First performance upgrades - The Ford Focus Forum

**CallinZX4** · 10-24-2009, 02:31 PM

What should be my first performance mods for my 2007 ZX4 focus. I would have liked a 5-speed manual trans but I've had to settle for a 4-speed auto trans. Any suggestions?

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-24-2009, 02:52 PM

It all depends on how much you want to spend and the effort you want to put into it. The "simple" stuff tends to be cold-air intakes and reflashing the car's computer. The harder stuff comes with forced induction.

**CallinZX4** · 10-24-2009, 02:59 PM

What do you mean by reflashing the car's computer?

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-24-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

What do you mean by reflashing the car's computer?

Basically reprogramming the car's computer. Think of it as upgrading or modifying your car's brain:

Example: SCT X3 ECU Flasher

**CallinZX4** · 10-24-2009, 03:13 PM

Can the throw rate of the transmission be changed as well? It seems to me that automatic trans tend to shift gears based on the car's speed and to get the best mpg.

**lscfn10** · 10-24-2009, 03:30 PM

I vote for tune with the auto. Or suspension work.

**CallinZX4** · 10-24-2009, 08:23 PM

Would purchasing the FSWerks ECU Flasher be a good start?

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-24-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

Would purchasing the FSWerks ECU Flasher be a good start?

Yes, it is -- if you want to do things like alter the shift points.

Plus, you buy from FSWerks, you're buying from one of our forums' sponsor. So, you're giving back to everyone

**MichaelXi** · 10-24-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

Yes, it is -- if you want to do things like alter the shift points.

Plus, you buy from FSWerks, you're buying from one of our forums' sponsor. So, you're giving back to everyone

I Completely appreciate FSWerks as a Sponsor, but what You (CallinZX4) ALSO need to know is that anything FocusSport related is going to be a Quality Product, and they offer GREAT Customer Service.
They are one of the best retailers I've ever dealt with "On-Line".

Welcome to Focaljet.
Not trying to make this post a "Commercial", just trying to inform a new member to the community.

**CallinZX4** · 10-24-2009, 09:56 PM

Well thank you. I've been familiar with FSWerks for a while and it sounds like they make really nice products. And thanks guys for answering my questions.

I have just one more question. I know that the 2007 focus has significant body roll when making turns. So would sway bars correct this problem?

**lightning2nd** · 10-25-2009, 01:34 AM

welcome

**Lancer211** · 10-25-2009, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

Well thank you. I've been familiar with FSWerks for a while and it sounds like they make really nice products. And thanks guys for answering my questions.

I have just one more question. I know that the 2007 focus has significant body roll when making turns. So would sway bars correct this problem?

Larger sway bars would most likely help significantly, yes.

IIRC, a 2007 ZX4 comes stock with a 22mm front bar and 21mm rear bar?

I vote for the tune, personally, ESPECIALLY if you drive an automatic. Talk to Randy at FSWerks. I got a tune for my ATX Focus and I haven't regretted it.

The typical first bolt-on performance upgrades are air intake, header, catback exhaust, and tune.

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-25-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

Well thank you. I've been familiar with FSWerks for a while and it sounds like they make really nice products. And thanks guys for answering my questions.

I have just one more question. I know that the 2007 focus has significant body roll when making turns. So would sway bars correct this problem?

I haven't had any issues with significant body roll...

Which ZX4 do you have? SE or SES or ST?

If I recall, SE doesn't have a rear roll bar. Only the SES and ST models have them.

**CallinZX4** · 10-25-2009, 10:16 AM

I have an SE and I know it doesn't have a rear roll bar. I guess I was overstating the body movement, but when I make a turn, I can feel the car lean in the opposite direction. It's not a lot of body movement but it's noticeable.

**G-forces** · 10-25-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

Can the throw rate of the transmission be changed as well? It seems to me that automatic trans tend to shift gears based on the car's speed and to get the best mpg.

The shift pressures can be changed as part of an xcal2/3 tune (FS... Randy knows what he's doing), but not the rpm shift point. In addition to the all other suggestions so far, get a UDP, probably the best application for a UDP is a car with ATX.

**CallinZX4** · 10-25-2009, 10:50 AM

What is a UDP and what does it do?

**G-forces** · 10-25-2009, 10:56 AM

Under Drive Pulley. It is a smaller diameter, aluminum crank pulley, that decreases the spinning resistance of your accessories, due to their spinning at slower speeds relative to engine rpm than they would with the larger stock pulley. They help you accelerate easier/quicker with AXT.

**CallinZX4** · 10-25-2009, 11:11 AM

I noticed FSWerks has an underdrive pulley for the Zetec engine, but I looked online and I can't seem to find underdrive pulleys for the Duratec engine.

**Lancer211** · 10-25-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-forces

The shift pressures can be changed as part of an xcal2/3 tune (FS... Randy knows what he's doing), but not the rpm shift point. In addition to the all other suggestions so far, get a UDP, probably the best application for a UDP is a car with ATX.

Actually, the RPM shift point CAN be changed... at least, in a Zetec? My shift points at WOT run to redline.

**G-forces** · 10-25-2009, 11:30 AM

^Agreed, WOT shift points are where the change is possible, changing peak only, though, all other throttle positions are unchangeable and controlled by ECM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

I noticed FSWerks has an underdrive pulley for the Zetec engine, but I looked online and I can't seem to find underdrive pulleys for the Duratec engine.

Sorry, I didn't read your OP well enough. It might be possible to get one though, contact Massive and ask them if one of there "universal" Aeromotive billet pulleys can be used for a Duratec. Must be something odd about the crank, I guess, that keeps these from being available for Duratec

.

**CallinZX4** · 10-25-2009, 12:06 PM

I did a little research and I found a company called Central Florida Motorsports and they make underdrive pulleys for the '03-'09 Duratec engine.

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-25-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallinZX4

I did a little research and I found a company called Central Florida Motorsports and they make underdrive pulleys for the '03-'09 Duratec engine.

And Central Florida Motorsports (CFM) is also a sponsor of FocalJet

**Focus_Pokus** · 10-27-2009, 04:04 PM

Any drawbacks to the UDP?

**Lancer211** · 10-27-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Focus_Pokus

Any drawbacks to the UDP?

In warm climates, your A/C air might not be as cold when the car is idling. That's about it.

**CallinZX4** · 10-27-2009, 09:40 PM

Does this happen only when the car is idling?

10-24-2009, 02:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	First performance upgrades What should be my first performance mods for my 2007 ZX4 focus. I would have liked a 5-speed manual trans but I've had to settle for a 4-speed auto trans. Any suggestions?

10-24-2009, 02:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
GapBoyPCS Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Waterloo/Toronto/GTA, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,226	Re: First performance upgrades It all depends on how much you want to spend and the effort you want to put into it. The "simple" stuff tends to be cold-air intakes and reflashing the car's computer. The harder stuff comes with forced induction. __________________ Richard - 2002 ZTS \| Sangria Red \| 434,000+ km...Be Bold, Stay Focused 24-7 Redline Rendezvous \| OFOC - Ontario Focus Owners Club \| SVTOA-Toronto [FJ] focaljet - Forum Guidelines - Welcome to the Jet - Team Canada - FJ Store - Sponsors - SEARCH

10-24-2009, 02:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades What do you mean by reflashing the car's computer?

10-24-2009, 03:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades Can the throw rate of the transmission be changed as well? It seems to me that automatic trans tend to shift gears based on the car's speed and to get the best mpg.

10-24-2009, 03:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
lscfn10 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 159	Re: First performance upgrades I vote for tune with the auto. Or suspension work. __________________ 98 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC /02 ZX3 - OMGRED\ ///95 Aspire - For Sale?/Project?

10-24-2009, 08:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades Would purchasing the FSWerks ECU Flasher be a good start?

10-24-2009, 09:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades Well thank you. I've been familiar with FSWerks for a while and it sounds like they make really nice products. And thanks guys for answering my questions. I have just one more question. I know that the 2007 focus has significant body roll when making turns. So would sway bars correct this problem?

10-25-2009, 01:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
lightning2nd TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sioux Falls,SD Posts: 411	Re: First performance upgrades welcome __________________ RED 06' ZX4 2.0L Duratec cardomain.com/lightning2nd

10-25-2009, 10:16 AM	#14 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades I have an SE and I know it doesn't have a rear roll bar. I guess I was overstating the body movement, but when I make a turn, I can feel the car lean in the opposite direction. It's not a lot of body movement but it's noticeable.

10-25-2009, 10:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades What is a UDP and what does it do?

10-25-2009, 10:56 AM	#17 (permalink)
G-forces Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,029	Re: First performance upgrades Under Drive Pulley. It is a smaller diameter, aluminum crank pulley, that decreases the spinning resistance of your accessories, due to their spinning at slower speeds relative to engine rpm than they would with the larger stock pulley. They help you accelerate easier/quicker with AXT. __________________ Stockholm Getaway: Escort Cosworth vs Supra... on YouTube. Don't try this at home. (For some reason I thought this was a Focus the first time I saw it... now I have to find a new Signature.)

10-25-2009, 11:11 AM	#18 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades I noticed FSWerks has an underdrive pulley for the Zetec engine, but I looked online and I can't seem to find underdrive pulleys for the Duratec engine.

10-25-2009, 12:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades I did a little research and I found a company called Central Florida Motorsports and they make underdrive pulleys for the '03-'09 Duratec engine.

10-27-2009, 04:04 PM	#23 (permalink)
Focus_Pokus TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 301	Re: First performance upgrades Any drawbacks to the UDP? __________________ '03 D23 ZX5 + Cosworth CAI & ICE \| 2.5" FSWerks Race Exhaust

10-27-2009, 09:40 PM	#25 (permalink)
CallinZX4 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: La Mirada, CA Posts: 14	Re: First performance upgrades Does this happen only when the car is idling?

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