[BowerR64]

How is the 05-07 still in the first generation class?

I thought all the first get had the zetec engine different front end. 05-07 has the duratec and the different front end and suspension?

 

[Joshamo]

I think its cause the body is technically the same. well the frame is. you can swap all the parts over I believe.

 

[ViperThreat]

Exterior - new fenders, hood, bumper, headlights, grille, and a few supportive pieces behind

Interior - different dash and door panels.

Engine - duratec only.

Besides that, they are effectively identical

 

[sleepyboy]

Well the front suspension has some redesign done to it but will bolt directly on earlier cars. Other than that Viper said it best.

 

[BowerR64]

So only half the car was changed

 

[rambleon84]

Think of the 05-07's as a 1.5gen []

Its not enough of a change to be considered on its own.

 

[disciplerocks]

I've wondered this as well. I am part of a Rnager forum, and they consider the 83-88 gen1 and 89-92 gen2. Even though the only differences was the "facelift" hood, fenders, grill, headlights.
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[BowerR64]

Yeah i would consider all the stuff they changed including the engine a pretty big change. oh well.

 

[ViperThreat]

eh, i think we are basing the gens off of the frame. When the frame changes, then we call it a new gen. But the truth is, if you strip down any focus 00-07, and leave just the frame, they are identical.

funny enough, alot of parts from the 08-11 focus are compatible with the 00-07 models too.

Also, the 2.3 duratec was available in 2003 IIRC.

 

[drunkyoda]

the 2012 seems to have the same frame too. can someone say 5 lug swap?

 

[BowerR64]

Yeah i like those newer 5 star 5 lug wheels on the new ones.

 

[jmiller_1974]

the 2012 seems to have the same frame too. can someone say 5 lug swap?

The rear Control Blade suspension is still the same, so it stands to reason this would be quite feasible, though I have no clue how easy it would be. You should do it first.[thumb]

I'm in the school of thought that calls the 05-07 "Gen. 1.5" as well.

 

[Kauai Guy]

00-04 MK1, 05-07 MK1.5, 08-11 MK2, 12-? MK3.

Mazda 3's are closer to MK1's. I read around here the rear disc and 5 lug are a direct swap, and the fronts require Mazda 3 LCA, Front Shocks, spindles, and the outer CV Shafts.

 

[Sean05]

It is the same as the 00-04 on my 05. I'm running svt suspention on my sedan . I'm tempted to get the Mach headlights and svt bumper and just get a new hood and fenders

 

[Blue5ive]

If you swap 2012 front you have to swap it all including the outer cv shaft. I had wondered about the Mazda 3 stuff. Wonder how hard it would be to swap over the 3s front to the 2000zx3? Then of course there is the rear. Especially since there is no longer a rear SVT kit unless you buy used one.

 

[sleepyboy]

The mazda3 has more in common with the 2nd gen euro focus that we never got.

 

[FuhFuh Focus]

Basically a 1.5gen or a facelift.

08-11 is the true 2nd gen.

 

[akcapfoc]

Yeah i would consider all the stuff they changed including the engine a pretty big change. oh well.

Exactly as Ford intended. This is the whole design intent of a refresh -- to have improve the vehicle sales with the smallest investment possible to make the biggest impression -- hence the emphasis on sheet metal changes.

The engine wasn't so much change as... an elimination of a host of engine options.

There's an interesting brochure Ford put out that elaborates on the exact changes made in 2005.

Still... a refresh.

 

[felixthecat]

Rear Control Blade suspension=win win!

The rear Control Blade suspension is still the same, so it stands to reason this would be quite feasible, though I have no clue how easy it would be. You should do it first.[thumb]

I'm in the school of thought that calls the 05-07 "Gen. 1.5" as well.

On a different note, it the rear Control Blade suspension that make these car's handle like they do & the firm steering rack too. Work's great on my GEN. 1.5 model!

 

[BowerR64]

Exactly as Ford intended. This is the whole design intent of a refresh -- to have improve the vehicle sales with the smallest investment possible to make the biggest impression -- hence the emphasis on sheet metal changes.

The engine wasn't so much change as... an elimination of a host of engine options.

There's an interesting brochure Ford put out that elaborates on the exact changes made in 2005.

Still... a refresh.

What do you mean not a change? Its not even mounted in the car the same as the zetec

I guess it was easy they just had to put the focus look around the mazda 3 frame?

But just changing an engine requires alot of stuff i would think? The motor faces a different way and everything.