Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) used a sport-compact car to display the company's latest addition to an already powerful crate engine line-up – a modified Focus RS converted to rear-wheel drive and V-8 power – with the introduction of the Focus RS8 at the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

Using the European Focus RS as a starting point, FRPP worked its engineering magic to mate its new, all-alloy, 5.0-liter 4-valve "Cammer" crate engine – cranking out a pavement-pounding 420 naturally aspirated horsepower – into the engine bay of the Focus. Although a handful of aftermarket firms have successfully mated Ford V-8 power with a Focus, the RS8 was built to show the versatility of a "Cammer" crate engine and "plug-and-play" engine electronics installation in a pure stock-looking Ford Focus.

The foundation of FRPP’s hot new 5.0-liter "Cammer" crate engine is rooted in the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra 4.6-liter four-valve engine family. However, the crate motor's flanged cylinder liners help provide 94mm (instead of 90.2mm) cylinder bores, creating a full 5.0-liters of piston displacement. And while the motor employs the 2003-04 SVT Mustang Cobra "Terminator" forged crankshaft with six-bolt mains and Manley "H-Beam" connecting rods for superior strength, the block itself is specially reinforced in the crankcase web areas for high torque loads.

Other key differences include forged pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams and beehive-shaped valve springs. The crate engine also features higher-flow fuel injectors and a magnesium variable-geometry intake manifold, similar to the FR500 intake manifold currently offered in the 2004 FRPP catalog.

Ford Racing's new 5.0-liter "Cammer" crate engine comes with a stock SVT Mustang Cobra oil pan and exhaust manifolds, so an exhaust system – employing Ford Racing prototype metal-substrate catalysts and a set of Ford Racing dual-mode mufflers – was custom-fabricated to put the engine heat to the street.

One of the best parts about a Ford Racing 5.0-liter "Cammer" crate engine installation is that FRPP takes a lot of the guesswork out of the project by offering a choice of several length 5.0-liter 4-valve modular wiring harness kits that are created specifically to cover the most popular engine swap configurations. What's more, harness kits – which include the powertrain control module (PCM) – provide all of the necessary electrical connectors, including end terminals, a fuse box, a power distribution box, as well as switch connectors and fuel pump relays. The 5.0L EFI "Cammer" crate engine, including the wiring harness kit, will sell for a MSRP of $14,995 and will be available from the 2004 Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog.

Completing the RS8's powertrain is a Tremec five-speed HD transmission with a Ford Racing clutch kit and Ford Racing prototype shifter.

One look at the RS8 would suggest that its transformation from a production front-driver into a rear-drive pocket rocket was a study in simplicity. But in reality, Ford Racing engineers had their work cut out for them from the start.

Beyond fitting the drivetrain, there was the challenge of designing new suspensions front and rear. FRPP engineers put together a prototype setup inspired by Kugel Komponents up front, and a rear unit locating a Ford Racing 8.8-inch differential while offering adjustable ride height using Multimatic dampers. The newly-designed rear-wheel drive conversion kit will be sold through the FRPP catalog.

Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18x8-inch European RS alloy wheels, wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tires up front and 255/45 ZR18s in the back.

"This isn't the typical sport compact modification project, but it sure will get attention out on the streets," exclaimed Davis. "With rear-wheel drive and over 400 horsepower, the Focus RS8 will make itself known at the drag strip and any road course. We're even going to take it drifting!"

Outside, the RS8 turns heads, thanks to the handsome European Focus RS styling cues and shimmering Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint treatment. Inside, the Focus RS provided the seating while Ford Racing chipped in with its Focus A-Pillar Gauge Pod and a full complement of Ford Racing Gauges. Also installed were a Harmon/Becker Traffic-Pro, a Sirius Satellite Radio system and Infinity amps and speakers – just to make sure the tunes are powerful, too.

FORD RACING FOCUS RS8 SPECIFICATIONS

Under the hood
 Ford Racing 5.0L "Cammer" crate engine
 Ford Racing 4V modular V-8 wiring harness

Estimated performance
 420 horsepower @ 6700 rpm
 370 lb-ft torque @ 5000 rpm

Powertrain
 Tremec five-speed HD transmission
 Ford Racing clutch kit
 Ford Racing prototype shifter
 Ford Racing 8.8" differential, 3.73:1 ratio
 Ford Racing prototype metal substrate catalysts
 Ford Racing dual-mode mufflers

Exterior
 Focus RS (European model) body styling
 SVT Focus Blue Pearl Coat paint

Interior
 Focus RS seating
 Ford Racing A-Pillar gauge pod
 Ford Racing gauges
 Harmon/Becker Traffic-Pro
 Infinity amps and speakers
 Sirius Satellite Radio

Chassis
 Kugel Komponents inspired Ford Racing prototype front suspension
 Ford Racing prototype rear suspension
 Multimatic adjustable dampers with adjustable ride height
 RS 18 x 8-inch wheels
 Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 Front; 255/45 ZR18 Rear

I'm sorry
I think its ugly

'chargers cut'n'paste special doesnt mention the weight, which IMO is the most important stat of any fast car.

FocusRS would probably stomp this round a track.

The real killer is the cost. According to Autoweek magazine, the full conversion costs almost $20,000.

You end up with one of the quickest little toys you can buy for thirty some thousand dollars, but it sure isn't cheap.

But imagine everybodys surprise!

I would be laughing my ass off at every stop light I think.

Used Focus + RS8 conversion = US$ 35K Supercar


The money you make from selling the original engine & drivetrain helps to lower the overall cost to under $35K.

Originally posted by Genom
But imagine everybodys surprise!

I would be laughing my ass off at every stop light I think.

True - but if the guy next to you had his windows down, your engine rumble would give you away before you even stepped on the gas.

Originally posted by FamilyGuy
True - but if the guy next to you had his windows down, your engine rumble would give you away before you even stepped on the gas.

methinks that the majority of the people that would do this would take it to the track rather than just street race. But even then, you're probably not going to win any crafty sleeper pink slip runs once they hear the engine :)

Pretty cool stuff though.

why are we looking at for fukkuses

well, i like how they used the real Focus RS's body panels (for those who don't know, it's basically the new Cossie... and yeah, it's way the hell better than that stupid SVT Focus thing).

anyways, that think is t3h $uC|<

Originally posted by wakeech
well, i like how they used the real Focus RS's body panels (for those who don't know, it's basically the new Cossie... and yeah, it's way the hell better than that stupid SVT Focus thing).

Bah - it was the real new ford RS definatly NOT a cosworth. Cosworth had nothing to do with it (at least its marketing.

The Focus RS is now ended production , with 4500 ish made, 2500 sold in the UK. Not a bad car but its FWD LSD gave it real problems on uneven roads, great on track.

There will be a new Focus Cosworth but it'll be based on the next gen (mazda3) focus.

first thing i would put a super charger on it.:D

Originally posted by 1 BAD TIB
first thing i would put a super charger on it.:D

See more, Want more! :p

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Bah - it was the real new ford RS definatly NOT a cosworth. Cosworth had nothing to do with it (at least its marketing.

The Focus RS is now ended production , with 4500 ish made, 2500 sold in the UK. Not a bad car but its FWD LSD gave it real problems on uneven roads, great on track.

There will be a new Focus Cosworth but it'll be based on the next gen (mazda3) focus.

i meant in the "super escort" way... i know Cosworth didn't build the engine or anything...

that's the new model rumoured for AWD and power to start to compete with the STi and Evo, right??

i'd like to know how that would drift, i mean its lightweight rwd and it seems like it could be the next hachi-roku or ae86 but then again the v8 would probably throw off the weight balance unlike the ae86's and rx8's near or perfect weight balance

Originally posted by wakeech
that's the new model rumoured for AWD and power to start to compete with the STi and Evo, right??

The focusRS on track already does compete with lower end EVO and STi's, but it has 'only' 200bhp or so through the front wheels.

'If' they make a Focus Cosworth, and its still an If I think, it'll be 4WD and 300+bhp.

ATI Motorsports will put a new Cobra engine in the Focus for $69,500
http://www.atimotorsports.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=75

$69,500???

That makes no sense... a real Cobra doesn't cost that much!

Did you mean $6,950?

But then that's not enough.. Hmmm...

ITS STILL looks like crap... i rather get a RX-8 or RX-7 with a 3-rotor... Banzia... you can get one for $38,000.

400-500 hp... will dust just about anything out there...

Originally posted by PetersonPeleRx8
$69,500???

That makes no sense... a real Cobra doesn't cost that much!

Did you mean $6,950?

But then that's not enough.. Hmmm...

ATI did more than just stick a cobra's engine in there. the only thing that's a focus about the focus is the appearance. everything else has been gutted.

still 69,500 for a ford focus

not my type of car