dotmaster206

I got in touch with the Orlando, Florida location for Vaccar and they got right back to me. Their response was quite positive. They thought it was an awesome project. This just moved out of the 'hairbrained idea' category and into the 'I'm probably gonna do this' category.

Do you have a contact email you could share for Keith at Mountune USA? Or should I just use their catch-all usa@mountune.com?

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.

Yeah, that's the hope. I started this whole thing thinking maybe I could import one with the 1.6L turbo and a manual, but like you said, they aren't sold in that configuration anywhere. Hence the swap plan.

Not in the TC it isn't, agreed, but the same 1.6L turbo motor is in the Fiesta ST as welll, no?

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?).