Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Possible 5.0 liter Swap/T5 trans

Thats a good idea, and I had similiar ideas to that.

But how would one go about doing so?

The way I am thinking now is a 5.0 mated to a MTX75.

But I do not think that they bolt up, and I would probably have to get some custom plates to do so. How would one go about doing this? That is the question I am researching now.

Jason,

I would bet it is not really that terribly expensive if you get the motor, trans and rear cheap. You can find wreched Mustang 5.0 LX coupe that runs for a few hundred to at the most maybe 2K. You don't need a built up motor, a stock 5.0 LX coupe would run high 14's/low 15's you can always tweek it up after it is in and running. Probably another 3-5K maybe in parts unless you can fabricate your own it could be less.

If they can put a 5.0 and T5 with a 8.8" Mustang Rear in a Focus why couldn't the same be possible for the slightly larger Contour. Hell the Focus kit is almost BOLT-IN!

http://www.kugelkomponents.com/focus/focus.html

http://www.ford-v8-focus.com/

http://www.tcf-v8-focus-conversions.com/

FOCUS V8 Conversion FACTS
Q: Which Ford engine will work for this conversion?
A: Ford part #M-6007-B51 5.0L / 302 320HP or Ford part #M-6007-XE3 5.0L/302 345HP; these are new crate engine assemblies less manifold and carburetor. This engine set up is preferred because of the short water pump. If an older engine is used the short serpentine belt and water pump kit must be used â?? part #M-8501-A50.

Q: What about transmission?
A: Ford part #M-7003-Z T5 speed transmission. If you want automatic a C-4 transmission will work.

Q: What rear axle can I use?
A: Ford part #M4006-B373 8.8" Mustang axle. This rear end is out of a Mustang 5.0 and goes in unaltered (it doesnâ??t have to be narrowed). We re-drilled the 5-bolt pattern to the Focus 4 bolt pattern and used the Focus wheels.

Q: Will stock exhaust manifolds work?
A: No. We have special headers in our parts list.

Q: If I use a standard transmission do I use my original hydraulic clutch stuff? A: No. We have converted to a cable operated manual clutch set up.

Q: Since this was originally a front wheel drive, what goes on with the front end?
A: We originally thought this would be a major hurdle, but this conversion â?? although complicated in thought â?? worked out to be a fairly simple operation. We retained the original struts, brakes, springs and lower a-arms. The original suspension crossmember had to be modified by cutting it in half, removing the center portion and installing a rectangular tube between the two halves.

The original rear steer rack will be replaced with a new Mustang front steer rack & pinion and mounted to the new crossmember. We sell this suspension crossmember on an exchange basis. The next modification is the hub & spindle assemblies. We have a front steer & hub modification kit, which includes a spud that replaces the original splined drive and a bolt on billet aluminum front steer conversion which retains all the stock geometry and correct akerman angle. There is also rack & pinion steering extension kits that must be used.

Q: How much work is involved with the whole set up?
A: The kit is all bolt in â?? no welding. Thatâ??s a hard one to answer depending on your skill level. If a person was able to work on the project full time, I would estimate between 100 to 150 hours.

Q: How much would it cost me?
A: That is even harder to answer. Our East coast dealer in Florida (JD Motorsports 1-888-907-0477) also installs and he figures a first class conversion with new parts is about $20,000.00. The conversion parts, less engine, transmission and rear end purchased from us would cost about $5,500.00. That would include the bolt in engine cradle and transmission mounts, modified suspension crossmember, front steer & hub modification kit, sway bars, rack & pinion steering, alternator and bracket, clutch kit, steering shaft kit, rack & pinion extension kit, transmission cover, fuel tank, headers, rear end crossmember, 4-Bar kit and shocks & springs.

This kit has been designed to be installed as a bolt in so the average person with some mechanical skills could do the conversion at home. There are holes to be drilled and some metal trimming here and there. The crossmember and brackets are installed in place using original boltholes for placement. Pre-drilled holes in all brackets are then used as drill pilots for a simple installation procedure.

Q: Have you used any other engine for the conversion?
A: Yes, we now have a kit for the 4.6L 4-cam Cobra Mustang engine and we will soon be looking at the single overhead cam engine.

Scott

my buddy has a RWD focus with a 351 in it. all you need is a ford 9" rear end which you can get cheap and then just find you an old muffstain. (Opps I ment mustang) and you will be set.... just about 900 hours of work inbetween all that.

THAT will never happen...you would blow the tranny to bits pulling out of your driveway second off, you would never get it to mate up.

Yea I'm not sweatin the RWD aspect as much as finding a transmission that will work with the 5.0 and not give me problems about a conversion to RWD. And I was considering the Roush prepped mtx-75 not a stock!

Are you bloody serious.

Dude you're on crack!

How the hell will you fit the 5.0L in the Contour engine bay sideways AND mate up a MTX-75 tranny to it? Plus, a iron block engine like the 5.0L weighs a ton, compared to the Duratec which would make the car handle like a shrimp boat if somehow you got this brainfart of yours to work!

I doubt you ever even seen a 5.0, because if you did, you'd realise that what your suggesting is totally ludicrous.

PS - what's a "Roush prepped" MTX75 - I've never heard of it - did they make those from Unobtainium?

Rousch prepped MTX-75 Group Buy

The guy is just looking into it and asking and stuff - that's why he's posting.

I don't think asking him if he's on crack and such is necessary.