Ok so below is my pretty stock 2003 SE. I have an appointment Saturday to get my windows tinted all around (20 or 30%, still deciding), I have clear corners on the way in the mail, and will be debadging in a week or two, weather permitting. What do you suggest next?????

I was thinking either sportline springs or trubendz exhaust w/ borla muffler. Any other ideas or comments welcome. Thanks!!! (no money for wheels at the moment [:(] )

ok that was so the wrong picture!!!!! i wish that was mine..lol anyway my car is all black..lol any ideas?

I would suggest changing the shocks if you decide to change the springs.

Do you have an intake ?
If not, may want to look in to getting one.

i would suggest the apex sport kit w/ progress rear sway bar.

well you and I discussed intakes the other day. But i was thinking, if i had some money to blow, would an intake be the first thing to get?? Im still undecided thats why I ask for opinions. Thanks!

i'd go with an intake first. that was my first (other then 35% tint and clear corners) I'm quite happy with how it gave me a better sound

Intake would be nice, a catback exhaust system would be a good investment also. It would all really depend upon what you would like and how much you have to spend. I'm told the aftermarket is very wide and reasonable for the Zetec focus. Best of luck. [:)]

back where i started from. i was talking with people on here over the past few days about possible intakes. I was actually curious if there was like a "must have" 1st performance mod. I didnt think an intake would be it, but I guess I was wrong by your comments.

I dont know why, but the wheel gap is killing me!

I would go with the trubendz exhaust that was my first mod and I love it only I got the flowmaster muffler.

My first was the catback and the ORP, followed by the intake, plug wires and exhaust cam gear. I dont think there is a "first" mod must have thing going. Although I've heard the Volant intake is a great setup and gives good gains, that could be a good first time mod if you like. A set of UDP would be something to consider also, its a very reasonable mod for the Zetec. I've heard its best to purchase things in combo, example like a TB, Intake. Flex pipe and cat-back exhaust.

Originally posted by poisonivory
I dont know why, but the wheel gap is killing me!
I hear ya. I still want/need a drop but it's not like I go hauling ass around 45 degree turns at 70mph to take advantage of a stiffer suspension. I'm still waiting to drop but it's on my list.

If I were you, I would start with an intake, then 65mm TB then maybe start the exhaust.
A good suspension kit(springs & shocks) is gonna cost you around $450 and about $200 more for labor install and alignment. You can save a few pennies if you install the suspension yourself but you'll still have to take it in to get it aligned.

the labor isnt a problem, i know crap about engines and suspension, but my brother is an experienced mechanic, as well as a few of my friends. with access to a few garages. My thing is, for that reason, im not gonna sacrifice quality to save a few bucks, but then again im, not going to buy the most expensive parts just for the name. I think ill keep it simple and get an intake this weekend, and then move on from there. T/B is about 250 +/- new correct? Any reasons I would or would not want to buy a used one?

Do you want show or go? Sounds to me like you should go with the springs first.

Something I wish I had :(

lol i want both.. i never plan on racing my car i just want it to be a little more fun to drive.

You can look around for a used 2003 65mm TB but they are hard to find since they are specific to the 2003 Focus and will not fit eariler model Foci.

How much money do you have to spend right now?

to tell ya the truth im not even sure. I know 180 is going this Saturday for my tint job. If worse comes to worse I could cut some corners elsewhere in the next few weeks to have more money for the focus. I think im going to go this route: intake next week. Wait a few weeks, catback exhaust. Then another few weeks, T/B. By summer ill have all that and my springs, n my car should look and sound pretty sharp.