True GRM fashion. The build thread is starting for my new project before it's in my possession. Picking up this 2007 Ford Focus SE with the fancy sport appearance package (SAP) bumpers. 2.0 Duratec. The car has 149k miles and has to be a southern transplant. Pennsylvania rust free except for the parts that aren't.
Purchase price is $600 because it has a bad auto transmission. What's the plan? Manual swap for cheap. Add SVT goodies as appropriate, then 2.5 swap. Hence the "big block" reference.
Why this project after selling the last project? Because reasons. This thing is cheap. Parts are cheap, and I need a winter project. Also - I've parted out about 15 SVT Focus in the last 12 years so I have parts. Lots of parts.
Much much more to come.
Heck yeah! I've always thought those were good looking cars. When i was in middle school, there was an article in Motor Trend about one of these that someone put a 5.0 SBF and make it RWD. Super rad!
budget_bandit said:
Heck yeah! I've always thought those were good looking cars. When i was in middle school, there was an article in Motor Trend about one of these that someone put a 5.0 SBF and make it RWD. Super rad!
there area few of these with various v8s and rwd running around my neck of the woods. There use to be a kit you could buy to convert them.
I'm not saying a 2.5 liter motor isn't enough, but...
Sweet! I'm in to follow. I assume the 2.5 going in is the same 2.5 used in NC miata swaps?
The only that would trump this is a long roof.
I feel "big block" swaps like this are a bit underrated.
I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. 
Scotty Con Queso said:
Why this project after selling the last project? Because reasons. This thing is cheap. Parts are cheap, and I need a winter project. Also - I've parted out about 15 SVT Focus in the last 12 years so I have parts. Lots of parts.
And because you want to race at the $2000 Challenge! Bet you can do all this under budget...
Lof8 - Andy said:
Sweet! I'm in to follow. I assume the 2.5 going in is the same 2.5 used in NC miata swaps?
Yes of the Fusion variety. There's no less than 8 of these in tbe local U Pull at any given time.
Obligatory gas station photo.
I like it. Fun and under rated cars for sure
Tease of all the parts waiting for this car. Most are getting sold but there's a lot in this picture that will go on the BBFF.
The hammer and screw driver were not kind to the BBFF. Last night I was ready to call the scrap man so I took a step back. The structure of this thing is good. Surprisingly good. Hard metal in the spots that are bad on these typically. What has to be fixed are two holes in the floor board on the passenger side. I can get to top side. Then the drivers rear arch and rocker. I wanted a project and I got one.
Big updates coming this weekend to this build saga. It does involve the purchase of yet another Focus but in the best way.
I did buy my first round of parts. A rear pair of KYB AGX shocks for around $80 shipped to me. Fall sports ends this week so I'm really looking forward to Build Season 2025/2026.
What is better than a 2007 Ford Focus with a bad automatic transmission bought for $600? Two (2) 2007 Ford Focuseses with bad automatic transmissions each bought for $600. Car 2 is a 77k mile super clean example. Like desert car clean. Story is it was owned by a little old lady who drove it to church on Sundee. New plan is to swap nice SAP bumpers from car 1 to car 2. Do basic rust repair on car 1, swap in a good auto transmission, deep clean car 1, and re-sell. Hopefully netting me a decent profit for car 1. This deal popped up and I couldn't turn it down. Now, the focus (get it?) is to get car 1 on the market as soon as I can.
Had an update typed out and my phone lost it. Great. Prepping car1 for swapping transmission. Picking up a known good transmission tonight.
Over the weekend I was able to vacuum/shampoo/pressure wash the carpet and air dry. It’s really clean now. Before pic below.
Was hoping to see a 460 swap driving the rear wheels from the title, but a 2.5 MZR ought to be a fun driver.
In reply to MadScientistMatt :
I’m working up the courage to fab some rust repair panels so that type of fabrication will have to wait.
