After finally realizing that FWD isn't worth the time and money, I bought this car. I saw the V8 swapped Focus' and decided I wanted a RWD Focus.
I've decided to go further and make the vehicle AWD for a few reasons. One being that the chassis is too small to support significant power through a mere 2 wheels. The handling of AWD is also an added benefit.
The first logical idea would to keep the engine tranversely mounted with a Jaguar X-tpye MTX75 AWD transaxle and a Jag rear end. I've decided against this mainly because of space/packaging. I've learned my lessons with compact FWD cars and will not deal with it anymore. Because of this the powertrain will be longitudinally mounted.
The powerplant will be Ford's new Duratec 3.5L V6 featuring VCT on the inlet cams. The nice thing about this engine is that it can be easily updated with TiVCT and GDI in the future. A tremec T56 from an LS1 Trans Am will back it. I have a C5 Corvette tail housing that will allow for a spacer/adapter to mate a Borg Warner 4472 viscous coupling transfer box to go inline. A Ford 8.8" IRS will go in the rear and a Ford Sierra 6.5" (for now) will go in the front.
I've been through several iterations on how to build the chassis and I've changed the course of action again. I've come to the conclusion it will be most effective to build an entire tube chassis from scratch and simply attach the body panels directly to the tube frame. This allows for more design freedom, weight reduction, and a more aesthetically appealing vehicle than a butchered unibody.
Progress will be slow as money is tight and I've schooling to finish first. I should have a final 3D drawing put up once I get familiar with engineering design software. I hope to have the engine and gearbox mated this summer (09') and I'll start accumulating steel for a frame jig.
Page 1: Plan
Page 2: Build pictures
Page 3: V6 Duratec Engine
