New to SVT and cars in general

Caligreen · 10-31-2012, 11:26 AM

Hey all, just signed up! I bought a 2002 SVT totally stock, but it kicks ass!!! I had a nissan frontier truck before and I thought that was quick and handled well, the SVT blows me away! I know nothing about cars/trucks and am just wondering what I should be looking at or upgrading in terms of maybe a little more HP. Mainly I would just like to know if theres anything I should check into since it's a 2002 with 73k, only had one owner though and I cannot believe how immaculate the car is! Engine sounds/feels great. Clutch replaced when purchased. Thanks for any help, I have checked out the performance thread, but I wanted to start my own about general issues and to introduce myself.

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qweesy · 10-31-2012, 02:03 PM

Timing Belt

Quickone4u · 10-31-2012, 02:22 PM

Not just the timing belt but the timing belt assembly (belt,idler pulley,tensioner pulley,valve cover gasket needed as well during this). The pulleys are just as important as the belt as they tend to fail and lead to belt failure from what I've read. Some people also replace the water pump while doing this as well but I've read as long as you aren't having issues with it then it isn't a have to item.

Caligreen · 10-31-2012, 02:59 PM

Timing belt eh? My car guy says it would be nice to preemptively replace that but it isn't required until 120k, considering I've got only 73k do you think I could go for a cold air intake before the timing belt replacement? Thanks for the quick response! It seems like a lot of people really love this car, I am falling for her ;)

Quickone4u · 10-31-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligreen

Timing belt eh? My car guy says it would be nice to preemptively replace that but it isn't required until 120k, considering I've got only 73k do you think I could go for a cold air intake before the timing belt replacement? Thanks for the quick response! It seems like a lot of people really love this car, I am falling for her ;)

Definitely not! The book may say it isn't required until then (although I haven't seen that) but it most definitely is a preventative maintenance that you should have done first off on the list! Otherwise you will be looking at spending a lot more if the belt or a pulley decides to fail and you end up damaging valves/pistons and so on! No kidding get it done. I have read where most recommend doing it in a 60,000-80,000 mile range and yes people have had failures in this mileage range. Others will chime in to back this up but trust me, this is the #1 thing that I have read about making sure is done regarding the SVTs regardless of shape or mileage! No kidding!

nascaracing17 · 10-31-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligreen

Hey all, just signed up! I bought a 2002 SVT totally stock, but it kicks ass!!! I had a nissan frontier truck before and I thought that was quick and handled well, the SVT blows me away! I know nothing about cars/trucks and am just wondering what I should be looking at or upgrading in terms of maybe a little more HP. Mainly I would just like to know if theres anything I should check into since it's a 2002 with 73k, only had one owner though and I cannot believe how immaculate the car is! Engine sounds/feels great. Clutch replaced when purchased. Thanks for any help, I have checked out the performance thread, but I wanted to start my own about general issues and to introduce myself.

welcome man. the svt is definately kick ass but as mentioned before make sure you get that timing belt fixed cuz its an interference motor

Caligreen · 10-31-2012, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the heads up guys, unless anyone else has a different opinion I'll be saving for the timing belt ;)

RevLimit · 10-31-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligreen

Thanks for the heads up guys, unless anyone else has a different opinion I'll be saving for the timing belt ;)

Welcome to the forum!

Listen to what Quickone4u said and you cannot go wrong. The SVT engines are pretty strong if you do your part by using quality oil and changing it frequently (3,000 no more than 5,000).

If you don't have a lot of experience working with cars then I would recommend that you hire someone to do the timing belt replacement for you. I have replaced timing belts on several cars and the SVT was the most frustrating one to replace so far.

***ah1f39*** · 10-31-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caligreen

Thanks for the heads up guys, unless anyone else has a different opinion I'll be saving for the timing belt ;)

Do not let just "your car guy" work on the timing belt on your Focus.

There is a very specific prodedure that must be followed to change the belt.

If not performed correctly serious dammage can be done.

Find someplace/someone who is experienced with SVT Focus timing belts.