Focus Fanatics Ride of the Month Showcase

[Chick]

JANUARY RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: MISSOURILEO
Location: Arnold, Missouri
Model: SVT (3 door)
Color: Pitch Black


Why he loves his Focus:
"I love my SVT Focus for many reasons. I guess flying into a turn way too fast and knowing I can safely exit is one reason. Watching those civics stay in my rear view mirror is a good thing. Stopping faster than most folks even know about is a blessing. Taking the abuse and asking for more, what more could you want. I use my SVTF as a daily driver and I couldn't think of anything else I would rather drive. I think I might have to find another low mileage one to set aside in the stable."

His future plans:
"As for future plans, possibly a NA build or a Powerworks kit would be nice. I would like to pick up a EAP interior, love that black recaro leather. Otherwise, just drive and hang on."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
Mach 1 chin Spoiler
Euro grill
ST170s with amber leds

INTERIOR:
Steeda STS

I.C.E.:

ENGINE DRESS-UP:

PERFORMANCE:
Tom's tune
Borla center exit exhaust
CFM ORP
CFM 65MM TB
CFM engine mounts
Taylor thundervolt 8.5mm wires w/copper core plugs
Volant Air intake

SUSPENSION:
Eibach Sway bars(front and rear)
Hilbish ford special FRPP drop kit

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
Hawk HPS pads/Centric rotors

MISC.:

[Chick]

MARCH RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: XY0S08
Location: Tonganoxie, Kansas
Model: ZX3 (Kona Edition)
Color: Rainforest Green


Why he loves his Focus:
"I love My Focus because it is me, by that I mean that it is unique. It shows that you can have a great car that is not an import and it can still be a "cool car". When you look at my car you see something that I have spent a lot of time on. Whether you like everything about it or just a few things it has many different styles that everyone can find something that they like."

His future plans:
"My future plans include getting boosted, a carbon fiber hood, and air ride."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
ATI racing body kit
Bay Speed Vertical doors
K6 mirrors
LED Glow
Carbon fiber tail lights
Angel Eye Projector Headlights

INTERIOR:
Color matched interior
LED Glow
Auto Meter Gauges

I.C.E.:
7" Dual flip screen
JL audio speakers
2 12" MTX subs
2000 watt Phoenix Digital amp
Memphis cap

ENGINE DRESS-UP:
Color matched engine parts
AEM spark plug cover

PERFORMANCE:
AEM cold air intake
JBA Headers
Flowmaster Exhaust
65mm throttle body

SUSPENSION:

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
18" Kyowa racing rims
Nankang tires

MISC.:

[Chick]

APRIL RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: SLIPSTER17
Location: Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Model: ZX3
Color: Egg Yolk Yellow


Why he loves his Focus:
"I can't thank you all enough for the win in this months' category. There were 5 amazing cars in the running and it means a lot to me that there are those of you out there who think so highly of the car I drive. I think it's still far from perfect, but some of you have said just that; that you love it because it's not something that is stored in a garage and driven only in sunny weather. It's modded, it's used for everything and it's clearly loved. Sure, it's a little scratched here and there and rough around some of the edges, but I guess functionality is the name of my game. So, for all who made this win a reality, here is a little history behind my car.

I was enamored with the Focus when I first saw it on the roads back in late 1999. I loved the sleek shape and the presence of it; which was unlike anything on the streets of my city at that time. I remember picking up a brochure for it when my parents bought their 2000 Taurus and stuffing it in my desk drawer in the hopes that someday, I’d have something like it. But I was still in High School then.

Fast-forward to May 2006 and my senior year of college. I was on my way to visit my then girlfriend for the weekend, driving my beat-up hand-me-down ’98 Contour when I happened by a used car dealer in the tiny town of Wind Gap, PA. Pretty sure I about gave myself whiplash driving by and went back immediately after picking up the girlfriend to give my find the once over. It was a single owner, 2001 Egg-Yolk Yellow ZX3 5-spd with 65k on the clock. All power options and (only offered in 2001) sporting the manual ‘crank’ sunroof. Yes, I drooled, I whined and it took a little scheming, but a week later, it was mine.

4 years and 120k miles later, my lust has become a lifelong love for the first car that was truly mine. It’s my daily driver, my show car, my back road bomber and my kayak hauler. It's treated me reasonably well considering all the miles I've put it with only a couple hiccups along the way. 200k miles, here I come!"

His future plans:
"What’s left for my project? Finishing up the European 2002 front bumper and a nice solid tune. That’s about it…. For the time being!"

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
European Focus ST170 upper grille
European Focus ST170 rear bumper (w/ Euro rear crash foam + rebar)
European Focus tow-hook
European Focus molded front + rear mud flaps
European Focus locking fuel door
European smooth rear wiper conversion
Full European Focus lock cylinder conversion (including ignition)
European Focus RS rear wing
Focus SVT window trim and rear window triangles
Focus SVT color matched folding side mirrors
Focus SVT front lip spoiler
Ford accessories 'KONA' roof rack
Painted front bumper trim
Font bumper light delete
Modified front fenders for European side markers
Debadged
Custom European front plate
Custom Focaljet decals
Custom FocusSport decals
Custom vinyl rally #'s
5% tint on rear windows
European Focus ST170 headlights
European Focus 'black' triangle side markers
European Focus taillights
European Focus reverse/ rear fog lights

INTERIOR:
Focus SVT pedals
Redline Tuning SVT dead-pedal
MOMO Airleather shift knob
ZXTuner Short Throw Shifter
Focus SVT perforated leather e-brake handle
Custom black and grey shift and e-brake boots
Focus SVT silver HVAC controls
European Focus radio bezel w/ clock
Blue LED conversion on all interior swtiches
Custom silver door handles
Focus SVT leather seats w/ red insert
Focus SVT gauge cluster
Custom Speedhut gauge overlay
Upgraded variable speed wiper switch
European Focus floor mats
European Focus ST170 center console
A-pillar gauge pod
Custom 2 pod gauge bezel
Custom Speedhut Oil pressure, Oil temp, and Volt gauges

I.C.E.:
Insignia CD/MP3/WMA player

ENGINE DRESS-UP:
European Focus radiator cover (modified)
Focus SVT coolant tank cover
Steeda billet fuel rail

PERFORMANCE:
K&N air filter
Focus SVT/ST170 snorkel and air-box
Steeda billet fuel rail
Year 2000 intake header
Focus Sport stress bar
Focus SVT 4-2-1 long tube header (bound in DEI exhaust wrap)
Focus SVT catalytic converter + flex pipe (bound in DEI exhaust wrap)
Focus SVT Focus cat-back exhaust (w/ new tip, cut to fit Euro bumper)
CFM polyurethane exhaust hanger bushings

SUSPENSION:
Intrax Sport lowering springs (1.5" front, 1.75" rear)
KYB AGX shocks and struts
Energy Suspension urethane bushings
Focus SVT 21mm rear sway bar
Focus Sport rear stress bar

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
17" Focus SVT 'European Appearance Package' rims
Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grids (205/45R17 tires)

MISC.:
Foglight mod

[Chick]

JUNE RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: KFOKUS
Location: West Manheim, Pennsylvania
Model: ZX3
Color: Pitch Black

Why he loves his Focus:
"LOVE my focus...
Its FUN.
Its affordable.
And most people don't expect it to be as fast as it is."

His future plans:
"Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel
Centerforce Clutch
Ford racing 4.06 fd gears
Torsen t2 torque biasing differential
Tranny upgrade being installed asap.
Garret gt2554r oil +water cooled twin scroll turbo
Blitz B.O.V.
Greddy knockoff wastegate
Siemens Deka 60 lb injectors
JBA turbo header
Diablo MAfia
SCT 7 position switch
Manual Boost controler
2.5 in/out Intercooler
2.5 piping
3 in downpipe
To be installed asap after tranny upgrade.
Camber plates/bolts
Euro upper grill ...to be installed once i find some st170 headlights
Rear suspension rebuild including Prothane bushings.
3 in trubendz exhaust with Borla muffler and resonators.
Boost + nitrous Pressure gauges to be installed in custom gauge bezel.
AEM wideband A/F gauge, EGT gauge, and Volt meter gauge to be installed where stock H.U. was.
Custom P+P head
Then...
Plan on doing SVT front and rear bumpers and then having the whole car painted midnight black(including the Carbon fiber hood)
Future plans also include a set of O.Z. superturismo 17's with hoosier autox slicks.
Carbotech front and rear brake pads for SVT brakes
And taking it to a time attack/track racing."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
Carbon Fiber oem style Hood
RS euro spoiler
Wings West Front spoiler
Yellow Laminex fog lights
Debadged and rebadged w/ SVT piranha badge
Blacked out headlights
Blacked out side marker lights
Blacked out tail lights (for shows)
OEM tail lights for DD, and autox

INTERIOR:
Central Florida Motorsports adjustable Short shifter w/ reverse lock out
Spherical Billet shift knob
RS Sparco billet E-brake knob
Sparco side mounts
Corbeau FX1 and FX1 pro fixed back race seats
Corbeau seat mounts
MOMO pedals
MOMO seatbelt pads
WHite faced blue indiglo gauges
TomTom GPS
Pass side airbag delete w/ Carbon Fiber cover
Completely Gutted

I.C.E.:

ENGINE DRESS-UP:

PERFORMANCE:
TWO NITROUS EXPRESS 10lb bottles
Rebuilt NX FUEL + N2o solenoids
NX blanket bottle heater w/ NX n2o pressure gauge
NX remote bottle opener
NX rpm window switch
NX n2o/fuel nozzle jetted @ 55 hp shot
Central FLorida Motorsports fuel rail adapter
Crane stage 2 cams
ARP cam bolts
AEM cam gears
SCT excal2 flash tuner
S+S 4-1 race header
s+s 3" flex pipe
custom 2.5 magnaflow "sleeper" exhaust
K+N Carbon Fiber 3.5" intake filter
K+N EGR filter
K+N FIPK Intake
65 mm Focus central Throttle Body
2000 Focus Intake Manifold Port maatched to TB
Focus Sport Under Drive Crank Pulley
MSD Blaster coil
MSD 9.5 mm wires
Motorcraft One step colder spark plugs
OPTIMA red top battery
ground plate
VF engineering driver side motor mount
Energy Suspensions Lower mount inserts
180 degree thermostat
OBX radiator hoses

SUSPENSION:
LAKEWOOD traction bars
N1 adjustable front strut tower brace bar
Focus sport rear strut tower brace bar
KW adjustable coilovers w/ koni adjustable struts
Eibach 22mm bront swaybar
Steeda 28.6 mm rear sway bar
COMPLETE fromnt suspension rebuild including
NEW OEM control arms
PROTHANE front control arm bushings
Moog front sway bar endlinks
Moog tie rods

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
17" SVT 5 spoke wheels w/ Goodyear Eagle GT 215/45/17 (Daily driving)
16" Rota Slipstreams w/ Dunlop 205/50/16 Star Specs (autox)
SVT front and rear brake conversion

MISC.:
Fog light modification

[Chick]

JULY RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: RSVT170
Location: San Diego, California
Model: ZX3
Color: White


Why he loves his Focus:
"With most cars out there, people are drawn to one aspect of it i.e. power, handling, style, ect. After owning four foci, I have come to love every aspect of it. Amazing handling, decent power, great european styling with a great after-market, practicality in both gas mileage and being a hatch back. The most unexpected aspect of the car that I have come to cherish the most is the community. Many other vehicle brands and nameplates have gone through my stable of ever changing cars, but none have come close to the focus community. Such a diverse crowd with such amazing ideas and willingness help each other out is an amazing thing. I owe the look of my focus to the focus community as the large majority of the parts I have changed/installed have been second hand from another fanatic. FF FTW"

His future plans:
"FSWerks Turbo (If I transfer out of California)
SVT Rear Brakes
Steeda STS"

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
Sap front bumper
Custom Paint by Kenny Sharp
E-Bay black housing headlights
SVT mirrors
SVT door handles
tint
SVT rear bumper
color matched rear hatch strip
wings west mid wing
Ford Edge rear wiper
SVT upper wing
debadged

INTERIOR:
ST Silver Gauge Surround
Saleen Metric Indiglo gauges
Custom painted Stereo/HVAC surround by Rob Taylor
SVT Pedals
Focus Central Shift Knob
F2 STS
SVT Center Console
SVT Seats
SVT Silver HVAC Surround
SVT E-Brake Handle
Custom houndstooth Door panel inserts
ScanGauge II

I.C.E.:
Installed factory amp and subwoofer
Kenwood DDX512 in-dash DVD Player/GPS
Infinity speakers
Sirius Sat. Radio

ENGINE DRESS-UP:
FSWerks engine cover custom painted by Rob Taylor

PERFORMANCE:
Steeda SRI
Flowmaster custom cat-back exhaust system

SUSPENSION:
Progress 28mm rear sway bar
Massive rear sway bar add-on kit
FSWerks Strut tower brace
Zenn 2.0" drop springs
SVT rear dampers

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
Steeda 17x7.5 rims

MISC.:

[Chick]

AUGUST RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: DEANER
Location: League City, Texas
Model: ZX5
Color: Twilight Blue


Why he loves his Focus:
"The Focus is my very first car, but not the first I have driven. Out of all the cars I have driven, I immediately fell in love with the Focus. With the superb handling, ride, and comfort of the Focus I took it home on Fall 2005. The car was handed to me in Fall of 06 when I then stated working. As soon as I started to see some cash flow, I caught the "Modding Bug". For over 3 years of time, headaches, money, patience and down falls, I still love my focus. I love my Focus simply because it shows a reflection of me, my work of art."

His future plans:
"For now I plan to hold off little to none modifications for a little while. My far future plans would include 16 or 17" with 8" wide wheels, Rear Sway Bar, Cams and cam gears and possible a SVT Header swap."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
1998 Euro RS Replica Front Bumper
SVT Side Skirts
SVT Spoiler
Stock Euro Rear Bumper With lamps
ST170 Headlights
8000k HIDs
3000k HIDs
Euro Rear Wiper
Clear Black Side Makers
Srock European Tail lights
European Bonnet Hood Key Latch w/ working Locks
ST170 European Grille

INTERIOR:
European Bezel with working clock
European HVAC Controls

I.C.E.:
Pioneer AVIC-X920BT Headunit
Alpine amp
2 12" Blaupunkt Subs
4 Kicker Component Speakers
Custom Sub box

ENGINE DRESS-UP:

PERFORMANCE:
AEM SRI
Borla Exhaust
SCT XCAL2
Focus Sport Spark Plug wires

SUSPENSION:
KW V1 Coilovers
Focus Sport Tower Brace
Front Camber plates

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
Goodyear Eagle GT 205/50R16
White 16x7 Rota Slipstreams

MISC.:

[Chick]

SEPTEMBER RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: WUGCATSVT
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Model: SVT (3 door)
Color: Infrared

Why he loves his Focus:
"To be honest, when I first got my Focus I was working for a Ford Dealer and didnt really like much about Fords. The regular Focus was fun to drive. I loved the clutch and the way it felt but didn't like much of anything else. When I got my SVT it changed everything though. The car is a BLAST to drive. If I go more then a week with out driving it I feel like I'm missing out on something. I LOVE hitting the apex on a corner with the car too. I love the way it revs, sounds, and the amount of comments I get with the car. Ive had it for 5 years and I don't believe this car will ever leave my possession. It will be here for my children to enjoy. I have had it way to long and have done way to many things to see it in the hands of another person. The car has really not been very good to me in the mechanical aspect. I have replaced both the engine and transmission in the car along with other big projects like replacing two bent values on the old motor due to a seal in my Intake manifold getting wedged in the exhaust valves. It's really a love hate relationship with more love the hate."

His future plans:
"-Installing a bigger front sway bar in the front (already on its way UPS)
-keeping up with things that break on it in the future
- continue to Autox it
- when I finally graduate park it in the garage and use it as a weekend only vehicle and eventually store it until I can enjoy it with my children and pass it down the line in the family.
- The car is done being modded after the new sway bar."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
MACHs painted black with 6000K bulb for better visuals
CF VIS evo hood painted to match on each side
I <3 (corner warning sign) decal on rear (thanks Josh again)
Autox damage from being to low (fender bent in) (track damage FTW)
European Grill
European roof rack painted black with Fairing and Bike application (if I choose to put it on)
Yellow Fogs with Yellow HIDs
Edge rear wiper blade

INTERIOR:
autometer volt gauge
Corbeau Red 4 point harnesses for autox (drivers and passengers side)
a beautiful GF in the passengers seat

I.C.E.:
Pioneer DH..... something something headunit
Stock speakers cause they sound amazing
8'' MOMO Poke audio sub replaced the stock audiophile 8''

ENGINE DRESS-UP:

PERFORMANCE:
Mike@hillbish huge intake system from a Powerstroke diesel intake w/ K&N filter
Toms Tune
Off road pipe
2.5'' borla Trubenz exhaust
copper core plugs with CFM wires
65mm Focus Central Throttle Body
FR short throw shifter
Clutch master stage one clutch
Clutch master light weight Flywheel


SUSPENSION:
Eibach sportlines (looking for something with better spring rate)
Koni yellow sport adjustable shocks and dampers
Poly Brushings on Sway bars, front and back
25mm Eibach Rear swaybar
Rear tranny Poly motor mount

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
Hawk HP brake Pads n the front with Cemetric rotors and Hawk HPS pads on the rear
Ford Rallying EAP in black with 215/45/17 Nitto Neogens
Team Dynamic Pro Race 1.2 in matte black wrapped in 215/40/17 Dunlap star specs
Stock 16'' wheels in gold with RE-01Rs for tearing the crap out of at autox schools
Borbet type ts just sold and shipped

MISC.:

[Chick]

NOVEMBER RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: FOCUS311
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Model: SVT (3 door)
Color: Sonic Blue


Why she loves her Focus:
"In 2000 I rode in a rental car that we picked up at the airport. I hadn't heard of or seen the Ford Focus before. I really liked how big the dash area was and I was impressed with how fun and sporty the sedan was to get around in.

The next year, I completed my college degree and landed a job in my field. I was ready to purchase my first new car. I wanted an economical and reliable car to get me to and from my job. The Ford Focus fit the bill. I leased a Focus SE sedan for three years. For my next leased vehicle, I was looking for something with a little more performance. In 2004, a Sport Compact magazine featured the Ford Focus SVT and I loved its appearance and the performance it offered. My coworker told me he had seen a magazine exclusively about the Ford Focus. He said the magazine had an orange cover and featured an orange modified Focus. I picked up the premier issue of Focus Fanatics Magazine and I was blown away by the amount of aftermarket support that was available for the Focus. After driving a completely stock Focus sedan for three years, I was already making plans for my newly leased 2004 Sonic Blue SVT #0602.

I couldn't boost my SVT until after my three year lease was up. My first two modifications to satisfy me until then were a Steeda Short Ram Intake and a CFM adjustable short throw shifter. Next, I had a five piece body kit professionally painted and installed.

In 2007, the lease for my Focus was up. I took out a loan, skipped the extended warranty, and continued with my plan to supercharge my Focus. Fortunately, the Powerworks Supercharger Kit was still available and was being sold at a closeout price. This year I removed the body kit and installed the stock SVT bumpers and side skirts to bring the car's appearance a little more back to its roots.

I love my Focus because it has become my favorite hobby. The car projects I have worked on have been challenging for me, but they always leave me with a sense of reward and accomplishment. I love having an instant bond with other Focus owners at shows and get-togethers. I'll never part with my Focus."

Her future plans:
"The custom dyno tune I received from McNews Automotive this summer was the finishing touch to my car. I plan on being diligent with regular maintenance so that my car will run as long as possible. I am looking forward to many more shows, get-togethers, and track events with the car in the future."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
vented carbon fiber hood clear coated with candy burple
SAP rear diffuser
Hella taillights with color matched surrounds
Euro grill
Wings West mid wing and Whale Tail spoiler
Steeda billet shorty antenna
Clear side markers
Hoen H10 Xenomatch fog light bulbs
Ford Edge rear wiper
TFB Designs vinyl build number 0602
Thule Aero roof rack
Thule Criterium upright bike carrier
Inno surfboard rack

INTERIOR:
Recaro SVTf EAP front seats
MOMO Pit Stop Airmetal e brake handle
Fortune Auto titanium shift knob
CFM adjustable short throw shifter
Redline Accessories custom leather shift and e brake boots
Redline Tuning SVT floor mats
Radio, vent, and gauge bezels painted Sonic Blue
Billet aluminum HVAC knobs with blue indicators
Steeda billet aluminum 12 volt plug
Topshop carbon fiber hatch cover
J&S Safeguard with AF/knock sensor gauge
Autometer boost/vac gauge
AEM wideband gauge

I.C.E.:
Pioneer DEH-P7200HD head unit

ENGINE DRESS-UP:
Euro stainless steel engine dress up pieces (washer fluid reservoir cap, power steering reservoir and cap, and fuse box cover)
Massive Trophy Valve Cover Kit in Purple Limited

PERFORMANCE:
Powerworks Supercharger Kit
Ford Racing SVT ceramic coated header with Massive header hardware kit
Custom high flow cat pipe
South Bend stage 1 clutch
Torsen differential
Taylor Thundervolt 8.2 mm ignition wires
Motorcraft AZFS22C spark plugs gapped to .040"
Royal Purple transmission fluid
Royal Purple Black Ice coolant additive
custom dyno tune by Ray at McNews Automotive

SUSPENSION:
Saleen/Eibach Suspension Kit
Massive Unbreakable lower motor mount
Massive Competition Series front and rear strut tower braces
Moog front end links

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
OZ Racing Superleggera 17" x 7" wheels
Team Dynamic Pro Race 1 17" x 7" wheels
Fortune Auto blurple titanium lug nuts
BFG g-Force T/A KDW 2 215/45ZR17 tires
Centric rotors
Hawk HPS brake pads

MISC.:

[Chick]

DECEMBER RIDE OF THE MONTH(2010)

Member name: JMILLER_1974
Location: Austin, Texas
Model: ST (w/Street Appearance Package)
Color: Pitch Black


Why he loves his Focus:
"Okay, lets see. Why do I love My Focus? Easy, because it loves driving hard as much as I do. Honestly, I never thought I would find a compact car that would respond to My driving style the way the Focus does. Having started this love affair as something of a clueless ricer with a POS SPI/ATX, I knew when that one was gone that I would buy another, and that won't change. I love My ST like no other car, and not too long ago, I was given an opportunity to trade titles for an older BMW e36(M3), which I happily turned down. Crazy, maybe. But I love this little car that much."

His future plans:
"What are My future plans? Well, I'd love to go FI, most likely turbo, unless a proven S/C kit comes to light. Sadly, having that goal in mind has kept Me from getting certain bolt ons like exhaust or even a tune until I go boost. Go big or go home, right?lol"

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
Euro OEM ST badge
VHT Nite Shade on tails and 3rd brake
CFM shorty billet aluminum antenna
Custom flat black painted stock headlights

INTERIOR:
DIY "STS" with Auto Zone F1 style shift knob
Black microsuede headliner

I.C.E.:

ENGINE DRESS-UP:

PERFORMANCE:
Custom SRI/CAI(depending on the season, SRI in the winter, CAI in the Summer) with AEM Dry Flo cone

SUSPENSION:
Zenn lowering springs(2.2" avg. drop)

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
03 EAP SVT wheels professionally painted GM Bright Red(AKA Corvette Red) with center caps painted Mercedes Benz Black(pending ST overlays)

MISC.:

[Chick]

FEBRUARY RIDE OF THE MONTH(2011)

Member name: NICKGT40
LOCATION: Van Nuys, California
MODEL: ZX3
Color: Pitch Black

Why he loves his Focus:
"I guess it's because it's really the first car I've owned. I drove a '95 V8 T-Bird before I bought the car outright back in 2005. Up until just this last friday the car had never left me stranded (fuel pump went out, but was covered under warranty because of a recall!)

As I stated in my ROTM nom thread, I've really done everything in this car from camping to driving some of the best roads the CA coast has to offer. It's hard to beat a car that can get you where you need to be reliably, cheaply, with all of your stuff, and looks good to boot. If I have my way, this car will be in my possession forever. "

His future plans:
"As you guys can see, the exterior is almost done with just a few minor touches left to do. My interior has a little way to go yet, I'm still rocking the stock stereo so getting a nice system in there is definitely planned. Other than that I really like the inside of the car with these MOMO seats and SVT upgraded parts.

Now to the performance goals. Suspension plans are for H&R coilovers, IMO the car is almost as low as it needs to be but the back sits just a little too high for my tastes and the suspension is a little soft. Under the hood, long term plans are a little more complex. The new FSWerks Zetec turbo kit will be the next thing I buy for the car, not sure when it will make it on there, but everything else will be based off that (new clutch, LSD, etc.). If I end up hitting the lotto one day, the car will become a 2-seat RWD focus, exact powerplant to be determined, but you can bet it probably won't be N/A.

Hopefully I get this new job I've been interviewing for since January. If I do, I get a brand new car to drive daily so the Focus will finally become a secondary car and get the babied treatment it really deserves."

MODIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR:
RS Collections Front Bumper
RS Collections Rear Bumper
SVT Mirrors
Roush Sideskirts
RS Rear Wing
KONA Roof Rack
ST170 Headlights
'98 Euro Upper Grille
Nightshaded Front Signals
Debadged Rear End
Painted Hatch Strip
Cosworth Sierra Hood Vents
(not installed)

INTERIOR:
MOMO Airleather Knob
MOMO Front Buckets
MOMO Rear Seat Cover
Intermittent Wipers
SVT Steering Wheel
SVT E-Brake Handle
SVT Black Center Console
Me!

I.C.E.:

ENGINE DRESS-UP:
Powdercoated Contour Valve Cover
FocusSport Polished VC Cap

PERFORMANCE:
AEM CAI
Screamin' Demon Coil
Red Live Wires
Lunchbox Delete

SUSPENSION:
H&R Cup Kit
18mm Front Sway
22mm Roush Rear Sway
FSWerks Lower Front Stress Bar
KMAC Strut Plates
Rear Camber bolts

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:
18x8 42mm Offset Focus RS Wheels
215/35/18 Pirelli PZero Neros
(Currently 1 of 5 sets of wheels/tires)
Powdercoated SVT F&R Brakes

MISC.:
Fog Light Mod