2.5 focus rs swapped escort + awd

This is definitely a very ambitious projecy, im going to say this off the start. But, i think swapping a mk2 focus rs 2.5 engine into a £800 2000 ford escort 1.6 would be absolutely amazing and bonkers. Not only that but putting in a gearbox from an awd volvo s60r to be able to make higher power (looking to go 600-700bhp) more efficiently. This is a long term project so without the horrendous amount of money i know will end up going into it, does anyone have any good advice on how to achieve such a bat sh*t insane build?

Advise? Jump in with both feet. Looks like an awesome project!

Buy a welder and go for it! Also when you need custom parts made, there is no shortage of dudes with a shed and a lathe in the English countryside to help you out. 

As a guy that is about to pull out the wallet for a drivetrained swapped Opel GT. Just bloody go for it.

My problem is garage time.

I look forward to this.

Is this the chassis that is shared with volvo (who shared the 5cylinder for the FoRS)? If so it may all be pretty bolt in. Does it already have a tunnel/ rear floor that will accept a rear driveshaft and awd suspension?

In reply to Evil_Escort :

Have you watched project binky? You can get some great ideas from them. Another interesting drive train swap is Gingium and his Subaru swapped Miata may help inspire and embolden you! Watching with interest, good luck!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGSOZAHg1yQHU1tc_3Y5MTQg1qjtxA_nq

https://youtu.be/l5a1Oj73-CQ

In reply to MrJoshua i am not sure if any volvos sat on the same platform for the chassis as ford had only just bought volvo in 1999, the year before this was made. I highly doubt there is a tunnel for the drivetrain or the floorpan is made for it but it shouldn't be impossible to convert it to be suitable

In reply to accordionfolder :

Thank you very much :)

I highly doubt there is a tunnel for the drivetrain

Doing some quick google searching, there was an RS2000 4x4 Escort made.  I wonder if a floor pan is currently available, or if finding a whole RS2000 would be feasible.  It looks like it was a transverse engine with 4 wheel drive capability, so might be the "easy button" solution. 

In reply to RoddyMac17 :

Nice idea, but I believe there were only a few hundred of these made. I met a guy who owned one, (along with an RS200, a Delta S4, and a few other remarkable cars) and he was telling me about everything that was unique to it; floorpan, fuel tank, rear subframe, etc. I got the impression it was a homologation special that mixed the FWD exterior skin with modified Sierra 4x4 bits. If true, I'd think a stack of cutting discs, some steel stock and a welder would be easier for the project at hand.

In reply to RoddyMac17 :

RS2000s are six figures, deep into six figures at that. 

Yikes,  just did a search of for sale ads,  RS2000 4X4s aren't cheap,  though not quite as expensive as six figures.   There's a nice looking one for £16.5k on Car and Classic,  though as stated you could buy a shed ton of cut off wheels for that price. 

A Cossie Escort on the other hand is just nudging six figures depending on the seller. 

In reply to RoddyMac17 :

I was admitted thinking RS200

Depending on the engine in his escort, surprisingly a RAV4 might be the ticket. I'd need to see his engine bay to confirm though. 

The second generation Focus RS uses the same transmission as the Volvo S60R (well, same engine too), you should only need to get an angle gear and a drive collar/some seals to convert it to all wheel drive.  I am 90% certain that the differential will have the necessary splines for the drive collar.

my advice would be to find a 3 door shell.