Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Forced Induction Turboing my focus swap

There are flasher versions or chip versions. The flasher tune was $50 cheaper last time I had it done but it is permanent unless you have the software. That may be a good thing though. It means you'll never have connection issues with the chip.

Closest one is in WA other then a ford dealer which I will have to call. I would prefer the permanent tune over a chip. Thanks for the link I will see what the dealer says.

Ok I moved the battery to the trunk using 2awg welding wire with pre fitted ends so it looks really heavy duty/clean. I also installed a vac/boost gauge.

Exhaust manifold has been finished. Now it is a direct bolt on between the head and turbo. The exhaust points in the right direction too I am thinking the modified factory focus manifold should flow better then a log style turbo manifold. I welded all of the exterior head flange to header pipe joints to add some strength and seriously reinforced the area between the turbo flange and head flange so that I don't have to worry about having enough support to hold the turbo. I ordered a new turbo center section because even with new bearings my turbo still has a lot of side to side play so the journals are just too worn out. I have 6 different silicone couplings now all straight pieces some that adapt different pipe sized and I picked up some intercooler piping from a few volvos. One piece is a perfect fit to hold the IAT sensor and elbow into the throttle body.

OK I installed the oil catch can/seperator using the same method that SLeeperz did and it looks really good. Thanks again for the how-to on that sleeperz I also installed the PCV for a 88 thunderbird turbo 2.3. I bought it from the dealer because all of the aftermarket ones would blow both ways while the factory one acted like a one wya valve which should prevent/reduce boost from entering the crank case. I ordered one step colder copper plugs from the dealer today only $4 a piece. I think I need to set them at .040 for the turbo? Any recommendations on oil? I used Mobil one tri-synthetic on my turbo neon and it seamed to work the best. I am going to get a guy from school to re-work the end tanks on my intercooler so that they point in the right direction to reduce the need for multiple bends.

I use mobile i synthetic, not sure if it's tri-synth or whatever, 5w-30. I have mine gapped around .04, but it depends on how much boost and if your ignition is weak. I had them down to .030 under nitrous and there were still a few misfires. At least .045 and see how it goes.

Seawulf thanks So my coil is practically new with only 9k miles on it now think I should be ok with .04? Also correct me if I am wrong but the smaller the gap the the colder then plug is in a way correct? Also too small of a gap and the plug won't fire becasue the flame will get snuffed out? Thanks.

No, too small a gap won't cause a misfire I think. My gap at .30 was misfiring because it was still too wide and the cylinder pressure and fuel mix was still blowing out the spark at a few spots in the rev band. I was running a fuel mix of high 10s. I heard of one Focus needing a gap 0f .025 at around 200whp cause it's coil was weak. I don't know about that smaller equals colder.

I thought a smaller gap was to avoid spark blowout, which is more prone to larger gapped plugs?