Someone threw a Ford Focus ST transmission into a Ford Transit | Rare Techy

At Jalopnik, we love it when people come up with crazy combinations to make unexpected vehicles that suddenly become performance gods (or wannabe gods). Take it The 2014 Ford Transit Connect is on the Cars & Deals list. At first glance, sure, it’s just a Ford Transit van. But beneath the sheet metal beats an unexpected heart: the 2014 Focus ST’s turbocharged I4.

Together we have what Ford probably never would have given us – the Ford Transit Connect ST. From the outside, everything looks good except for the ST badge. It’s a subtle hint that lets you know that this Transit is truly something special and different.

Of course, sharp-eyed observers may recognize some ST details, such as the 18-inch Focus ST wheels, rally-car-like fenders and center exhaust. But there’s more where it came from.

Now, to be clear, this van isn’t just a Focus ST engine thrown into a Transit Connect. This vehicle has been given all the modifications to ensure it drives well, just like the Focus ST.

Starting with the ST’s 2.5-liter turbocharged I4, which in stock form makes 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This drivetrain has been modified with a Cobb Stage 2 Melody, SPEC Clutch Stage 3 Clutch Kit, Mishimoto Radiator and MFactory Limited Slip Differential. The owner also threw in an Eibach lowering spring kit. Unfortunately, no dyno sheet was included for the Transit mods, so it’s unknown how much of the work may have increased power output.

Inside are the ST’s Recaro seats and full instrument cluster, extra gauges on the center stack for things like oil pressure and temperature, and a nice sound system setup including a Kenwood head unit and Alpine amp.

There is quite a glaring problem with the display unit. The seller says that when the factory cluster was swapped for an ST cluster, the “dashboard was programmed to show chassis mileage.” That said, the exact total mileage on this thing is unknown, although the seller notes that it has driven 7,000 miles since the trade-in on May 20th.21.

Other problems arise be a list weird electrical gremlins like the radiator fan staying on or the A/C turning on after the car has been running for a while. Power steering also easily strikes “the first five or 10 feet of driving” and traction control, ABS and all rear view camera not working. Maybe it comes down to some programming. But despite that, all things to remember.

If you see potential in the list of electrical issues, small scratches here and there on the exterior, and wear on the seat supports, there’s still time to get this creation in your garage. At the time of writing, there are still six days left and bid is $12,500.