Converting a car from FWD/RWD/AWD etc.

[Tuvra]

My current car is a Focus RS II, During the build up to the launch there was a lot of disappointment when it was finally revealed as a FWD. Rumours were ripe that there were numerous RSII test mules running 4x4 running gear during the build up to the launch, however the RS came into, and left production with no 4x4 system ever being fitted.

This got me thinking (lottery win thinking lol), How much would it actually cost to commission the design and manufacturing process of turning a FWD Focus RS into a full 4x4 system? Im not up to scratch with my 4x4 technology but im thinking something similar to the systems fitted to the Evo's/Imprezas?

Anyone carried out or heard of people/companies converting cars drivetrains? I assume "downgrading" the drivetrain from 4x4 to 4x2 (RWD or FWD) is alot simpler than upgrading a 4x2 – 4x4?

What exactly would the process involve? I acknowledge that a proper factory spec 4x4 system will cost a fortune to develop/manufacture/install, but exactly how big is that fortune?

I must emphasise my pockets are no where near deep enough to fund such an ambitious project – However, t is something I need to know in preparation for my numbers coming up very soon

[S1_RS]

A company in mainland Europe has already converted one to 4WD, prety sure it was Wulf or Wolf Sport.

Edit - Wolf Concept.

http://www.motorvision.de/artikel/wolf-ford-focus-...

Edited by S1_RS on Wednesday 26th January 09:11

[Tuvra]

S1_RS said:

A company in mainland Europe has already converted one to 4WD, prety sure it was Wulf or Wolf Sport.

Ahh yes, thanks for that

I see their planning to charge 10k euros. What work is involved to carry out the conversion? I hear their using Kuga running gear? How on earth is that meant to handle over twice the power going to the wheels?

[JB!]

this is a suprisingly normal conversion in VW circles.

it involves a change/installation of:

Gearbox (inc transfer box)
Transmission Tunnel
Exhaust
Prop
Boot floor
Fuel tank
Rear diff
Rear diff cradle/rear suspension setup
rear driveshafts
rear uprights

with a focus, ideally if ford ever made a 4x4 version (or 4x4 on a similar floorplan, Kugar?) you'd start with those parts and adapt them to suit.

otherwise do what some guy is doing on here and use rwd parts from an existing car and adapt to suit.

[Cupramax]

Tuvra said:

How on earth is that meant to handle over twice the power going to the wheels?

That would depend entirely on what its been designed to handle, not what its current use happens to be...

[frontbum]

Not sure what the running gear is like on an XC90, but maybe this is worth investigating?

cr500dom said:

We Built a proper 4wd Focus RS, the bean counters said no.
Then they resurrected it using a Volvo XC90 Transmission.....got further towards approval but the end result was the same

Linky

Edited by frontbum on Wednesday 26th January 09:47

[Tuvra]

frontbum said:

Not sure what the running gear is like on an XC90, but maybe this is worth investigating?

cr500dom said:

We Built a proper 4wd Focus RS, the bean counters said no.
Then they resurrected it using a Volvo XC90 Transmission.....got further towards approval but the end result was the same

Linky

Edited by frontbum on Wednesday 26th January 09:47

Very Intersting, even if it was about price, I still think there should/could have been an option for 4x4. The RS500 amazes me, sticker price of £35k or so, used exmples now fetching near £40k therefore people are obviously willing to pay £40k for these type of cars, I think Ford could have upped the RS500 to 400bhp and added 4x4 for £40k rrp. They could have called the the RS500-4 then...

[davepoth]

Tuvra said:

S1_RS said:

A company in mainland Europe has already converted one to 4WD, prety sure it was Wulf or Wolf Sport.

Ahh yes, thanks for that

I see their planning to charge 10k euros. What work is involved to carry out the conversion? I hear their using Kuga running gear? How on earth is that meant to handle over twice the power going to the wheels?

Upgraded to suit no doubt, but the advantage is that the Kuga is the same floorpan as the Focus RS so all the bits bolt on, saving the need to fabricate stuff.

[Lefty]

There was a 4x4 Focus for sale on ebay for ages, had impreza box, props and axles IIRC.

[RobCrezz]

Would be better to just buy an Evo. The Focus RS is overweight without adding even more...

[Lefty]

doogz said:

Lefty said:

There was a 4x4 Focus for sale on ebay for ages, had impreza box, props and axles IIRC.

Which engine did it have? An Imprea box mounts the other way around to a normal Focus RS.

Longitudinally mounted YB Cosworth? Makes no sense, you'd just use the Cosworth running gear.

Hmmm, no idea!

[MX7]

Didn't the Focus share it's platform with a bunch of other cars? If any of them were 4WD, they might be worth having a look at.

[markCSC]

There was a Mk1 Focus RS 4x4 built with Sierra 4x4 running gear
http://www.powerchips.com/ford-focus-rs-cosworth-o...

The reason the Mk2 Focus RS is FWD is because making it 4WD would have made it too heavy (extra 150kg apparently) and therefore slow.

[vrooom]

Volvo C30 and ford focus are sharing same floor and engine... and C30 came with 4wd version...

[y2blade]

vrooom said:

Volvo C30 and ford focus are sharing same floor and engine... and C30 came with 4wd version...

no it didn't

[markCSC]

y2blade said:

vrooom said:

Volvo C30 and ford focus are sharing same floor and engine... and C30 came with 4wd version...

no it didn't

Polestar made one though http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2523...

[CO2000]

http://www.andrewgallacher.com/

Throw a good few k their way.