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  • Dec. 23, 2011 7:27 a.m. stan SuperDork

    After seeing the Focus threads I'm thinking about going after a new (ok- different) DD and was wondering how these two compare. I'm sure the SVT has a lot of suspension goodies, but what else?

    ...and I could sift through the Focus sites, but just wanted the cliff-notes version for right now.

    thanks, Stan

  • ST_ZX2

    Dec. 23, 2011 7:55 a.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

    SVT--170 HP, special head, cams, pistons, intake, header etc. Zetec--130 HP

    SVT--Getrag 6 speed Zetec--MTX-75 5 speed or 4 speed auto

    SVT- 4-wheel discs Zetec-disc/drum, with an optional system called Advancetrac (rear discs and stability control).

    Springs, shocks, RSB from SVT all interchange on regular (except wagon).

    Seats, steering wheel etc.

  • corytate

    Dec. 23, 2011 7:57 a.m. corytate HalfDork

    moar turbooo en svt

  • N Sperlo

    Dec. 23, 2011 8:00 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

    If you're looking for a low fun ride, the Zx2 has swapable parts. Swap some SVT parts in and instant power.

  • FlightService

    Dec. 23, 2011 8:13 a.m. FlightService Dork

    get a 2.3 duratec focus swap svt suspension goodies purchase aftermarket limited slip for mtx tranny purchase/make ITB and headers for engine (current duratec guts are limited to 230hp before they go bye bye)

    Enjoy 200+ hp with no issues

  • Dec. 23, 2011 8:18 a.m. theenico New Reader

    Wasn't the ZX2 S/R available with a "trunk kit" consisting of Dynamic Suspension coilovers.

    This was before the SCCA got rid of the trunk kit allownces for the Showroom Stock cars IIRC.

  • N Sperlo

    Dec. 23, 2011 9:13 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

    In reply to theenico:

    The SR was a funny machine. There were differences between them in the same year. Some had this header, that brake package, etc. Etc wouldn't be surprised to see a turbo bigfoot Zx2 SR.

  • alex

    Dec. 23, 2011 9:59 a.m. alex SuperDork

    I learned the expensive way:

    SVT - interference head
    ZX3 - non-interference

    That's why I like Flightservice's recipe. Honestly, a 2.3 ZX3 with a 5spd and SVT suspenders would be a mighty entertaining and dead-nuts reliable DD.

  • ST_ZX2

    Dec. 23, 2011 10:09 a.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

    theenico wrote:

    Wasn't the ZX2 S/R available with a "trunk kit" consisting of Dynamic Suspension coilovers.

    This was before the SCCA got rid of the trunk kit allownces for the Showroom Stock cars IIRC.

    Yes there was a ZX2 trunk kit--it was for SCCA showroom stock (SSC) to allow the Fords to run in the same league as the Neon ACRs of the day. It had coilovers and a bigger RSB.

  • ST_ZX2

    Dec. 23, 2011 10:17 a.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

    N Sperlo wrote:

    In reply to theenico:

    The SR was a funny machine. There were differences between them in the same year. Some had this header, that brake package, etc. Etc wouldn't be surprised to see a turbo bigfoot Zx2 SR.

    Some m/y 2000 S/Rs were not built with the Centerforce clutch. They all had 4 wheel discs (a la EGT) and none had a header.

    They had: Eibach springs on Tokico struts, Urathane swaybar bushings, Iceman intake, F/R tuned PCM, Borla axle-back, B&M shifter, Centerforce Clutch, 4-wheel discs.

    All were built on a "Hot" package with A/C, spoiler, and foglamps

  • N Sperlo

    Dec. 23, 2011 10:22 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

    In reply to ST_ZX2:

    So no Bigfoot package? Damn. I'll ask (can't remember name) why not next time I see him.

    I got the cooool coupe.

  • Fletch1

    Dec. 23, 2011 10:23 a.m. Fletch1 HalfDork

    In reply to alex:

    +1 on liking Flightservice's recipe. An svt suspension from Ford Racing is $305. This build is on my to do list. I would have to give up my owned since new,dead-nuts reliable, just done timing belt serviced, boring 04 Civic. That car has been a blessing and a curse. But yeah, I would do a 2.3L zx3 and add the svt goodies for dirt cheap.

  • ST_ZX2

    Dec. 23, 2011 11:09 a.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

    N Sperlo wrote:

    In reply to ST_ZX2:

    So no Bigfoot package? Damn. I'll ask Trask why not next time I see him.

    I got the cooool coupe.

    Kewl.

  • alex

    Dec. 23, 2011 12:12 p.m. alex SuperDork

    Fletch1 wrote:

    In reply to alex:

    +1 on liking Flightservice's recipe. An svt suspension from Ford Racing is $305. This build is on my to do list. I would have to give up my owned since new,dead-nuts reliable, just done timing belt serviced, boring 04 Civic. That car has been a blessing and a curse. But yeah, I would do a 2.3L zx3 and add the svt goodies for dirt cheap.

    We dumped the SVT after putting in a couple grand when the timing belt idler pulley grenaded and pistons beat the valves into submission. When our remaining '00 ZX3 with 175k finally wears out, a 2.3 ZX3/5 with SVT suspension will replace it, no question.

  • N Sperlo

    Dec. 23, 2011 12:26 p.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

    In reply to alex:

    I think you just talked me out of the SVT head into the Zx2. I hate interference (engines of course).

  • Hal

    Dec. 23, 2011 2:12 p.m. Hal Dork

    Best all around DD in stock form would be a 2005-2007 ST sedan. Has the 2.3L Duratec with a better final drive and 4 wheel disks.

    Next would be a ZX3/5 with a Zetec. SVT suspension package is cheap and easy to do except for the front sway bar. Could also do a rear disc brake conversion. Front can also be converted to larger SVT disks but it is expensive and not worht it IMO.

    Ultimate would be one set up like mine (check readers rides) but some of the parts are NLA new (would have to find a used supercharger kit).

  • Fletch1

    Dec. 23, 2011 3:33 p.m. Fletch1 HalfDork

    In reply to alex:

    I told Honda to put on a new idler pulley and tensioner when they did the timing belt, they did not.

  • Brett_Murphy

    Dec. 23, 2011 4:21 p.m. Brett_Murphy Dork

    Are the Ford 2.3 and the Mazda 2.3 the same?

    I seem to recall they have a different bell housing pattern, at least.

  • FlightService

    Dec. 23, 2011 4:28 p.m. FlightService Dork

    In reply to Brett_Murphy:

    The 2.3 in my Mazda5 has FoMoCo stamped on most of it. So if they are different, it is very subtle

  • Brett_Murphy

    Dec. 23, 2011 9:59 p.m. Brett_Murphy Dork

    Hmmm.... HMMMMMM....

    That would make a very nice project, methinks.

 
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