A Focus SVT Build (California Content)

[Whiskerzz]

So this all started back in October 2012 when I traded in my 98 Jetta GL for this SVT







I got lucky and found her with less than 60k miles on it! :bow:

First mod was a K&N drop in panel filter to replace the crappy OEM one.

Next thing taken care of was the brakes... replaced all 4 corners with Centric Rotors and Hawk HPS Pads.

Now for a mod that kinda splits opinions...


Next up was to replace a worn part... so instead of replacing I upgraded



Now at this point I decided to test the limits of the car (and my driving) by going to an auto-x


Just after that I decided it was time for a good service



Thank god I did it! The plugs were well passed their best!


Honestly at this point nothing really happened for a while until this


So got the tyres swapped over from my standard wheels and this was the result


Just recently I decided to clean up the calipers a bit with a lick of paint



And this was meant to be the end point until late in the year but well with it being a Ford something had to break... A strut decided it was time to die so few messages among NorCal sorted me out with some replacements....







And that brings you up to the current day :evilgrin:

Massive thanks along the way go to Chris (Norcalfocus01), Rick (lolibater, he hooked me up with the struts), Ryan (lowlifestyle), Jesse and basically all the NorCal folks over on FocalJet

[Whiskerzz]

Okay so the long awaited update; Part 1

I picked up a debadged grill while I was back home in Scotland and this is the result






I did have to hacksaw some stuff to make it fit, part of the lock stuff behind the grill needed cut back and then had to cut and bend part of the top of the grill for the catch handle.

and some more photo whoring






Oh and this happened the other day



She is getting old!! (clicked over to 80k miles!)

[Whiskerzz]

Had a go at making the big dent in the front bumper a bit better, came of half decent also filled the holes from taking the front plate off with some trim clips, front bumper still needs a proper going over and plasti-welding the plate holes and part of that dent. But for now this shall suffice.

Pics on saturday for you lot since thats when the car will be clean (canibeat monthly meet on friday night for me!)

[Saxo_Walton]

looks great, keep up the good work

[rob_s]

nice car!

very lucky fucker going to the usa! ican only dream of ever doing the same!

[Mickswan]

Must be hot if you have to put up shade to work on the motor.

[saxokid100]

Looks good project...

[Saxo_Walton]

i am also another USA dreamer lol......one can only dream ey!
Nice looking car though pal!

[Whiskerzz]

So I went down to FBF with the NorCal crew here are some pictures from it..

This one is on our way down to Santa Barbara, we stopped off in San Luis Obisbo


Couple pics from the show



This one shows the custom parcel shelf me and Chris (NorCalfocus01) made


My new plate surround I picked up at the show


and finally a rolling shot on the way home (thanks to Nick and Frush for this one)



next up will be some coilovers for me

LAbour day is coming up which usually means sales so hoping there is some good discounts on coilovers

[Whiskerzz]

Coilovers are now on, ended up going with ST Suspension coilovers, got them pretty cheap too ($774.99 to my door)

Gotta give the car a clean tomorrow and then I shall post up some pics!

I do now need to roll the rear arches though, I get some rubbing on hard cornering/large dips/bumps

[Whiskerzz]

The better late than never photo update



And my new alignment specs



I will take some proper pics once I've properly got the rear arches sorted and I can borrow my dads camera

[Whiskerzz]

this may seem a bit out of place without reference but hey ho copied over from my thread on focaljet...


Well at the weekend the car got her christmas presents:



so this is a huge change! Absolutely love it!





Raised the rear end a little when i did it as well.

Also fitted my steeda short shifter and boss 302 knob

[Dano]

Really like this! Good work

[saxo_singh]

Do these have the same 2.0 st 170 engine as uk focus's?

[Whiskerzz]

Originally Posted by saxo_singh

Do these have the same 2.0 st 170 engine as uk focus's?

Yup the very same.

I've got a high flow cat and a remap on mine so should be slightly nippier than normal, certainly nicer to drive anyway!

[sammys]

damn what happened with the plugs??

[Whiskerzz]

Originally Posted by sammys

damn what happened with the plugs??

I think they were the original plugs from 04!

The interval for changing them is 60k and car was at 59500 when I got it.

[Chr15]

Originally Posted by Whiskerzz

Yup the very same.

I've got a high flow cat and a remap on mine so should be slightly nippier than normal, certainly nicer to drive anyway!

i was told they were the 2.3 non turbo, same as the mazda 3 sport? one down from the mps which i have?

[Whiskerzz]

Originally Posted by Chr15

i was told they were the 2.3 non turbo, same as the mazda 3 sport? one down from the mps which i have?

We have the SVT 2L 16v Zetec same as st170

Then in normal focus spec we have
2L Zetec
2L duratec
2.3L duratec

The 2.3 duratec is the one most people over here turbo, seems to be the best for holding boost.

[Paul_JC]

If you ever need a reliable parts supplier a friend of mine is a focus specialist and supplies alot of european parts to the yanks.

Looks nice, only thing i don't link on the SVT's is the rear shelf.. i mean bumper. Glad you changed it