I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic - The Ford Focus Forum

**covert1** · 07-30-2009, 09:04 PM

It's been a long, long time since I've been on any of the major forums. Long story short, after a falling out with roommates late last year, I had to get my own digs. Of course, I put EVERYTHING else on the backburner and sort of retreated to music and photography to keep my sanity up until late March of '09.

Why March? Because I bought my first house. Bad economy = opportunity for me. So I did it. And, I'm happy I did. Things can only get better.

But that's all boring, I'm sure. Let's talk about the big reasons behind my return. You see, I have this problem. It kinda looks like this:

I'm a bachelor in a single-family home and I have three Foci

Like any other problem, there are underlying causes, so I'll try to explain.

My ZX3 - the one with the V6... Well, when I bought it, I was not aware just how badly it leaked water into the cabin. I thought I had identified the main sources of the issue, but I found out I was dead wrong. See, while I had moved in, I had a bunch of crap in the garage and had to park it outside for a week. It rained buckets the whole time, so I found myself emptying buckets from within the car. I thought I had dried it out, and all was well. Nope. Fast forward to 2 weekends ago. The car was parked in the garage for about 2 months...

See this picture? Well, imagine orange and yellow mold all over the floor, and splotches of mold all over the trim and dash. I was too infuriated to take a picture of the mold, so we'll have to settle with my cleanup job:

But after this, I just said enough was enough. I have always desired to have a V6 wagon instead of the ZX3. Now I have a good excuse to do a transplant.

Enter the green monster

I got her just this past Tuesday. She isn't perfect, nor am I, but most importantly, the insides are decent and THERE ARE NO LEAKS!! But the heater motor resistor is toast (fan is stuck on high speed) and the rear wiper moves about 5 inches every time you hit the switch.

Not equipped with the finest technology, as you can see:

She moves with the grace of a clumsy ox suspended on jello, and moves about as slow as a non-upgraded Overlord in Starcraft... but that matters not. Someday, that green engine bay will resemble this:

Sloooowwwwwwwww

But I'll say this: For being as old as it is, at 131k miles, she starts up nicely and the SPI is actually very smooth... much more than I remember when I drove a rental that had the same engine.

But, on the flip side, I was pleasantly surprised to see the rear was equipped with a swaybar, because I expected it to be absent for some reason:

It's going to be an interesting challenge, but I'm not growing any younger, so it's better to do it now while I'm still able. I stand to learn a lot and I hope I end up with a lot to share with the community, because I will have many questions and likely many pictures of the progress. Basically, the engine + drivetrain, some wiring and some suspension bits will get transferred over.

I'm just glad I have a shed to store all the junk that's coming out of both cars:

So, what of "olde faithful"? She's still my main squeeze:

Just passed 137k on the clock. Sounds nice and while it won't blow the doors off anyone straightaway, she turns with the grace of a dancer.

Nothing much going on here, maybe a few minor things will change in the future:

All in all, I look forward to getting back 'in touch' with people and things. It's been a while.

Should have done the shots on my D3, but I need to get used to this crappy point 'n shoot because I'm gonna be using it to document everything I can when I start the tear downs.

**SVTADAM** · 07-30-2009, 09:19 PM

Welcome back Covert! It has been a while. Cars are looking good. Keep up a good build log of the V6 conversion. Id like to see that.

**JFord** · 07-30-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by covert1

moves about as slow as a non-upgraded Overlord in Starcraft...

Zerg reference ftw!

Welcome back dude will be an awesome build!

**2focusd** · 07-30-2009, 10:20 PM

Dude, I've been wondering where you've been; it's nice to see you back on here

It's a shame I'm now out of the Focus world, or else I'd be all over those Maliblue body panels once you strip the motor out of the blue meanie.

-Brian

**01focuszx3** · 07-30-2009, 10:23 PM

Awesome build thread! with a good story lol, keep us posted

**SVT04EAP** · 07-30-2009, 10:32 PM

WIN!!! good to see ya back... i'll start funding for your build if you're still in the LED business, lol.

**theindustrialist** · 07-30-2009, 10:39 PM

Congrats on buying a home, & on the V6 swap. Painted trim isn't my thing but to each his own, do your thing.

You have a D3...I am jealous. D3 + 50mm or 55mm f/1.2 would be heaven.

**covert1** · 07-30-2009, 11:09 PM

SVT04EAP: We'll see about LEDs. I know some people have asked, but all that stuff is boxed away right now. If I do get close to being house-broke, then I'll pretty much have to

Re: theindustrialist: About the D3: I actually have a manual focus 50mm f1.2 and it does produce some interesting pictures. And my 50mm Sigma f1.4 is great for what I do (live concerts, usually).

The interior was pretty much how I got it (I'm nowhere that good with painting and such and wouldn't dare try). Only thing I did was swap the console to one w/out armrest. If you thought the interior paint was bad, you should have seen the gaudy checkered flag graphics that I removed.

I need to do some poking around in the Contour forums. I seriously wonder how much different it would be (cost and as far as installation) if I grabbed a '04-05 Taurus 3L. If these things can be had for around $500 then I can take my time stripping the car down while saving dough. And, there'd be enough of the original '02 Cougar V6 that it could go to another car with minor investment.

**theindustrialist** · 07-30-2009, 11:14 PM

Cool man, its all good.
50mm manual would be so nice. I <3 oldschool lenses.

I have a D50 [old-tech but works

] with a 20mm f/2.8 AF, 50mm f/1.8 AF , and 135mm AIS f/2.8 manual focus. I've gotten some great shots w/the 135.
I've got a few other film SLR bodies I shoot with on occasion.

**hafftrak** · 07-30-2009, 11:21 PM

It looks like the 3.0 needs some modifications to drop in place of the 2.5:

http://www.3lduratec.com/engines.html

**LuvmyFoci** · 07-30-2009, 11:50 PM

Carl! Welcome back. I thought you were gone forever.

Congrats on the house... and have fun with those projects.

**1svt4u2c** · 07-31-2009, 12:39 AM

STARCRAFT FTMFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude, welcome back! And does this mean we will see you at the next Redman meet?

Oh, and btw, I hate you for having not one, but 2 wagons! I remember that V6 ZX3 when it had those graphics on it (I have a pic of it somewhere on my computer but cant seem to locate it at this time) but wasn't sure how I felt about them. The only thing I seem to remember that I didn't like about that car was the 3 exhaust tips in the center. Anyway.....Just wanted to say Welcome back!

**dirtbrown** · 07-31-2009, 01:49 AM

damn old faithful is looking pretty damn good...soo subtle but yet so mean!

**mtwn03svt** · 07-31-2009, 07:11 AM

welcome back

**20focus03** · 07-31-2009, 07:32 AM

love the zx3

**cobrawannabe cdw27** · 07-31-2009, 07:50 AM

I have just a short list f things to say....

1. You are awesome.
2. "Olde Faithful" is one of the coolest wagons I have ever seen.
3. Why not drop a 3.0 into the "new" wagon and leave the 2.5 in the ZX3? The 3.0 is a cheaper, more powerful engine, and it is basically the same engine. The mounts and wiring are basically identical between the two. As a matter of fact, the entire top end of the 2.5 will transfer over, CVST UIM and all; and the 3.0 should cost you no more than $400 with no more than 30K on it.

**Dracconix** · 07-31-2009, 08:33 AM

Dude... it's been forever...

Glad to see you're still rocking the ZTW! ...

Music??? are you playing the bass yet?

**MachFive** · 07-31-2009, 09:32 AM

Carl, welcome back, my man! I thought you were a goner! We've missed you at the last few Redmans. I'm glad to see you've still got the grey wagon, and she looks good as ever. I am totally stoked to see the progress on the v6 wagon! Sounds like the zx3 was nothing but trouble. That engine deserves a better home.

**akcapjet** · 07-31-2009, 10:04 AM

Old Faithful looks great -- what are those wheels? Makes me want to strip my roof rack off, but I bicycle too much and carry bikes up there.

**slipster17** · 07-31-2009, 10:19 AM

Damn man, haven't seen you around since I parked next to you at All-Ford Nationals 2007! Welcome back!

**cobrawannabe cdw27** · 07-31-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akcapjet

Old Faithful looks great -- what are those wheels? Makes me want to strip my roof rack off, but I bicycle too much and carry bikes up there.

Ford Racing Euros in Dark Argent

**GuidoTheKid** · 07-31-2009, 02:56 PM

first time i've seen your V6. That engine bay is purely sexual. I love it. Is taht the same V6 thats in the SVT contour?

**HotRodKristina** · 07-31-2009, 03:09 PM

We've missed you!

**Dev** · 07-31-2009, 06:32 PM

Wagon whore! Can I have one?

**Smurf** · 07-31-2009, 06:45 PM

Blast from the past. Good luck with the swap, should be interesting.

07-30-2009, 09:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
covert1 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Columbia, MD Posts: 2,306	I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic It's been a long, long time since I've been on any of the major forums. Long story short, after a falling out with roommates late last year, I had to get my own digs. Of course, I put EVERYTHING else on the backburner and sort of retreated to music and photography to keep my sanity up until late March of '09. Why March? Because I bought my first house. Bad economy = opportunity for me. So I did it. And, I'm happy I did. Things can only get better. But that's all boring, I'm sure. Let's talk about the big reasons behind my return. You see, I have this problem. It kinda looks like this: I'm a bachelor in a single-family home and I have three Foci Like any other problem, there are underlying causes, so I'll try to explain. My ZX3 - the one with the V6... Well, when I bought it, I was not aware just how badly it leaked water into the cabin. I thought I had identified the main sources of the issue, but I found out I was dead wrong. See, while I had moved in, I had a bunch of crap in the garage and had to park it outside for a week. It rained buckets the whole time, so I found myself emptying buckets from within the car. I thought I had dried it out, and all was well. Nope. Fast forward to 2 weekends ago. The car was parked in the garage for about 2 months... See this picture? Well, imagine orange and yellow mold all over the floor, and splotches of mold all over the trim and dash. I was too infuriated to take a picture of the mold, so we'll have to settle with my cleanup job: But after this, I just said enough was enough. I have always desired to have a V6 wagon instead of the ZX3. Now I have a good excuse to do a transplant. Enter the green monster I got her just this past Tuesday. She isn't perfect, nor am I, but most importantly, the insides are decent and THERE ARE NO LEAKS!! But the heater motor resistor is toast (fan is stuck on high speed) and the rear wiper moves about 5 inches every time you hit the switch. Not equipped with the finest technology, as you can see: She moves with the grace of a clumsy ox suspended on jello, and moves about as slow as a non-upgraded Overlord in Starcraft... but that matters not. Someday, that green engine bay will resemble this: Sloooowwwwwwwww But I'll say this: For being as old as it is, at 131k miles, she starts up nicely and the SPI is actually very smooth... much more than I remember when I drove a rental that had the same engine. But, on the flip side, I was pleasantly surprised to see the rear was equipped with a swaybar, because I expected it to be absent for some reason: It's going to be an interesting challenge, but I'm not growing any younger, so it's better to do it now while I'm still able. I stand to learn a lot and I hope I end up with a lot to share with the community, because I will have many questions and likely many pictures of the progress. Basically, the engine + drivetrain, some wiring and some suspension bits will get transferred over. I'm just glad I have a shed to store all the junk that's coming out of both cars: So, what of "olde faithful"? She's still my main squeeze: Just passed 137k on the clock. Sounds nice and while it won't blow the doors off anyone straightaway, she turns with the grace of a dancer. Nothing much going on here, maybe a few minor things will change in the future: All in all, I look forward to getting back 'in touch' with people and things. It's been a while. Should have done the shots on my D3, but I need to get used to this crappy point 'n shoot because I'm gonna be using it to document everything I can when I start the tear downs.

07-30-2009, 09:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
SVTADAM Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,137	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Welcome back Covert! It has been a while. Cars are looking good. Keep up a good build log of the V6 conversion. Id like to see that. __________________ Black Aria...#1211: 2002 SVTF Jasmine...#1062: 2004 SVTF Euro Rain...1990 Ford Escort Wagon "Dear Diary...Jackpot!" Giggity Giggity Goo!

07-30-2009, 10:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
2focusd [FJ] Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Uniontown, PA Posts: 15,364	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Dude, I've been wondering where you've been; it's nice to see you back on here It's a shame I'm now out of the Focus world, or else I'd be all over those Maliblue body panels once you strip the motor out of the blue meanie. -Brian __________________ Godspeed, Colin McRae, may you live on forever as the reason countless people fell in love with the Ford Focus (myself included). 1968-2007 '08 Carbon Grey Metallic Hyundai Tuscani GT V6 Early '00 ZX3 - E-spec in progress (Rattletrap) - Gone but not forgotten!

07-30-2009, 10:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
01focuszx3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherryville NC, Posts: 1,257	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Awesome build thread! with a good story lol, keep us posted __________________ Marshall

07-30-2009, 10:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
theindustrialist TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro ATL, GA Posts: 649	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Congrats on buying a home, & on the V6 swap. Painted trim isn't my thing but to each his own, do your thing. You have a D3...I am jealous. D3 + 50mm or 55mm f/1.2 would be heaven. __________________ 2003 5Door SVT Transmission : CFM Rear Torque Mount, CFM Adjustable Short Throw with Razo Rally knob Footwork : H&R Coilovers & Volk GTP

07-30-2009, 11:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
covert1 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Columbia, MD Posts: 2,306	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic SVT04EAP: We'll see about LEDs. I know some people have asked, but all that stuff is boxed away right now. If I do get close to being house-broke, then I'll pretty much have to Re: theindustrialist: About the D3: I actually have a manual focus 50mm f1.2 and it does produce some interesting pictures. And my 50mm Sigma f1.4 is great for what I do (live concerts, usually). The interior was pretty much how I got it (I'm nowhere that good with painting and such and wouldn't dare try). Only thing I did was swap the console to one w/out armrest. If you thought the interior paint was bad, you should have seen the gaudy checkered flag graphics that I removed. I need to do some poking around in the Contour forums. I seriously wonder how much different it would be (cost and as far as installation) if I grabbed a '04-05 Taurus 3L. If these things can be had for around $500 then I can take my time stripping the car down while saving dough. And, there'd be enough of the original '02 Cougar V6 that it could go to another car with minor investment.

07-30-2009, 11:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
theindustrialist TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro ATL, GA Posts: 649	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Cool man, its all good. 50mm manual would be so nice. I <3 oldschool lenses. I have a D50 [old-tech but works ] with a 20mm f/2.8 AF, 50mm f/1.8 AF , and 135mm AIS f/2.8 manual focus. I've gotten some great shots w/the 135. I've got a few other film SLR bodies I shoot with on occasion. __________________ 2003 5Door SVT Transmission : CFM Rear Torque Mount, CFM Adjustable Short Throw with Razo Rally knob Footwork : H&R Coilovers & Volk GTP

07-30-2009, 11:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
hafftrak TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 182	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic It looks like the 3.0 needs some modifications to drop in place of the 2.5: http://www.3lduratec.com/engines.html __________________ Dean MNfocus.com

07-30-2009, 11:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
LuvmyFoci Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Fairfax, Vagina Posts: 2,095	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Carl! Welcome back. I thought you were gone forever. Congrats on the house... and have fun with those projects. __________________ The official pasty white chick since 2002. "There was that one pasty white chick w/ those silver shorts, might have well been wearing underwear."

07-31-2009, 12:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
1svt4u2c Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 2,840	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic STARCRAFT FTMFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude, welcome back! And does this mean we will see you at the next Redman meet? Oh, and btw, I hate you for having not one, but 2 wagons! I remember that V6 ZX3 when it had those graphics on it (I have a pic of it somewhere on my computer but cant seem to locate it at this time) but wasn't sure how I felt about them. The only thing I seem to remember that I didn't like about that car was the 3 exhaust tips in the center. Anyway.....Just wanted to say Welcome back! __________________ .._____ ............<--2003 SVT Focus /___l__\__ ........#2940 of 3985 l(o)____(o)l........Build Date 06/13/03

07-31-2009, 01:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
dirtbrown Rookie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic damn old faithful is looking pretty damn good...soo subtle but yet so mean!

07-31-2009, 07:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
mtwn03svt Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 1,027	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic welcome back

07-31-2009, 07:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
20focus03 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ABQ,NEW MEXICO Posts: 971	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic love the zx3 __________________ 03 Sangria Red zx5 stock :) 09 Harley Sporster 1200 :) 99 Yamaha R6 (stunter) :) 93 S10 -SBC in the works :) ._________________________ \|.....Overnight.....................\| \|\| \|........Japan Parts................\|\|'\|";,___. \|_..._...____________======\|\|_\|_\|...,] "(@)'(@)""'''''''''''''"'''"\|(@)(@)***"(@)

07-31-2009, 07:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
cobrawannabe cdw27 BOOTSTOMPED! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Colchester, CT (I follow the box) Posts: 846	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic I have just a short list f things to say.... 1. You are awesome. 2. "Olde Faithful" is one of the coolest wagons I have ever seen. 3. Why not drop a 3.0 into the "new" wagon and leave the 2.5 in the ZX3? The 3.0 is a cheaper, more powerful engine, and it is basically the same engine. The mounts and wiring are basically identical between the two. As a matter of fact, the entire top end of the 2.5 will transfer over, CVST UIM and all; and the 3.0 should cost you no more than $400 with no more than 30K on it. __________________ Matt- Call me Wannabe Pitch Black on Black/Red 2006 ST---23D/5-speed- Energy-Elbrus- I WANNA BE FOCUSSTGUY WHEN I GROW UP!!!

07-31-2009, 08:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
Dracconix Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1,798	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Dude... it's been forever... Glad to see you're still rocking the ZTW! ... Music??? are you playing the bass yet? __________________ FSWERKS & Cosworth.... Proving Power > Traction.... 14.01 @ 106.66

07-31-2009, 06:32 PM	#24 (permalink)
Dev I'm sorry that I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet ma'am Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Devon)Citrus Heights, CA USA Posts: 31,188	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Wagon whore! Can I have one? __________________ RIP Nazar aka 'nazthug' 1983-2006 2001 CD Silver ZX3 - Iceman Intake, Focus Central UDP's, Magnaflow Exhaust, Focus Central Shifter, KW Cup Kit, Eibach Front and Rear swaybars. I need some focussport parts on here... If you don't order your stock replacement parts from Steve @ Tousley Ford you are a dumbass.

07-31-2009, 09:32 AM	#18 (permalink)
MachFive Moderator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Lancaster, Pa, USA Posts: 4,438	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Carl, welcome back, my man! I thought you were a goner! We've missed you at the last few Redmans. I'm glad to see you've still got the grey wagon, and she looks good as ever. I am totally stoked to see the progress on the v6 wagon! Sounds like the zx3 was nothing but trouble. That engine deserves a better home.

07-31-2009, 10:04 AM	#19 (permalink)
akcapjet Rookie Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 23	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Old Faithful looks great -- what are those wheels? Makes me want to strip my roof rack off, but I bicycle too much and carry bikes up there.

07-31-2009, 10:19 AM	#20 (permalink)
slipster17 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Palmyra/ Carlisle, PA Posts: 2,577	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic Damn man, haven't seen you around since I parked next to you at All-Ford Nationals 2007! Welcome back! __________________ _R E C A L L_ .,___,,_ /___l__\__ l(o)____(o)l <--2001 Egg Yolk Yellow Eurofied ZX3 see it on CarDomain - team edm - 160k+ miles

07-31-2009, 02:56 PM	#22 (permalink)
GuidoTheKid Revrent Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: At the Foot of the Cross in Auburn Ca Posts: 2,965	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic first time i've seen your V6. That engine bay is purely sexual. I love it. Is taht the same V6 thats in the SVT contour? __________________ 2002 Ford Focus SVT Infra RED #4308 "NIkki" *All for the Alpha & Omega...PHN* *http://www.ironhorseministries.org/* Followers of Christ Social Group <--------

07-31-2009, 03:09 PM	#23 (permalink)
HotRodKristina Team Klyvenhüven Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 29,940	Re: I have a problem. I'm a Foci-a-holic We've missed you!

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