I don't want to quote the
whole message, so I'll post the important bits and try to respond... here goes... (deep breath)
Dan Nixon:
1) Just now getting experience with 3L; problems with A/F, etc.
2) Not clear if 2.5L or 3L heads best.
3) Optimal TB, intake manifold & exhaust undetermined.
All of that R&D could be done by the time I begin. If not, a number of the problems above can be solved with a little basic mathematics (that I haven't done yet; don't ask. :))
4) TURBO 3L. Trimetal bearings, enhanced crank, forged rods/pistons, girdle, oiling & cooling system modifications, custom CPU programming required.
I know, I know... I realize that a little (*cough*) internal build-up is required and I did post the list ahead of some serious reading... so I was (to say the least) "unaware" of parts such as bearings and girdles as parts to be strengthened. To my credit (I hope, anyway) I
was aware that the crank, rods, pistons, oiling and cooling needed to be 'beefed up.'
6) Using the ATX. No high-PO ATX. Stock ATX will not 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.
I have two spare MTX75s and a CD4E that I play with (junkyards are a great resource for parts).
I've got a few books that I've got my nose in regarding these transmissions specifically and a few 'in-general' books on transmissions/transaxles also... Needless to say, I like to arm myself with all of the information I can get my hands on before I dabble... and I'm prepared to handle the unexpected problems should there be any.
8) No info exists on the effect of what may be 400+HP on driveshafts, bearings & other running gear. High probability of new problems.
9) No info exists on streetability. Chassis & brakes need major work. Possibly rollcage to stiffen things up for 400-500 HP. Moderate probability of major structural issues.
12) Rough estimate $20-25K. The majority will not ever be recouped if you sell.
Driveshaft? I thought those were only applicable to RWD cars. Am I mistaken?
Rollcage? 500HP? Just from a 3L/turbo and a new intake/exhaust?
Anyways... on the pricetag, I'm expecting about $12k (minus wheels/tires/suspension and other little things). I'm going on about $8K saved now, so it won't be long.. I just hope Hightower's TC will be available for tinkering and that others will be doing the same things ahead of me...
You can't 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.
Well... like I said... I'm doing what I see as the most I can... I'm reading, talking, listening, etc. to the pros and hopefully that information and a little experience with a 2.5L Duratec and MTX-75/CD4E teardown and rebuild will be enough to get me 'over the speedbumps.'
No, I'm not a 'rich man of leisure who loves his Tour', but I do have a means and an end.
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.
2) Do all the phase I & II stuff to it I outlined before.
3) $2500 for a "bulldog box Mark III MTX75" with Quaife LSD to Terry Haines. This has tranny cooler & strengthening upgrades that will give you your best chance of tranny survival at big power.
4) $600 to Driveshafts.com or whatever that comapany is for high strength half shafts.
5) 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.
6) Wait for Chris Hightowers turbo kit with the intercooler.
7) Have Terry Haines or another pro 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.
1) I'm looking at that (trading for a CSVT). I'll really miss the grille and those sharp hood lines, though.
2/3) I'm doing the intake/exhaust no matter what route I go; what I do with them is the only variable. From what I know, a 'bulldog box' and LSD goes without saying in a high-HP application.
I've had problems with wheel-hop and I'm (mostly) stock!
4) Strengthened drive/half-shafts are something I thought were unavailable and I don't know of any way to get a custom job done. Driveshafts.com huh?
5) SHO trimetal bearings is another something I was unaware of. On the damper, the latest I've heard is that the Cougar's "dual-mode" damper is preferable. Rods and pistons are another something that goes without saying, but at 8.5:1? Is that kind of a drop really neccesary for 6-8psi (have I mentioned I have no turbo experience/knowledge? :))? The Accusump is something I've been looking at since I saw it in the BAT catalog and the Apexi S-AFC I think still isn't being used yet.. is it?
6/7) Turbo w/ intercooler is the route I'm going and if I didn't do all or part of this myself, I was hoping to hand it to Mr. Haines since his 'shop' is closer than I'd hoped.
Well, again... Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without CEG. The majority of the engineers and mechanics I've spoken with don't take the Contour seriously (understandably) and my 'car buff' friends and family don't really have the know-how or interest to assist me with something like this.
Hope this wasn't too long,
.RMk..
