Focus Fanatics Forum banner

Updated SPI Goodies List

11K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  memnochthedevil 
#1 · (Edited)
[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]*Updated 8/5/2013 with as much information as I could find (which was not very much. Updated info is in parenthesis. If you have new/more info, let me know. Thanks - crazy_urn.[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]*


First off, I want to thank all the SPI tuners before as well as with me who helped compile the original list on FJ. Thanks fellas!!

(-Aftermarket Tachs
You can get any tach to work on the SPI or zetec by hooking it up to pin #48 out of the ECU harness under the dash.
You can also replace your gauge cluster without a tach for an OEM one with a tach, but the new cluster will read the milage from the car you pulled it from, so just make sure your milage is close when you do the swap.)


-Chip/flasher:
SCT chip by Superchips. Available from FSWerks @ fswerks.com Also you can get SCT from TurboTom at www.focuspower.com and he also offers predetor by Diablo sport as well.

-Cam:
www.escortfocus.com. from their site you will also be able to get the double valve springs, new retainers, and shims. Comes with great directions on timing your cam, degreeing your cam and crank, and install directions. (This website is no longer online, and these products seem to no longer be available new.)

-Timing belt: Gates part #T283 Be careful, there was a mid-production change sometime in 2k. You MAY have either a round or flat tooth timing belt and ancillaries. Please check first.

-Cam gear, crank UDP, and TB
www.blackdiamondracing.com is where all the other guys get their SPI parts from and relabel them as theirs. BDR just started remaking their TB's a few weeks ago. They also carry the adj. cam UDP, as well as two crank UDP's (crazy_urn contacted BDR on 7/23/13, they said they have no more TBs, but have a few 50% UDPs left.)

A modified 96-02 4.6L Mustang TB can be modified to fit the SPI: http://www.focushacks.com/mod/SPI_-_Throttle_Body_Swap_usng_Modified_Mustang_TB

-25% Crank UDP belt part #'s
2k and EARLY 2k1's take a 695K6
2k1-2k2 take a 670K6
2k3 take a K60650 (Carquest Part #)
2k with 25%BDR UDP, A/C delete, and AEM alt. UDP= 505K6

50% Crank UDP: http://www.escortfocus.com/html/udp.html (Again, website unavailable)

-Alt. UDP: The AEM UDP for ZETEC will fit our car no problem. I personally have been using this very UDP for over four years with no problems whatsoever. It is a bit of a bear to get our alt. out and do the swap, but it can be done. I used the stock belt for this UDP, as the tensioner moves enough to cover the swap.

-Headers: One option is to take a header from an '86 90 Escort GT. There is some welding involved, as well as sacrificing your cat, but it is a great alternative. I have one and no you can't have it!!
--The second option is the pacesetter for the Escort. There has been some debate as to the correctness of the firing order, but I have no firsthand knowledge of the header itself. (The pacesetter header is for a 91-96 Escort LX. OBX also makes a similar header.)
(-Focus Central had one, but it is no longer produced)

Basic run down of Escort to focus header conversion

If you are buying a header from/for an escort and plan to put it on the focus you will FIRST need to buy one from/for a 86-90 Escort GT. The newer escort (ZX2) started to come with the Zetec, those will not fit. Second you will need to either have a EGR flange added to the header or get a tune to cancel the EGR system then remove and block the stock EGR ports all together. Cheapest rout to go would get a EGR flange welded on, now the FINAL step will be to cut the flange FROM your cat that goes to the flex and weld it to the end of the header to make it bolt to the flex pipe.


Any long tube header will remove the cat.



(Mil Eliminators
When you get rid of the cat, the check engine light will come on. We can use zetec Mil Eliminators, but apparently they are now illegal, and therefore hard to find. You can also do the same thing mechanically, check out this thread for a how to: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161467 )

-Cat back exhaust: Yes, the ZX3 will work, you just have to add about 6" of pipe to the back end. No biggie. (Also, any first generation sedan cat-back exhausts will fit with no modification)
--FocusSport was rated the best for price, ease of installation, and sound based on a "shootout" on FJ. (now FSWerks)
--Bosal, Magnaflow, MBRP are other options

-Spark plugs:
Most people run NGK Iridiums, part #TR55-1IX-7316. Another option is Motorcraft Double Platinums. Please, whatever you do, DO NOT USE THE BOSCH DOUBLE PLATS! For some reason, they burn out in our cars.

-Coils/wires
--Screamin' Demon coil and Livewire setups are available from Tony @ New Edge Performance.

--Accel makes a coil for the Escort that is a direct replacement. You will need to change your sparkplug wires for the different connection, however.

--FocusSport makes wires for the SPI in various colors (now FSWerks)

--Massive Speed System has the MSX-80 spark plug wires and MSD coil for the SPI. I have talked with Karl and he did tell me that it is possible to get the MSX-90 plug wires with the correct ends on them, but they would need to be custom ordered. Here are the links to the MSX-80 wires and to the MSX-80/MSD coil package. The can be found at www.massivespeedsystem.com.


-Flexpipes: zetec flex pipes can be used with some modification. To use a zetec pipe, you have to take out a section of tubing near the flange that connects to the cat pipe and re-weld the flange on.
-(An SPI specific flex pipe can be found through Mandrel Exhaust Systems: http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-23/00-dsh-04-FOCUS-EXHAUST-FLEXPIPE/Detail - Thank you Focusnewb)

-Rear sway bars
The SPI doesn't have a sway bar. Earlier models like my 2k have all the mounts for the bar, it's just deleted. Any aftermarket or stock swaybar will work fine. The dealer can get you the bolts and bushings (or you can get urethane bushings from New Edge Performance). Be careful not to go too big unless you change the front or your rear end will want to come around on you in the snow or on rainslick roads.

-Springs/Struts/shocks
Any aftermarket ZX3 setup will work on our sedans. I have swapped over to the SVT suspension and added the urethane kit. Quite an improvement over stock.

-Transmissions:
--Manual IB5

Short throw shifters.
Currently there are no shifters in production but Focuscentral did make one and you could search for a used one. Also escortfocus.com offers a IB5 STS (Again, no longer available)


Clutch Kits- C-F-M has the Spec Stage 1 and Stage 2 clutch kits available for the SPI. Link is http://focus.c-f-m.com/search.aspx?find=spi+clutch

LSD from Quaife- http://www.quaife.co.uk/Ford-Focus-I...B-differential

Race gears from Quaife: http://www.quaife.co.uk/Ford-Focus-I...Quaife-gearkit

--Automatic 4F27E

Several options have become available for the autotragic tranny, such as Lentech and Level 10. How deep is YOUR wallet?

Lentech: http://www.lentechautomatics.com/4f27eproducts.html

Level 10: http://www.levelten.com/store/ford/packages/focus.htm (Looks like this transmission option is no longer available)

EFP Shift enhancer. I have no firsthand knowledge of this product, but it is selling. Go figure. You can get the same results when you install the SCT chip from FocusSport. http://www.escortfocus.com/html/shift_improver.html (Again, not available)

A second tranny cooler will do wonders. I have an OEM one looped into the original system. It is mounted behind the upper grille and was a cinch to install. OEM coolers can be had on Ebay for as little as $15 plus shipping. Cheap insurance if you ask me!

Information on Lentech transmission


1) They're running an automatic turbo'd ZETEC with a single tranny cooler and the temp stays less than 190*. SWEET! I still recommend a second one just to keep things cool, but if you don't need it then it's just an added measure as far as I'm concerned.

2) Start with the valve body. The trans has shown to hold together pretty well up to 5-7 psi without a full on trans. Yeah, the torque converter will eventually give out, but with a good tune the trans will last for a bit until you're ready for a bit more boost and then you'll want to rebuilt it anyway.

3) Keep your Dexron 5 fluid. B&M is nice, but really no better than Dexron 5 and costs two-three times as much.

4) When you get your torque converter, get the Alto rebuild kit and add a disc on the final drive gear for 3rd an OD. The OEM setup has three discs, but 4 or even 5 will be better.

5) At some point, you'll want to quit doing one wheel burnouts, so swapping a Torsen or MX diff in will do the trick. It takes some machine work, so it's not for everyone. A Phantom Grip is another option, but again the case will have to be massaged for it to work.


-Body kits:
The front bumper on the ZX3 and sedan are the same. The rear and sides are different, though. So if you find a lip, bumper, or want to go Euro, it will work for us.

-Motor mount:
Prothane and Z-engineering make motor mounts for our cars. It is the same as the ZETEC motor mounts. It is a direct replacement and is urethane. Some people complain of added vibration with this mod, so please consider it before you purchase the mount. I have one, and it IS noticeable but tolerable.


-Intakes:
Any intake for the ZETEC will fit the SPI. You will have to go to Home Depot or your local hardware and get a reducer bushing from the plumbing department. The guy will look at you funny, but he's a plumbing guy and not a motorhead. Please refrain from purchasing the BOMZ cai. While it IS an improvement over the stock setup, it doesn't work as well as some of the other offerings. If you change your throttle body to an aftermarket TB, you will NOT need to get the reducer.

You have options like.
Focus sport Cool flo
Steeda Short Ram
AEM short ram OR cold air
Volant

And countless others.

Part # for PCV Valve

PCV valve on the SPI. It is Part #: EV-262, or if you prefer the Ford # in it's long form: YS4Z-6A666-AC. Runs about $8.50 at the dealer.

-Head stud kit:
This is available from either Jegs or Summit. Part # ARP-151-4203. They are for an Escort, but are a DIRECT swap.

Turbo Manifold
JGS Precision Turbo does offer a turbo manifold that works with the SPI. They do offer three different kits for their manifold. Link is http://www.jgstools.com/turbo/index2.html.
 
See less See more
#4 ·
nice update!

though I can't help but be discouraged when I look at the 2 SPI dyno sheets - both with a fair bit of mods - struggle to put down a measly 100 WHP. in the end, after the work and $$$, you still get your doors blown off by 99% of vehicles on the road. same with the Zetec honestly (and to a certain extent, the SVT)... but they have options for forced induction so they can at least keep up with a modern V6 family sedan

that's why I don't really plan on "modding" the SPI engine... I think it's better to simply keep it running and concentrate instead on the Focus' strength - handling. if there was a straight bolt-on turbo kit available then it'd be a different story!

that's just me though. there are definitely those out there with the fabrication skills to come up with custom solutions...
 
#5 ·
while I agree the price vs hp ratio doesn't compute well... some wanted to do just that... put up some very good numbers with a motor that really "shouldn't"

I can vouch for the price of what it will cost to put numbers up in the 300 whp range... at least 10k

I was shooting for the 350 range with my build and I well surpassed what you could of spent on most v8's and put up numbers above 600 whp.

Sometimes tho people do things just because others say you can't... [screwy]

In the end I do agree... if someone wants to put up the numbers be willing to spend a ton of money on this motor... it can be done (and has) but it will be all custom and expensive....
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top