After owning a few stangs I'm thinking of selling my 95 Cobra which I love to death, perfect daily driver, for a focus. I've been interested in the car for awhile but I've been overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom so I finally have some money and a chance for a newer car. Basically I'm asking for your opinion on which ones to get. I defenitely want the ZX-3 but not the 05 or newer. I also like the current 2.3 Duretec motor but what the hell they already stopped making it for the focus??? That sucks, cause I don't like the bodystyle of the ST, just the motor!!!! I quess my question is will the Former 2.3 still have a market for performance in the next couple of years???? Any opinions will be appreciated

I would still get the 2.3 if I were you.. you could probably get a nice deal on an 04 nwo that some of the 05s are starting to come out. To the best of my knowledge, there are already many aftermarket products for the PZEV, and several things are still being developed to be released later. I would venture to say there would still be plenty of performance goodies to be had for the engine.

i'll trade you my zx3 for your cobra [thumb]

i know yours is 6 years older than mine and i'd be taking a loss.. but its the nice thing to do!

i'd get the 2.3l also if i was you. i own one love it. smooth, oputpowers the 2.0's quiet good on gas and good on the environment. about the fatermarket...it should have a decnt following for years to come. they love mods being added so why would the aftermarket manufacturers stop making stuff for an engine that will show improvement to their products. just my two cents. and they keep their value a little higher than the more common 2.0 zetec because only a certain amount will be produced. hope that helps you in your decision. good luck

i personally would keep the cobra.

but in the focus, i would either get the 2.3, or the svt. both are sweet cars, IMO.

I'll think about that one!!!!!! Currently runs 13.8 @102 with just exhaust, cold air, and mass air. Can't wait to put gears on it!!!! But seriously, been looking at the sonic blue svt. Love that interior, if it just had a better motor!!!

got a great idea.. buy a cheap used zx3.. and put the heart and soul of the cobra into the focus.. damn, i am smart..

Haha!! Yeah, but the idea of changing everything else out seems pricey!!!

I would do the same and pick up a used zx3 and upgrade it. The 05's are using a 2.0 durated but the sport model of the car is using the 2.3. I think they are calling it the zts again. Im not sure what the svt is using but i havent seen the new one yet. if you want more information about the new cars go to the ford website because they have all the info about all the new 05's. I got screwed on my sedan se because I bought it for about 14000 and a year later its worth about 8000. Trust me go with a used zx3, wish i would have!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I just did that. I don't really like the 05's and svt is not making a focus this year. I'd would be making a big jump in motors, never had a 4cyl before. I've had 460's, 351's and 302's!!!!!! Wonder how I'll take the difference in motors. Well I bracket race my friends neon in the sport compact class so maybe it won't be that bad, but his car runs around an 18.0 @79!!!!!!! Talk about a slug!! But I do win so I have lots of money and trophy's outta it!

I thought that Ford has stopped production on the 04's? I read that in someone's thread on here.

You can't order one to exactly how you want it anymore, but I'm sure there's plenty on the lots to choose from.