Somebody Put a Ford Focus ST Engine In a Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect has long been Ford’s full-size van. It offers serious space for passengers and is overall just a vehicle that is focused on practicality. But, if you are familiar with auto enthusiasts, you know that sometimes we do things that don’t make sense. And that is exactly what someone has done with a 2014 Transit Connect by giving it the powertrain from a Ford Focus ST.
Meet the Ford Transit ST
No, Ford never made a Transit ST van, but that did not stop one individual from doing it themselves. That’s right; somebody dropped the powertrain from a Ford Focus ST into the body of a Transit Connect van. And the results are interesting, to say the least. In stock form, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine from the Focus ST makes 252 horsepower and 270 pound-foot of torque.
That level of power is already more than what a standard Transit Connect makes. And in true enthusiast form, the engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. So essentially, the Transit ST is probably what this vehicle would have looked like if the powers that be at Ford decided to go absolutely nuts with its family van.
Now, as you can imagine, just putting a Focus ST powertrain into a van will not make for a great driving experience. The owner was sure to add modifications that make the Transit ST handle like a performance vehicle. According to Jalopnik, modifications include:
- Stage 2 tune from Cobb
- Stage 3 clutch kit from SPEC Clutch
- Mishimoto radiator
- MFactory limited-slip differential
- Eibach lowering spring kit
These modifications help the Transit ST handle its new-found power. Plus, they make the driving experience that much better. Heck, even the interior has been modified to resemble a Focus ST. And we’re here for it.
This special 2014 Ford Transit Connect sold over on Doug Demuro’s auction site, cars & bids, for $28,555. And it really is the ultimate sleeper van.
Is Ford discontinuing the Transit Connect?
Unfortunately, Ford does have plans to discontinue the Transit Connect in the U.S. by the end of 2023. According to Reuters, there were initially plans to build a new model, but they were ultimately scrapped.
It is still possible to buy a regular Ford Transit brand. In fact, the Blue Oval has improved its van by offering the Transit Trail, which is focused on things like #VanLife. The lack of sales in the States probably led to the decision to ditch the Transit Connect.
Although the Transit Connect is on its way out, it is cool that somebody decided to put a Focus ST powertrain in one. The Focus was already a practical vehicle, which is part of the selling point of a hot-hatch. But the Transit Connect ST takes that to a whole new level.
It also demonstrates that where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you have the budget, time, and resources to take on a project car, you can really build something crazy. The world needs more things like this performance van.
