Our (mine and justin_jkj) new baby comes home tomorrow! We had a 2002 ZX5 that was crashed and fixed and crashed... The estimate to fix was $6528.08 without tax which sadly isn't worth it.

We found a 2002 Silver SVT with blue inserts that's never been winter driven and is almost stock, the only non stock item is the tail lights that will be changed back. See photos below....

Does anyone have any words of wisdom about the timing belt? has anyone ever had a failure. We're at 156,000km and it's never been done, so we're planning to do it asap.

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i479/macgurlmelly/01.jpg

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http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i479/macgurlmelly/02.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i479/macgurlmelly/06.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i479/macgurlmelly/03.jpg

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Manual says to do it at 100k miles so you're definitly due. If it fails you can have engine failure, it IS an interference engine unlike regular zetec motor. I would do it ASAP. Otherwise, nice car. Exactly like mine, very fun little car.

Wow, yeah, those tail lights = fail. Do the timing belt *yesterday*. With that mileage (kilometer-age? heh), you are flirting with disaster. !!!!Make sure to get the tensioner and idler pulleys or else you will still risk timing belt failure!!!!

Glad you found a nice SVT. They're pretty sweet. I drive mine then I drive my fiance's regular '03 ZX5 and I cry inside.

Thanks, we can't wait to drive it, it's in great shape. We're technically at about 97,000miles (156,000km's), you're right it does need doing now. Hopefully they can get us in the next couple of days.

we took a Mazda 3 Sport overnight for a test drive and did about 750km's in a night so we'll see how much of a first night road trip we get with the SVT. lol

Wow, yeah, those tail lights = fail. Do the timing belt *yesterday*. With that mileage (kilometer-age? heh), you are flirting with disaster. !!!!Make sure to get the tensioner and idler pulleys or else you will still risk timing belt failure!!!!

Glad you found a nice SVT. They're pretty sweet. I drive mine then I drive my fiance's regular '03 ZX5 and I cry inside.

we HATE the tail lights! I don't want our new car to be ruined before we even get to enjoy it. How much do you think we should be looking at as a cost for the change?

I haven't felt the difference between the SVT and reg yet... I drove my ZX5 for two years. Justin knows the difference lol He can't even sleep he's so excited.

lol, havent felt the difference?... just wait a little bit longer hehe

stock tail lights are cheap, ive seen them go for 30 bucks maybe you can sell yours for that

and i agree, dont drive it if its not neccesary, remember better safe than sorry

This is the difference between SVT and Zetec. I turn on the a/c in the ZX5 and try to merge on the freeway in 5th. I watch the speedo slowly climb from 50...51...52.....and so on. I have the a/c on in the SVT, with 2 people in it, merging on the freeway in 6th gear, I pull from 50 to 70mph in the same time it takes the ZX5 to go 60 to 70, just about.

First things first. T-Belt, stock tails, fog light mod, shorty antenna should be good for the first day with the car. lol

haha, turn on the AC and start off in first.. it sucks. i don't turn mine on because of it..
but yes, you will feel the difference as soon as you get on the throttle and reach 4500/5000 rpms, WAAAAHHHH!!! love the sound of the svt motor. and power.

Congrats on the new SVTF!

I will second the suggestion of all the pulleys when you get the timing belt done, I also had the water pump, the serpentine belt and a idler/tensioner pulley for that done at the same time, parts are cheap, might as well since it's all in the same spot.

After seeing a couple threads on timing belt failures, I now feel stupid for chancing it and waiting until 112k miles for mine. Do it ASAP so you can have fun and enjoy the car without worrying about it! [:)]

We finally picked it up today! All I can say is WOW this car is amazing. we are gonna get the parts to do the timing belt because ford wants close to $800 and well. that's just too much for me(us). We already did the fog light mod and I'm getting it lined up tomorrow at lunch and going to put the tail lights in.

Is the Gates Blue belt worth the extra $ for a N/A Car?

Thanks -Justin

I would think the OEM Ford timing belt should be fine.

Gahhh!! I'm jealous! I just about to email the guy about buying it when I saw on facebook you own it! I guess you snooze you loose eh? [bigcry] Great car though, and hey, a few years down the road if you feel like selling it, let me know![8D]

lol we will keep that in mind but I hope to god we never have to sell it! he kept the car immaculate. no rust. original window sticker. and stock! thanks for the compliments boys and girls

-Justin[wiggle]

Nice looking ride. Good luck with the timing belt and all.

SVTs are just plain fun.

-Ray-