I want one!

[Cobranut]

My GF bought a 2004 ZTS with the 2.3/5-speed.
It runs so well I started looking at Foci myself.

I drove 2 SVT models yesterday and was underwhelmed by the lack of performance. The 2.3 pulls better, is smoother riding, plus uses regular gas. (Heck, I've never owned anything that could use regular).
I can't see paying a premium price for the SVT. Probably why they had to give them away when they were new.

What years were the 2.3 available?
My shop manual references it only in 2003-2004.

Keep in mind I want only a 2 door, ZX3 trim, pretty much loaded with options.

Also, if anyone knows of a good deal out there, please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
David

[Focus_wrc07]

David/Cobranut, first off, welcome to FJ. Second, where you from?

As far as the 2.3 goes, it seems to pull better despite having less horsepower, because it has more low end torque than the SVT does, hence because a little more displacement, and a different set up on the intake mani, exhaust, etc.

The SVT is a great car, but is very limited in modifications. The 2.3 however, is almost endless.

The 2.3 was available in the green states from '03-'04 in the hatchbacks, and continued on from '05-'07 in the ZX4 ST platform which is only a 4 door. As far as the good deals out there, I wish I could point you in the direction, but the best thing to do is search, search, and search. Sorry I can't be of any more help, but if all else fails, check out the "Vehicles for sale" thread in the "For Sale" section of the forums. Good luck, and happy modding!

[Cobranut]

Thanks for the info.

I'm in Virginia, but I travel all over which gives me the oppertunity to check out deals from other states as well.

I'll be in Charlotte, NC next week and I'm taking my trailer along. There's a lot of used car lots in that area.

Thanks for the info.

David

[Egz]

If you are going to NC, you are probably only going to find 2004s with the 2.3l. In 2003, it was only availible in Green States, like CA, NY, MA... I drove to NY to buy mine. 2004 it became optional in other states, but not on every model.

Good luck with your hunt.

[sayin0487]

i have an 07 st. 4 door sedan with the 2.3 and i LOVE it. o and ive eatin svt's for breakfast at the strip.

[hommie]

I was going to buy a ST I wish I would have now. I have owned several SVT's and the ST felt better in the power department the SVT's.

[Cameroon]

To add to what Egz posted, the 2.3 was optional only on top level foci nationwide in '04 ie ZTS sedans or Power Premium hatches.

In green states ALL foci had 2.3's for '04.

The '03 green state 2.3's were a mid year addition.

The '05-'07 ST has a non PZEV version of the 2.3. It's good for something like 3 or 4 more HP in stock form.

The other BIG difference is the gearing. 2.3 pzev's have rather tall final drive gears 3.41 vs 3.82 in the later ST 2.3's.

ST's also have 4 wheel disc brakes.

[OmniFocus]

The 2.3L is worth every penny.

It can be a mild, torquey daily driver, or a 175whp monster without any internal motor mods.

...and with the suspension aftermarket available, you can tweak and tune it to be exactly what you want.

[Focus_wrc07]

Dave, not a problem on the info, and good luck with your search in NC.

To all that's posted above this one, and after my last, thanks for picking up the slack where I forgot to post information, and for posting some better information as well.

[Cobranut]

Thanks guys for the info.
Her ZTS has the PZEV and 5-Speed. I found it on the web last spring. The car doesn't even have a door ding on it, and is as clean as a new one inside. Got it for just over $8000 with 32K miles.
I hope I can be as lucky finding what I'm looking for. I'm not too choosy about color as long as it's not black.

I like the tall gearing. I also want a fully loaded model, the only sticking point seems to be that most are 4-doors and I want a 2-door.

Thanks again,
David

[brads03zx3]

This one isn't too far from you. Not a 2 door, and maybe more mileage than you want.

http://forums.focaljet.com/vehicles-...2-3l-pzev.html

[RUN_ZX3]

Originally Posted by Cobranut

Thanks guys for the info.
Her ZTS has the PZEV and 5-Speed. I found it on the web last spring. The car doesn't even have a door ding on it, and is as clean as a new one inside. Got it for just over $8000 with 32K miles.
I hope I can be as lucky finding what I'm looking for. I'm not too choosy about color as long as it's not black.

I like the tall gearing. I also want a fully loaded model, the only sticking point seems to be that most are 4-doors and I want a 2-door.

Thanks again,
David

It took me 3-4 months to find my 2.3 zx3 because I was only looking for black.
good luck ith your search.

[slverfocus13]

if i could start all over i would have gotten a 03-04 ZX3 with a 2.3

[iceguyb14]

there are some available in VA.. i live here and i found a few when i was lookin to buy one last year..

car is awesome btw.. youll love the 2.3.. it is def a better engine IMO than the svt's 2.0..

and if you have a few $$$ i suggest a FocusSports turbo kit.. cuz its AWESOME!!

[dochawk]

I picked up an '04 ZTW with the 2.3 for practicality. Surprising acceleration and sharp handling is what I found. Been driving trucks and SUVs too long. I haven't had this much fun in a little car since the 80's... and I can carry the whole family, too... getting 25-32 mpg the whole time! Good luck in your search.

[iceguyb14]

yeah i forgot to mention mpg.. b4 the turbo i got around 30 on the highway which is pretty good for how peppy it is.. even after the turbo i get around 28