In Progress- Project Ford SVT Focus V8

I have the attention span of a 5yr old :grinyes:
While I was detailing the engine bay on my Focus(just hit 15K in 9months!) I realized that I never bought the Revell SVTF kit for my RS8 project...so I went out and got one today! What a mess.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/133284mess.jpg
I got so excited I tore into it right away to do some mock-ups for the Cobra engine/drivetrain/rear suspension.
The Datsun will be done soon, I promise.
My goal for this project has somewhat changed. I can't duplicate the RS8, I don't want to sacrifice a good Tamiya kit just for those fenders and bumpers. So I thought about making the ATI SVTF, the one in SCC magazine with a full, '03 supercharged engine and IRS setup in back. It's silver with a red int, just like my 1:1, so I'm happy building it!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/133284rearsilver.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/133284int.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/133284scv8.jpg
It actually fits under the stock hood!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/133284rs8engine.jpg
This is a pic of the RS8 engine bay, the Revell Cobra comes with a very convincing plenum with similar castings as the "cammer".
Test fitting without plenum:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/133284noplenum.jpg
With similar plenum:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/133284corrrectplenum.jpg
With other kit-supplied plenum:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/133284otherplenumn.jpg
I plan on detailing the engine with wiring but that's about it.
It's kind of neat how the 1:25 scale Focus needs the same mods as the 1:1 for this drivetrain to fit...the tranny tunnel needs to be clearanced, new mounts made, and the rear susp is a headache:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/133284v8IRS.jpg
Hear you'll notice that the IRS setup require the gas tank/spare well to be removed. I want to run the xhaust the same way, and have it exit through the same stock location!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/133284IRSmods.jpg
The kit supplied wheels are cool, but the tires look too skinny. I really like these SSR wheels, anyone make a 1/24 17" wheel like these:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/13328403focus16969-A.JPG
I'm actually torn on Black or silver for body color. This v8 Focus looks killer with the Euro bumpers and Taillamps. Here's the engine, a single cam:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/13328403focus16969-B.JPG
For brakes I'll be using Fujimi/Brembo drillled rotors. The chassis will get fuel/brake lines and the int, most likely stock.
Well, that's the start of my crazy project, stay tuned!

Cool project, glad your happy building it !!!
Mike :cool:

Iv'e seen a single cam V8 Focus in Bilsport (That's Car sport in swedish) some time ago, what a car! Great project, keep us posted on the progress.

Niclas

Sweet project!

This is a promissing project, good luck on it, and keep us updated! im very interested in this very well.

Thats awsome. I never knew a V8 could fit under a focus hood like that! Chassis looks good so far(what is the CF on it for?

If your tires are too shiny you can spray them with a dullcoat to make them look like real rubber and not vinyl

Great project!!

Damn you!! I had plans on doing one!

Yours is looking great, Can't wait to see it finished!!

Nice project! As for the wheels, the ones that come closest to being like those are the Buddy Club P1 Racing Wheel by Fujimi. I dont think the lip comes polished so i think your going to have to do that yourself. http://www.hlj.com/scripts/hljpage.cgi?FUJ19233

looks to be a promising build. that cobra motor looks right at home in that RS8

That's a nice project you've got here. So will it be propulsion or 4wd ?

Cool. Nice project, I'm very interested. But, I've got some questions as to how well the chassis will hold up to a powerful torquey V8 seeing as it has subframes, and is a unibody car. Wouldn't it twist the entire car?

Looking Good.

This will be one sweet project! I want the Ford Racing V8 kit for my 1:1 Focus. :p Are you going to keep a stock SVT body? Makes it the ultimate sleeper.

Cool. Nice project, I'm very interested. But, I've got some questions as to how well the chassis will hold up to a powerful torquey V8 seeing as it has subframes, and is a unibody car. Wouldn't it twist the entire car?
If I recall correctly from the article, they reinforced the body significantly. If you look at the undercarraige pic, I think you can see the frame rails that they installed.

Cool project! Does the V8 with the plenums fit under the hood on the model as well? Is that rear subframe from the Focus of scrounged from another kit? Why not run the pipes straight out the back for an extra half horse power? (Joke) Will this thing handle like a beast with all that engine ahead of the wheels? This is going to be a mad, mad project. I can't wait to see the long stripes of rubber it will leave on the pavement.

StephenDeli: It's not CF you see on the bare chassis, that's stock textured heat sheilding for the exhaust.

Gt-Alex: It will be RWD

86_SR5: Good point, but as far as I know every single Mustang beginning with the Fox-bodies up 'til now has been uni-body, with subframes. So if they can handle it, why can't a Focus:naughty: And with those uni-body chassis they typically weld in subframe connectors, same thing going on here with the Focus! Mustangman man is right, they re-inforced the rear cradle and fabbed a beefier front subfame.

Mustangman25: I am so going to keep it stock on the outside! First, I hate aftermarket body kits, second, the kit-supplied "racing" bumpers are hideous!
Sleeper is the word.

Will: If the plenum doesn't fit, I'll make it! The rear IRS cradle is from the SVT Cobra, I'm using the upper/lower control arms from the same kit. The exhaust has to be run into the stock location...I want it to look like my stock SVTF, so no one will no what's really under the hood!
As far as handling...The RS8 has a live-axle rear end, and I beleive it was setup mostly for track events/drag racing. I can't imaging the f/r weight distribution being in favor of road racing. That being said, the ATI s/c'd Focus with and IRS impressed drivers with its handling. Straight-line traction was a joke. They put 5 people in it and it still spun the wheels!