Even if it does work out cheaper (I'd be surprised)
It is massively more complicated and everything turns into a big, awkward job.

I'm not discounting the idea or trying to put you off.
But my car spent so long off the road cos even simple jobs took such a long time to do that a normal setup wouldn't, that you lose out on a lot of driving time.

 

So you have done mid-engined before? If so, what car?

 

I'll take a complete wild guess it might be a cossie mid engined R5.

Not sure why I'd think that.....

 

Yes, thanks for the sarcasm I need some sleep clearly

I think transverse might be easier. The only headache I've got currently are the gear shift cables, as even when they're short if you get them routed wrongly it's dog shite.

 

Are you able to get another cheap puma and mock it up with spares off that so you can keep yours running as long as possible till the majority is done?

I think it will be good to do something different

 

If going mid-engine I'd mount the engine lengthways and use a transaxle, that way the engine will be more central and not sitting on the rear axle.

 

If that's the only headache you've got, maybe such a project isnt for you !!!


If you need longer cables...just get longer cables made. That's easy.

 

I was thinking about that and although cheap I don't fancy spending the money on it. I did think about doing it all to another shell, but I would need a mock 2.0 blacktop and an FRS box as they are unique in their mounting holes I believe.

I pretty sure I will be doing it and I don't quit. So many of these projects get started and never finished. I'll just keep going until it's right


That means buying a different box and shafts etc etc. I have everything that should fit already. The FRS engine is tipped forward in it's n natural habitat so this will actually help for the mid-engine approach. A lot of other FWD cars now have their engines tipped back, not forwards! I honestly believe the biggest reason for it being tipped forward in the MK1 Focus is to clear the bonnet!

Don't worry, I'm only thinking cables are an issue because I don't know much about it. The shifter would need to be changed I think as I can't have two 180 bends in the cables, I don't think they will work correctly. I'm not worrying about the other stuff as I can MIG and TIG (all be it self-taught), so fabrication isn't an issue and I don't have to rely on someone else. I have a friend with a lathe and a mill in case I need that kind of stuff doing.

I've asked Cable-tec about cables and yes, they don't seem to be a problem to get made. They've shown me a shifter with cable entry from the rear but it's not going to work with the handbrake in the way.

I need to start a project thread for the car's current state anyway, and I'll put the progress in there. My biggest decision by far is whether I start it this Winter (mid-October probably) or wait until next. I'm supposed to be taking the roof off my bungalow to convert to a house in February which has made me lean towards starting it now, otherwise it'll be forever in the making.

 

Would I be mad trying to keep air conditioning with this set up?

I obviously have the space at the front of the car for charger cooler rad --> A/C condenser --> coolant radiator. I can make the majority of the new lines from aluminium, bending and welding. Would just need Pirtek or similar to do the short rubber flexi hoses either end.

Thanks,

Ben