Looking to buy a Focus for RallyX

[djblackout]

Originally Posted by Mr.Bergner

And these Uni-bodies are tough! I've seen countless threads of ZX3's getting t-boned, rolled over and flipped or just smashed and people walked away. Not saying everyone is lucky but it's been proven to be tough.

Me being one of them. soem lady hit me doing 75mph t-bone driver side. I wasnt wearing my seatbelt. walked away without a scratch.

anyway, dude you want to get an SVT. the 6speed will do you perfect for rally. youll have a much better powerband.

[djblackout]

Originally Posted by SpeedOften

some 04's in green states (and surrounding states) had the 2.3 Duratec as a ULEV - Ultra low emmissions vehicle, or some similar name.

seriously? It wasnt an SVT then, because cosworth designed the block and built it. and also made the header. i doubt they made another header for the 2.3 duratec just for the green states. maybe ya got your info mixed up?

[mlbbaseball]

actually, the zetec's are suited better for rallying in relation to their powerband/gearing. Both of the foci in the rally america circuit are SVT's and both have mtx tranny's w/ 5.0X gears. the SVT's gears are too tall.

[Geezer]

I rally crossed our 03 ZX3 the first year I got it (it was brand new) and with my rally experience was able to kick some 4wd butt on tight courses. I suggest the following....keep an eye on the motor mounts as they're very soft. I changed our rear one to a MAC unit and felt a big improvement. I would probably also keep the stock springs and go with a better shock. A KYB AGX or a Bilstein HD (if you can find some would be great). If you want something stiffer don't go much more than the SVT spring and try to find a rubber seat that will get that 1/2 ground clearance loss back. I also like 03's to 05's as used cars because they had fewer brake problems. Depending on the class you want to participate in, I also recommend a harness as it keeps you in your seat on rougher courses. You can't believe how important that can be. On an older or high mileage car front and rear strut bars are worth considering as well. Try to track down some Cooper weathermaster snow tires (aka mastercraft). They are one of the few two ply sidewall tires made and work well in the dirt. I'd stick with 15" wheels and tires as well.

If you want a more serious two wheel drive car I'd recommend a mid 80's VW GTI or a late 90's or early 2000+ Jetta normally aspirated cars. These cars are strong and there's lots of good (rally and rally X) suspension components available for them.