[guilty]

Raine,Apr 18 2005, 02:55 PM Wrote:And a word of advice to Big-Cat (:hi: btw)... avoid the SPI engine... I know NOS2Go4Me is convinced his car is so great, and that he has had significant power gains from a K&N air filter, but believe me, the SPI sucks. If you're not going SVT, splurge the extra couple pennies and get a Zetec.
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Sounds like he's looking at a hatchback so everything is good.

So you know, all the ZX3s and ZX5s come with the 2.0L DOHC Zetec motor, the base model wagons and sedans come with the 2.0L SOHC SPI (Split-port Injection) motor, which is something like 20hp less than the Zetec. But if you're looking at hatchbacks then you dont have to worry about what's under the hood, since the only other engine offered was the 2.0L SVT obviously only in the SVT models.

(This is assuming you're looking for used, since the 2005s have a new/different motor).

[NOS2Go4Me]

Hehe I know you are, Raine. :P

The SPI is a great gas miser. In fact, the SPI was never used for the ZXs, except for the States (Cali) and some weird genetic monstrosity in Quebec apparently. Just about every ZX3/5 on the market has the Zetec as the only motor, unless you're talking SVT (same motor, with mods. Sorta.).

It's actually a great little motor that's a lot more proven in reliability than the Zetec, but due to the SOHC / 8V array they elected to de-tune it and make it the miser / entry-level motor. Actually, it's in its strongest form to-date, but hitting 130 BHP would have been peanuts.

I'm not dumb-enough to think I've got mAdD pOwEr yO from an intake and exhaust, but it's noticeably different from stock in response and power. It was also all I could afford at the time. Once the multi-tune SCT or handheld flasher is acquired, and the UDP... yet more power again. Some would argue "who cares, you're just approaching / passing the Zetec at that point", but exactly... who cares. Most people shouldn't, but they do :rolleyes:

Just do your Focus up as your own. If mileage is your ultimate goal, go Sedan with the SPI. If readily-available mods are your goal, go Zetec. If mindless individuality is your goal (like me), either motor will suffice. :D

Good luck, and :hi: once again

[Raine]

NOS2Go4Me,Apr 18 2005, 04:50 PM Wrote:I'm not dumb-enough to think I've got mAdD pOwEr yO from an intake and exhaust, but it's noticeably different from stock in response and power. It was also all I could afford at the time. Once the multi-tune SCT or handheld flasher is acquired, and the UDP... yet more power again. Some would argue "who cares, you're just approaching / passing the Zetec at that point", but exactly... who cares. Most people shouldn't, but they do :rolleyes:
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LOL Look at my list of engine mods. K&N, UDP's... that's it :P mAdD pOw3r yO!!one!!!!!eleven!

The Focus has always been and will always be underpowered without the letters "SVT" or "JRSC" appearing somewhere on the car (notable mentions go to Vortech, Powerworks, Roush, and all the other turbo manufacturers. I just wanted acronyms). What is does excel in is handling. One of the best in class. Upgrade the dampers, springs, swaybars, brakes and most importantly, tires, and you'll have a car that can do things civics can only dream of. Good luck :)

[Big-Cat]

wonder how one handles in comparison to my lowered DSM with gr-2 struts, and such?

[Flofocus]

Big-Cat,Apr 19 2005, 02: Wrote:wonder how one handles in comparison to my lowered DSM with gr-2 struts, and such?
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Is the DSM AWD? <_<

I think once you get to drive a focus, you'll be quit happy with the performance in the "Handling" department. ;)

....the focus should own your DSM in the twisties.

[Big-Cat]

yes my dsm is the awd model turbo and such

[Raine]

I've got GR-2's on my Focus. Get good rubber and a solid set of springs and the KYB's will treat you right :)

[FociS8nt]

Raine,Apr 19 2005, 04:45 AM Wrote:

NOS2Go4Me,Apr 18 2005, 04:50 PM Wrote:I'm not dumb-enough to think I've got mAdD pOwEr yO from an intake and exhaust, but it's noticeably different from stock in response and power. It was also all I could afford at the time. Once the multi-tune SCT or handheld flasher is acquired, and the UDP... yet more power again. Some would argue "who cares, you're just approaching / passing the Zetec at that point", but exactly... who cares. Most people shouldn't, but they do :rolleyes:
[right][snapback]102461[/snapback][/right]

LOL Look at my list of engine mods. K&N, UDP's... that's it :P mAdD pOw3r yO!!one!!!!!eleven!

The Focus has always been and will always be underpowered without the letters "SVT" or "JRSC" appearing somewhere on the car (notable mentions go to Vortech, Powerworks, Roush, and all the other turbo manufacturers. I just wanted acronyms). What is does excel in is handling. One of the best in class. Upgrade the dampers, springs, swaybars, brakes and most importantly, tires, and you'll have a car that can do things civics can only dream of. Good luck :)
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hmm jays(ZX3TUNR) wont say SVT or JRSC on the back ?? I don't think it will be slow...:P I think tahts unfair to say the focus is always and will always be underpowered and the SVT isnt all its cracked up to be either...for the difference in price between a zx3 and a SVT, I bet I could make mine nicer and faster B) But i do recommend the Zetec. With the same power mods everyone else does you can see the gains...IMO


p.s.

you like the GR-2's raine i was looking at them ?

[scoobasteve]

I want an spi as a winter car... those engines are bulletproof... my brother has a 98 escort with the spi. 250k, no problems yett

[Big-Cat]

my escort was around 275,000 when I sold it and had some major and minor issues with it, engine was alright aside from needing a new head gasket. gives me a little faith in a ford. yet another reason to buy a focus over a cavi.

[scoobasteve]

Yeah, the top ends on most 4cyl cavi's are crap... not as bad as the older 2.0 neons... but theyre crap all the same :ph34r: