“Mostly stock” is one of those phrases used in vehicle sales that throws up red flags, because it indicates that while most things look alright, something was messed with. If they can’t point out the modifications to you quickly, like wheels or an aftermarket radio system, then it’s pretty much time to run. But in the case of this particular 2000 Ford Focus, don’t bolt just yet.
On the surface it looks like one of the cleanest Focus ZX3’s on the planet sitting on Focus SVT wheels. Nice, but it’s nothing that most enthusiast would actively chase and the wheels aren’t quite enough to warrant relief from “mostly stock”. No, there’s something else going on in this situation. Look closer. The dual pipes are new, but look tastefully done. Is that a tach? What are those other gauges on the dash? What’s going on here?
Here’s the ruse: This Focus is a V8 swap car that was performed by Tees Customs in Florida in 2003 using components from Kugel Komponents, the company that innovated the Focus V8 swap. The combination consists of a GT-40 headed 302ci crate motor hooked to a built-to-kill C4 automatic, which sends power out to the 8.8 rear axle. The pictures show a well-done conversion and the owner is listing everything that was used in the build of this car in the eBay listing with prices, which is a nice touch. The Focus used was a lightly-used 90,000 mile car at the time of conversion, and it’s only seen 2,000 miles since then, all to car shows. The paint looks excellent and what we can see of the interior appears to be in factory original shape.
Here’s the actual by-cost list posted in the eBay ad:
Great example of a “no expense spared” Focus V8 conversion for a fraction of the original investment.
All top of the line parts (details to follow). Car was built by Tee’s custom in Florida in 2003. It was their 8th conversion and a plaque from Tees is included. Google “Focus V8 Tees”. In the photos, Feb 2003, you can see my Dad (his project) top row third from right. Plus you can see the car in other photos.
Excellent Show Car. Little tuning should get you in the high 12’s if you want a drag racer. Real Sleeper, until you hear it. Attention getter wherever it goes. I have invested $34000 ($5200 in original car and $22300 in parts, $6500 initial conversion labor). I am moving on to another project, low reserve.
Original car had 90K light highway miles. It was a 2000 purchased in the fall of 2002. The body and interior are all stock and in excellent condition. All original paint no dings no scratches, not even a hint of rust anywhere. A couple easy years on the road in Florida and has been in a garage year round since conversion. Never raced, only local car shows. Cloth interior, roll up windows, AM FM cassette,
Engine
Ford Crate Motor, 5 Liter GT-40 340 HP M6007-XB3, $4,545
Edelbrock Air Gap intake manifold $289
Quick Fuel Hot Rod Series 580 CFM Carb. $389
Crane Cams HI-6 Ignition and Coil $250
Mallory Distributor $200
Aluminum Valve covers (COBRA powered by ford) $220
Total engine $5873
Transmission and Rear end
C4 Transmission Roller Bearing Steel Shaft, Fully manual reverse valve body, BM Hammer Shifter, High Stall Converter, Blow up Proof Bell Housing, Deep Sump Pan. Drive shaft loop $2,400
Ford 8.8 Rear End, 3.55 gears, Traction Lock, Aluminum cover, disc brake kit $1,500
Total Transmission and rear end $3900
Other Parts
SVT Wheels, Toyo Proxes RA1 235/45 ZR 17 , (low Miles) $1100
2nd set of tires and wheels included
Aluminum Fuel Cell $200
plastic fuel cell included
External manual “kill switch” $150
Ford Racing Tach $250
Electronic Speedo and fuel gauge, $150
Oil Pressure –Voltage-water temp cluster. $75
Ford Racing floor mats $70
Total other parts $1995
Grand total Engine, Trans, Rear End, and other $ 11,768
All conversion components from Kugel Komponents. (google kugelkomponents)
V81002 – Bolt-in engine cradle, frame supports & transmission crossmember – $1,376.00
V81030 zx3 – 8.8 ford rear end installation kit – includes: upper & lower 4 bars with bolt on frame brackets, bolt in upper coilover shock crossmember and lower shock brackets, all hardware included, (does not include rear axle) – $1,632.00
V81003 – (Push Rod 302) Suspension crossmember with rack & pinion steering mount – $1056.00
V81019 – Rear sway bar – $512.00
V81005 – Front sway bar – $512.00
V81018 – Rear coil over shocks & springs – $755.00
V81102 – 5.0L Headers – $640.00
V81006P – Rack & pinion steering – power – $704.00
V81013 – Rack & pinion steering extension kit – $330.00
V81012P – Steering shaft, u-joint & floor mount – power – $512.00
V81009A – Alternator bracket – $165.00
V81009 – Power steering pump with serpentine pulley – $415.00
V81007 – Air conditioning compressor (gm style) with serpentine pulley – $480.00
V81004 – Front steer conversion & hub modification kit – $704.00
V81007B – Air conditioning compressor bracket & adjuster bar – $192.00
V81009B – Alternator/Power steering bracket – $255.00
V81008 – 130 amp single wire alternator with serpentine pulley – $288.00
Total Conversion parts $10,528
The owner is honest and upfront about the cost of the build as he’s probably trying to recover some of that money, and we can’t blame him a bit. While spending that kind of coin on making the little green jellybean roar like the Incredible Hulk might be a little hard to take, the heavy lifting is done: You’re buying a fresh V8 Focus. Cruise effortlessly with almost no throttle input during the day, go screw with anyone you please at the stoplight drags at night. Three words, folks: Drag Week 2015. Just saying…
Click here to see the eBay listing for this Focus while it’s available!
(Courtesy: Bring A Trailer)