[NOS2Go4Me]

I watched this thread the other day and thought it was going to be deadsville (no offense).

Let's get the easy stuff out of the way first. ITBs on a SPI - pointless. The SPI is something of a bitch to tune with anything other than standard methods of induction due to the fact it has a dual-stage intake stock. This actually places it on par with the SVT motor in operation (minus variable cam timing), but there's next to no aftermarket for it.

Your best bet is to look for more widely-supported cars (Escort and whatnot) that have SPI/CVH engines and carry over what you need. The header off the Escort GT (turbo) bolts up directly to the SPI in the Focus and makes a great jumping-off point. If you're ever on FJ/FF, PM Waterboy. That guy is a SPI tuning god. Same for Gigahertz and Rusty (Tin_Maddog). They all have massive SPI forced induction experience.

Now for SPI stuff you can do NOW that will improve the motor. You have the IB5 manual, so beware of MTX75 parts for the Zetec. Also, if you go Zetec/Duratec down the road, you're going to want to go to the MTX tranny as it's vastly superior. You may also want to ensure you have the correct (shorter) final drive from a Zetec to quicken acceleration and improve your holeshot.

Intakes for Zetecs will fit the SPI with a rubber reducer that brings the OD down to 52mm. You can get them at any hardware store as a plumbing piece. Get soft rubber, not hard PVC. Either go with a FocusSport ITG foam filter-based setup or K+N oiled surgical cotton filters. Anything beyond that and I'm not sure what your experience will be like. Any exhaust for the Zetec will fit the SPI cleanly and properly, as the exhaust pipe diameters on all stock first gen Foci are the same (save for SVT). MBRP makes a nice setup (I'm on my second one and second Focus), Borla is nice and so is Magnaflow. Others swear by FocusSport, but their system is aluminized and that might not survive as long as expected in Canadian winters.

Underdrive pullies are one of the more popular mods for serious N/A modders of the SPI. The motor really responds well after bolting one up and I drove for a year without any ill effects with a 50% reduction race pulley. http://www.escortfocus.com has them again, apparently. Throttle bodies are now as rare as hen's teeth, but they're a nice addition according to my bud Oscar the Grouch.

Cams are more exotic, but as you have the IB5 you should be good with a stage 3 setup and an X-Calibrator 2 reflash to suit it accordingly. The SPI is a SOHC motor, so the one cam drives intake and exhaust valves. It's also an 8V design, so it differs from the rest in that they're 16V motors and DOHC.

As mentioned above, the X-Cal 2 is nice because you can factor in for all mods you have with the tune and then just re-tune after you add another decent mod. Also, if you swap out motors you'll be able to flash to stock first and then be ready to tune the new motor with the same X-Cal unit.

If you're motor-swapping, motor mounts might be an issue. I've heard they're all the same between the Zetec and the SPI, but not sure about the Duratec. You'll need an ECU as well as the bolt-on accessories... just to be safe. There may be commonality between them, but FJ is your best source for info on that sort of stuff.

I had the opportunity to swap a couple of times, but I elected to just leave the motor in the car. It's a great "cutting your teeth" car as it's cheaper than the rest of the Foci while the knowledge you'll gain by modding it will apply directly to other Foci.

Enjoy it, because at the end of the day it'll handle just as well as any other Focus on this board. If you bought it to scorch the quarter mile, you bought the wrong car... unless you go turbo. :)

Good luck! I'm available if you have any modding questions or anything else - just ask!