[Soon2BownerOfSVT-F]

I had my mind set on getting the SVT Focus until I came to this site. I'm hearing a lot of problems with the SVT and am wondering if gettin the ZX3 would be a better idea. Can the ZX3 handle a lot of mods? I see on Focussport that they have a large selections of performance upgrades for the ZX3 and some for the SVT. Someone on here also said that if your looking to heavily modify the focus, then get the ZX3. The SVT is just meant for pay and drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Getting one or the other at the end of November.

Chris

 

[inline_engine_lover]

i'd say you should go ZX3, but that's because i like starting simple and building up.

 

[Soon2BownerOfSVT-F]

im starting to think the ZX3 is the better idea. Its a shame though, I really like the look of the SVT-F, interior and exterior. How reliable has the ZX3 been for you guys? I guess it would save some money as well going with the ZX3.

 

[inline_engine_lover]

you could buy a ZX3, then use the money you saved to make it faster (or better looking) than an SVTF anyway.

 

[ALL_MOTOR_ZETEC]

ok, basically the SVTF is jus a ZX3 with a modified engine from the factory. Go with the zx3, you will be able to get more after market parts for it too. What is the point of spending alot on the SVTF cuz the interior and exterior looks nice, when you can buy the ZX3 and make it the way you want, go with the ZX3 [:-D]

 

[Soon2BownerOfSVT-F]

lol... well sh!t, i guess im gettin the ZX3. Thats alright though, I'll just look at it at spending about 8k instead of 11-12k.

But the ZX3 is pretty reliable? Anyone have to make frequent stops to the dealer for anything?

 

[Soon2BownerOfSVT-F]

thanx for that post solaris. What do you recommend the first few upgrades should be when I get it? Anything in particular except the obvious intake/exhaust? What brand intake/exhaust do you recommend? Anyone have any experience with the parts from focussport.com? Been to their site quite a few times and it looks impressive and they seem to know their sh!t. Anyone have first-hand experience with their products?

 

[Solaris]

ok i assume ur getting a 5 speed. Take a look at my mods list those are the 1st basic mods u should do. After that finish off the exhaust with header, highflow cat, flexpipe. Focussport makes good parts i've yet to buy anything from them but from what i read they are good. What it comes down to is how much are u willing to spend on ur car in performance parts after u buy ur car? Are u into looks or going faster? do u plan on autox at all? Are u just gunna chill with ur car for a some months before getting into modding? just really what do u want out of ur Focus experiance? not modding i cool nothing wrong with daily driving ur focus just do what u want really and the board will guide u through it step by step.

 

[Soon2BownerOfSVT-F]

speed, speed, and more speed lol. Im really into gettin the focus as fast as possible. Looks are secondary. It would be sweet to have a domestic sport compact that looks like a sleeper but can run on a good amount of imports. All my friends have fast imports and I feel like being different.

What is autox?

With my payments being really low I'll be able to save up a nice amount of money easily. I want the best parts for the car.

Hopefully, Ill be gettin the intake/exhaust done about 3-4 weeks after buying the car. With that said, I'll pretty much start modding as soon as funds permit.

 

[Infra3sv]

Be sure to get a used car if you're going to modify it. I got the SVT to have a tuned car and a warranty. I'd get one with a lot of miles so instead of replacing parts you can upgrade them. I'd get brakes, a full suspension, forced induction, clutch, and then call it quits.

 

[Chick]

The ZX3 is the better choice. From what I have seen there really isn't that much that you can do to make the SVTF faster then it already is (maybe a JRSC or Nitrous) plus the ZX3 is much more fun to build up.

 

[Solaris]

yes but luckly we don't all think like u lol j/k to each there own

 

[Chick]

LOL...well. I've driven a SVTF before and there really isn't much that I would wanna change in it. But like you said, to each his own[]

 

[geekspeed]

Yes, the SVT has it's quirks, but they're getting ironed out, and the price is pretty low now--around $16K or less for an '03 model. And it's nice to have a decent amount of ENGINEERED power and handling that's under warranty.

Not to say there aren't some tuners out there that can tune a ZX3 better than the SVT folks, but I'm surely not one of 'em.

If you want something cheaper to mod and enjoy tinkering with, I'd go for the ZX3. If you want that speed and handling out of the box with a warranty, go for the SVT.

And by the way, here's some information on autocrossing (commonly written as autox):

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/index.html

Have FUN with your Focus--whichever model you decide to get!

Sincerely,

Beetle