All the thing you list are good side of the SVT. There are some bad parts in SVT that I have experienced - namely the FREAKING CLUTCH & TRANSMISSION.

Oh dont I know it, im in a stock focus rental right now while mine is getting fixed!

Mine is going in next week - possibly overnight. They are going to put me in the fart machine as a rental. :(
I guessed its not that bad knowing that it will get fixed.

Mine is in the garage right now for a popping in the front when I turn the tires all the way to the left or right (like when pulling into a parking space). Have not heard back from them yet, any ideas on what it may be? One good thing about the SVT is you get a free loaner when ever you take it in.

Originally posted by sidney61199
Mine is in the garage right now for a popping in the front when I turn the tires all the way to the left or right (like when pulling into a parking space). Have not heard back from them yet, any ideas on what it may be? One good thing about the SVT is you get a free loaner when ever you take it in.

For the popping noise/feeling, i think it might be related to the control arm. My nissan pickup had a similar effect (only when turning left) and it was because of the control arm not being lubricated enough or something. But i think ive heard differently from other focus owners who have had this similar problem.

As for 5doorSVT, i think its alright for him to be saying these things, After all the SVTF is a great car. And since he is not putting down any other car in the process, i have no beef to express. But like me, some people dont need some of the things the SVTF has to offer. I prefer cloth to leather; stock stereo is fine for now, till i get new speakers/sub for a good price; headlights might lack compared to HID's, but mine are still good; and i prefer to mod the car to the level of the SVTF, rather then just buying an SVTF. well theres my .02

Originally posted by thefrush
Dude, it's owners like you that give other SVT owners a bad name. Your car is not a Ferrari next to a Yugo! Sure, it's got a little more power, handles a little bit better, and is a little more refined, but some of you SVT owners need to step down from your high horse. Wait till some more mods come out for the 2.3 and see who is laughing then. Not to mention, they probably payed anywhere from 2-10K less than us. And I wonder who is laughing when the insurance bill comes, or when it's time to visit the gas pump. Oh yeah, you can get the Audiophile on the 2.3 too.

The simple fact is that people like that car, has great apperance differences, great wheels, and great engine. If you really really want to drive a fast car, why get Focus in the first place. Why not get "Ferrari". To be honest, many of the SVTF owners will never go into ZX3/ZX5/ST - it is not because of the performance. It is because they are not SVT.

ohhhhh, honnestly i wanted a SVT, but i also wanted to mod. With the mods to an SVT you get no worthwhile gains. I got the 2.3L and with 500 bucks i can get 25 WHP, (CAI, header, flex) I think that that is well worth the money, Yeah you guys get build numbers, a piece of paper telling you that you are special. But honnestly i can make you a piece of paper that says you car is special and you are special for owning it. The svt is a good car, but for the people that want to go fast in the Domestic Sport Compact, don't get a svt unless you are going to NXT, and/or Blower. With what is out there for the 2.3L when you have the thought i don't look at the stock focus unless it has serious mods. Wait till a 2.3 pulls next to you with a few under the hood mods and blows you away. Then maybe that will remove you from your High horse (as frush puts it) and make you think back and ask yourself was it worth that piece of paper, and the extra money??

i must say when i had my SVT it felt like a completely different car

The main thing that I feel that set frush off was probably the same thing that made me think differently of this guy when he expresses that he feels "sorry" for the lowly normal focus owners. One thing that most people like him dont realize is that there are a lot of normal foci's that can outrun and outhandle the SVT's. This guy slightly reminds me of that one guy who started a thread about how the lowly normal focus owners should stay out of the SVT forums becuz his car was so much better and so much more advanced that we could not possibly begin to comprehend anything about the SVT.

I dont have any beef with anybody. I was simply pointing out that the SVT comes with alot of the stuff from the factory that the Focus should have. I personally have very limited desire to mod, maybe make a few engine changes, a few exterior changes. No need for a full wide body or a FI setup. I guess what the point I was making was I see alot of posts and threads about stuff to make your focus look better, and i realized that most of that stuff is already taken care of with the SVT.

When I was buying my focus i had the option to buy a red zx3 or my zx5 SVT. 50 bux more a month and all of that stuff was done for me. Easy choice. Plus its rare, I like having a semi-rare car. I know its not a super exclusive elitist car, but its different. Like a Si over a Civic, a Mazdaspeed protoge over a regular protege.

And you can have your 2.3, im sure it can be fast, but it sure is an ugly engine! I like my valve cover and clean engine bay look.

Great replies by the way.

Originally posted by thefrush
Dude, it's owners like you that give other SVT owners a bad name. Your car is not a Ferrari next to a Yugo! Sure, it's got a little more power, handles a little bit better, and is a little more refined, but some of you SVT owners need to step down from your high horse. Wait till some more mods come out for the 2.3 and see who is laughing then. Not to mention, they probably payed anywhere from 2-10K less than us. And I wonder who is laughing when the insurance bill comes, or when it's time to visit the gas pump. Oh yeah, you can get the Audiophile on the 2.3 too.

I have to agree with this.

The SVT is a great car but some of you SVT owners come in here and think that it's the best car ever made.

as for my cluttered engine bay...i am working on a delf dress up kit. I am trying to figure out a way to make it look a bit cleaner. And who really cares. i know it is a personal thing but the normal person really cares is that they get in and it turns over and starts every time they want it to. they also care that they got from a-b and sometimes c and back to a.

And that's why mine is at the dealer right now getting the transmission replaced with 8500 miles on the clock? No, its definitely no the best car ever made. If i had a choice i wouldnt have gotten another ford. My warranty on my former car was voided and i couldnt pay to get the tranny fixed, so they paid off my loan (only 4 more payments!)and put me in another ford off their lot.

And Im not on a high horse, i prefer shorter horses.

frush your pretty level headed, thats cool.

Dave i think was the worst of the SVT owners, that guy killed me.

keep this clean though, these ones tend to get dirty...

for the record, im glad i kept this foci though and not the svt [;)]

FRUSH, there are already enough mods that the 2.3 can kill a svt. Look in the D-tec forum it is a sticky that has all the stuff for the 2.3, and it is a bit costly but it is there and can kill a SVT.

Euro what engine you have..?

Okay,

For all those SVT owners that think they're car was God's blessing of man kind, get over it. For the money this isn't even the greatest car. I'm not going to get into my ranting thread but you can search for it if you'd like. Alot of these people bashing the SVT in here were once grand supporters of the SVT.

I hate forums, people always say one thing and then a month later they're saying something else. This comment is not all inclusive of the users that posted in this thread. It's a general comment made about the entire forum.

alright, this thread is just turning into the typical duratec vs. SVT. lets put this to rest please. There are at least 3-4 threads created like this per week. We dont need these. He was simply expressing his opinion and thats that.

Here we go again. I hate getting into this stupid argument. I don't care if you can make a 2.3 faster than a SVT, it will always be the same car your grandma gets her grocerys in except its supped up so you can get there before her. My point is you can make anything fast with enough money. For example, if you go make a Geo faster than an SVT does that make it better?

thefrush: first of all the comment "it's owners like you that give other SVT owners a bad name" is reserved for me since everyone and there mom has told me the same thing from one time or another.

Second of all if you are so high and mighty about the 2.3's, trade your SVT in on one and quite bashing the SVT. Just don't expect the Recaro seats, suspension, HID's, four wheel disk brakes, etc...

I'm tired of getting flamed on this board, these are my opinions and we are all entitled to one so please don't jump my ass for not changing my opinion to be like everyone else.
Thanks.

will ur svt be as good next to my evo? lol.....

They would stay side by side the whole time.........



Until the light turned green.

Originally posted by 2fast4u
will ur svt be as good next to my evo? lol.....

LOL...im with you. "EVO is gods gift to man" LOL

LAME THREAD ALERT!![bash]
It seeems the modorators need to make an SVT vs. 2.3 forum [rolleyes]

Originally posted by Silver03SVT
LAME THREAD ALERT!![bash]
It seeems the modorators need to make an SVT vs. 2.3 forum [rolleyes]

lol..............

Originally posted by chaneyzx3'04
FRUSH, there are already enough mods that the 2.3 can kill a svt. Look in the D-tec forum it is a sticky that has all the stuff for the 2.3, and it is a bit costly but it is there and can kill a SVT.

Euro what engine you have..?

only one available in the 01 ZX3, standard zetec baby.

anyway, sydney, your only remark for the 2.3 being faster than the svt is that you can fit groceries in it. keep in mind, yours is just a grocery getter with make up, but slower [8]

SVT owners like you are the ones frush was talking about.

Scratch scratch Meaaow!!

Man I was just talking about not having to paint my door handles and it turns into a focus civil war!

If I wanted a car that was all fast, I wouldnt have picked a focus, SVT, Zetec, or 2.3. My street racing days are over, they were over a long time ago. I had a ZX2 (yes an escort) that was pretty damn fast with a few bolt ons...Faster than my friends 99Si w/ mods. But the tranny blew and all those mods got me nothing but a voided warranty and an empty wallet. I dont think the SVT is a killer by any means, but it's fast enough for me and saves me the trouble of having to throw a bunch of mods on it and risk history repeating itself, If you want to mod your 2.3 or whatever, go right ahead, you can smoke past me all the way to the repair shop.

Sorry I hit a nerve, im not all high and mighty on anything. If you have your shit modded and it looks tight and runs fast, more power to you. I envy you and the time and money you have to spend on your ride. But for me, the SVT was a great package to slip into.

EuroZX3, I think this is what you are looking for.


first of all the comment "it's owners like you that give other SVT owners a bad name" is reserved for me since everyone and there mom has told me the same thing from one time or another.

I'm also wearing nikes and drinking pepsi so I guess I speak for everyone that buys Nikes and drink Pepsi products.

Originally posted by RockyNBullwinkle
Okay,

For all those SVT owners that think they're car was God's blessing of man kind, get over it. For the money this isn't even the greatest car.

For what I paid for mine, I'll give it that status. But ONLY because of what I paid. It's a good car - but not God's gift, by no means.

Anyone who "looks down" on a "regular" foci owner is a [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)], and probably has identity issues to deal with. We all own Ford Foci, folks...

I'm not going to get into my ranting thread but you can search for it if you'd like. Alot of these people bashing the SVT in here were once grand supporters of the SVT.

I know your dealer did you tailpipe-style with no lube. That alone can make ownership a less than pleasurable experience.

I hate forums, people always say one thing and then a month later they're saying something else. This comment is not all inclusive of the users that posted in this thread. It's a general comment made about the entire forum.

Yeah, ebb and flow, flow and ebb...just like the tide. We're all just here killing time, and it's easy to waffle a position here in cyberspace.

Originally posted by FiveDoorSVT
In fact, if I see a stock focus on the boards posting pics, i dont even stop to look at em unless there's extensive modding done.

Not me. I look at 'em all.

Like last night, a "plain" ZX3 owner had the mod that convinced me that my plan to mount video in the headrests could be done in the way I originally wanted - overhead, despite my moonroof.

I guess I would have missed that mod if I took that path - after all, they're just crappy old Foci, right? [:)~]

Originally posted by EuroZX3

SVT owners like you are the ones frush was talking about.

Originally posted by sidney61199
"it's owners like you that give other SVT owners a bad name"

Ok captain context. Do you take peoples statements out of context all the time?

i love my car, always have always will. People like the looks of the SVT as is, others like the idea of fixing the car up as they want. Either way its cool, we are all passionate about a very cool car.

Originally posted by bowersdaazian
alright, this thread is just turning into the typical duratec vs. SVT. lets put this to rest please. There are at least 3-4 threads created like this per week. We dont need these. He was simply expressing his opinion and thats that.

wow its amazing how people just dont listen to me.
Thanks frush. I hate it when people get into these.
Why cant they all be friends like you and me.

One last thing, it may have sounded like I was putting down regular focus's but I am not. They have been on Consumer Reports top 10 list for the last 5 years. I am just saying I get tired of what seems like every focus owner trying to get there car ready for Fast and the Furious part 3. Drive it, like it, mod it but they (including SVT's) will not be an EVO, Stang, or any kind of $30K plus sports car (with in reason, you could supercharge it with some juice but that is alittle out there).

sounds like your on the wrong website. this is focusfanatics.com

I thought this forum was just for SVT owners??[confused]

I love the RECARO seats and the awsome handling.[thumb]

SVT, ZX3, it's still a Focus. Can't we all just get along?

I wanted an SVT, but I drive too much and premium would kill me, especially now.

Yea the SVT foci is great. But the new ST will beat the SVT off the line, and in an race. So for the time before the SVT it was the best foci. The interior of the SVT and looks are still way better than the ST, but hey, I'll rather have an faster car over and good looking car.

dont even start foci5.0, just leave it, read 5-6 posts above you.

Originally posted by badqat
I know your dealer did you tailpipe-style with no lube. That alone can make ownership a less than pleasurable experience.



That's a pretty good one, I'm going to have to ask you if I can borrow that tailpipe phrase.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!! DIE DIE DIE I HATE THESE THREADS!! IT'S A FOCUS... A FOCUS... A [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]G FOCUS... EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US OWNS A FOCUS!! THEY'RE ALL THE SAME [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]G CAR!! SHUT THE HELL UP...

ok i will svt4 me

[cheers] [cheers] [cheers] [drinking] [drinking] [drinking] [drinking] [boxface] [werd] [duh]

Originally posted by RockyNBullwinkle
That's a pretty good one, I'm going to have to ask you if I can borrow that tailpipe phrase.

Public domain! Feel free to use it.

Originally posted by FiveDoorSVT
When I was buying my focus i had the option to buy a red zx3 or my zx5 SVT. 50 bux more a month and all of that stuff was done for me. Easy choice.

You know, for $50 a month, you could feed a couple of children in a third world country. That would make you feel better and would do more for your soul than owning an SVT.

^^^ is that guy serious?

Originally posted by EuroZX3
^^^ is that guy serious?

No, not really.

But it sounded good didn't it...

Come'on guys let the thread die. Though it's not like it's going to get hidden on the next page anytime soon.

LOL so ^BUMP^ it up and LLLLLET'SSSS GET READY TO RUUUUMMBBLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

Originally posted by chaneyzx3'04
ohhhhh, honnestly i wanted a SVT, but i also wanted to mod. With the mods to an SVT you get no worthwhile gains. I got the 2.3L and with 500 bucks i can get 25 WHP, (CAI, header, flex) I think that that is well worth the money, Yeah you guys get build numbers, a piece of paper telling you that you are special. But honnestly i can make you a piece of paper that says you car is special and you are special for owning it. The svt is a good car, but for the people that want to go fast in the Domestic Sport Compact, don't get a svt unless you are going to NXT, and/or Blower. With what is out there for the 2.3L when you have the thought i don't look at the stock focus unless it has serious mods. Wait till a 2.3 pulls next to you with a few under the hood mods and blows you away. Then maybe that will remove you from your High horse (as frush puts it) and make you think back and ask yourself was it worth that piece of paper, and the extra money??


*shadyninja laughs*
I dont bash people with regular foci there a great car.. but these people try to make their cars
so much like the svt it makes me sick... now Ive done some modding of my own I doubt there are too many 2.3 's that I cant take care of hell now I go for vetts mustangs and fire birds...try that with out getting smoked in your mighty 2.3

dammmm if id read the whole thread before posting I should of stay ed out of it and let the dammm thing judt die oh well but we know that will never happen so.....
*my foci is better than yours!!* lol

well i can carry more people then you! haha!

honestly, not that i care tooo much, but if this thread doesnt die, blood will fly

I hope so my car dont haul any thing but a$$...and not to mention Ive taken out the rear seat ..and put the bottle back there[:)~]

bowersdaazian, did you smoke your headlight and foglight lenses too or is that just because the sun is behind your car in your signature?

Originally posted by SVT4ME
bowersdaazian, did you smoke your headlight and foglight lenses too or is that just because the sun is behind your car in your signature?

LOL...I was wondering the same thing.

no the smoking is just from P-shop. You can also see my car is dropped, though it is hard to notice ata glance.
But i do plan on smoking my lights sometime (maybe this weekend). But im not sure how niteshade will look when the lights are on. I guess i have to be really careful.

Something about the darker lenses gives the car a "meaner" look, I like it. But yeah, I wonder how hard it will be to tint them without it being too dark or looking like crap. Good luck on that project. [thumb]

thanks, im also worried about taking out the headlights because of the alignment issue. Is there any good way to put them back in perfectly aligned like they were?

I don't really know, to be honest. Some cars have a nice little level built into the headlight housing but the Focus is not one of those cars...

park your car where you are going to work on it, aim the headlights towards a wall and draw a line at the brightest spot of the light, do your work and use that line to re align them closely

hmm... good idea chaney. I might just do that, except im at college where if i try to write on a wall i might get busted for vandalism, oh well wont stop me. thanks

use chalk........

For what the headlight aiming trick or to try to darken his lenses?

aiming!

Haha I know, I was just messing with you because all you said was "use chalk" and nothing else.

yeah. i am bored!

does anyone make tinted covers for our lights? ive seen the totally black ones, but they look kinda illegal to me, im just looking for smoked ones, that are able to be taken off if it is interfering with my lights.

So is the "SVT OWNERS Lounge" for people that HAVE AN SVT ???

There seems to be a lot of shi* from ZX3 peeps with SVT envy, or is it street cred envy from getting asked too many times... "Is that an Enterprise rent a car??? How much are you paying a day???"

Maybe there needs to be a "special" forum for bent ZX3 owners to talk shi* about SVT's all day. "The SVY-envy lounge" Or how bout "The Pathetic Loser Lounge."

And put it in the frickin' ZX3 section of this m-frickin website, so I don't have to read their whimpering drivel. It's soooooooooooo tired.[:(] [:(]

Yeah SVT's suck, that's why there's page after page of SVT parts for sale on Focus websites...[8]

This thread died long ago. i have absolutely no clue what your talking about.

Thought I would fire it back up [}:)] [}:)] [}:)]

BTW, your Focus looks good.

Seriously this is pathetic. The SVTF is a great car, however like alll of you said ITS NOT A DAMN SPORTS CAR! Sure we can mod it to we got horsepower coming out our mouths but its still a focus. Focus' are basically a stripped SVT with cheaper components...so what? It doesnt make them bad. Some of you are acting like the EVO, STI, and SRT-4 owners act like. They beet the crap out of their stripped models (lancer, wrx, neon (lol)). We dont really have room to talk here considering our #'s arent absolutely superior to standard focus'.

Yes, our cars are better and i love my car just like the rest of you do, but we are all in the same boat. And we all have to deal with Ford.

-Slim

since this was brought back up.....
If it had not been for the svtf...I would of never set foot in a focus..and I would of not known what a fun little car they are.
but the way I look at it zx3 =mobil regular motor oil
svt= mobil 1 oil

thats my comparison

I use to think focus's were dumb and you'de have to be stupid for buying one. But once I went to search for a good reliable car I thought I'de give it a shot. I got a SE and I love it ;) I can only imagine a ST or SVT ;) ehehe

Focus is a great car no matter what package you got.

Actually this rivalry/argument has nothing to do with the cars at all. It has to do with self-esteem and the size of your johnson.

The peo that have to talk brave, and put everyone elses car down, either have a very tiny pickle or are a woman trapped in a man's body...or both. Women talking smack, are prob men trapped in a women's body, lesbians, or both.

I don't get any satisfaction out of putting down ZX3's, ZX5's, SE's, Wagons, ZTS'S, OR WHATEVER. If the owners of those cars, would stay the f off the SVT forums, and stop running their pencil-dic* mouths, it would all stop.

I have never gone on their forums and said one neg thing about their cars...[:)]

very logical statement hondahater, sounds right.

Foci overall are good cars no matter what shape or form they come in. The first time I saw one, I knew I had to buy it and I did this year. My friends thought the Focus sucked untill they drove mine. They changed their ways and views about this car. The SVTF is a great car and better in some ways than the normal version. I would love to have one, but they are hard to find.

I think the reason that non-SVT owners are in here (me included) is that everytime someone posts on here, it shows on the main page. Most of us probably didn't come into the "SVT Performace Chat" looking for something like this, hondahater.

Now PLEASE, just let this die.

I think Hondahater needs meds, he controls his anger as well as Bobby Knight (my hero). I actually agree with him about too many non svt owners more than hanging out in the SVT forums it seems to me some of them live in them. I know its a free country and all but they get on the SVT forums and trash the SVT's (those who don't bad mouth them are fine). Talk all the smack you want just don't come into our house (for lack of a better word) and bad mouth us. Just my opinion but at least I don't feel so alone when I say it any more. I thought I was the only one who felt like that.

I will let it go after this.

As the total motorhead that I am, I know for a fact that speed is just a question of money..."how fast do you want to go???"

If you had the money and the stupidity, you could build a FESTIVA that would run circles around every frickin Focus in this forum.

Talking about whose is faster (with some numbers to back it up) and what we did to make it faster or handle better or whatever...is cool and productive. I have got some ideas from this site for my car. I think this is the spirit of this kind of forum.

But talking about whose is BETTER is subjective and practically irrelevant, as we are all driving FOCII, with diff options from the factory. The SVT happens to have ALOT of options from Ford. That doesn't make other Focii lesser...it just IS A FACT.

I figure that if you added up all the different stuff in an SVT... motor, 6-speed, 4-wheel disc, suspension, wheels-tires, it would cost less than buying a ZX3 and doing all that exact same stuff yourself. I could be wrong...I never did the math.

Not that I'm not modding...it just had stuff in it that I always do to my cars anyway. So I figured it was a better jumping-off point.

I am happy to see any Focus on the street, and if they are paying attention, they will get a polite nod and thumbs up from me. Or a friendly game of catch-me-if-you-can...whatever the case may be.

Now I am done...well done.

p.s. I am back on my medication...can u tell?

[thumb] [thumb]

Jessica just likes the "whole package from the factory". Her original intent was to go my path and get a older hatch, do the suspension and engine work and be done. But I told her that takes some time and money here and there so I suggested the SVT. She doesnt have time to mod (or wants to spend the money). The only things she wants to do is cam it, flash it, and nitrous it. That will make it a very nice contender. She walked out the door with an 04 SVT-F for $16,800. I don't know any car that has all the features it has for that price. Thats what she wanted (and thats what we like about it), a car with an all-around good package. Plus she gets a lot of good comments about it, mostly from my Honda friends who ride in it [:p]

Theres nothing wrong with any Focus, its just a matter of what you personally want to achieve.

"The SVT blasted through our 600-foot slalom at 68.2 mph. Not only was it faster than the Civic [si] and New [turbo] Beetle, its slalom speed was higher than that of cars like the Chevy Corvette Z06, BMW M3 and Subaru Impreza WRX." - edmunds.com sport hatchback comparison test.

that's something that will cost a relative fortune to achieve those results from a factory zx3.

I was sold on the SVT after I test drove one. I honestly didnt know alot about the car before that....but am a true blue Ford person.

Now that I have one, and have driven 40,000 miles in it, I am still impressed about how much car I got for the money. I think it is a terrific value. Yeah its a lot of dinero for a "Focus", but youd have to pay alot more to get all the stuff in another car. Never-mind that its all under a warranty.

Not that I really care about having this option, but my friends JAGUAR S-type doesn't have heated seats!!![nutkick]

Originally posted by jevoe015

that's something that will cost a relative fortune to achieve those results from a factory zx3.

whats considered a "relative fortune"? [confused]

myfordperformance.com
--------------------------------

SVT Focus Suspension Kit SPECIAL ORDER
$ 259.00

Part #: m-3000-zx3

Focus ZX3 and ZX5 owners can now have the same suspension that comes standard on the SVT Focus !

* Fits 2000-04 3 door and 5 door Focus
* Original equipment on SVT Focus
* Upgrades your stock Focus suspension to SVT Focus
* Improved handling characteristics without ride degradation
* Reduced ride height approximately 0.5"

Am I missing something or would this give the suspension of the SVT-F to the non-SVT's? So yeah, mix a 2.3 Foci with Intake/Exhaust and this suspension, and your ahead of one. Am I wrong? Please explain if I am.

If i could have done it all over again, and had the money!!!

SVT Hands Down!!! 7 days a week and twice on sunday!!

Am I missing something or would this give the suspension of the SVT-F to the non-SVT's? So yeah, mix a 2.3 Foci with Intake/Exhaust and this suspension, and your ahead of one. Am I wrong? Please explain if I am.

so you think the stock 2.3 wheels tires hold the ground as well as an svt? not to mention the gearing and timing that allows them to get such times in a slalom.

4 svt wheels ~500 according to the cheapest price ive found of 115/piece
4 svt tires ~1000 according to the cheapest price i found at discount tire
suspension you listed ~270 after tax
exhaust ~370-600 mbrp/borla/magnaflow
intake ~190-260 steeda ram air/aemcai

and we'll assume you own your own garage so all the installation/mounting/balancing is free
then you have to take into consideration the difference in curb weight between the svt 2L and the std 2.3

you're already at the the price I got my 5 door SVT for after end of year instant rebates, cept mine came with everything you had to buy out of the box, plus the leather lined heated racing seats, traction control, moon roof, audiophile package, HID, and engine block heater. not to mention an all around better looking car with the styling and a 5 year 100K warranty and other associated perks of being an svt owner.

You forgot the brakes.

But, frankly, this discussion has never led to a very happy ending.[:(]

Originally posted by jevoe015
so you think the stock 2.3 wheels tires hold the ground as well as an svt? not to mention the gearing and timing that allows them to get such times in a slalom.

4 svt wheels ~500 according to the cheapest price ive found of 115/piece
why would you need these?
4 svt tires ~1000 according to the cheapest price i found at discount tire
$250/tire? I already had one replaced for under $120
suspension you listed ~270 after tax
exhaust ~370-600 mbrp/borla/magnaflow
intake ~190-260 steeda ram air/aemcai

and we'll assume you own your own garage so all the installation/mounting/balancing is free
suspension installs arent that difficult and I wouldnt need all that if I opted for just better performance tires

then you have to take into consideration the difference in curb weight between the svt 2L and the std 2.3
the 2.3 weighs about 130lbs lighter, this is a problem?

you're already at the the price I got my 5 door SVT for after end of year instant rebates, cept mine came with everything you had to buy out of the box, plus the leather lined heated racing seats, traction control, moon roof, audiophile package, HID, and engine block heater. not to mention an all around better looking car with the styling and a 5 year 100K warranty and other associated perks of being an svt owner.
and this all has to do with the original question that I asked about suspension?


oh yeah, dont get all bent outta shape, im simply debating calmly asking questions. [thumb]

stiffer, stronger wheels. im talking about a slalom time/speed, not the quarter

$250/tire? I already had one replaced for under $120
please tell me where so I can save 100+ next time I have a blowout

the 2.3 weighs about 130lbs lighter, this is a problem?
do you have a link for this, i was told it was heavier just didnt know how much

and this all has to do with the original question that I asked about suspension?

i didn't say the fortune was for a suspension, i said the relative fortune (as in cost of the upgrades is 20% of the price of the car we're talking about, and that's if you are considering the 16K std.) in order to achieve those results (the slalom speed that beat a vette, wrx imprez, and M3) there's a bit more than suspension involved when you're talking about a slalom time that beats a car widely known as in the top ten handling cars in the world (BMW M3)

no need to sweat me getting bent out of shape - this is what i do when im bored @ work

if the SVT's so good...then why am i always reading about people having problems with them?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WD40
You forgot the brakes.

good call, those are the most obvious effect on slaloms - dunno how i skipped over that

Originally posted by noshownogo
if the SVT's so good...then why am i always reading about people having problems with them?

as with any tuned up engine, they require a lot more maintence than your general car

not to mention the numbers produced, the std focus is the most widely produced and number one selling car in the world

the total # of svtfs (both 5 and 3 door) is what, 20,000?

of course, we could also theorize that the reason you're always reading about svtf problems is because it's the only time we stop playing with the beautiful little machine long enough to come in here is when it broke ;)

Originally posted by jevoe015
the total # of svtfs (both 5 and 3 door) is what, 20,000?
Actually, 14,003 total.
Total units built by year:
2002 – 4,788
2003 – 6,158
2004 – 3,057

The stock Conti tires from Tire Rack are $102
Clicky (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Continental&model=ContiSportContact)

Originally posted by jevoe015
no need to sweat me getting bent out of shape - this is what i do when im bored @ work

no prob, same here. I just wanted to throw up that disclaimer since alot of people start getting pushy when a debate is long.

I got the tire at Ford, the original price for it with dealer markup was $250, and I laughed in their faces. $250 for a Conti?? Then i went and talked to the in that I had and they got it for me for about $120. I believe I found them around that price at Tirerack.com (yep, here ya go http://www.tirerack.com/tires/OETireResults.jsp?autoYear=2004&autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Focus+SVT+3-Door&autoModClar=&sortCode=49500&width=215/&ratio=45&diameter=17&minSpeedRating=H&minLoad=S&search=tires&vehicleSearch=true)

I havent gotten into autocross much but I want to, thats why Im asking.

wow, that's annoying as shit. [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]* ford AND discount tire.

Originally posted by WD40
Actually, 14,003 total.
Total units built by year:
2002 – 4,788
2003 – 6,158
2004 – 3,057

The stock Conti tires from Tire Rack are $102
Clicky (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Continental&model=ContiSportContact)

hahaha, they sell more std foci than that in a quarter worldwide.

If someones REALLY bored at work, and has fast internet, figure out how much it would cost to build an SVT out of a ZX3, using SVT parts bought online or through Ford. Including labor...not DIY.

I don't want to know the price with aftermarket parts that are not SVT parts.

I would like to know...and I bet it is OUTRAGEOUS compared to just buying an SVT in the first place.

I'll do it myself eventually and post it, if no one else does.

Not to add to the discusion but when part prices are thrown out there is never any mention of labor. Not everyone has the tools, space, time and know how to do the installs our selfs. I live in an apartment on the second floor and I've got my walmart tool box with about $50 worth of tools in it, just enough to hurt my self with. On top of that my 2 year old is more mechanicly inclined then I am so I would have to pay for instalation on almost anything that is hard to do (or have my 2 year old do it). That is where the big money comes into play. What is the hourly charge for a certified mechanic, like $55 or some thing. To all those that can do the installs your self that is great but don't forget the ones like me that can't do jack to there cars.

Just the motor stuff... VCT, DSI, induction, header, etc...

I wouldn't attempt it myself without Jesse James over my shoulder with an arc welder.

[:)][:)][:)]geddaboudit!

Originally posted by sidney61199
Not to add to the discusion but when part prices are thrown out there is never any mention of labor. Not everyone has the tools, space, time and know how to do the installs our selfs. I live in an apartment on the second floor and I've got my walmart tool box with about $50 worth of tools in it, just enough to hurt my self with. On top of that my 2 year old is more mechanicly inclined then I am so I would have to pay for instalation on almost anything that is hard to do (or have my 2 year old do it). That is where the big money comes into play. What is the hourly charge for a certified mechanic, like $55 or some thing. To all those that can do the installs your self that is great but don't forget the ones like me that can't do jack to there cars.


that was my point though, even without labor costs (and giving the zx3 owners the advantage that way) they still have to pay more total to reach the level of performance an SVT comes with out of the box. all body/interior/warranty perks and labor costs set aside, zx3 with upgrades is just a bad idea if youre looking at it from a cost effective point of view.

where's all the ZX3 smack talkers now????

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

?????????????????????

??????????????????????

?????????????????????????

trying to find batteries for your calculator????????????????????[?|] [?|]

i think all the regular ZX3 guys are sick of arguing. No reason to beat a dead horse (thread in this case).
ok please just let this die.

good driver in a SVT: 15.3 155whp 19k total made 14003
good driver in a S/R: 15.4 119whp 16k total made 2100

im happy with my purchase

i also got:
painted side moldings/door handles(standard on all escorts)
unique guages
discs in the rear
more power
Cool interior trim and seats

but im not restricted to 17in or bigger rims and i actually wanna remove my stock system cuz i have no need for it.

what is this S/R model you have? isnt it just a ZX2 w/ the zetec motor? and where did you get 15.4 for it?

its a zx2 that was backed by ford racing:

Leather shift boot
B&M Short throw shifter
Centerforce Performance Clutch
Visteon PCM
Tokico Struts
Energy Suspension Bushings
Eibach Lowering Spring
Borla exhaust
205/55ZR15 Goodyear Eagle
Rear disc brakes
Silver gauge surround
150MPH (240KPH) speedometer
Ford Blue valve cover
Iceman Intake (blue)
Leather Shift knob
143hp 140tq


i dont get why they didnt put the FR wires and udp on it though

Hooooooold on a minute! [mad]

Is this www.escortfanatics.com now???

Just kiddin' more power to you lad.

I'd be happy to eat your lunch too.[thumb] [thumb]

ps This thread is dead???? That's why its been viewed 1100 times??? Any other thread in "the lounge" close to that???[???:)] [???:)] [???:)]

hehe i have more posts then u man lol and we both registered in sept 03 lol

Seriously, I have only read a short article about your car, on the internet somewhere....I have never seen one.

It's prob a cool car, I was just messin with you.[}:)]

Hey...do you know any good Escort sites I could log on to and start bragging about my car on??? [:o)] [:o)] [:o)]

I see zincsr has brought himself back from the dead to brag about his car some more.

never left, just to busy with college

ZINC!! I remember you from teamzx2! (I was speedyzx2 over there) How's the old S/R holding up? I had a manual z with intake and s/r muffler and i ran a 15.7. not bad for around 110hp at the wheels I sometimes miss my zx2, but the reason i got the svt was the tranny on my escort finally went and i couldnt afford to fix it.

Buddy o' mine had an S/R for a while. Total lemon though, replaced the tranny twice, bad ecu (slower than my car until we replaced the ecu with one from marco) but his car sure could handle!

How are the old boards holding up?

...oh yeah and SVT's are the balls!

SPEEDY! how you been bro? the zx2 forums had a total crash about a month ago xENo had to recode EVERYTHING. SO we lost a lot of stuff teh peopel we had running teh server managed to destroy the primary drive and the back up at the same time.

the Z has held up fine, ive only had the free money to get FR wires for her though (college costs WAY to much)

Hope the focus turns out well

I'm getting a warm, holiday feeling, from seeing this reunion.[:D]

Good to c u guys hook up.

Really....I am not being sarcastic, (like I am 95% of the time)


[:)~]