Teach me about the Ford Focus

BAMF wrote: The base sedan does not come with the 2.3, but the base hatch does. The equivalent trim level in the sedan also gets the 2.3. Some of the reading I've done says that the heads are different between the Focus and 3, but not much is said beyond that. If you can find a solid deal on a 2.3L Mazda3, I recommend it.

The Focus goes for about $5k-$7k. The Mazda3 seems to run $7k-$10k. That's a notable difference. It also seems like it's harder to find a Mazda3 with a stick.

That's odd, 'round here it's easier to find a Mazda with a stick. There is a pretty big price jump, though.

If you want to learn more about the Ford Focus, I have a blog that goes through many of the changes through the years as well as the variations of models, body styles, and engines.

http://newedgeperformance.blogspot.com.

I also have been selling Focus parts since 2000. Check out www.newedgeperformance.com for 100's of Focus parts and more Focus information.

Focus tuning information link;

https://www.newedgeperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=107

I have a 01 ZX3 and with the rear seat folded down, you can haul quite a bit.

With only a few parts added, a Focus can be a capable auto-crosser as well as a good daily driver.

I hope this helps.

Tony D

Anyone suggestions for a rear sway bar for a wagon?

thanks

Wow this a thread from the past!!!!

Feb 6th 2009 before racerboy000 came along!

racerboy000 wrote: Anyone suggestions for a rear sway bar for a wagon? thanks

Wagon RSBs are not unique. Try a SVT bar, or any similar aftermarket bar. Do not exceed 24mm (15/16") on anything less than race worthy spring rates (300# +) as the rear LCAs have a poor design and can fracture at the endlink mounting hole; stiff springs help mitigate this to some degree...and even then I see no point going over 25mm / 1". On street springs, something around 7/8" (22.2mm) works nicely. SVT bar is a 22 as well.

In case no one mentioned it. The SVT had the Zetec engine not the Duratec which came later. There was a sedan, the ST with the 2.3 and a five speed. I drove one once, nice car.I thinke it may had rear discs.

The rear LCA's have been reinforced on later cars with a bit of plate reinforcing the area where the sway plugs in. This can be done with a little welding and drilling pretty easily on a earlier car.

Take a quick look under the car where the sway bar would plug in. If its just a hole in the stamped steel its the old type. If its obvious theres a thicker bit of steel in that spot with the hole for the sway in it its the later type.

Like ST mentioned, Unless your going big, its no issue...

Thank you

I found a set of svt bars but also read that the wagon has the same size?