16"s would be better for gearing, rotational mass, cost of tires, etc. 15"s would be even better.
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Ebay would be a good place to start looking for S2 wheels.
Don't forget, your car came autocross ready from the factory!
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Don't forget, your car came autocross ready from the factory!
Sorry, I should have better explained my meaning...
As you are no doubt already aware having autocrossed already, autocrossing has a number of different car classifications. The Focus can fit into a number of them depending on the type of modifications you make.
While the aftermarket suspension might enhance the daily driving experience, it might also put the Focus into a class that it is less competitive in, such as STS or FSP.
Now.. If your ONLY goal is to go out and have a blast with no concern of placement or finishing status within a class, then by all means modify to your heart's content.
If your goal is to shoot for the trophies, then I'd suggest building your car up for stock class, and only upgrade when you get tired of it. The biggest modification of any class is the nut behind the wheel. I'd concentrate on getting that dialed in before making any modifications.
If you are interested in trying the "stock" class path, let us know, and we can give you a list of parts that'll get you on the right track.
If you enjoy modifying the car and seeing what she'll do outside of class boundaries, then by all means, go for it.
As it sits right now, judging by your modification list, FSP is where you are at. Within those bounds, you are indeed allowed an aftermarket suspension and aftermarket wheels, which I would indeed recommend.
Mostly, I just wanted to make you aware of the consequences of getting placed in a class where the Focus is outrun.
Either way, having fun is still the bottom line!
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As you are no doubt already aware having autocrossed already, autocrossing has a number of different car classifications. The Focus can fit into a number of them depending on the type of modifications you make.
While the aftermarket suspension might enhance the daily driving experience, it might also put the Focus into a class that it is less competitive in, such as STS or FSP.
Now.. If your ONLY goal is to go out and have a blast with no concern of placement or finishing status within a class, then by all means modify to your heart's content.
If your goal is to shoot for the trophies, then I'd suggest building your car up for stock class, and only upgrade when you get tired of it. The biggest modification of any class is the nut behind the wheel. I'd concentrate on getting that dialed in before making any modifications.
If you are interested in trying the "stock" class path, let us know, and we can give you a list of parts that'll get you on the right track.
If you enjoy modifying the car and seeing what she'll do outside of class boundaries, then by all means, go for it.
As it sits right now, judging by your modification list, FSP is where you are at. Within those bounds, you are indeed allowed an aftermarket suspension and aftermarket wheels, which I would indeed recommend.
Mostly, I just wanted to make you aware of the consequences of getting placed in a class where the Focus is outrun.
Either way, having fun is still the bottom line!
Bear in mind that some of this requires removal of some of your current components.
My recommended stock class modification list:
Konis w/ stock springs - top adjustable
K&N panel filter in stock box
2.25" catback exhaust
FocusSport 2.25" FlexPipe
Poly front swaybar bushings
Lap harness
1/16" toe out in the front, stock settings in the rear
For non-S2 ZX3: 15" "Wagon" wheels
For S2 ZX3: Lightest 16x6" wheel available with 1/4" offset change.
Hoosier A3S03 tires for big events, Kumho Ecsta V700s or Yokohama A032Rs for training/local events. Tire pressure depends on tire combo.
This is just a suggestion.. This particular combo is capable of at least the final trophy spot at Nationals.
Now... If you want to try an FSP Focus, which won't require removal of parts, you might consider looking through the various suggestions in this thread.
http://www.focaljet.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB8&Number=639777&Forum=UBB8&Words=FSP&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=160322&Search=true#Post639777
Remember, I'm not pushing you to go any particular direction.. I've just seen many beginning autocrossers invest a lot of money into mods only to find they aren't going any faster because they need extra training to master what they already have!
I agree with that. Wanna really do it on the cheap, go with 14"'s and run Azenias 196/60-14--$50 each shipped16"s would be better for gearing, rotational mass, cost of tires, etc. 15"s would be even better.![]()
Omni is right about learning the ropes in Stock Class however...you'd have to undo the intake and the UDP as well as the TB. Decisions, decisions... Either way you'll have fun
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I'll have to echo some of Auto-X-ZTS's statements. If it were ME, I'd take the throttle body back to stock and run in STS. STS is a really fun class where you get to race a wide variety of cars and in my opinion it's one of the fastest growing and most competitive classes. Or that's how it goes at my local events. One big plus, (or minus, depending on how you look at it) is that in STS you run street tires. True you give up ultimate grip, but azenis' are relatively cheap and when you're learning it hurts a lot less to tear up some $50-75 tires than, $100-125 R-compounds. STS also allows you to have some "fun" mods that you get to enjoy everyday like an intake, exhaust and full suspension work. I'm a bit biased because I run a S2 in STS and it's a blast! Whichever path you choose to go, good luck and remember it's all about having fun!
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My "fun" STS S2:
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Modifications: Volant Intake, Esslinger UDP, Prothane "Tranny-mount" bushing, Apex SS kit, 15x6.5 2000 Cougar wheels, 205/50-15 Falken Azenis
My "fun" STS S2:
Modifications: Volant Intake, Esslinger UDP, Prothane "Tranny-mount" bushing, Apex SS kit, 15x6.5 2000 Cougar wheels, 205/50-15 Falken Azenis
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Yep.
Alot of people say the bet 'kit' is the Apex. I chose a bit stiffer spring in the Intrax-SVT and matched those to SPAX dampers--adjustable in the rear (so far).
A big key to getting the car to turn is to get some camber up front--camber adjusters should be a high priority, IMO. Then, at the least get a 22/22.5mm rear bar--or bigger if you are careful regarding the LCA issue (see posting on adjustable rear bar for more...)
I'll echo this, except w/ the S2, I don't think you'll necessarily need the bigger rear bar.Yep.
Alot of people say the bet 'kit' is the Apex. I chose a bit stiffer spring in the Intrax-SVT and matched those to SPAX dampers--adjustable in the rear (so far).Konis are the hot setup if you have the cash.![]()
A big key to getting the car to turn is to get some camber up front--camber adjusters should be a high priority, IMO. Then, at the least get a 22/22.5mm rear bar--or bigger if you are careful regarding the LCA issue (see posting on adjustable rear bar for more...)
I went w/ Koni's, and have SVT Springs, though I intend to eventually go stiffer w/ H&R Race Springs.
As an Out of the Box kit for a GREAT price, it's tough to beat the APEX set-up.
That's what's on MtBiken's S2 pictured above, and it seems quite nice and it looks like a nice reasonable drop as well, w/o being excessive.
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