"I'm just trying to get everything straight before I dive in head-first... I don't like unexpected set-backs (who does?)."
RMk, not trying to give you a hard time but your "project" is likely to be FULL of unexpected setbacks. Why, because it covers ALOT of uncharted ground. A record I believe in the history of the 4000 + members of the CEG for plans of breaking new ground.
1) People are just now getting some experience with the 3L. Several person having problems with A/F, etc. Not clear if 2.5L or 3L heads best. Optimal t. body, intake manifold & exhaust undetermined.
2) Now you want a TURBO 3L. None in existance. Only talk. No 3L S/C in existance except for a Cougar Showcar. Very expensive internal mods likly required ( trimetal bearings, enhanced crank, forged rods & pistons, girdle, oiling, & cooling system modifications, custom CPU programming) Very high probability of numerous problems to be solved. Not a job for amateurs or even moderatly skilled to be the first without a guide.
3) Using the ATX. No high po Contour ATX in existance. Most agree low probablity that stock ATX will hold up to big power increase. No info exists as to how to beef it up = expensive job for pros & still may well have problems that no one has encountered.
4) No info exists on the effect of what may be 400 + HP on Contour driveshafts, bearings & other running gear. High probability of new problems.
5) No info exists on streetability of this combo. may have so much tourque steer as to be unsafe - actually probably will IMHO.
6) The chassis & brakes will need major work. Possibly rollcage to stiffen things up for 400-500 HP. Only racers have done this - moderate probability of major structural issues.
7) Rough estimate $20-25K or take 5K. The majority will not ever be recouped if you sell.
You cannot get everything straight before you dive into this one because its all new. You will be forced to "learn the hard way". Of course, your exploits will teach us a few things at your expense, so if you REALLY have 25K to blow and ALOT of time to spare (ie you're a rich man of leisure who just loves your Tour) I say go for it. But in all honastly, you are about the 100th person on this forum to say they would build a turbo anyTour & as of today there are zero on this forum.
How about this list..
1) trade the ATX for an MTX SVT. This will give cooling & intake/ cylinder head upgrades that will benifit the turbo. Do all the phase I & II stuff to it I outlined before.
2) Give $2500 for a "Bulldog box Mark III MTX75 with Quaife LSD to Terry Haines. This has tranny cooler & strenghtening upgrades that will give you your best chance of tranny survival at big power.
3) $600 to Driveshafts.com or whatever that comapany is for high strength half shafts.
4) Save for your SHO trimetal bearings, Fisher damper, custom forged rods, Weisco forged pistons at 8.5:1 CR, Accusump oiling system, and Apexi S-AFC.
5 ) Wait for Chris Hightowers turbo kit. Get the version with the intercooler. Get Terry Haines or another pro to assemble & dyno tune the package. A similar showcar 2.5L turbo Duratec prepped by Ken Dutweiller made 450 HP. And he did not open up throttle body or manifold, port or increase valves over stock SVT & boost not too high. Without question, another 100 HP still in that motor. That is 550 HP!! Do all this, then tell me you NEED a 3L turbo & WANT an ATX.
