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I like building my own motors so I didn't want to buy someone's short block. I also wanted the proven strength of the closed-deck ST block, with the displacement of the RS. The ST block is a straight bolt-in to the RS drivetrain and will work with our head with mods by Panda. I think this is generic enough to warrant its own thread.
I will post pictures, document the process, create lists of parts needed and measurements taken.
I am starting with a brand new Focus ST block, P/N AG9Z-6010-D but machined through Panda Motorsports:
![Panda Spec-H 2.0 Block_1.jpg]()
They plug at least one hole in the block to make it compatible with the RS head. I had them machine to the following:
Close-up of bore:
![P1100692.JPG]()
Today I cleaned (with no-residue electrical cleaner) then masked the transmission side of the block so I can paint it and put it on the engine stand. Next up are some basic measurements: bores, mains and deck height. If the block is acceptable, I'll start deburring it. I saw some casting flash today that will need removal and I'll clean all that up including any on the main girdle (lower main bridge piece). Once the deburring is done I will clean the rest of the outside, then finish painting. After painting I'll do the final cleaning. Parallel to this will be checking all the parts and clearances.
For block paint I am using Rustoleum Specialty High Temp Ultra in silver, good through 1200F once cured.
I started by masking the entire rear of the block, then trimming the painter's tape so that all the machined surfaces are masked but all the plain casting faces that I want to paint are exposed:
![Block Masking1.jpg]()
And finished view:
![Block Masking2.jpg]()
The edge near the bottom of the picture will get its own piece of tape then a clean edge cut before painting.
Tomorrow I'll do 2 coats on the masked side, let it dry and get it up on the engine stand. It's much easier to do all the measuring on the stand although this thing is light enough that I could put it on the workbench if needed.
I will post pictures, document the process, create lists of parts needed and measurements taken.
I am starting with a brand new Focus ST block, P/N AG9Z-6010-D but machined through Panda Motorsports:
They plug at least one hole in the block to make it compatible with the RS head. I had them machine to the following:
- Install & torque head studs and torque plate before honing to stock 87.5mm bore. The bore cleans up nicely at this size and I'll have material if I ever need to bore it again.
- Install main studs & torque main studs before align honing to spec.
- Plug any holes needed to be compatible with RS head, before decking the block
Close-up of bore:
Today I cleaned (with no-residue electrical cleaner) then masked the transmission side of the block so I can paint it and put it on the engine stand. Next up are some basic measurements: bores, mains and deck height. If the block is acceptable, I'll start deburring it. I saw some casting flash today that will need removal and I'll clean all that up including any on the main girdle (lower main bridge piece). Once the deburring is done I will clean the rest of the outside, then finish painting. After painting I'll do the final cleaning. Parallel to this will be checking all the parts and clearances.
For block paint I am using Rustoleum Specialty High Temp Ultra in silver, good through 1200F once cured.
I started by masking the entire rear of the block, then trimming the painter's tape so that all the machined surfaces are masked but all the plain casting faces that I want to paint are exposed:
And finished view:
The edge near the bottom of the picture will get its own piece of tape then a clean edge cut before painting.
Tomorrow I'll do 2 coats on the masked side, let it dry and get it up on the engine stand. It's much easier to do all the measuring on the stand although this thing is light enough that I could put it on the workbench if needed.
