Focus V-8
FORD FOCUS V8
CONVERSION FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CONVERSIONS:
Q: Which Ford engine will work for this conversion?
A: Ford part #M-6007-B51 5.0L / 302 320HP or Ford part #M-6007-XE3 5.0L/302 345HP; these are new crate engine assemblies less manifold and carburetor. This engine set up is preferred because of the short water pump. If an older engine is used the short serpentine belt and water pump kit must be used – part #M-8501-A50.
Q: What about transmission?
A: Ford part #M-7003-Z T5 speed transmission. If you want automatic a C-4 transmission will work.
Q: What rear axle can I use?
A: Ford part #M4006-B373 8.8″ Mustang axle. This rear end is out of a Mustang 5.0 and goes in unaltered (it doesn’t have to be narrowed). We re-drilled the 5-bolt pattern to the Focus 4 bolt pattern and used the Focus wheels.
Q: Will stock exhaust manifolds work?
A: No. We have special headers in our parts list.
Q: If I use a standard transmission do I use my original hydraulic clutch stuff?
A: No. We have converted to a cable operated manual clutch set up.
Q: Since this was originally a front wheel drive, what goes on with the front end?
A: We originally thought this would be a major hurdle, but this conversion – although complicated in thought – worked out to be a fairly simple operation. We retained the original struts, brakes, springs and lower a-arms. The original suspension crossmember had to be modified by cutting it in half, removing the center portion and installing a rectangular tube between the two halves.
The original rear steer rack will be replaced with a new Mustang front steer rack & pinion and mounted to the new crossmember. We sell this suspension crossmember on an exchange basis. The next modification is the hub & spindle assemblies. We have a front steer & hub modification kit, which includes a spud that replaces the original splined drive and a bolt on billet aluminum front steer conversion which retains all the stock geometry and correct akerman angle. There is also rack & pinion steering extension kits that must be used.
Q: How much work is involved with the whole set up?
A: The kit is all bolt in – no welding. That’s a hard one to answer depending on your skill level. If a person was able to work on the project full time, I would estimate between 100 to 150 hours.
Q:How much would it cost me?
A: That is even harder to answer. A first class conversion with new parts is about $30,000.00. The conversion parts, less engine, transmission and rear end purchased from us would cost about $10,000.00. That would include the bolt in engine cradle and transmission mounts, modified suspension crossmember, front steer & hub modification kit, sway bars, rack & pinion steering, alternator and bracket, clutch kit, steering shaft kit, rack & pinion extension kit, transmission cover, headers, rear end crossmember, 4-Bar kit and shocks & springs.
This kit has been designed to be installed as a bolt in so the average person with some mechanical skills could do the conversion at home. There are holes to be drilled and some metal trimming here and there. The crossmember and brackets are installed in place using original boltholes for placement. Pre-drilled holes in all brackets are then used as drill pilots for a simple installation procedure.
Q: Have you used any other engine for the conversion?
A: Yes, we now have a kit for the 4.6L 4-cam Cobra Mustang engine and we will soon be looking at the single overhead cam engine.
LINKS
FOCUS V-8 PRICE LIST
Download our latest Focus V-8 conversion price list for up-to-date pricing information.
-> Click to Download -> 2022 Focus Retail Price Sheet
CONVERSION PARTS
Our conversion parts are available for use with push-rod style 5.0-liter motors or the newer Ford Mod-Motor V8s with overhead cams.
ENGINE CRADLES
V81002M – (Mod Motors) Bolt-in engine cradle, frame supports & transmission crossmember – $1,560.00
V81002 – Bolt-in engine cradle, frame supports & transmission crossmember – $1,560.00
*5.0L Engine cradle & suspension crossmember shown installed here.
REAR END INSTALLATION KITS
V81030 zx3 – 8.8 ford rear end installation kit – includes: upper & lower 4 bars with bolt on frame brackets, bolt in upper coilover shock crossmember and lower shock brackets, all hardware included, (does not include rear axle) – $2,450.00
| V81017 zx3 – 8.8 ford rear end installation kit – includes: upper & lower 4 bars with bolt on frame brackets, bolt in upper coilover shock crossmember and lower shock brackets, all hardware included, (does not include rear axle) – $2,450.00 |
| V81017B – Wagon 8.8 ford rear end installation kit – includes: upper & lower 4 bars with bolt on frame brackets, bolt in upper coilover shock crossmember and lower shock brackets, all hardware included, (does not include rear axle) – $2,450.00 |
| V81030B – Wagon 8.8 ford rear end installation kit – includes same items as above – $2,450.00 |
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS BARS
V81003 – (Push Rod 302) Suspension crossmember with rack & pinion steering mount – $1,300.00
V81003M – (Mod motors) Suspension crossmember with rack & pinion steering mount – $1,300.00
SWAY BARS
V81019 – Rear sway bar – $725.00
V81005 – Front sway bar – $725.00
ADDITIONAL PARTS AND BRACKETS
V81002P – Pan conversion 4.6l from rear sump to front sump & pick up mod ($100.00 core charge) exchange – $850.00
V81018 – Rear coil over shocks & springs – $875.00
V81102 – 5.0L Headers – $850.00
V81020P – 4.6 Modular Headers – $850.00
V81015 – Transmission cover – $200.00
V81006P – Rack & pinion steering – power – $975.00
V81006M – Rack & pinion steering – manual – $595.00
V81013 – Rack & pinion steering extension kit – $425.00
V81012M – Steering shaft, u-joint & floor mount – manual – $615.00
V81012P – Steering shaft, u-joint & floor mount – power – $615.00
V81009A – Alternator bracket – $195.00
V81009 – Power steering pump with serpentine pulley – $460.00
V81004 – Front steer conversion & hub modification kit – $735.00
V81007 – Air conditioning compressor (gm style) with serpentine pulley – $610.00
V81007B – Air conditioning compressor bracket & adjuster bar – $290.00
V81007D – Air conditioning delete pulley kit – $305.00
*V81014D serpentine belt for 1007D – $85.00
V81008 – 130 amp single wire alternator with serpentine pulley – $360.00
V81009B – Alternator/Power steering bracket – $305.00
V81010 – Clutch cable & bracket – $309.00
V81002B – High performance interlock engines & trans mounts – $325.00
500 – Focus engine cover kit for
(stock focus 4 cyl 2000-2003) – $100.00
V81022 – Rear floor pan – $160.00
515 – Focus zx3 door sill kit – $100.00
Not Pictured * V81014 – serpentine belt – $85.00