What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? - Focaljet

**vanwyk4257** · 07-23-2006, 08:20 PM

I am seriously considering getting into this in the next couple of years and I'm wondering what car generally would be the best basis to build a spec focus racer from? I have a 2005 ST that's my daily driver at present, but within a couple years I'll probably buy a new car, then it would be free to do whatever I want with it. Would the ST be a good platform, or should I look for an SVT or ZX3 hatchback?

Thanks in advance for any input you guys can provide!

**Ted7rns** · 07-23-2006, 09:21 PM

I think a 2005 ZX4 ST would make a great SF car. You won't have much to do to get it ready to run SF. Leo Capaldi also has a 2005 ST.

**JimmySolo2** · 07-24-2006, 12:01 AM

I agree with Ted. With a 2.3 or SVT there are not a lot of legal mods you can do, which means you don't have to buy aftermarket, just replace with OEM.

**f2focus** · 07-27-2006, 12:16 AM

The 2.3L is the way to go. A lot more torque with only bolt ons!

**Knestis** · 07-27-2006, 01:49 PM

Help out the Focus dork - what years/models does that suggest? Based on the minimum weight is there a real advantage to the sedan, 3-door, or 5-door hatch??

I don't know my ST's from my ZX's...

K

**Ted7rns** · 07-27-2006, 02:32 PM

The CD is better on the Sedan then the hatches. But the Sedan is heavier and harder to get down to weight.

Models
ZX3 = 2 Door Hatch
ZX5 = 4 Door Hatch
ZX4 = 4 Door Sedan (2005-present)
ZTS = 4 Door Sedan (2001-2004)
ZX4 ST = 2.3L Duratec (2004-2005)

Engines
2.0 Zetec (2000-2004)
2.0 SVT (2002-2004)
2.0 Duratec (2005-present)
2.3 Duratec (2003-present)

SVT cars come in only ZX3 and ZX5s. The ZX4 ST is the 2.3L Duratec. But you can get a 2.3L Duratec in some ZX3s, ZX5, and ZTS in 2003 and 2004. But were an option in some states but standard in Green states.

The one advantage of getting a 2.0L Zetec or SVT you can also turn it into a Rally Spec Focus as well. But the 2.3L Duratec would work good for Road Racing, because it doesn't require as many engine mods... but they are also tougher to find.

**slidemaster** · 07-27-2006, 05:48 PM

To add in the green states (Like California) 2.3 were standard for about 20 months on all Focus. 2004 and most 2003

**Knestis** · 07-27-2006, 10:22 PM

Very helpful - thanks. It's kind of academic because my grand scheme does kind of call for the SRF-legal option but it's useful to know the lingo.

K

**Ted7rns** · 07-28-2006, 12:05 PM

No Problem....
It can be confusing, Even though the car has only been around for 6 years, they have so many models and engine combinations. Plus I didn’t even talk about the 2.0L SPI motors and the SE models........

**PhocusZX3** · 08-04-2006, 06:43 AM

Good thread.....

I'm curious what your thoughts are on a base 2.0l Duratec ZX3. Obviously you guys have tested everything in the rule book, but can the 2.0l with the FR head honestly hold a candle to the stock 2.3l? I would think that all things being equal (i.e. weight, gearing, exhaust), that the 2.3l would still edge out the 2.0l. Any thoughts?

Reason I ask is I am thinking about an 03-04 Duratec ZX3 or possibly a new base model 2.0l ZX3 as the basis for my Spec car down the road (mostly due to being more ready to race out of the box compared to the Zetec).

**68 Touring Car** · 08-04-2006, 07:43 AM

Just my 2 cents

My thought's are that the best way for someone to get involved is to see what is available to them, look at the rules, see how much time you have and crunch some numbers. The long term of the class is to get people racing at a low cost and with that plan there will be more 2.0 Zetec's. There are a lot of options which is a good thing. If you buy a 2000-2002 focus with a 2.0 Zetec you need to spend a little extra to buy the extra bolt on parts but you can the get the base vehicle really cheap. If you choose not messing with the engine I would get a 2003-2005 2.3 but it will be a higher vehicle cost. LCR is also trying to finish our SVT for the Mid-Ohio race next week to see where it will stand in the mix. We all want to see a lot of Focus cars on the track and I know that if one vehicle combination starts out with a advantage NASA and Ford will even the playing field with weight being added or removed. The idea here is if you want to go racing a Focus and have some time to invest find a low cost salvage 2.0 Zetec and have some fun. If you have less time to invest for assembly then go for a newer 2.3 but you could double your initial vehicle cost.

**Knestis** · 08-04-2006, 03:21 PM

Excellent analysis, Leo - thanks.

K

**PhocusZX3** · 08-05-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 Touring Car

Just my 2 cents

My thought's are that the best way for someone to get involved is to see what is available to them, look at the rules, see how much time you have and crunch some numbers. The long term of the class is to get people racing at a low cost and with that plan there will be more 2.0 Zetec's. There are a lot of options which is a good thing. If you buy a 2000-2002 focus with a 2.0 Zetec you need to spend a little extra to buy the extra bolt on parts but you can the get the base vehicle really cheap. If you choose not messing with the engine I would get a 2003-2005 2.3 but it will be a higher vehicle cost. LCR is also trying to finish our SVT for the Mid-Ohio race next week to see where it will stand in the mix. We all want to see a lot of Focus cars on the track and I know that if one vehicle combination starts out with a advantage NASA and Ford will even the playing field with weight being added or removed. The idea here is if you want to go racing a Focus and have some time to invest find a low cost salvage 2.0 Zetec and have some fun. If you have less time to invest for assembly then go for a newer 2.3 but you could double your initial vehicle cost.

Good points. I have no doubt that the modifications allowed for the base 2.0l Zetec make up for the power difference between the 2.3l Duratec.

My main interest is in the 2.0l DURATEC that replaced the Zetec in '05. The rules state that the 2.0l Duratec can utilize the head listed in the FR catalog, but no other modifications (besides an UDP) are allowed. I'm curious to see if merely a head will make up the hp and torque difference and make the 2.0l Duratec a competitive motor with a stock 2.3l Duratec and a modified 2.0l Zetec motor.

**tracksidelogistics** · 08-06-2006, 09:34 PM

Ebay
Item number: 280015439464

**Knestis** · 08-07-2006, 12:17 PM

What's the story on this Focus - theft recovery? Email me at kirk.knestis (at) evaluand.com so I can get more info?

Kirk

**BigSandwich** · 08-07-2006, 02:22 PM

Kirk, be careful the ebay says no way to title the car so you would not be able to use it for a cross-over vehicle.

**Knestis** · 08-07-2006, 07:05 PM

Having just navigated the world of NC title-getting for the Golf, there are possibilities!

K

**JimmySolo2** · 08-09-2006, 04:21 PM

Hmmmmm.

If my Focus was paid off I would just put that plate on and switch the Dash board VIN.

Of course I am kidding because that would be bad... M'kay?

**airforcefocus** · 08-14-2006, 02:32 AM

I vote ZETEC (non SVT) if long term cost and parts availability is an issue. I believe the ZETEC to be a more robust platform where almost any component can be had for cheap and may now be found at any local wrecking yard. I just picked up a spare alternator for $25.00 (which I gave to a jetter after his went out

) and shortblocks are plentiful. The Duratec (2.3L) is great out of the box, but can get pricey as time goes on and parts get scarce. I have seen logged spikes in oil pressure on the road course and suggest adding an extra baffle in the pan for longevity.

**OGFocus99** · 08-14-2006, 12:46 PM

Zetec not dead yet!

**Ted7rns** · 08-14-2006, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OGFocus99

Zetec not dead yet!

Yeah, with the Open Wheel guys still using the Zetec motors, there's going to be still parts made for it.

07-23-2006, 08:20 PM	#1
vanwyk4257 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5	What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? I am seriously considering getting into this in the next couple of years and I'm wondering what car generally would be the best basis to build a spec focus racer from? I have a 2005 ST that's my daily driver at present, but within a couple years I'll probably buy a new car, then it would be free to do whatever I want with it. Would the ST be a good platform, or should I look for an SVT or ZX3 hatchback? Thanks in advance for any input you guys can provide! __________________ 2005 Liquid Gray Focus ST 5-speed. 1.5" Drop sport springs. LOOKING FOR A SET OF SVT EURO 15-SPOKE DARK ARGENT WHEELS! 1975 Porsche 911S Coupe, too many mods to list!

07-23-2006, 09:21 PM	#2
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,228	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? I think a 2005 ZX4 ST would make a great SF car. You won't have much to do to get it ready to run SF. Leo Capaldi also has a 2005 ST. __________________ NASA Spec Focus Series Director \| NASA HPDE Instructor 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue <23>

07-24-2006, 12:01 AM	#3
JimmySolo2 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ross Twp[ N. Pittsburgh] Posts: 2,355	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? I agree with Ted. With a 2.3 or SVT there are not a lot of legal mods you can do, which means you don't have to buy aftermarket, just replace with OEM. __________________ Who is John Galt?

07-27-2006, 12:16 AM	#4
f2focus Associate Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 2,002	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? The 2.3L is the way to go. A lot more torque with only bolt ons! __________________ Authorized Dealer for: Brembo Brakes, Clutchnet, Vogtland, Eibach, Koni, Tokico, Ingalls, Ireland Engineering, Crower Cams, Supertech, ACT Clutch, ARP Studs, Kyowa Wheels, Nitto Tires, Toyo Tires, StopTech Brakes, Centric Brakes, TurboSmart, Cosworth, Street Scene. www.f2focus.com Vehicles: 2008 Ford Fusion, 2009 Ford Flex (Coming), 2010 Mazda 3 (Coming)

07-27-2006, 01:49 PM	#5
Knestis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 53	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Help out the Focus dork - what years/models does that suggest? Based on the minimum weight is there a real advantage to the sedan, 3-door, or 5-door hatch?? I don't know my ST's from my ZX's... K __________________ PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB class winner - 2004 VIR 13 Hours, 2005 Summit Point 12 Hours - with KONI struts, OE and racing VW parts from Bildon Motorsport, and TOYO and HOOSIER tires from PhilsTireService.com

07-27-2006, 02:32 PM	#6
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,228	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? The CD is better on the Sedan then the hatches. But the Sedan is heavier and harder to get down to weight. Models ZX3 = 2 Door Hatch ZX5 = 4 Door Hatch ZX4 = 4 Door Sedan (2005-present) ZTS = 4 Door Sedan (2001-2004) ZX4 ST = 2.3L Duratec (2004-2005) Engines 2.0 Zetec (2000-2004) 2.0 SVT (2002-2004) 2.0 Duratec (2005-present) 2.3 Duratec (2003-present) SVT cars come in only ZX3 and ZX5s. The ZX4 ST is the 2.3L Duratec. But you can get a 2.3L Duratec in some ZX3s, ZX5, and ZTS in 2003 and 2004. But were an option in some states but standard in Green states. The one advantage of getting a 2.0L Zetec or SVT you can also turn it into a Rally Spec Focus as well. But the 2.3L Duratec would work good for Road Racing, because it doesn't require as many engine mods... but they are also tougher to find. __________________ NASA Spec Focus Series Director \| NASA HPDE Instructor 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue <23> Last edited by Ted7rns : 07-27-2006 at 02:40 PM.

07-27-2006, 05:48 PM	#7
slidemaster Professor PowerSlide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: steering backward through the mirror Posts: 7,903	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? To add in the green states (Like California) 2.3 were standard for about 20 months on all Focus. 2004 and most 2003 __________________ Watch for "Road Trip" coming soon- check with your cable provider

07-27-2006, 10:22 PM	#8
Knestis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 53	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Very helpful - thanks. It's kind of academic because my grand scheme does kind of call for the SRF-legal option but it's useful to know the lingo. K __________________ PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB class winner - 2004 VIR 13 Hours, 2005 Summit Point 12 Hours - with KONI struts, OE and racing VW parts from Bildon Motorsport, and TOYO and HOOSIER tires from PhilsTireService.com

07-28-2006, 12:05 PM	#9
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,228	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? No Problem.... It can be confusing, Even though the car has only been around for 6 years, they have so many models and engine combinations. Plus I didn’t even talk about the 2.0L SPI motors and the SE models........ __________________ NASA Spec Focus Series Director \| NASA HPDE Instructor 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue <23>

08-04-2006, 06:43 AM	#10
PhocusZX3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Tampa/Brandon, FL Posts: 5,801	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Good thread..... I'm curious what your thoughts are on a base 2.0l Duratec ZX3. Obviously you guys have tested everything in the rule book, but can the 2.0l with the FR head honestly hold a candle to the stock 2.3l? I would think that all things being equal (i.e. weight, gearing, exhaust), that the 2.3l would still edge out the 2.0l. Any thoughts? Reason I ask is I am thinking about an 03-04 Duratec ZX3 or possibly a new base model 2.0l ZX3 as the basis for my Spec car down the road (mostly due to being more ready to race out of the box compared to the Zetec). __________________ 1984 Ford SSP Mustang (my daily driver) 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (wife's daily driver)

08-04-2006, 07:43 AM	#11
68 Touring Car Premier Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Motor City Posts: 1,185	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Just my 2 cents My thought's are that the best way for someone to get involved is to see what is available to them, look at the rules, see how much time you have and crunch some numbers. The long term of the class is to get people racing at a low cost and with that plan there will be more 2.0 Zetec's. There are a lot of options which is a good thing. If you buy a 2000-2002 focus with a 2.0 Zetec you need to spend a little extra to buy the extra bolt on parts but you can the get the base vehicle really cheap. If you choose not messing with the engine I would get a 2003-2005 2.3 but it will be a higher vehicle cost. LCR is also trying to finish our SVT for the Mid-Ohio race next week to see where it will stand in the mix. We all want to see a lot of Focus cars on the track and I know that if one vehicle combination starts out with a advantage NASA and Ford will even the playing field with weight being added or removed. The idea here is if you want to go racing a Focus and have some time to invest find a low cost salvage 2.0 Zetec and have some fun. If you have less time to invest for assembly then go for a newer 2.3 but you could double your initial vehicle cost. __________________ Leo NASA Spec Focus Series Director www.capaldiracing.com "Quitters Never Win" Last edited by 68 Touring Car : 08-04-2006 at 08:43 AM.

08-04-2006, 03:21 PM	#12
Knestis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 53	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Excellent analysis, Leo - thanks. K __________________ PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB class winner - 2004 VIR 13 Hours, 2005 Summit Point 12 Hours - with KONI struts, OE and racing VW parts from Bildon Motorsport, and TOYO and HOOSIER tires from PhilsTireService.com

08-06-2006, 09:34 PM	#14
tracksidelogistics Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 96	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Ebay Item number: 280015439464

08-07-2006, 12:17 PM	#15
Knestis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 53	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? What's the story on this Focus - theft recovery? Email me at kirk.knestis (at) evaluand.com so I can get more info? Kirk __________________ PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB class winner - 2004 VIR 13 Hours, 2005 Summit Point 12 Hours - with KONI struts, OE and racing VW parts from Bildon Motorsport, and TOYO and HOOSIER tires from PhilsTireService.com

08-07-2006, 02:22 PM	#16
BigSandwich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,143	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Kirk, be careful the ebay says no way to title the car so you would not be able to use it for a cross-over vehicle. __________________ 2001 ZX3 Spec Rally Car - Build Thread 1990 Audi 90 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

08-07-2006, 07:05 PM	#17
Knestis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 53	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Having just navigated the world of NC title-getting for the Golf, there are possibilities! K __________________ PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB class winner - 2004 VIR 13 Hours, 2005 Summit Point 12 Hours - with KONI struts, OE and racing VW parts from Bildon Motorsport, and TOYO and HOOSIER tires from PhilsTireService.com

08-09-2006, 04:21 PM	#18
JimmySolo2 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ross Twp[ N. Pittsburgh] Posts: 2,355	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Hmmmmm. If my Focus was paid off I would just put that plate on and switch the Dash board VIN. Of course I am kidding because that would be bad... M'kay? __________________ Who is John Galt?

08-14-2006, 02:32 AM	#19
airforcefocus [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moreno Valley , Calif. Posts: 5,828	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? I vote ZETEC (non SVT) if long term cost and parts availability is an issue. I believe the ZETEC to be a more robust platform where almost any component can be had for cheap and may now be found at any local wrecking yard. I just picked up a spare alternator for $25.00 (which I gave to a jetter after his went out ) and shortblocks are plentiful. The Duratec (2.3L) is great out of the box, but can get pricey as time goes on and parts get scarce. I have seen logged spikes in oil pressure on the road course and suggest adding an extra baffle in the pan for longevity. __________________ http://www.redlinetrackevents.com http://www.barberdrivingexperience.com http://www.stoutperformance.net coming soon! 2008 GTI MKV2008 F-150 FX42009 Focus Coupe

08-14-2006, 12:46 PM	#20
OGFocus99 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Fran Posts: 1,982	Re: What's the best basis for a Spec Focus? Zetec not dead yet!

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