T5/RWD Conversion questions

[spazzcat]

In order to do a RWD conversion with a T5 transmission, I know I would need:

A conversion plate (http://www.key-ideas.com/DGKurTwo2112402Update.html) like the one sold here (http://www.quad4rods.com/Catalougue.pdf)
the actual T5 transmission
Driveshaft (not sure what else would be included here, like U-Joints, etc.)
Rear differential
New front and rear axles
Stronger suspension in the rear
Custom motor mounts (not sure how to go about this)
Custom intake & exhaust

Would I need a new steering column, rack, and pinion? Would there be any other mods I'd need to do to the steering or suspension that I left out? Any other major things I left out? I've looked at several of the Focus conversion sites and tried to gather as much info as possible, but I can't seem to find a straight list. I know this has been asked before, but no one has gotten a good answer. Any positive feedback is appreciated. I want to know EVERYTHING I would need to do this conversion, and I'm sure there are some other's interested as well.

[FastCougar]

You would need that adapter in the first link ... I just did a little digging and the Duratec to T5 bellhousing on Quad4's website is for the 2.3L I4 Duratec. 99% sure that the 2.3L's bolt pattern differs from the 2.5L V6 Duratec and 3.0L V6 Duratec and would not work. Everyone that thinks of doing this often forgets to think about finding a Lincoln LS manual tranny since it's already RWD AND has a Duratec 3.0L V6. Very few where built with this configuration and Ford stopped producing them. The newer LS 3.0L's have automatics only. As long as I was going through the hassle of a RWD conversion, I would look into a much more powerful engine to begin with. I would look to the Focus conversion for inspiration and what all is required as this have been done numerous times on a Focus.

[Spyder]

Originally posted by: FastCougar
You would need that adapter in the first link ... I just did a little digging and the Duratec to T5 bellhousing on Quad4's website is for the 2.3L I4 Duratec. 99% sure that the 2.3L's bolt pattern differs from the 2.5L V6 Duratec and 3.0L V6 Duratec and would not work. Everyone that thinks of doing this often forgets to think about finding a Lincoln LS manual tranny since it's already RWD AND has a Duratec 3.0L V6. Very few where built with this configuration and Ford stopped producing them. The newer LS 3.0L's have automatics only. As long as I was going through the hassle of a RWD conversion, I would look into a much more powerful engine to begin with. I would look to the Focus conversion for inspiration and what all is required as this have been done numerous times on a Focus.

I’m no expert on Ford V-6s but does the Duratec V-6 share the same bolt pattern as the 3.0/3.8 Vulcan V-6?

If so you could use the bellhousing from the RWD Aerostars. They’ll bolt up to the T5/A4LD/AOD-E

[Spyder]

Here you go. This guy put a 3.0 liter Duratec into his XR4ti. Check out his crazy custom intake manifold.

http://www.key-ideas.com/intake-2.jpg

http://www.key-ideas.com/DGKurTwo2-040604-Intake.html

[qkilobyteq]

hey guys a friend of mine who has a lincon ls and he is telling me that they go at 60,000 like clock work he works for a ford/lincon dealership and knows alot of things about fords is this true

[azbobbybooshay10]

If you're gonna do RWD conversion, get at least a 5.0 V8. It would be slightly better to do this, since they are already built to go together. I have seen a few 5.0 Focus's (or is it Foci????), and one with a 351 Windsor. Damn, it was impressive. I'm sure he has those pesky Honda twits sh!tting themselves when they rev at him at lights!

[qkilobyteq]

Originally posted by: azbobbybooshay10
If you're gonna do RWD conversion, get at least a 5.0 V8. It would be slightly better to do this, since they are already built to go together. I have seen a few 5.0 Focus's (or is it Foci????), and one with a 351 Windsor. Damn, it was impressive. I'm sure he has those pesky Honda twits sh!tting themselves when they rev at him at lights!

would that even fit in our cars? or would there be a alot of modding needing to be done

[Rozwell911CSVT]

Originally posted by: Spyder

Originally posted by: FastCougar
You would need that adapter in the first link ... I just did a little digging and the Duratec to T5 bellhousing on Quad4's website is for the 2.3L I4 Duratec. 99% sure that the 2.3L's bolt pattern differs from the 2.5L V6 Duratec and 3.0L V6 Duratec and would not work. Everyone that thinks of doing this often forgets to think about finding a Lincoln LS manual tranny since it's already RWD AND has a Duratec 3.0L V6. Very few where built with this configuration and Ford stopped producing them. The newer LS 3.0L's have automatics only. As long as I was going through the hassle of a RWD conversion, I would look into a much more powerful engine to begin with. I would look to the Focus conversion for inspiration and what all is required as this have been done numerous times on a Focus.

I’m no expert on Ford V-6s but does the Duratec V-6 share the same bolt pattern as the 3.0/3.8 Vulcan V-6?

If so you could use the bellhousing from the RWD Aerostars. They’ll bolt up to the T5/A4LD/AOD-E


No Duratec is a porsche design that Ford screwed up, and is built using the Cosworth casting process.

the vulcan is fords old skool push rod motor........2 completly diffrent beasts.

Im sure with money it could be made to work.

Lupe

[azbobbybooshay10]

If they can put a 5.0 in a Focus ZX3, then I can't see why not in a Cougar. All i can say is, good luck! I'm pulling for this one to get done!!

BTW, the T-5 tranny is good for around 350 hp. Over that and you will wanna get a TREMEC instead. Its a pretty common swap with 5.0 Mustang's, so it shouldn't be too much different. I believe with TREMEC's, it is as follows:

Tremec 3550 requires a special bell housing
Tremec TKO requires a special bell housing and a special clutch, which are both available.

[spazzcat]

i'm currently saving money for this project. i've decided to go with a v-8. not sure which one i will use because of the limited space, but if i'm gonna go through all the trouble of doing the conversion, i'm sure i can make room. i've seen it done before, so i know it is not impossible

[Topik]

True but some time making room might mean removing power steering unit or AC unit all together which will kind of make the car undriveable.