New to SVT and cars in general

[BigRed03]

a cold air does nothing more than make noise. a k&n panel filter will net the same power increase and you'll spend $200 less.

Replace the timing belt assembly first and foremost. If that belt breaks and pistons kiss valves, your $400-$600 in parts/labor preventative turns into $1200+ easily. Thats your call. AND if the head ends up getting crack in the process, tracking a head is harder than you think. These aren't hondas...

Since you're in the Nazi-anti-mod state, aka CA, a tune is your next "power" mod. Beyond that, poly motor mount (or $25 for poly bushing replacement) and replace your shocks/struts.

[Caligreen]

Thanks big time for the response you guys rock! So a buddy mentioned a tune would be kind of worthless unless I actually did have some mods already as to adjust accordingly when they have been installed. Would a tune(I'm assuming your speaking about a dyno tune?) help if I didn't have any upgrades?

First and foremost-Timing belt
2nd-Possibly this K&n Panel Filter instead of cold air intake? (must research more)
3rd-Yes about struts, should I get a C-pillar or rear strut bar (couple of names I've found)


Thanks again!

[RevLimit]

Originally Posted by Caligreen

Thanks big time for the response you guys rock! So a buddy mentioned a tune would be kind of worthless unless I actually did have some mods already as to adjust accordingly when they have been installed. Would a tune(I'm assuming your speaking about a dyno tune?) help if I didn't have any upgrades?

First and foremost-Timing belt
2nd-Possibly this K&n Panel Filter instead of cold air intake? (must research more)
3rd-Yes about struts, should I get a C-pillar or rear strut bar (couple of names I've found)


Thanks again!

This is the best free mod you can do - http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=89200

CFM seems to be the best all stop shop for SVT upgrades.
http://focus.c-f-m.com

If you plan on doing the timing belt yourself buy the Massive Speed timing tool kit.
http://massivespeedsystem.com/_massi.../i-273565.aspx

For the timing belt components you want to buy OEM. You can contact a guy named Steve who works for Tousley Ford and he is active on the focus forums.
http://www.tousleyfordparts.com/

[ViperThreat]

The SVT is a great car, but the downfall is that its really sort of "maxed out" stock from the factory. It breathes well, and it handles well. Most of the mods that will make the most difference are things like a short throw shifter, better audio equipment and headlights.

Most of these mods are just comfort mods that don't really affect the performance of the car, they just make it a better place to be.

Hands down the best performance mod you can do is suspension. The stock setup is good, but a proper suspension setup will turn your SVT into a corner-monster. But besides that, the only other thing I recommend is proper maintenance.

[tukaniSVT]

I disagree a bit there. I do agree that the Performance is pretty much maxed out on the SVT, but mods still give you some version of performance.

You can achieve better performance with:
- handling - going with the better suspension.
- shifting - if you get the Short Throw and Dog Bone Mount.
- off the line pick up - Cold Air Intake, Throttle Body
- more horsepower - Off-Road Pipe or High Flow Cat <- most gains here. Avg 6-7hp
- better overall engine flow - Tune

And so in turn, your car has better driveability.

But definitely stock for stock, the SVT is a great product that Ford released. Too bad they didn't release it with a turbo or supercharger. Although the internals of the engine can handle those up to 350hp. So, if major horsepower is what you are going for, may want to look into forced induction.

-Ray-

[swansong]

Originally Posted by Caligreen

So a buddy mentioned a tune would be kind of worthless unless I actually did have some mods already as to adjust accordingly when they have been installed. Would a tune(I'm assuming your speaking about a dyno tune?) help if I didn't have any upgrades?
!

Contact Tom, his username is 1turbofocus. He probably knows more about tuning the SVT than any other person on the planet. He charges around $400 for the tune, a handheld tuner (SCT), and offers unlimited free updates for any NA mods you do. If you have a laptop, he can remote connect to it and do in-car datalogging with you. The tune is very beneficial, even on a stock SVT. The factory tune is surprisingly bad on these cars.

[RevLimit]

Originally Posted by swansong

Contact Tom, his username is 1turbofocus. He probably knows more about tuning the SVT than any other person on the planet. He charges around $400 for the tune, a handheld tuner (SCT), and offers unlimited free updates for any NA mods you do. If you have a laptop, he can remote connect to it and do in-car datalogging with you. The tune is very beneficial, even on a stock SVT. The factory tune is surprisingly bad on these cars.

Maybe this is a stupid question but are there no available PC programs to tune the stock ECU with? I find it hard to believe that we have to buy a handheld turner when the same thing could be accomplished with a laptop and some software like MegaSquirt users do.

$400 bucks for a tuner and some modified fuel and ignition tables seems a bit steep.

[BigRed03]

you can, but its more than $400. Its called Livewire from SCT, iirc.

And Megasquirt requires you to BUILD a wiring harness. Im sorry, but that shit...

[RevLimit]

Originally Posted by BigRed03

you can, but its more than $400. Its called Livewire from SCT, iirc.

And Megasquirt requires you to BUILD a wiring harness. Im sorry, but that shit...

Building your own harness is hard. They make Plug-n-play units now but they are also way too expensive.

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...b7ca1cdca4c314

[qweesy]

Originally Posted by BigRed03

you can, but its more than $400. Its called Livewire from SCT, iirc.

And Megasquirt requires you to BUILD a wiring harness. Im sorry, but that shit...

You have to get the Livewire with Tom for the SVT model due to the Xcal3 locking the ECU and the cost is $509 Shipped iirc but ask Tom to be sure.That comes with lifetime updates for any new N/A mods you may add.

Gains are around 10HP "depending on mods" and better drive-ability