Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance SVT Focus header swap?......

Just thought I'd get a little discussion going. Anybody ever thought about swapping a SVT Focus header as a upgrade for the stock header? They are a common swap for Foci and the SVTF header is said to be one of the best factory or aftermarket headers yet made. I've seen a dynochart posted of a stock Focus with just an SVT header and it gained 15hp with just that mod. Our heads have the same bolt patterns, you'd just have to use the Focus exhaust gasket.

There are several problems though, with this swap and even more with swapping it to our engines. First the oil pan on the Focus is different than ours, the hump is in a different spot, but the Focus oil pan will directly bolt on to our engines. My dad bought one and is using it and my blown engine as a template for his turbo setup on his Focus.

Then you'd have to custom install it to hook up to the stock flex pipe and exhaust. You'd probably have to buy a SVT CAT and use that to help hook it up easier. It'd be a somewhat involved install. Also on Foci, it's been found to melt one of the power steering lines cause it's closer to the header on regular Foci than SVTF's. Don't know how our lines relate to the Focus. And finally the very bottom part of the header sits quite a ways from the engine and may interfere with the motor mount or radiator fans. Also if you have EGR you'd have to make that fit or remove it. You may also have to move the dip stick a bit.

It's not exactly a direct bolt-in as I origionally thought but it's been show to be one of the best headers for the Zetec. It was designed by Cosworth, and TurboTom said it was one of the best factory or aftermarket headers he's ever seen. Here's a pic from a web site that sells a conversion kit to make the SVTF header fit a stock Focus.

And one last thing. I was reading past posts on the drivability on 3" exhaust on NA Zetecs. TurboTom did a test fit of a 3" catback on a SVT Focus and found that it gained HP virtually across the entire RPM range with no losses down low. He was surprised, but said it was partially because of how good the stock header is. So theoretically, if you have a NA Zetec doing 150whp, with a SVTF header...a 3" cat back would be a good idea.

the header fitment sounds about as involved as any other header that needs to be fit on a zetec contour/cougar. Would be nice if there was a conversion kit sold for us.

15HP though off on a single header, seems a little far fetched to me, without everything else being bone stock. It can be good but THAT good?

Also, 3" exhaust? If hes got the #'s to prove I guess you can't argue it but that seems just a little overkill IMO.

but I'm not an expert by a long shot.

Just rechecked the chart and the guy said he had a 2.5" glasspack that dumped right before the rear suspension and no Cat. Here's what he said,

Quote:

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I almost forgot, the dyno was run with a dump exhaust on the car, basically 2.5" glass pack, that dups before the rear susp. Stock flexpipe though, doubt it helped any more/less than a good cat-back.

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Here's that chart.

Also, like I said, Tom installed a 3" exhaust as a test fit to see if it would fit when he turbo'd the car. He went ahead and dyno'd it and it gained HP across the board with no losses, around 5hp.

Just to throw something else out. If you install a Focus oil pan, you can then install any racing header for the Focus, no?

Did Hector install a Focus oil pan? The Focus has the exhaust channel in the pan on the opposite side as the Contour. I'm pretty sure the AC compressor is in the same place on all three cars.

One pic I did see on a Focus showed that the radiator fan shroud had to be trimmed a bit and the O2 sensor almost hits the fan blades.

The only problem with doing it on non-VCT Tours, is you'd have to adapt the SVT header for the EGR.

nope he has the stock contour pan.

what I was saying I wanted to see what the 3" cat back dyno from a stock dyno to see what the results were.... everyone says my Zetec doesn't have the power for my exaust setup case of how free flowing it is yet I know I haven't lost any power. it 2.5" going into a dynomax ultraflow muffler then split to dual straight pipes 2.25" the ultraflow is rated at 1133CFM only restriction I have is the stock manifold and the stock CAT... I'll fix that when I feel like going throught the hassle of fitting a header.

The 3" exhaust was done on a SVT Focus. I can't find it but it was like 145whp stock and 150whp with the 3". TurboTom did it because he was gonna turbo the car anyway and he owns a dyno.

Remember the SVT Focus is a much better flower from the factory than regular Zetecs, so if you were to just slap a 3" on a regular Zetec it might not give you the same gains. IF, you have mediumly modded NA Zetec doing 145+whp, then a 3" could be a benefit, IF you also have a SVT or comperably good header.

About how much does a focus oil pan cost?

yeah I know that... but that';s why I would find it interesting to see a stock Zetec tour and the one with 3" exaust to see the results

I am pretty sure (over 50% anyway) the Focus oil pan won't bolt to the Contour.
Haven't we discussed that before?
They can be bought off ebay dirt cheap if anyone wants to try.

As for the header, it has many of the same space issues and will need the same custom work as any other header.
The SVTF header has as good HP numbers, but not as good TQ numbers as a 4-2-1 race header (Kamikazee).