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EcoYata: The Heart of a Hatchback, the looks of a Roadster
Ill start by saying I work at Panda Motorworks: https://www.pandamotorworks.com/ We specialize in Ford Performance Vehicles and have really developed the EcoBoost cars. Focus RS/ST, Fiesta ST, Mustang, Raptor, etc. I had a Fiesta ST and had a blast with that. My girlfriend bought a Miata to learn to drive stick and to get into Autox with me. Chris- Panda's owner- and I went to go get her 91' in Indiana. Cassie was out of town and she let me drive the car at its first autox. Stock everything and winter 185 series tires, I went out and had a blast. I couldnt keep it straight andI fell in love. Right around the same time, my first project vehicle was stolen from outside my home. It was a passed down 89' S10 that came from my uncle. A Junkyard, twin turbo, SBC 350 and a T5. It was fun and I was heart broken when it was stolen. Cassie saw how much I missed the truck and how much I loved the Miata. A month later, she surprised me on my Birthday with a 90' Miata shell. That is where this project begins.
I had talked about wanting to swap a 2.0 EcoBoost into something for some time. The chance was finally hear. We have a special engine where we use the 2.3 rotating assembly and head and put it in a 2.0 Closed deck block. The setup will make 750whp but I am just shooting for 600whp. The engine is nice because out of boost, it is a tame little 4cyl, but get on the throttle and once the turbo lights up, you have flat power from 3700-7000rpm. It was a logical choice. All aluminum engine, big power, keep the weight down, and have something fierce on the street and strip. Here are some Engine Specs: 11.5:1 Compression 88mm Pistons 94mm Stroke Weisco Pistons Callies Compstar Rods 2.3 Factory Forged Crank King Racing Bearings ARP Hardware 2.3 EcoBoost Twinscroll head Supertech Head Gasket Supertech 77lb Springs and billet retainers Radium Aux Fuel Rail w/ 50lb Injectors Radium PCV Breather Plate and catch cans Here are some Images from our S3 Magazine Article for the engine build: So I started tearing down the shell. First thing I did was make mounts for a 8.8 swap in the rear end. I had a 8.8 in the S10 and the familiar locking of the clutch packs and controlled power delivery had me sold... oh and the strength. a 3.27 LSD from a Supercoupe T-bird and I started welding in the mounts. I found all the dimensions for the mounts online and made them in my free time using scrap steel. Got it all lined up and laid down some beads. While I had the subframe out of the car, I installed Poly Bushings in the rear control arms and hubs. I figured now would be the time to try and reduce any chance for wheel hop. Heres the images I used to make mine After the Rear Subframe was in, I decided it was time to update the front as well. Again, all new poly bushings for all the control arms. Cleaned everything and threw a coat of paint on Black Engine enamel on the arms and reassembled everything. While I was doing everything, I added NB Brakes front and rear to help in the future of slowing down. I invited some friends over for a weekend in the shop. I ordered a M5OD trans from a local salvage yard and bolted it up to my engine core. A night and lots of beer later, we had our engine and trans mounted in the car. A little more cutting that any of use expected, but the engine was in. To our surprise, the front of the timing cover is completely behind the center line of the front wheels. I guess we have ourselves a mid-engine drag car. A pretty large section of the firewall was needed to be recessed for the HPFP on the EcoBoost and to allow the oil pan to be low and sit back. Here are some pictures of the mounts and firewall completion. After motor mounts were finished up, I sent the car off to Andy Seehausen. Andy builds cages for FD cars and other motorsport. He has worked for Worthhouse, David Mesker, and many more. I decided I wanted to be safe so getting a 6pt cage was a must. After dropping the car off, I drove to Asheville NC for my summer internship at Eaton. Thats the first update of this build. Im picking the car up Mid August and the engine build process begins. |
Parts have been rolling in this summer thanks to some great sponsors. A lot goes into a build like this and many people have given knowledge, parts, support, and much more to help get this project rolling.
So far I want to thank the sponsors that have supported this build. Mishimoto Supertech Performance Callies Performance Terry's Machine Shop Radium Engineering Fuelab Fab9 Cosmis Racing Wheels Panda Motorworks ZFab Engineering DaVinci Performance ARP Fasteners Here are some other pictures I feel relevant to the build as Cassie has been building her car and I got a new Daily along the way: Here is my other project/race car: And my First EcoBoost swap: Ill be updating with more pictures. |
Another quick update:
Just picked up a 3/4" Master cyl for the clutch system. Ill need to make a simple adapter plate to mount the new Wilwood Master but it should prevent any potential clutch disengagement issues that could happen in the future. I also ordered some of the Coolant lines for the engine so the coolant system should be buttoned up and ready to go once the engine goes back in. Picking up the car next Friday from being caged. I am so eager to see the car again as it has been 3 months since ive seen it in person and only one small teaser picture since I dropped it off. ARP Also got back to me and they are sending me a full stud kit for the EcoBoost. Thank you ARP for supporting the build. Engine build should start by the end of August. Then it is just a matter of time and work to build the engine, get the trans and engine back in the car, wire the car up- body harness, measure for a driveshaft, and getting the turbo system-IC/boost piping, manifold, down pipe, etc all finished. |
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