All the cutting, swapping, wiring, troubleshooting, and late nights have finally paid off! TranSiT is alive! What you’re looking at is a 2016 Ford Transit Connect with the full transplant of a Ford Focus ST3. This is not just ‘an engine swap’. Because rather than simply dropping-in the drivetrain, I really wanted the ENTIRE VAN to feel like a factory-built ST from behind the wheel. The full Focus ST DNA. That meant swapping the 2.0 turbo engine, the 6-speed transmission, the wiring harnesses, electronics, pedals, shifter, suspension, brakes, seats, steering wheel… and countless small components you never really think about. Could it have been done an easier way? Absolutely.
Creating the Ford Transit Connect ST…
Projects like this are never as simple as YouTube makes it look. Every system had to be figured-out one piece at a time. Countless hours were spent comparing wiring diagrams, fabricating brackets, modifying components, solving modern electrical issues, and chasing-down parts Ford never intended to work together. Quite often, it got overwhelming. But hearing the engine fire-up for the first time made every late night worth it.
Couldn’t do it alone…
The ST/RS culture is awesome! And a huge thank you goes to Mike Johnson at Rebel Devil Customs for helping make this project possible. Mike has already swapped a Transit, and done ST sedans, as well as countless other Focus/Ecoboost projects.
Mike tracked down the factory Transit shifter assembly, cables, & brake booster components, And most importantly – the complete wiring diagrams for both vehicles. Those wiring diagrams quickly became my bedtime reading, and they saved countless hours of frustration throughout the build. This project would have been way more difficult (if not impossible) without Mike’s knowledge & support.
The Ford Transit Connect ST – Built for thrills and Adventure…
Unlike many project-vehicles, this Ford Transit Connect ST (TranSiT) wasn’t just built to sit in the garage or live online. I built this for life! The goal was to create what Ford never offered for enthusiasts: A versatile, utilitarian, boosted, manual-transmission, FUN family adventure vehicle. Something capable of hauling bikes, camping gear, and the whole family – while still putting a smile on my face every time boost comes on. A driver’s car – with excess space for adventure & gear. It’s practical enough for road trips, capable enough for adventures, and unexpected enough to spark conversations when other enthusiasts hear a turbocharged Transit Connect row gears & blow-off. In other words, it’s exactly what I was hoping for.
The ultimate Focus ST-powered family + enthusiast + adventure van…
That’s what I wanted. One that’s just as comfortable carving through mountain roads as it is hauling bikes to the trailhead. Because practical shouldn’t have to be boring. If you’re interested, the full build-series is available on my YouTube channel, where I’ll continue posting detailed videos, installation walkthroughs, roadtrips, & future upgrades as the project evolves.
If you’re looking for more frequent updates, behind-the-scenes photos, reels, and day-to-day progress, follow along on the Scheer Performance Instagram. That’s where you’ll see new mods & adventures first.
Also, I’ll be publishing in-depth build articles, specifications, write-ups, and project updates on the Scheer Performance website as the van continues to evolve into the ultimate boosted family/adventure rig.
Article written by builder/owner, Ryan Scheer
2016 Ford Transit Connect ST3
Engine & Drivetrain
- Focus ST 2.0L EcoBoost
- Stock turbo & internals
- 6-Speed manual transmission
- Tuned by Alan at Edge Autosport w/ Cobb Accessport
- Cobb front mount intercooler/piping, intake, & 3″ downpipe
- MBRP 3″ exhaust (modified for the Transit Connect)
- RS airbox
- TurboSmart dual-port blow-off valve
- Cobb rear motor mount
- Diamond engine & transmission mounts
- Cobb short-throw shifter plate
Suspension & Chassis
- SF Racing Transit Connect coilovers
- Whiteline sway bar end links
- TB Performance front crashbar w/ tow strap
Wheels / Tires / Brakes
- Vors TR4 18×8.5 +35
- Yokohama Advan Sport A/S Plus 235/40R18
- Focus RS Brembo front brakes
Interior
- ST3 Recaro seats
- Sync 3 Sony headunit with nav
- ST3 ambient lighting package
- ST heated steering wheel
- Sync 3 Sony OEM subwoofer
- ST3 dual climate control
Supporting Mods
- Grille shutter delete
- Sound symposer delete
What’s Next?
The project’s just getting started. Future plans include:
- Hard-shell rooftop tent
- Continued tuning & refinement
- Some kind of graphics/livery – many ideas in the works, but thinking of 90’s laser tag colors lol
