Looking at building a Focus - Focaljet

**PH Racing** · 07-04-2007, 04:32 PM

I've been running in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship (well I ran last year when it was the Ontario Touring GT championship)
I just recently sold out of the car I was co-driving (Nissan 200SX #200) to build my own car. Looking at whats available I'm considering the Focus.
The class I would be running in is restricted to engines 2.0L and under and run on 205 size tires.
Which chassis (sedan/ hatch) and 2.0L engine makes for a good build? Getting the various engines and getting them built is no problem, I'm just looking for a good starting point. I belive the chassis hasn't changed much in the past 8 years so most body and engine parts should swap pretty easy, no?
Just looking for some general info to get started.
Pat Harrison
PH Racing

Links: http://www.touringcar.ca/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2370949113

**focuz04** · 07-04-2007, 10:20 PM

got a chasis that is ready to be a spec car for sale.
jake

**JimmySolo2** · 07-04-2007, 11:20 PM

If you are limited to 2.0 I would say, find a SVT Focus and start there.

**PH Racing** · 07-05-2007, 06:00 AM

Is there anything specific on the SVT chassis that makes it better to build on rather than picking up a ZX3 and building the engine ourselves? What HP levels are the SVTs capable of versus a Zetec or duratec 2.0L after a full build. I ask because it is obviously cheaper and easier to find a ZX3 or ZTS than an SVT.

**BUR_ZX3** · 07-05-2007, 09:58 AM

I'm just checking, but are you planning on building a car to be compliant with NASA Spec Focus rules, or Canadian TC? Because with Spec Focus you can't raise the stock compression, so you're kinda stuck.

**Ted7rns** · 07-05-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PH Racing

Is there anything specific on the SVT chassis that makes it better to build on rather than picking up a ZX3 and building the engine ourselves? What HP levels are the SVTs capable of versus a Zetec or duratec 2.0L after a full build. I ask because it is obviously cheaper and easier to find a ZX3 or ZTS than an SVT.

Nothing specific with the SVT, as a matter of a fact stay away from the SVT motor. It's not as good as the 2.0 Zetec or the 2.0 Duratec. You can do more things with the Zetec and Duratec. You can get more HP and a lot more torque.

**brads03zx3** · 07-05-2007, 11:59 AM

I would suggest getting in touch with Leo Capaldi. He is a sponsor of this site and has experience building serious race foci. I would probably suggest a sedan version with the 2.0 duratec. The engine is much lighter than the iron-block zetec, and serious horsepower is possible. The sedan also has aero advantages.

**Ted7rns** · 07-05-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brads03zx3

I would suggest getting in touch with Leo Capaldi. He is a sponsor of this site and has experience building serious race foci. I would probably suggest a sedan version with the 2.0 duratec. The engine is much lighter than the iron-block zetec, and serious horsepower is possible. The sedan also has aero advantages.

I would also suggest a sedan as well.

**f2focus** · 07-05-2007, 01:18 PM

There are a few ways to do this and we can help with that, we have been racing for a lot of years with different types of cars. I know that we can help you to race both series if you would like to do that. Feel free to contact me at ricardo@f2usa.com

Good luck and hope to see you on the track.

**PH Racing** · 07-05-2007, 04:04 PM

The car would be set up for the Canadian touring car series. Which would take it too far for the Spec Focus...though I think the Spec Focus would be more fun. I was involved in crewing for a Spec Sentra series up here before and I love the spec type classes. However, I've now gotten involved with Touring and finding sponsors that want the coverage it gets.
Besides, open suspension rules, open engine rules...the only restrictions are tyre size (205 on a 7" rim (205-50-15, 205-40-17)) Toyo RA1's and weight according to the series calculator, our 200SX in theory could weigh 1950lbs with driver...we got it down to about 2400 with driver now, and thats after some serious sessions with the plasma cutter and the wiring harness stripped down.
series calc.:http://www.touringcar.ca/Public/CTCCWeightCalc07.htm
plug in some numbers if you want for fun. I plugged in some estimates for a focus build and it comes out around 2184 with driver. Realistically the tire size really limits how much HP is usable. I figure in the 180hp- 200hp range would be pretty competitive. Last year a team ran a 93 civic with a 2.0L swap at about 225 hp, car weight was around 2200 (estimate) It was fast, but the tires would go off about halfway through the race.

PS, found out last night that I'll be driving the pace car at this weekends Toronto Grand Prix. Two cars being used, Mustang GT and a Ford GT

**BUR_ZX3** · 07-05-2007, 04:10 PM

if thats the case then I would go with a 2.0L Duratec with some ultra aggressive cams, some ultra high compression pistons and a screaming cosworth intake manifold.

Second choice would be a Zetec.

**brads03zx3** · 07-05-2007, 04:27 PM

If you would be so kind, head over to the 3R/KPAX SPEED WC paddock and give the guys a handshake from the [FJ] Crew. Robb Holland, Randy Pobst, Mike Galati, etc. Great people, extremely talented drivers.

Sounds like you have your work cutout for you. Please stay in contact with [FJ] as your car is built and as your seasons progress. We vicariously live through individuals like yourself. I'll need to read up on the CTCC. Good luck

**Ted7rns** · 07-05-2007, 05:00 PM

2184 lbs with driver? It will take a lot to get down to that weight. The lighest Focus I know is Leo's and Andrew's WC Cars and I think they are around 2150lbs WITHOUT driver. If weight is the problem, then you need to go with a 2.0L Duratec in a ZX3. The hatch is lighter then the Sedan, and the Duratec is lighter then the Zetec.

You should be able to get 180-200hp with a Duratec. Just rev it like crazy. The Cosworth intake works great in the 2.3L motors, but it known to have Torque loss in the 2.0Ls. But, there could be a way around that. You might be able to do some custom work on a new intake or have a vendor do it.

Good luck, let me know if you have any questions.

**PH Racing** · 07-06-2007, 08:48 PM

Yeah, I doubt we could get it anywhere near that, but at least we'll never come in under weight

**PH Racing** · 07-06-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brads03zx3

If you would be so kind, head over to the 3R/KPAX SPEED WC paddock and give the guys a handshake from the [FJ] Crew. Robb Holland, Randy Pobst, Mike Galati, etc. Great people, extremely talented drivers.

Done, they say hi, and asked how the build is going.

**brads03zx3** · 07-07-2007, 01:36 AM

Thanks

**PH Racing** · 07-09-2007, 04:14 PM

The weekend went well...
The car

The controls

rear view

Other car
At work...

07-04-2007, 04:32 PM	#1
PH Racing Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 7	Looking at building a Focus I've been running in the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship (well I ran last year when it was the Ontario Touring GT championship) I just recently sold out of the car I was co-driving (Nissan 200SX #200) to build my own car. Looking at whats available I'm considering the Focus. The class I would be running in is restricted to engines 2.0L and under and run on 205 size tires. Which chassis (sedan/ hatch) and 2.0L engine makes for a good build? Getting the various engines and getting them built is no problem, I'm just looking for a good starting point. I belive the chassis hasn't changed much in the past 8 years so most body and engine parts should swap pretty easy, no? Just looking for some general info to get started. Pat Harrison PH Racing Links: http://www.touringcar.ca/ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2370949113 Last edited by PH Racing : 07-04-2007 at 06:53 PM.

07-04-2007, 11:20 PM	#3
JimmySolo2 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ross Twp[ N. Pittsburgh] Posts: 2,355	Re: Looking at building a Focus If you are limited to 2.0 I would say, find a SVT Focus and start there. __________________ Who is John Galt?

07-05-2007, 06:00 AM	#4
PH Racing Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 7	Re: Looking at building a Focus Is there anything specific on the SVT chassis that makes it better to build on rather than picking up a ZX3 and building the engine ourselves? What HP levels are the SVTs capable of versus a Zetec or duratec 2.0L after a full build. I ask because it is obviously cheaper and easier to find a ZX3 or ZTS than an SVT.

07-05-2007, 09:58 AM	#5
BUR_ZX3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Little Saint Clara, Isle of Queen Califia Posts: 35,705	Re: Looking at building a Focus I'm just checking, but are you planning on building a car to be compliant with NASA Spec Focus rules, or Canadian TC? Because with Spec Focus you can't raise the stock compression, so you're kinda stuck. __________________ Video from the final round of the Focus Challenge... Click Here

07-05-2007, 11:59 AM	#7
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 9,069	Re: Looking at building a Focus I would suggest getting in touch with Leo Capaldi. He is a sponsor of this site and has experience building serious race foci. I would probably suggest a sedan version with the 2.0 duratec. The engine is much lighter than the iron-block zetec, and serious horsepower is possible. The sedan also has aero advantages. __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Vacuum Vulture Racing - We put the ARG in 'CHARGED

07-04-2007, 10:20 PM	#2
focuz04 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Whales Vagina Posts: 1,704	Re: Looking at building a Focus got a chasis that is ready to be a spec car for sale. jake __________________ WFSU... UDOWN?

07-05-2007, 01:18 PM	#9
f2focus Associate Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 1,996	Re: Looking at building a Focus There are a few ways to do this and we can help with that, we have been racing for a lot of years with different types of cars. I know that we can help you to race both series if you would like to do that. Feel free to contact me at ricardo@f2usa.com Good luck and hope to see you on the track. __________________ 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)

07-05-2007, 04:04 PM	#10
PH Racing Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 7	Re: Looking at building a Focus The car would be set up for the Canadian touring car series. Which would take it too far for the Spec Focus...though I think the Spec Focus would be more fun. I was involved in crewing for a Spec Sentra series up here before and I love the spec type classes. However, I've now gotten involved with Touring and finding sponsors that want the coverage it gets. Besides, open suspension rules, open engine rules...the only restrictions are tyre size (205 on a 7" rim (205-50-15, 205-40-17)) Toyo RA1's and weight according to the series calculator, our 200SX in theory could weigh 1950lbs with driver...we got it down to about 2400 with driver now, and thats after some serious sessions with the plasma cutter and the wiring harness stripped down. series calc.:http://www.touringcar.ca/Public/CTCCWeightCalc07.htm plug in some numbers if you want for fun. I plugged in some estimates for a focus build and it comes out around 2184 with driver. Realistically the tire size really limits how much HP is usable. I figure in the 180hp- 200hp range would be pretty competitive. Last year a team ran a 93 civic with a 2.0L swap at about 225 hp, car weight was around 2200 (estimate) It was fast, but the tires would go off about halfway through the race. PS, found out last night that I'll be driving the pace car at this weekends Toronto Grand Prix. Two cars being used, Mustang GT and a Ford GT

07-05-2007, 04:10 PM	#11
BUR_ZX3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Little Saint Clara, Isle of Queen Califia Posts: 35,705	Re: Looking at building a Focus if thats the case then I would go with a 2.0L Duratec with some ultra aggressive cams, some ultra high compression pistons and a screaming cosworth intake manifold. Second choice would be a Zetec. __________________ Video from the final round of the Focus Challenge... Click Here

07-05-2007, 04:27 PM	#12
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 9,069	Re: Looking at building a Focus If you would be so kind, head over to the 3R/KPAX SPEED WC paddock and give the guys a handshake from the [FJ] Crew. Robb Holland, Randy Pobst, Mike Galati, etc. Great people, extremely talented drivers. Sounds like you have your work cutout for you. Please stay in contact with [FJ] as your car is built and as your seasons progress. We vicariously live through individuals like yourself. I'll need to read up on the CTCC. Good luck __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Vacuum Vulture Racing - We put the ARG in 'CHARGED

07-05-2007, 05:00 PM	#13
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,202	Re: Looking at building a Focus 2184 lbs with driver? It will take a lot to get down to that weight. The lighest Focus I know is Leo's and Andrew's WC Cars and I think they are around 2150lbs WITHOUT driver. If weight is the problem, then you need to go with a 2.0L Duratec in a ZX3. The hatch is lighter then the Sedan, and the Duratec is lighter then the Zetec. You should be able to get 180-200hp with a Duratec. Just rev it like crazy. The Cosworth intake works great in the 2.3L motors, but it known to have Torque loss in the 2.0Ls. But, there could be a way around that. You might be able to do some custom work on a new intake or have a vendor do it. Good luck, let me know if you have any questions. __________________ NASA Spec Focus Series Director \| NASA HPDE Instructor 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue <23> NASA is dedicated to aspiring or accomplished Focus racers and track enthusiast.

07-06-2007, 08:48 PM	#14
PH Racing Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 7	Re: Looking at building a Focus Yeah, I doubt we could get it anywhere near that, but at least we'll never come in under weight

07-07-2007, 01:36 AM	#16
brads03zx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 9,069	Re: Looking at building a Focus Thanks __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec DuraMonster---'03 duratec ZX3 vs MNTN - 9/0 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 4/1 *JCM Racing #88* Bouncing Back---Bigger, Faster, Stronger Vacuum Vulture Racing - We put the ARG in 'CHARGED

07-09-2007, 04:14 PM	#17
PH Racing Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 7	Re: Looking at building a Focus The weekend went well... The car The controls rear view Other car At work...

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