2001 Ford Focus SE Sedan, automatic, 177k miles. Marine Blue
Scotty, I have a 2001 Ford Focus sedan, I want to put some money into it and build an insane sleeper, is this a good frame to do this? Or would I have to buy parts besides what is required for the engine
I would not put money into a Ford Focus sedan with nearly 200k miles. It isn't worth anything and you would need to put serious money into it to make it a sleeper.
You would need, at a minimum:
1. New motor - that one won't hold up under stress
2. New transmission
3. New suspension
4. New brakes
5. Turbo or supercharger
6. FWD to RWD conversion
7. A TON of modules replaced
The list is extremely lengthy. Depending on how fast you want to go, you're looking at anything from $30k+ to get it built right, tuned, DECENTLY reliable. I mean, not a Focus. You can buy small parts if you want like an intake or exhaust (I don't recommend it) but that frame is not ideal for high horsepower applications.
The English guys Scotty is talking about do love the Focus, but they modify the hatchback version...not the sedan. And even then, it's mostly for show.
I know this sounds dumb, but even still with the money it’s worth, I’d rather pay that much for a car i actually enjoy, rather than a quick car that’s new and might be more reliable. Also is an AWD conversion a possibility? I do know for a fact after owning the car for over 18 years that basically everything in the car isn’t good, and after a lot of tiny replacements, it may be a possibility? I’m probably going to give it a shot, but even if I do, I don’t know what I should put in it. (Engine, turbo, transmission, conversion, cooler etc) I know barely anything. Is a frame replacement a thing? So it could handle more power?
You will need a thicker frame if you want to go to a lot more power. An AWD conversion would be a fully custom 1-off job. Anything is possible but you're increasing your costs exponentially at that point. It sounds like you want to go with a lot of power. Cosworth makes good engines to fit that car and there are transmissions out there to handle it. Here is my suggestion: if you really want to do this, go to a custom shop and tell them what you are looking to do. I gotta tell you, you may have trouble finding a shop willing to do it and with what you are talking about (new frame, custom AWD) you can toss that $30k out and not be surprised if you are up in the $80k range. Not joking. Custom fabrication is extremely expensive and I don't think Ford ever did an AWD Focus because it would have increased cost. That said, you would literally be asking someone to create a fully custom 4WD setup for your car from scratch. I have done those builds and I can tell you it does not come cheap. There are many, many moving parts to what you are looking to do and it would take me forever to go over them here. In all seriousness, if spending that huge amount of money is something you are ok with, then it is time to go see a professional shop and get actual numbers. I still advise totally against this idea but it is your money and your car. Just realize you will never get anything you put into the car back.
Well I can do whatever you want but those vehicles aren't the greatest made last one I checked out was made in Mexico it was pretty crappy. But the guy's in England seem to really go nuts soup in those things up so you might check with some English guys about parts and availability and cost
Mod_Man is correct as usual. I would look into a different vehicle for that.
