01 Focus ZX3

[i.irwin1988]

I have recently picked up a 2001 Ford Fucus... I mean Focus. I got it for a great price (it was in a mild front end collision but was fixed properly.) And I picked it because I like the body style. I am in the process of trying to put together a parts list and mods list that I am going to spend too much of my time on.

Things to do before I start collecting parts:
Replace current motor mounts (dog bone mount is completely gone...)

Engine

2.5L V6 Duratec from a 2001 Mercury Cougar

Looking into a turbo or supercharger kit for the 2.5L V6

Possibility of a 5 lug swap - not sure where I can get the parts for it though...

Brakes of course (need more brakes for the extra power)

Coilovers - Thinking about tiens

paint and wire tuck to keep it looking good

O.Z. Leggendas to give it a nice stance (will have to widen them from a 17x7 to a 17x9 to get the look that I want.



It needs to go lower... I want to go 4 inches lower in the front and 5 inches lower in the rear



I got the measurements for the trunk space and spare tire well so I can start to layout my air ride (or see if I can get it how I would like it before I decide on static or air suspension) I am thinking about raising the trunk floor by about 6 inches so I can put an air tank and compressors under there, I just don't want to lose my spare space. Is there any companies that make a decent sized tank that is 6-6 1/2 inches deep?



If anyone has any input to this process or know someone who has done a swap like this before I would be more than greatful for any feedback that I can get. Thanks everyone

Time to start saving for this money pit...

[Granny Gold]

Welcome from another Focus owner! Got pics of what you're starting with?

[i.irwin1988]

Not yet, but I will go outside and take a few in a little bit

[i.irwin1988]

Pictures are up, sorry about the bad quality though...

[Ollie]

Not a big fan of Foci but I like the white hatches the most. Make her lay frame.

[i.irwin1988]

I don't know about laying frame. It is going to be my daily driver so I don't want to go too crazy with it. I was thinking more of 1 inch from laying frame.

[i.irwin1988]

I am thinking an e-level kit hidden under a fake floor in the back with a light teak cover. then I am looking at a few different options as far as rims, but I have plenty of time so I can wait to see what becomes available between now and when I get my suspension. First thing I want to do is pick up the engine that I am going to swap into it and get it fully built on a stand so I can have it out of commission for a weekend or maybe a week then have it back on the road. I also plan on redoing the sound system with a touch screen and an on the fly tuning system through an ipod touch or ipad so that I don't need to have too much stuff out of the ordinary making it look like it actually has power.

[Bimmerteck]

I wouldn't bother with the cougar swap. There are much better engine options that can be easily adapted to that chassis. If I were looking for a swap to go into a focus I'd be torn between the Mazdaspeed 3's turbo powerhouse, a Ford Motorsport crate motor, and a genuine Cosworth lump. Any of these would give you a better supported drive line platform from a performance standpoint.

[kartikeya]

I'm assuming this is your first car, and you're really excited to get modding. You've probably seen all sorts of cool stuff and want your car to be the bee's knees.


I recommend taking a deep breath, stepping back, and after seriously considering your financial situation, make a detailed gameplan of what you can afford to do, and how you're going to do it, Not to dissuade you from sharing your ideas, but you need to walk before you can run.

Your mod list is about 5x the value of the car already, and several of the things are uncharted territory, requiring a great deal more research and labour. Thinking big is cool, but you have to be realistic.

[Funtington]

i'm assuming this is your first car, and you're really excited to get modding. You've probably seen all sorts of cool stuff and want your car to be the bee's knees.


i recommend taking a deep breath, stepping back, and after seriously considering your financial situation, make a detailed gameplan of what you can afford to do, and how you're going to do it, not to dissuade you from sharing your ideas, but you need to walk before you can run.

your mod list is about 5x the value of the car already, and several of the things are uncharted territory, requiring a great deal more research and labour. Thinking big is cool, but you have to be realistic.

this boat is real.

[KürBFèéleR]

Kartikeya,and funtington are probably right...........but prove them wrong!

[kaidotech]

I wouldn't bother with the cougar swap. There are much better engine options that can be easily adapted to that chassis. If I were looking for a swap to go into a focus I'd be torn between the Mazdaspeed 3's turbo powerhouse, a Ford Motorsport crate motor, and a genuine Cosworth lump. Any of these would give you a better supported drive line platform from a performance standpoint.

THIS.

Also I highly approve of stanced Fords so I cant wait to see this. Also if you're not aware, join up on a site like Focalize or Focaljet to get some professional Focus tips/help. They can steer you towards parts, and cheap mods for the car.

[i.irwin1988]

First off, this is not my first car, I have had 4 previous vehicles including an S10 that was bagged, 1 92 nissan 240sx hatch that I did an rb25 swap into, 1 89 nissan 180sx that was a project 2jzge swap and a few cars that I flipped quick for the purpose of making money off of cars that I got for a deal. I am aware that I am jumping in pretty deep on this one because it will be my daily driver for quite a while but I just can't stand the Zetec... I am already getting ready to order my coilovers this coming friday. I am leaning towards some racelands so that I can keep the cost down on them for now until I eventually pick up an air ride kit for it (thinking about waiting for the air ride kit to go into the 96 accord wagon that I have sitting under a tarp). I have not spent alot of time researching the swaps more than just a google search and asking around because working 60 hours a week in the shop has been leaving me on dead empty. I am starting this build asap and want to get it right so I greatly appreciate all of the feedback I am getting considering this is the first domestic swap and build I have done myself. I hope to have more news to post soon. Thanks

[kartikeya]

but prove them wrong!

Word... would be cool as shit if you did.

[RXTurner21]

Welcome and congrats on the purchase.

I like your ideas but try to avoid the v6 cougar swap. it has been done before and isnt really that great.

the previous suggestions of a mazda speed turbo motor or anything else is a better option. even a 2.0 duratec or 2.3l duratec would be a better decision if you just **** the Zetec. Even if you look at the statistics o those stock engines.

just do some research before you go order that cougar engine....

Good luck and have fun with it.