Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" - Page 2 - Focaljet

**Ray** · 06-25-2008, 10:05 AM

I find his fanaticism for wrong wheel drive cars refreshing.

**focusownerskid** · 06-25-2008, 10:13 AM

I

it.

WWD FTW.

- Drew

**OmniFocus** · 06-25-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brads03zx3

Though he promises not to use as much, I hear rumors the block will handle 30 psi

Exactly.

My basic plan is to make power through efficiency rather than big boost... which should be better for reliability.

We've got a massively ported G-head with oversize valves, a much larger roller cam, ported two-piece intake manifold, ported stock exhaust manifold, and a plain old Turbonetics Super60 with a 3" swingvalve instead of a 2.5".

The Super60 is probably a bit small considering the other hard parts, but with 2.5L and good flow, it should spool better than something huge.

I'd like to run 18PSI for fun and 16PSI on track.... not many people use old turbo Dodges for road course work, so I need to pay lots of attention to heat and oiling.

**HuTcH** · 06-25-2008, 11:10 AM

when I saw the first picture I had to ask if it was a shelby that looks sooo much like the shelby daytona with colors scheme and what not...
looks to be loads of fun...
hurry up I want to see the engine together already

**Egz** · 06-25-2008, 11:29 AM

You sure love your turbo Dodges.

Lookin good so far!

**ladybug04** · 06-25-2008, 11:40 AM

alright omni, looking good! this looks like one hell of a project you got goin on(as always.

oh and excuse my ignorance, but it looks like it may be FWD??? nuts!

bryan

**OmniFocus** · 06-25-2008, 12:12 PM

Yep, Wrong Wheel Drive, it is!

**Nikiter** · 06-26-2008, 07:37 AM

love them Rotas

**twilightblue** · 06-26-2008, 10:01 AM

Love this thread...my first car was the brilliant 1991 dodge spirit r/t another k car special. It had the dohc motor with lotus designed head! before i blew it up it made 313 whp! on about 19lbs of boost! 2.2 litre ftw

**biscuitninja** · 06-26-2008, 10:26 AM

Love the turbo dodges! I used to have an old 1984 Chrystler New Yorker. I updated it to Turbo II specs along with a small shot of nitrous. I called it, New Yorker with Nitrous!

Wasn't super powerful maybe 230whp, but 360lb-ft of torque. So it was quite a slug.... Anyways good luck and don't work too hard.
-bix

**OmniFocus** · 06-30-2008, 11:04 AM

A quick update from the weekend:

We removed most of the interior to install the cable shifter setup from an A523-equipped 1992 Shadow, as well as add the fuel pump wire to the existing under-carpet harness.

We also used the existing fuel return line as a template to bend up a new fuel supply line... it was a quicker and easier solution than sourcing a line from a fuel injected Omni in the junkyard, and also allowed an upgrade to a larger diameter line. The original supply line in the carbureted cars routes up the driver side of the car and isn't really all that useful for an injected car.

Normally if you're going to do this, it is best to start with a fuel injected car instead of a carb car... that way you don't have to re-do all the stuff that Chrysler could have done for you. Unfortunately the only injected Chargers are Shelbies, so if you want to convert a normal one, you get to reinvent the wheel.

Drilling the holes for the shifter cables to pass through:

Created a block-off plate for the rod shifter hole:

Shifter bolted into place:

Hacked the original center console bracket to allow the cables to pass through it. The center console fits in place right on top.. even easier than expected!

Assembly complete:

**slverfocus13** · 06-30-2008, 11:13 AM

awesome...

**bigdaddyzx3** · 06-30-2008, 11:16 AM

Look how beefy that hardware is compared to what is in the focus.

Nice work OmniscientFocus!

**Z63R** · 06-30-2008, 11:24 AM

Outstanding, Lord Omni-Science!

**brads03zx3** · 06-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Great stuff Lorin. I didn't realize this transformation was this in depth. I figured swap out, new mounts, swap in. Very cool

**SRT Sharkk** · 07-01-2008, 01:21 PM

I still can't get over how amazing that whole SRT hub swap looks.

Didn't you say you will be using the Daytona rear rotors? They are even beefier then the SRT-4 units (and vented) if I remember correctly.

I do feel lucky to have been able to visit and help out as much as I have lately. With the Charger and Rob's monster!

**finnish_foccer** · 07-01-2008, 01:42 PM

Very interesting project, but i´d give my left nut for that moped!

**OmniFocus** · 07-01-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT Sharkk

Didn't you say you will be using the Daytona rear rotors? They are even beefier then the SRT-4 units (and vented) if I remember correctly.

I'd actually rather use the SRT-4 rear brakes because the parts are so much more available than the Daytona stuff... We'll see though.

**Forcus 9** · 07-02-2008, 02:43 PM

That's awesome! I got a free Shelby Charger once but couldn't get a title to it.. I'd go with stock paint and stock wheels (the ones with the holes around the edges, I think) with sticky tires and a stiff suspension. I think it looks much better with older wheels on an older car.

**SuperFlea** · 07-02-2008, 03:27 PM

I likey!

**Lifeguardjoe** · 07-02-2008, 05:05 PM

sweet LOL

**OmniFocus** · 07-30-2008, 12:57 AM

Some more updates from the weekend.

Rather than dig into the engine build first, we decided to take care of the rear end of the car. As noted previously, the rear was the old four-lug 200mm drum setup.

The original plan was to fit SRT-4 rear brakes, which are 10.8ish rear solid discs. The fitment looked promising, but it turns out the spindle is cast into the rear knuckle... so without some drastic custom machine work it was a no-go.

...but the downside turned into a blessing. I'd been avoiding using the Daytona 11.0" vented rear brakes because the pad selection on the market sucks. We discovered, however, that SRT-4 rear pads and 1989 Daytona rear pads are identical... so the problem of pad selection has been solved, AND we get the bonus of much larger than necessary rear brake mass. They're a bit much, but at least they look cool.

While we were at it, we cleaned up the old rear axle, installed a new rear swaybar where there previously was none, and replaced the axle trailing arm bushings with fresh poly.

A few pictures from the weekend:

Brakes, brakes... which to choose?! (The sad thing is that out of sight I had an additional set of 89 CSX rear brakes and some 220mm five-lug rear drum hardware.)

Freshened rear axle brackets with poly added. These were a pain in the ass to fit, as one of the original holes needed some assistance with a crappy Chinese tap and die set.

Sway bar installed on the rear axle. For those curious about operation... on a twist beam car, all that a sway bar really does is make you twist less. Low tech, but it'll get the job done.

Brake assembly installed on passenger side... you can see the e-brake cables that had to be modified to fit the parking drum, as well as the brackets for the rubber line I had to fab and the completely rerouted brake line.

Rear assembly finished and ready to bolt up!

Bolted in place, attaching the brake lines and e-brake cables.

Backside shot... kind of makes the Koni look old n' dirty... though it probably only has 10k-15k on it.

11" of vented disc looks great behind a 15" wheel.

Working on the engine finally... installing the front end seals...

New oil pump installed:

No comment.

The last we'll see of the oversize-valved super-ported goodness.... Well, HOPEFULLY the last we'll see.

ARP studs... an interesting adventure.

Like a glove.

Roller rockers and lifters installed:

Cam installed...

...and that is all for this weekend! One month until the next weekend of work, unfortunately.. too damn many things going on!

**brads03zx3** · 07-30-2008, 06:06 AM

Some serious progress at the Blue/Omni household. It really disappoints me I haven't made it over there recently. Maybe before FOTB

**sleeperlove** · 07-30-2008, 07:54 AM

Those rear brakes are large and in charge!!

What is the front brake setup going to be?

06-25-2008, 10:05 AM	#26
Ray aka demonfire Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CT Posts: 26,356	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" I find his fanaticism for wrong wheel drive cars refreshing. __________________ Cable Ties. Is there anything they can't fix? Driver > Car - in memory of GaryK *Roadtrippin.org* \| CART

06-25-2008, 10:13 AM	#27
focusownerskid Administrator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Monroe, MI Posts: 15,303	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" I it. WWD FTW. - Drew __________________ '02.5 SVTF/'01 ZX3 "28R edition"; type dRew & friends Motorsports.

06-25-2008, 11:10 AM	#29
HuTcH TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 371	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" when I saw the first picture I had to ask if it was a shelby that looks sooo much like the shelby daytona with colors scheme and what not... looks to be loads of fun... hurry up I want to see the engine together already

06-25-2008, 11:29 AM	#30
Egz Moderator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Tappahannock, VA Posts: 19,179	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" You sure love your turbo Dodges. Lookin good so far!

06-25-2008, 12:12 PM	#32
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 25,550	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Yep, Wrong Wheel Drive, it is! __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the "whee" in wheel.

06-26-2008, 07:37 AM	#33
Nikiter Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 53	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" love them Rotas

06-26-2008, 10:01 AM	#34
twilightblue TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hoboken NJ Posts: 504	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Love this thread...my first car was the brilliant 1991 dodge spirit r/t another k car special. It had the dohc motor with lotus designed head! before i blew it up it made 313 whp! on about 19lbs of boost! 2.2 litre ftw __________________ 5 red LED's, missing floormats: 2000 zx3 totaled 02' Silver SVT, new motor

06-26-2008, 10:26 AM	#35
biscuitninja [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 6,274	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Love the turbo dodges! I used to have an old 1984 Chrystler New Yorker. I updated it to Turbo II specs along with a small shot of nitrous. I called it, New Yorker with Nitrous! Wasn't super powerful maybe 230whp, but 360lb-ft of torque. So it was quite a slug.... Anyways good luck and don't work too hard. -bix __________________ 2008 Prediction: In the immortial words of Clubber Lang... "my prediction ... PAIN! " SVO/Focus/Mush-stang

06-30-2008, 11:04 AM	#36
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 25,550	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Update 6-30-08 A quick update from the weekend: We removed most of the interior to install the cable shifter setup from an A523-equipped 1992 Shadow, as well as add the fuel pump wire to the existing under-carpet harness. We also used the existing fuel return line as a template to bend up a new fuel supply line... it was a quicker and easier solution than sourcing a line from a fuel injected Omni in the junkyard, and also allowed an upgrade to a larger diameter line. The original supply line in the carbureted cars routes up the driver side of the car and isn't really all that useful for an injected car. Normally if you're going to do this, it is best to start with a fuel injected car instead of a carb car... that way you don't have to re-do all the stuff that Chrysler could have done for you. Unfortunately the only injected Chargers are Shelbies, so if you want to convert a normal one, you get to reinvent the wheel. Drilling the holes for the shifter cables to pass through: Created a block-off plate for the rod shifter hole: Shifter bolted into place: Hacked the original center console bracket to allow the cables to pass through it. The center console fits in place right on top.. even easier than expected! Assembly complete: __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the "whee" in wheel.

06-30-2008, 11:13 AM	#37
slverfocus13 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Palm Coast, FL Posts: 1,474	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" awesome... __________________ [eat][sleep][_/\_] 2002 CD Silver ZX3 Going for a Built NA Motor

06-30-2008, 11:16 AM	#38
bigdaddyzx3 Chicks Dig Rodeo Clowns Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the garden Posts: 7,979	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Look how beefy that hardware is compared to what is in the focus. Nice work OmniscientFocus! __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the "suspense" in suspension.

06-30-2008, 11:24 AM	#39
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 19,438	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Outstanding, Lord Omni-Science! __________________ . "If John Cusack can sway your political views in 30 seconds or less, I'd prefer you not vote at all." - Chalz 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits

06-30-2008, 01:18 PM	#40
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 8,395	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Great stuff Lorin. I didn't realize this transformation was this in depth. I figured swap out, new mounts, swap in. Very cool __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Executive Head Chief Administrative Supporting Subordinate Supervisor - Vacuum Vulture Racing

07-01-2008, 01:21 PM	#41
SRT Sharkk Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 45	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" I still can't get over how amazing that whole SRT hub swap looks. Didn't you say you will be using the Daytona rear rotors? They are even beefier then the SRT-4 units (and vented) if I remember correctly. I do feel lucky to have been able to visit and help out as much as I have lately. With the Charger and Rob's monster! __________________ Pit Crew Beef, Vacuum Vulture Racing We put the "Rod" in Aerodynamics... --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 Stone White SRT-4 17x7.5 Kosie K-1,s / Wing delete (Stock otherwise)

07-01-2008, 01:42 PM	#42
finnish_foccer TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Finland, Vantaa Posts: 187	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Very interesting project, but i´d give my left nut for that moped! __________________ 06-16-2005 THIS IS MY RIDE!

07-02-2008, 02:43 PM	#44
Forcus 9 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 299	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" That's awesome! I got a free Shelby Charger once but couldn't get a title to it.. I'd go with stock paint and stock wheels (the ones with the holes around the edges, I think) with sticky tires and a stiff suspension. I think it looks much better with older wheels on an older car. __________________ 2005 Volvo S40 T5 (Hers) 2003 Focus SVT (Mine) 2005 Focus ZX3 S CD Silver (Sold) 2002 Focus ZX3 Premium Liquid Grey (R.I.P.)

07-02-2008, 03:27 PM	#45
SuperFlea Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South Of The Border! Posts: 3,535	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" I likey! __________________ <-Jonathan-> July 2007 FOTM Winner! This space available - Call 1 (800) 2 Post It , No Credit? Bad Credit? No problem! E-Z Financing. I Like Engine Pics!

07-30-2008, 12:57 AM	#47
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 25,550	UPDATE!: Project "Why would you do that?" Some more updates from the weekend. Rather than dig into the engine build first, we decided to take care of the rear end of the car. As noted previously, the rear was the old four-lug 200mm drum setup. The original plan was to fit SRT-4 rear brakes, which are 10.8ish rear solid discs. The fitment looked promising, but it turns out the spindle is cast into the rear knuckle... so without some drastic custom machine work it was a no-go. ...but the downside turned into a blessing. I'd been avoiding using the Daytona 11.0" vented rear brakes because the pad selection on the market sucks. We discovered, however, that SRT-4 rear pads and 1989 Daytona rear pads are identical... so the problem of pad selection has been solved, AND we get the bonus of much larger than necessary rear brake mass. They're a bit much, but at least they look cool. While we were at it, we cleaned up the old rear axle, installed a new rear swaybar where there previously was none, and replaced the axle trailing arm bushings with fresh poly. A few pictures from the weekend: Brakes, brakes... which to choose?! (The sad thing is that out of sight I had an additional set of 89 CSX rear brakes and some 220mm five-lug rear drum hardware.) Freshened rear axle brackets with poly added. These were a pain in the ass to fit, as one of the original holes needed some assistance with a crappy Chinese tap and die set. Sway bar installed on the rear axle. For those curious about operation... on a twist beam car, all that a sway bar really does is make you twist less. Low tech, but it'll get the job done. Brake assembly installed on passenger side... you can see the e-brake cables that had to be modified to fit the parking drum, as well as the brackets for the rubber line I had to fab and the completely rerouted brake line. Rear assembly finished and ready to bolt up! Bolted in place, attaching the brake lines and e-brake cables. Backside shot... kind of makes the Koni look old n' dirty... though it probably only has 10k-15k on it. 11" of vented disc looks great behind a 15" wheel. Working on the engine finally... installing the front end seals... New oil pump installed: No comment. The last we'll see of the oversize-valved super-ported goodness.... Well, HOPEFULLY the last we'll see. ARP studs... an interesting adventure. Like a glove. Roller rockers and lifters installed: Cam installed... ...and that is all for this weekend! One month until the next weekend of work, unfortunately.. too damn many things going on! __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the "whee" in wheel.

07-30-2008, 06:06 AM	#48
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 8,395	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Some serious progress at the Blue/Omni household. It really disappoints me I haven't made it over there recently. Maybe before FOTB __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Executive Head Chief Administrative Supporting Subordinate Supervisor - Vacuum Vulture Racing

07-30-2008, 07:54 AM	#49
sleeperlove Sleeper Cars Suck Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in the dirt Posts: 8,013	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?" Those rear brakes are large and in charge!! What is the front brake setup going to be? __________________ A nursery teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

07-30-2008, 08:56 AM	#50
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 25,550	Re: Introducing: Project "Why would you do that?"