This bold Ford V-8 swap demonstrates dedicated focus

By Sajeev Mehta / Hagerty.com
For the reason that heyday of the flathead V-8, Ford aftermarket fanatics have discovered a approach to stall eight cylinders of glory in nearly each Blue Oval product: Flathead V-8s in Mannequin Ts, small blocks in every little thing from Mannequin As to Pintos, Coyote swaps in Fox-body Mustangs and trendy Godzilla swaps that are actually sprinkled on the sting of the field. ‘Web of FoMoCo. Even Ford himself insisted on pushing a V-8 into the third-generation Taurus, creating the 1996 Taurus SHO.
So what occurred when the venerable escort’s international substitute entered the automotive scene? You’d higher consider that just a few avid V-8 American Ford lovers had been eager to commerce in to make the Focus international platform loads spicier than bland meat and potatoes.
Whereas this V-8 engine is the star, the spotlight of this bold 2003 Focus hatchback conversion is the customized work designed by Kugel Komponents, together with the closely concerned switcheroo that transforms this humble low-traction low-traction hatchback. in a back- drive the sleeper. This instance, listed on Convey a Trailer and bidding at $ 7,070 on the time of writing, with three days left to public sale, options Ford’s Windsor V-8. After all, different Foci V-8s on the market within the Ether use Ford’s modular V-8 and even Chevy’s LS sequence (gasp) beneath their hood. Whereas the vendor of this venture claims {that a} “Cobra consumption manifold” was used, it’s truly the GT-40 consumption designed completely for the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer. (A distinction with out distinction which, furthermore, does nothing to decrease the sheer insanity of a V-8 Focus.)

The air con doesn’t work which makes the inside of this automotive nonetheless particular because of the quantity left untouched. Take a look at the unique seats, airbags, gauges and even the unique Ford Audiophile stereo! After watching the video, I think that the manufacturing unit SVT tachometer could not have been transformed to learn the heartbeat of an eight-cylinder engine, however the clear look is healthier than an aftermarket tachometer connected to it. the Focus steering column. Actually, the one noticeable change I could make is a distinct bellows and shift knob for the Tremec gearbox. Very nice, a lot sleep.

The rear of the Focus would not even have an exhaust system or gasoline tank, which implies gasoline must be added by (fastidiously) filling the gasoline cell contained in the carpeted tailgate. . The exhaust exits the entrance bumper by way of reverse exhaust manifolds, that are begging for a rumble-killing twin-turbo conversion to make that Focus sleeper downright comatose… till you hit the exhausting pedal.

There isn’t any doubt that this automotive is the results of appreciable work and cubic cash, particularly with the applying of Ford’s Orange Fury paint. The colour appears factory-like and works properly with the Focus SVT wheels and bumpers. The entire package deal is simply an unlikely scorching rod properly carried out. How a lot of the conversion price will probably be recovered within the remaining provide? We’ll have to attend till the public sale clock runs out, however such a singular automotive is certain to draw its fair proportion of curious prospects.
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