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Hi All, I'm new here. Currently I drive a 2006 Saab 9-2x Aero, which is a badge-engineered WRX. It has served me very well for years, but is getting on in miles and I'm starting to look around. I've got a crazy idea that I need some help with since I'm new to the Ford scene. I want to buy a 2014+ TC, short wheel base, with the 1.6L Ecoboost motor and swap the transmission to a manual. Ideally it'd be a 6 speed installed, but if 5 speed is much easier, I'd take it. I have done a lot of Googling and seen a couple of manual conversions on the first generation TCs, but nothing for 2014+. Have you guys ever seen it? Any idea on the viability? What I think I know (please correct me if I'm wrong): The 1.6L ecoboost is the same motor (detuned a bit) that is in the Fiesta ST A B6 manual transmission from a Focus would bolt up to the 1.6L ecoboost Since the TC is sold all over the world (except here...) with a manual, the frame work is mostly there (mounting points, firewall pass-throughs, etc.) so it shouldn't take a ton of fabrication I think the biggest risk/unknown is what I would have to do electronically. I'm hoping a Fiesta ST ECU would work since that has a manual and it's the same motor, but I don't know for sure. Traction control might also be an issue - maybe I would just not have it. My current biggest problem is finding someone who would be willing to do the work. I'm a relatively mechanically inclined guy and do all of my own maintenance/repair work excepting for body work type stuff. But a project like this without documented precedent seems like something I should have a professional working on. Also, I've never done anything as major as pulling/installing a transmission or motor, so I don't have things like an engine hoist or a lift or anything. I'm in the Denver, CO area and would love a recommendation for any mechanics/shops who might be willing to consider working on a project like this. I haven't bought a TC connect yet, and won't until I know it can be done for a reasonable-ish price ($5k?).

No prob:

Thanks for the support, @G B L @T0ASTERvan, I did see the Carlex Design/M-Sport TC stuff which is partly what inspired me to look into this. That's actually where I started; looking at whether I could just import one of those. The problem there is that they are building with the 1.0L ecoboost version, which is just to small an engine for me. I know those can get tuned up into the 170hp range, but that's really high strung for such a small displacement engine. Also, its right hand drive so I'd want to swap that over. Thanks for the heads up to Aaron Vaccar - seems like a good lead to me. I might be too small-fry for him, but maybe not. I just sent an inquiry via his website - finger's crossed I get a response.

Every engine , transmission combination now needs an emissions certification. . The way that the engine transmission is integrated into the computer net work in the TC will make the swap a big task . You will need to get the Fiesta ST engine harness to marry to the TC and re-flash the PCM to accept the change. Good luck keep us posted sounds like a cool project.

Hello again, Back by popular demand....pics of my TC racks!