new to autox

[Carrera26]

Seriously, don't worry about mods for now. If you're just aching to spend some $$$, buy R-comp tires, a Chase Cam so you can analyze your driving, and go to Evolution Driving School. Those 3 things alone will make FAR more difference than vehicle mods with a lot less $$ spent. Not to mention they'll never be redundant if you change vehicles or classes.

I can and have beat much faster cars because I know how to race better. Nothing like punking C5s, Evo's, and STis with a Stock class car on street tires... Besides, if you get a lot of suspension mods, you'll tend to chase speed with more mods and $$$ instead of concentrating on your driving. I've seen it happen...

[DirtyDeeds]

^^^What he said!!! Seat time is free and in terms of improving your lap times, its the best bang for buck improvement you can make. If you really, really want to spend some money, look at getting a good set of tires.

R- Compounds if you want to run in H-Stock or consider a set of Falken Azenis RT 615 if your region or club runs a stock street tire class.

Since you're just starting out, I would stay in the stock classes this year. This will give you time to hone your driving skills and see for yourself how competitive the other classes are where you race. Based on your observations, you can then make an informed decision on whether or not you can be competitive in a modified class.

[zx3freak]

would i be allowed to run better brake pads & stainless lines. what if i did rota's with spacers? what would be a decent rim to get? I have 17's on their now so i would need to buy another set of rims/tires

[MyBlackST]

better pads, Yes. Stainless lines, No unless you have a car thats older than 1982.

you can upgrade your cat back (as long as all emissions equip. is there), struts/shocks (as long as they have no more than 3 adjustment settings), wheels (keeping with in 1/4 inch OD and offset), tires (dot approved), and some more stuff but not much more.

[Oni]

I wouldn't even worry about buying a new set of wheels and tires to get back into stock yet. You're not likely to be competitive since you're new to the sport, so just going out there and having fun/learning is what it should be about. Run your first event(s) and see what you want to do before spending your money. It's always best to know what you want than doing guesswork with your money.

Just go out drive, learn, and save your money for now. You don't want to drop some cash on something and regret it later if you get involved in the sport.

[Carrera26]

Originally posted by thefrush
Wouldn't you reccomend waiting on R-Comp tires until he gets some experience? They hide your mistakes and it would be easier to learn on street tires, imo.

There's much controversy on this. I'd say stay away from them at first, because a lot more grip will cover bad driving habits. Especially if he has the mod bug, he'll probably push himself into a ST class where his R-comps will suddenly be illegal and it'll be kind of a waste of $$$.

[Angelus897]

Originally posted by thefrush
^^ Negative. The SVT Suspension was not a dealer-installed option from factory for your car.

Can't you put in the SVT shocks (or any shocks for that matter)?

Also are Fuzion ZRis a good choice for cheap daily driver/auto-x tires, because my RS-As have no traction at all.

PS: Custom alignements are allowed in stock, right?

[Klondike]

yea im kinda curious about all this as well, cuz i was told any stock part for the focus you can have on your car and still be in the stock class like the svt suspension, and i have an lx model do i need to use my steelies or any tired thatll fit the car with the offset?

[WD40]

It has to be a part that was available on your particular model of car.
Standard fOCUS had either 15 or 16" wheels available, so either size would work.
You also don't have to use the steelies. Alloys would be fine:

13.4 WHEELS
Any type wheel may be used provided it complies with the following:
it is the same width and diameter as standard, and as installed
(including wheel spacers if applicable) it does not have an offset more
than +/- 0.25 inch from a standard wheel for the car. The resultant
change in track dimensions is allowed.
Wheel spacers are permitted, provided the resultant combination
complies with the offset requirements of this section. Wheel studs,
lug nuts, and/or bolt length may be changed.
Vehicles equipped with rims having metric specifications may use
alternate rims as determined by using the following procedure:
Diameter: converting the metric measurement to inches and using
the nearest smaller inch diameter rim.
Width: converting the metric measurement to inches and using the
nearest smaller 1/2-inch width rim. Offset and track must still
comply with the requirements of this section.

But, those of you asking about SVT suspension...Nope.
Because, it's not available on the standard model, hence, not legal for stock class.
Though, the dampers would be debateable, since any aftermarket dampers are allowed,
and I believe the SVT dampers would fall within the guidlines listed below:

13.5 SHOCK ABSORBERS
A. The make of shock absorbers may be substituted providing that
the number, type (e.g., tube, lever, etc.), system of attachment and
attachment points are not altered, except as noted below. The
interchange of gas and hydraulic shocks absorbers is permitted.
The following restrictions apply:
65
1. No more than two separate external shock damping adjustment
controls. Gas pressure adjustment is not considered a
damping adjustment.
2. Suspension geometry and alignment capability, not including
ride height, may not be altered by the substitution of alternate
shock absorbers.
3. Adjustable spring perches are allowed, but the spring loadbearing
surface must be in the same location relative to the
shock mounting points as on the standard part. Shims may be
used to achieve compliance.
4. The fully extended length must be within plus or minus one
inch of the dimension of the standard part.

[zx3freak]

so could i do rotas with spacers? would if be worth it to upgrade shocks? also what brake pads/rotors should i get? Also My blackST said u could upgrade cat, does that mean i can do a new exhaust too?