How To setup my Automatic Ford Focus for Autocross

[ronan_zabala]

Hi,

Is it possible to setup my automatic ford focus for autocross?

details
-year: 2008
-automatic transmission w/ option for manual shifting (sequential)
-1.8 petrol


I just want to have fun but somehow be a little bit competitive.

Thanks!

[badazz2010focus]

Are you saying you have an "autostick" or are you asking can you get it? because I've never seen a fofo with an "autostick"option.

[ronan_zabala]

what i meant is.. it's an automatic shift.. w/ the P, N, R and D.. but you can switch it to the right and it has the + and - sign..

[badazz2010focus]

wow is this an us built focus?

[LouBomb]

He said 1.8 engine... So he must have the UK version


Sent from my JailBroken iPhone.

[badazz2010focus]

ah ok DER LOL

[soundFocus]

Run your tire pressures on the high side... around 40psi, more if your tires can safely take it. Also marked the sidewall around to the tread with white shoe polish to see how it's contacting the surface, allowing you to make adjustments to the pressure. Remove EVERYTHING from the car; spare tire, jack, cover, floor mats. Obviously loose objects (including floor mats) must be removed from the passenger compartment, but in the trunk if you pull out the spare tire and jack you save a little weight. Just don't pull anything bolted down (like the rear seat) as this will probably bump you up a class. If you can do it and stay in the stock class, use a drop in reusable air filter like a K&N. I would also run it with a quarter to a half tank of fuel; again, it saves a little weight. Superstition says to do an oil change before hand, though I doubt it will make a difference.

More serious stuff depends on the regulations; some might let you run modified exhausts as long as the header and cat are stock, others might not. I think you can generally upgrade the brake pads but you can't run slotted rotors in most stock classes. The Focus is a nice car for auto cross though; when setup right cars like the American SES model handle really well, it's just trying to get more power from them.

[Miller88]

Is it a dual clutch transmission? If it's a regular torque converter automatic, I'd put on a transmission cooler ... especially for autocrossing.

[ronan_zabala]

Originally Posted by Miller88

Is it a dual clutch transmission? If it's a regular torque converter automatic, I'd put on a transmission cooler ... especially for autocrossing.

It is a DCT..

Is it okay if i don't put in a transmission cooler? is it going to be bad for my transmission? how much would it cost? thanks!

[mac.mogul]

I would ensure that your stock cooling system is functioning properly and has fresh coolant.

The transmission fluid, especially, should be checked if you have more than 30k miles on the most recent fluid change.

I'm not certain on the EU models, but if you have hydraulic power steering, it would be best to change to fresh power steering fluid.

Make sure your brake fluid is fresh and clean and that all four brakes are clear of any air bubbles

Front tires should be set around 38-40 pounds and the rear tires should be at least 2 pounds more than the fronts. This will help you rotate the rear of the car for tight corners and helps to induce some lift-off oversteer for faster corners.

I also recommend you leave the spare tire and tools in and make sure they are secured down. Some people prefer to remove them for weight savings, but they forget about weight balance. You will need that weight over the rear wheels for better balance.

If your rear seats fold flat, I would say to fold them flat and secure them down. This brings some weight down for a lower center of gravity.

All of this won't do much. It'll still drive like your car, but you'll be able to have a little more fun at the limit with this kind of prep.