Information on the 05-07 Focus ST

[focasing]

I am new to the forum... So I don't know my way around...

I am really intrested in the Focus ST.

Does anyone came across info on the 05-07 Focus ST?
Thanks

[TolusD]

Hello there! Right now there's no ST section on any of the major Focus sights. Some of us here have a thread in the Duratec forum that we use to talk about the ST. What information are you looking for?


http://forums.focaljet.com/duratec-t...roll-call.html

[focasing]

I came across a site on the focus st and it seemed like a cool car. They even had a registry for it. So I did some searches on the net for more info, but couldn't find much, then I found this section, I tought there would be some info here on "special" editions.

The Focus is pretty sporty to start off with, so the extra power, better handling and breaks can only make it better

I not sure how many were made... I hardly see any around here.
Does anyone know if the 2.3 on the st is the same on the fusion?
Does it have VVT?

BTW Thanks for that link...

[TolusD]

The Fusion's 2.3 is the long block version and I think it has VVT. I know the ST's 2.3 definitely does not have VVT.

As for how many ST's were made, no one really knows who cares to publish the numbers. I'd love to know myself but I have no resource to even begin to look into it. I'd wager that the ST is allot more rare than people assume it is. I bought mine new at a massive dealership in Cincinatti. They had hundreds of Foci on the lot but only 1 ST. I didn't want red though so they trucked mine in from another dealer. I see ST's every now and again as I drive around but I've only seen 1 used ST for sale on a lot and I can't remember ever seeing one in any of the free sales magazines you get outside of the grocery.

[focasing]

How come there's not more information on the st in this forum?I found the following good pages with info on the st Focus ST / and this one is on the North American focus in general, but it does include a segment on the st.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_(North_America))

[Zoomer69]

The ST wasn't exactly a "special" vehicle like the SVT models were. It had a stronger engine and better shocks compared to lesser Foci, but it was missing a lot of items that made the SVT special - the 6-speed gearbox, the larger disc brakes, the 17" wheels, the special sport springs, the better seating, etc.

The ST was a good performer in a straight line but pedestrian compared to the SVT when it came to performance at the track. From a modder's point of view, the '03 and '04 PZEV Foci was a better starting point - the suspension, brakes, and wheels of the ST could always be swapped in later, but getting the better interior and front end styling of the earlier models into a later Focus would be more difficult.

[focasing]

Originally Posted by Zoomer69

From a modder's point of view, the '03 and '04 PZEV Foci was a better starting point - the suspension, brakes, and wheels of the ST could always be swapped in later, but getting the better interior and front end styling of the earlier models into a later Focus would be more difficult.

I don't get this statement. For a modder's point of view... I figured the ST would be a much better starting point... more hp & more torque enough should be enough. Add to that 4 wheel disks, upgraded suspension, rear bafle delete.

Those are most of the upgrades people start when moding their cars.

The 2.3 as in the pzev was designed for low emissions, not really power while, the ST was designed for the sport enthusiast in mind...

As I understand the 2.3 of the ST were less clean, but much more responsive to power increases.

The 04's pzev didn't have near the style of the ST - especially if equiped w/ the optional SAP, and the interior of the ST is also superior - especially w/ the leather & suede inserts.

As for the SVT... there is not much performance dif between those 2 foci models , both in accelaration (mid - high 15th in the 1/4 mile) and in the twisties (The SVT is def better in the turns, but not by much - swap bigger wheels and compare again).

The 2.3 of the ST is the engine with the most torque figures of the N. A. Focus Line up (yes even more than the SVT and at lower rpms too - remember, the SVT was advertised as a great engine for torque).

[TolusD]

Originally Posted by Zoomer69

The ST wasn't exactly a "special" vehicle like the SVT models were. It had a stronger engine and better shocks compared to lesser Foci, but it was missing a lot of items that made the SVT special - the 6-speed gearbox, the larger disc brakes, the 17" wheels, the special sport springs, the better seating, etc.

The ST was a good performer in a straight line but pedestrian compared to the SVT when it came to performance at the track. From a modder's point of view, the '03 and '04 PZEV Foci was a better starting point - the suspension, brakes, and wheels of the ST could always be swapped in later, but getting the better interior and front end styling of the earlier models into a later Focus would be more difficult.

Originally Posted by focasing

I don't get this statement.

You won't and no one who makes it here will say anything to make you feel better about that statement making no f***ing sense. The problem is that lots of people here believe that statement and will defend it like you just slapped Jesus.

The nice thing though is that you also got the answer to this question...

Originally Posted by focasing

How come there's not more information on the st in this forum?

[focasing]

I don't mean to start off stuff... It seemed to make sence (to me) that I would find info on the st under the "statement cars"... maybe I just don't know what S. cars are. I figured it would be "special" models/edition of the Focus line.

I just want to make a good decision, I am tossing between a 04 svt and a 06 st.

I test drove them both already and I am leaning toward the st. Sorry, I like the sedan body style better. I am not hang up on a "special numbering". Ford is reminding me of Honda's "gold special edition." Some people just pay more just a brand.

What I like about the st is that is feels and drives like the svt... you can't tell the difference. Yet it makes more $$ sence - I checked w/ the insurance and it's cheaper than the svt. The asking $ and the condition is also in the st's favor. So why should I pay more? I also like that the st doesn't require high test gas.

I didn't notice dif in accelaration, both had a pretty good spin on the first gear and spined again from 1st to 2nd. The st in particularan spun the tires all throug 1st, then I shifted to 2nd ... I am so glad the dealer let me test drive alone

The st I am looking at looks sportier it has the rally inspired sap w/ the "subaru wrx style" spoiler and 17" wheels. It has the leather/suede interior too (much nicer, comfortable & soft than the leather and "blue" cloth of the svt I am looking at).

I must say I did like to shift a 6 speed (of the svt) vs the 5 speed of the st, but was hoping that the cruising rpms were a bit lower, but even that was similar to the st.

I heard that the st has a dif (lower?) final ratio (for better acceleration) than the rest of the focus line up can anyone confirm this... if so what is it?

[TolusD]

Originally Posted by focasing

I don't mean to start off stuff... It seemed to make sence (to me) that I would find info on the st under the "statement cars"... maybe I just don't know what S. cars are. I figured it would be "special" models/edition of the Focus line.

I just want to make a good decision, I am tossing between a 04 svt and a 06 st.

I test drove them both already and I am leaning toward the st. Sorry, I like the sedan body style better. I am not hang up on a "special numbering". Ford is reminding me of Honda's "gold special edition." Some people just pay more just a brand.

What I like about the st is that is feels and drives like the svt... you can't tell the difference. Yet it makes more $$ sence - I checked w/ the insurance and it's cheaper than the svt. The asking $ and the condition is also in the st's favor. So why should I pay more? I also like that the st doesn't require high test gas.

I didn't notice dif in accelaration, both had a pretty good spin on the first gear and spined again from 1st to 2nd. The st in particularan spun the tires all throug 1st, then I shifted to 2nd ... I am so glad the dealer let me test drive alone

The st I am looking at looks sportier it has the rally inspired sap w/ the "subaru wrx style" spoiler and 17" wheels. It has the leather/suede interior too (much nicer, comfortable & soft than the leather and "blue" cloth of the svt I am looking at).

I must say I did like to shift a 6 speed (of the svt) vs the 5 speed of the st, but was hoping that the cruising rpms were a bit lower, but even that was similar to the st.

I heard that the st has a dif (lower?) final ratio (for better acceleration) than the rest of the focus line up can anyone confirm this... if so what is it?

Trust me you haven't started anything. You just reminded me of a disappointing time when I did and I wanted to try and save you the frustration that I went through. I agree with your assessment of the ST versus SVT though. I went through almost the exact same process in 2005 when I bought my ST new and I came to the same set of conclusions.

When you test drove the ST, did the dealer show you the little button on the console that turns the traction control off? I'm assuming that you found it if you were spinning tires all the way through 1st but I'm still curious.

BTW... The ST's final drive ratio is 3.82 if I remember correctly...

[cobrawannabe cdw27]

I own an ST (built early in the 3-year series in Nov of 05), and hae been nothin but WILDLY disappointed with the support it recieves on this forum. To be honest, most of the adversion to ST support is from SVT owners. What they fail to realize is that not only is the ST less common than the SVT ( it is estimated that about 3K-4500 a year were made), but is is also just as good if not better than the SVT. I had the choice of an SVT or an ST, and chose the ST. In my opinion, it was definately a better car. Also, it has full-on SVT suspension (the springs are taller, but are stiffer and shorter than SE spring), just with a better ride. The car is more balanced, due to the aluminum engine, rather than the iron-blocked behemoth which causes a slight push in the SVT, and better gearing, putting the car in the torque band almost all the time. The car may not have all the engine work of the SVT, but it didn't need it. Ford just swapped in a larger engine with a MUCH wider, meatier torque band. It is also often overlooked that Ford grossly underrated the ST's output. It may be rated at 151/155, but is more than capable of putting 142/147 and higher to the wheels. The only real status difference between the ST and SVT is the letter "V" and a bunch of snobs.


BTW, one of the most intelligent gearheads (and SVT Focus owners) I have ever spoken to told me point-blank that the ST was far and beyond a better car to start with than the SVT. I had also mentioned to him my pondering of swapping an SVT suspension under my car when my ownership was in it's infancy (and I was still listeniing to SVT fanbois), and he told me it wasn't woth the hassle; as there is no discernible difference.

[SVT3658]

You sound like more of a snob than any SVT owner I've ever met.

Point blank: The SVT had more completely unique parts on it than the ST got. The SVT was engineered in Europe as the ST170 then brought here as an SVT and had different bumpers and badging slapped on.

The ST seems like a parts-bin car that Ford made in an attempt to keep up with other car manufacturers. It has the 2.3 with the PZEV emissions equipment removed (which you can do to any PZEV car), the same tranny but with a shorter final drive, essentially the SVT suspension (which is why you were told not to put an SVT suspension on your ST...you pretty much already had it from the factory), reupholstered stock seats to look sportier, rear discs (pretty sure they are smaller than the SVT rear discs...I think they are the same rear discs that came on advance-trac equipped 00-04 Foci), the same exhaust but with the lunchbox removed (the SVT has a stock exhaust that out-flows pretty much every aftermarket exhaust, and it's ~2.24 inch IIRC vs 2.5 inch), an optional appearance package (that was available on all other Foci, ZX3, ZX4, or ZX5), etc...

When you look at it, everything "special" about the ST can be gotten from another Focus that Ford produced. They just put them together and sold it pre-done so you didn't have to go through the trouble of finding all the parts and installing them

I'm not downgrading the ST (I wouldn't mind picking one up for a second car), but IMO it doesn't warrant a separate forum. All questions about it can be answered in the forums that already exist because there's nothing "unique" to it like parts for the SVT (try asking a guy with a normal ZX3 about a cat bracket issue, a dead IMRC controller, a broken DSI clip, or a TSB for the clutch/flywheel and see what kind of blank stares you get )

[B3NN3TT]

Originally Posted by SVT3658

You sound like more of a snob more than any SVT owner I've ever met.

I was thinking the same thing.

Just all worked up with an axe to grind, looking for a soap box.

[TolusD]

Wow, round 2 of this argument went to name calling really fast... Round 1 was still a more impressive example of a complete breakdown of communication though.

Honestly, I'm more embarassed by the responses to this issue this time around than anything else. The fact remains though that the FJ gawdz have spoken and no matter how ridiculous or upsetting the results of that speech may be to some of us, anyone who doesn't like it is free to stop posting here and to start up their own site and that includes me. I like more about FJ than I dislike most days and that's enough for me keep posting here as long as I'm welcome to do so. That's all I have to say about this other than I hope it doesn't have to come up again and make so many otherwise viable people look so incredibly daft.

[MrBirdman330]

It seems to me like some people are making it out to be a "Dick Measuring" contest when it isn't.

[SVT3658]

Originally Posted by TolusD

Wow, round 2 of this argument went to name calling really fast... Round 1 was still a more impressive example of a complete breakdown of communication though.

Yup. It really is sad that an ST owner not getting his way resorted to name-calling (calling SVT owners snobs...)

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

It seems to me like some people are making it out to be a "Dick Measuring" contest when it isn't.

And how exactly is this a "dick measuring" contest? Because the admins didn't immediately go out of their way to make an ST forum and you're not getting your way, it's automatically a "dick measuring" contest??

A question was asked, and there basically was one collective answer. I'm assuming you don't like that answer?




Just to put this into perspective, an ECU tuning forum took a while to get IIRC. Stuff like this doesn't happen at the snap of a finger....It has to be proven that the forum is indeed needed, and that isn't being accomplished as far as I can see

edit:
I want to make it clear that my point of view is coming from a fellow Jetter. The fact that I do own an SVT is not swaying my opinion. I personally think that the ST does not have the uniqueness to warrant its own forum. And by uniqueness I mean different parts from a regular DTEC that are hard to find, cause problems, are not known about by people that don't own the car, etc. I still think it is a great car (and would like to own one someday)

[MrBirdman330]

We simply want our own section to try and figure out all we can on the ST without hijacking a thread or two to get it done. Its a simple request and now its getting blown the hell out of proportion to the point it is turning into a Dick Measuring Contest to see who's Focus is better than the other. I don't give a rats own fraking azz ok? Is it that hard to understand? I've posted very little at all in either of these situations. I think less than five posts for all time sake on this and the ST wanting thread in the suggestion box. It was a simple asking that the ST Focus get its own section, now that could include the Euro ST as well which started with the ST170 the first of the ST Foci. It doesn't have to be specifically the North American ST.

[SVT3658]

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

We simply want our own section to try and figure out all we can on the ST without hijacking a thread or two to get it done. Its a simple request and now its getting blown the hell out of proportion to the point it is turning into a Dick Measuring Contest to see who's Focus is better than the other. I don't give a rats own fraking azz ok? Is it that hard to understand? I've posted very little at all in either of these situations. I think less than five posts for all time sake on this and the ST wanting thread in the suggestion box.

The folks doing RS conversions would like their own forum too, I'm sure. But they made a thread in the appropriate forum, got it stickied, and went from there. That's really the best track to go if you want a new forum...prove the need for it

It was a simple asking that the ST Focus get its own section, now that could include the Euro ST as well which started with the ST170 the first of the ST Foci. It doesn't have to be specifically the North American ST.

Lumping the NA ST, Euro ST, and SVT/ST170 all into one forum would be horrible. That's 2 different chassis, 3 different engines, and tons of little details.

You're better off making a thread specifically for the NA ST in the DTEC section than trying to keep it all straight if you mix it in with the Euro ST and SVT/ST170....That would be a nightmare!



From here on, nothing more will be accomplished. Name calling and whining has begun, and I don't want to be part of that. I expressed my opinion, so I am now done.

[MrBirdman330]

They all carry the ST Badge that's the main thing to understand.

[SVT3658]

Nevermind, I said I was done....and I am. This will just go in circles

[cobrawannabe cdw27]

I don't know. I went to name-calling because I was so upset by the first thread. I tried to start things with a more cordial approach, and was essentially told that the SVT was better. I did NOT compare the two cars in my first post, just happended to mention the simiarities between the two. I was then "told" point-blank that the ST was nothing more than a trim level, when it clearly was. Excuse me for "jumping to conclusions"....

Here is the comparison between my car and my sister's '07 SE sedan...

Exhaust:
SE- 2" crush-bent with lunchbox and 2" ID resonator
ST- 2.25" mandrel-bent with no rear muffler to speak of and 2.25" ID resonator

Sway bars:
SE: 17mm front, no rear
ST: 21mm front, 21mm rear

Springs:
SE: "Soft" spring rate
ST: "Stiff" spring rate (different part numbers on tags), 1" lower at rocker panels

Struts:
SE: Average Focus struts
ST: SVT valving and dampening

Brakes:
SE: 10" front rotors, rear drums
ST: 11" front rotors, 10" rear rotors

Interior:
SE: standard cloth (almost SES options)
ST: we all know by now, but for clarity's sake....
-Leather-wrapped steering wheel with hand humps at 10 and 2and red stitching on leather
-Leather-wrapped shift knob with aluminum patter plate and red stitching
-Red inserts in doors and seats
-Black/grey mesh colored HVAC/radio bezel
-Silver guage bezel
-Tachometer

Exterior:
SE: Un-painted trim and 15" mesh wheels. Chrome grille ring
ST:
-Small "ferrings" on rear bumper sides
-Color-matched grille ring and silver mesh
-16" ST-specific wheels
-Silver fog light bezels
-Color-matched ding strips
-Color-matched mirrors

This list was compiled for clarity, not for bragging rights. I have directly compared my car to my sisters car, and measured each feature myself.

[focasing]

Originally Posted by cobrawannabe cdw27

I don't know. I went to name-calling because I was so upset by the first thread. I tried to start things with a more cordial approach, and was essentially told that the SVT was better. I did NOT compare the two cars in my first post, just happended to mention the simiarities between the two. I was then "told" point-blank that the ST was nothing more than a trim level, when it clearly was. Excuse me for "jumping to conclusions"....

Here is the comparison between my car and my sister's '07 SE sedan...

Exhaust:
SE- 2" crush-bent with lunchbox and 2" ID resonator
ST- 2.25" mandrel-bent with no rear muffler to speak of and 2.25" ID resonator

Sway bars:
SE: 17mm front, no rear
ST: 21mm front, 21mm rear

Springs:
SE: "Soft" spring rate
ST: "Stiff" spring rate (different part numbers on tags), 1" lower at rocker panels

Struts:
SE: Average Focus struts
ST: SVT valving and dampening

Brakes:
SE: 10" front rotors, rear drums
ST: 11" front rotors, 10" rear rotors

Interior:
SE: standard cloth (almost SES options)
ST: we all know by now, but for clarity's sake....
-Leather-wrapped steering wheel with hand humps at 10 and 2and red stitching on leather
-Leather-wrapped shift knob with aluminum patter plate and red stitching
-Red inserts in doors and seats
-Black/grey mesh colored HVAC/radio bezel
-Silver guage bezel
-Tachometer

Exterior:
SE: Un-painted trim and 15" mesh wheels. Chrome grille ring
ST:
-Small "ferrings" on rear bumper sides
-Color-matched grille ring and silver mesh
-16" ST-specific wheels
-Silver fog light bezels

This list was compiled for clarity, not for bragging rights. I have directly compared my car to my sisters car, and measured each feature myself.

Thanks .... this is the info I was looking for!
What is the diff ... There is a lot of "special" & unique stuff.

BTW I did get the ST - I was familiar w/ the trac control button (my bro has a 05 SES) - He recomended the ST.

The SVT (I was looking) was not that nice anyway!

I don't plan on returning to this forum again - It's a waist of time! it is discusting to me that a "focus" forum does not even mention the 05-07 focus ST. The top dog of the focus... for those years.

It's like ignoring the SVT for the earlier years

[cobrawannabe cdw27]

I certainly wouldn't write off Focaljet! It's a top-notch forum, probably the best one I've ever been on. No forum is perfect, and the people who have been razzing the ST are all good guys, I'm just not sure they know exactly what went into the ST, and just how good it is. They make a valid point that a lot of the stuff on our cars can be found on other Foci; but I'm not sure they know just how much is left to learnabout the USDM ST. Please, stick around and peruse the rest of the forum. You'll see that even the guys we've been bickering with for the last week or so are all a lot of fun, and are generally VERY helpful.

When this is all said and done, I will still fly the FocalJet flag on my window proudly. This could be a lot worse. You could be on FF! (j/k!!!!!)

[TolusD]

Originally Posted by SVT3658

Nevermind, I said I was done....and I am. This will just go in circles

At last we agree on something...

[Egz]

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

We simply want our own section to try and figure out all we can on the ST without hijacking a thread or two to get it done.

But there is nothing that is unique about the ST that isn't covered by any other forum!

Engine: Practically identical to all other Duratecs, both 2.0l and 2.3l. Forum = Duratec tuning
Exhaust: Same layout as every other Focus. Forum = Duratec tuning
Rear disc brakes: Same as AdvancTrac brakes. Forum: Tires/Wheels/Brakes
Suspension: Same parts found on other Focuses. Forum = Suspension
Interior: Different colored/fabric parts based on the same parts in other Focuses; interchangeable. Forum = Interior
Exterior: Different colored/stylized parts based on the same parts in other Focuses; interchangeable. Forum = Exterior
ST admiration: Owners like their ST and want to talk about how much the like owning one. Forum = Team Pitstop

There isn't one thing on a ST that is unique enough to warrent its own forum. Forums are a way to arrange discussion so that related topics are together, and unique discussions are separated out to reduce confusion. What possible ST conversation would be out of place in the current layout as it is right now that would confused non-ST owners?