damage."
This is absolutly correct! Running a BOV after a MAF sensor will make your engine stumble & stutter because all the air that has just been "metered" has now been released into the atmosphere. The computer doesn't recognize this and will continue to allow a high amount of fuel to enter the engine while there isn't an adequate amount of air to compensate for the extra fuel. In other words your engine will be extremely rich. If a BOV is placed before the MAF sensor then there won't be a problem because the MAF sensor hasn't metered the air yet. That also goes to say that if your engine's computer system relies on a MAP sensor then you can run a BOV regardless because the MAP sensor reads the Vacuum/Pressure inside the Intake Manifold. So there isn't any problem this way. The other way to run a system is by doing what most Manufacturers do. They run a Diverter valve that recirculates the air back to the turbo inlet. This is typically the safest way to run any turbo system.

"If you are running a BOV before the MAF sensor then that would mean you are placing the MAF sensor in the compressor's outlet side?"
This is also correct. This setup requires a particular type of MAF sensor housing known as a "Blow-Thru MAF Housing" which isn't what most vehicles use as OEM. Most cars would use a "Suck-Thru" MAF housing like a factory MAF would be on a Focus. The only difference is the suck-thru has air being sucked thru and the Blow-thru has air pressure inside of it and usually is secure to a pipe with a strong clamp unlike a suck-thru.

"Why don't you use the DiabloSport MAFia instead of a Custom MAF housing and Mustang GT MAF sensor?"
Well... that is because I plan on using the BOV like I mentioned before and this requires me to put the housing in the pressurized side (blow-thru). So I would need a new housing regradless. I suppose I could use my factory MAF sensor with the MAFia, but the Mustang GT MAF is good to around 400HP. If I even come close to pegging out the Mustang MAF sensor then I still have the option of using a MAFia.


So here is what I have so far. There are alot of parts on order and I am lucky enough to have a good friend to let me use his MIG welder that has Argon purge. Please keep in mind that this is a work in progress!!! Thanks, enjoy the pictures!

The good:

 

[07FocusST]

The Bad: The Impellar looks like it had contact, the bearings are shot! Bottom pictures are a few random picture I took of painting the compressor housing, the paint I used, and my Focus!!!

 

[y2kc0wb0y]

How much money did you save?

 

[1turbofocus]

The RHB52 turbo can be hard to find replacement parts for so I would suggest to everyone who considers building your own project to look for the T3 turbo used in the later years of the Ford SVO/TurboCoupe or even the Merkur XR4TI. This will save you a big headache if you run into the same problems I have.]

I dont agree, These turbos on the Focus engines dont work well and in most cases are wore slap out when you take them off the car , I think with the low prices of new turbos now with 1 year warranties at less then 600.00 you should allways buy a new turbo

"I have been told that running a BOV on a car with a MAF style computer system can cause engine damage."
This is absolutly correct! .]

This is incorrect , you WILL NOT damage your engine

Running a BOV after a MAF sensor will make you engine stumble & stutter because all the air that has just been "metered" has now been released into the atmosphere. The computer doesn't recognize this and will continue to allow a high amount of fuel to enter the engine while there isn't an adequate amount of air to compensate for the extra fuel. In other words your engine will be extremely rich. If a BOV is placed before the MAF sensor then there won't be a problem because the MAF sensor hasn't metered the air yet. That also goes to say that if your engine's computer system relies on a MAP sensor then you can run a BOV regardless because the MAP sensor reads the Vacuum/Pressure inside the Intake Manifold. So there isn't any problem this way. The other way to run a system is by doing what most Manufacturers do. They run a Diverter valve that recirculates the air back to the turbo inlet. This is typically the safest way to run any turbo system.]

This is correct to a point there is a way to adjust the ECU so that you get a slight rich condition but dont notice a thing from the drivers seat , A blowthrough is the ideal way of doing this and all Focus kits now should be blowthrough

"If you are running a BOV before the MAF sensor then that would mean you are placing the MAF sensor in the compressor's outlet side?"
This is also correct. This setup requires a particular type of MAF sensor housing known as a "Blow-Thru MAF Housing" which isn't what most vehicles use as OEM. Most cars would use a "Suck-Thru" MAF housing like a factory MAF would be on a Focus. The only difference is the suck-thru has air being sucked thru and the Blow-thru has air pressure inside of it and usually is secure to a pipe with a strong clamp unlike a suck-thru.]

Incorrect any MAF can be used as a blowthrough the MAF does not know or care if the air moving through it is being pulled or pushed

"Why don't you use the DiabloSport MAFia instead of a Custom MAF housing and Mustang GT MAF sensor?"
Well... that is because I plan on using the BOV like I mentioned before and this requires me to put the housing in the pressurized side (blow-thru). So I would need a new housing regradless. I suppose I could use my factory MAF sensor with the MAFia, but the Mustang GT MAF is good to around 400HP. If I even come close to pegging out the Mustang MAF sensor then I still have the option of using a MAFia.]

The GT Mustang MAF is odd size and hard to get hoses for and looks like crap installed on top of that it is to big and you dont get as good a signal in part throttle , you would be better off making you or buying a 3 inch MAF tube and using your stock Focus MAF electronics

Tom

 

[Power Surge]

Wow, I have to admit, everything you said is right on the money. You've really done your homework. I am impressed.

The only thing I would change is your choice of turbo. I would really start with an internally gated T3 based unit, not that IHI deal. I've deal with the IHI units for a long time on Turbo Coupes and such and they are just a waste of money and energy IMO.

Great choice on the MAF setup. The 05-up cartridge sensors are very blow through friendly. Mounted in a 3" tube, will be a nice clean setup, and you won't need to recirc the vented air if your bypass is before the MAF. Just make sure you've got a few inches af straight tube before and after the sensor for a cleaner signal. I did the 05-up in the blow through tube on my turbo SHO. I intergrated mine as part of the actual ducting. You can see it here pointing towards the strut tower:

I still needed a MAFia for my setup, but you probably won't on the Focus. Either way, it can be added if needed.

Also, you don't need injector adapters, they make 60s with the EV1 connector on them. Get the Motortron ones, plug and play.

I will be watching your build to see how you progress with it. Good luck!

 

[07FocusST]

y2kc0wb0y

I am in the process of collect all the parts, so far I am guessing a total amount of around $1000-$1200 total spending depending on what I buy.


1TurboFocus

As I stated earlier, The point for my home build is to save alot more money than buying a kit. So with that in mind I definitally would stick with the IHI IMO.... Granted you are absolutely correct about a new turbo. It should always be considered when making your own kit. It is personal preference and probably going to rely on how much $$$$ you have at the time.

As for a BOV damaging your car, I have seen more Subaru's & Mustangs with blown engines because their engine was not properly setup for a BOV. When the engine goes rich and the driver hits the gas there is alot of mayhem going on inside the engine because now it is trying to clear the excess fuel, then goes lean and right back to a stoich/rich amount. This is why you see a lot of lightning drivers blow their engines is because the roots style blower can surge and cause this situation to occur.


I agree, blow thru should be the way regardless

you are correct about any MAF being used for a Blow-Thru setup, but keep in mind that a 3" MAF house will give the best reading in any vehicle. Running my stock 2.5" plastic MAF housing will scramble the signal a little and the fact that it is plastic with pressure behind it doesn't thrill me at all.

Again, you are correct. The stock MAF housing would not fit. Maybe I didn't state this but I am going to be using a 3" Blow Thru MAF with a Mustang GT Sensor that is good to 400HP.


PowerSurge

Your setup looks awesome. I like how you integrated the housing into the piping. I have already bought thr Siemens 60lb/hr. I took a look at my injector harness last night and it looks like the will plug in without an adapter from CFM.

 

[1turbofocus]

What ever , I was just passing on what I have found that works on the Focus , It is a Focus we are talking about here not a Suburu or Mustang and in no way can you damage an engine from venting metered air

No I dont agree that " a 3" MAF house will give the best reading in any vehicle" There are many I tune that the 3.5 is much better and 4 inch on some of the higher HP V8 cars , you need to choose the smallest tube to get the job done with the range needed , Its your car and you have to choose but the Mustang GT sensor in a 3 inch tube I doubt will get you to 400 on the Focus

Tom

 

[mbx5brian]

good luck

 

[1turbofocus]

Great choice on the MAF setup. The 05-up cartridge sensors are very blow through friendly. Mounted in a 3" tube, !

I havent found the Cartridge sensor to be any better the the old style with doing back to back testing , the signal wasent any cleaner or smoother , I am getting some calls to change over to that sensor and just wanted to add that in here

Tom

 

[1turbofocus]

y2kc0wb0y
you are correct about any MAF being used for a Blow-Thru setup, but keep in mind that a 3" MAF house will give the best reading in any vehicle. Running my stock 2.5" plastic MAF housing will scramble the signal a little and the fact that it is plastic with pressure behind it doesn't thrill me at all.
.

I was just trying to correct what you said earlier "This setup requires a particular type of MAF sensor housing known as a "Blow-Thru MAF Housing" which isn't what most vehicles use as OEM"

Tom

 

[Power Surge]

I havent found the Cartridge sensor to be any better the the old style with doing back to back testing , the signal wasent any cleaner or smoother , I am getting some calls to change over to that sensor and just wanted to add that in here

Tom

That's nice, but the rest of the tuning world would disagree with you. That's why a lot of us have been using the cartridge sensors in blow through applications.

I was replying my thoughts to 07FocusST, not to you, and frankly I don't care what you think. I don't agree with some things you post here, and you are not the end-all in Focus information.

And I'm one of the oldest Ford tuners in the country, so I don't need you trying to correct me.

Thank you.

 

[07FocusST]

I was just trying to correct what you said earlier "This setup requires a particular type of MAF sensor housing known as a "Blow-Thru MAF Housing" which isn't what most vehicles use as OEM"

Tom

All right guys... I am all for a good debate but I don't want to see two great tuners going head-to-head on my thread. I respect both opinions, but I feel that the 3" MAF housing for www.steeda.ca is the best option. I have confirmed this with Don from LaSota Racing, and this is the way I will be running my system.

 

[Power Surge]

All right guys... I am all for a good debate but I don't want to see two great tuners going head-to-head on my thread. I respect both opinions, but I feel that the 3" MAF housing for www.steeda.ca is the best option. I have confirmed this with Don from LaSota Racing, and this is the way I will be running my system.

Okay, I apologize for my previous tone, guess I'm just having a bad day, and I don't take kindly to people questioning my tuning knowledge.

 

[1turbofocus]

All right guys... I am all for a good debate but I don't want to see two great tuners going head-to-head on my thread. I respect both opinions, but I feel that the 3" MAF housing for www.steeda.ca is the best option. I have confirmed this with Don from LaSota Racing, and this is the way I will be running my system.

My opinions were for you not power-surge

Tom

 

[Power Surge]

Oh, as for the MAF setup, contact Justin at VMP here in FL. Justin makes all sorts of nice goodies, including pipe sections that can house the sensor, as well as steel and alloy sensor bosses than can be either welded or rivited onto an existing pipe, like on my SHO. You can also get the sensor, and the sensor pigtail (which you'll need) from him.

As far as why I posted some of the info I did:

The cartridge sensors work great in blow through because they are much less sensitive to air flow inconsistancies. The older style sensors literally put the elements in the air stream, where the cartridge type has a chambered setup that gives a cleaner signal. If you're working in a tight engine bay and don't have a lot of room for a nice straight shot into and out of the MAF, then the new sensors work very well.

As for the MAF/BOV issue, I agree you MUST have your MAF after the BOV, if it vents to atmosphere. If your MAF is before the BOV, it must recirc into back to the intake ducting after the MAF. This is because that air coming out of the BOV has already been read by the MAF, and the PCM is now trying to fuel the motor for all that air. If you then vent it off, now you are overfueling the motor and screwing up the fuel trims big time. The proper way to do it, is to vent the BOV air BEFORE the MAF so that only the air actually going into the motor is being registered by the MAF.

Now I know there are people who claim to do it wrong and it "works fine" (I went through this with some DIY tuning guys on the SHO forums), but it's still not the right way to do it.

Hope this helps.

 

[alk3civichater]

How much do you think you will actually save over buying a kit?

 

[07FocusST]

Tom & Powersurge, thanks for all the info. All of this info will be put to good use.

Alk3civichater:

Looking at around $2300 savings... that includes the $550 S&H to Hawaii, so around $1800 for the Continental US buyers

 

[captcurt_18]

thats sick dude! good luck finishing it

 

[07FocusST]

thats sick dude! good luck finishing it

Thanks, I actually got off the phone with a local exhaust shop guy )Exhaust Systems Hawaii) and he said that they can sell individual mandrel bends for $30-$40 a piece which is what most website would charge minus S&H.

I was tracking down intercooler piping not too long ago and a good intercooler. I was lucky to find someone on eBay selling two pieces in one auction that I have been looking for. It was the HKS SSQV (a real one) and the pre-fabbed 2.5" pipe with the mount for the BOV already on it. Looks like only $120.... we'll see what happens.

It is going to be hard for me to get the intercooler piping all done because I don't want to spend the money on a universal kit and have alot left over which I couldn't use. So I will end up buying a couple individual pieces at a time just to make sure. Also not the fact that I have the SAP which makes it even harder to mount and intercooler and run the piping.

 

[focusfreak03]

That's nice, but the rest of the tuning world would disagree with you. That's why a lot of us have been using the cartridge sensors in blow through applications.

I was replying my thoughts to 07FocusST, not to you, and frankly I don't care what you think. I don't agree with some things you post here, and you are not the end-all in Focus information.

And I'm one of the oldest Ford tuners in the country, so I don't need you trying to correct me.

Thank you.

Sal
2002 Sonic Blue SVT - supercharged
2008 Vista Blue SE
Shelby American 427 Cobra S/C CSX 4241


nice kit car. how do i know it is a kit? because if you could afford the real thing you wouldn't be driving the two above it, and you wouldn't be doing what you claim you are doing. (or you are being a bad boy on the side)

sry just had to point that out. have fun arguing.

OP good luck on the build, but i would suggest that you get a boost/vac gauge and a wideband. those are two of the must haves when boosting, otherwise you don't know what is going on. so you need to take that off your optional list and move them to your MUST HAVE list.