Does the 2.3 come in Manual?

Ozmotear · Apr 29, 2003

I've done at least a dozen dealer searches in NY for a manual 2.3l, but can't find a single one. Everything seems to be Automatic.

2nd - How inflexible would dealers be with pricing on the 2.3? Considering its a new model?

(wishes Mandarin Copper was available with the Hatch

)

spike · Apr 29, 2003

IIRC the 2.3 is available with the manual tranny. as far as what kind of deal you'd get on one, i'd say you've got a pretty good chance. the superiority that the 2.3L duratech displays when compared to the 2.0 zetec will not be enough to banish the bad rap the focus has gotten over the years. ford will be dealing. besides, most people buying the focus could probably care less about the new engine (even though you and i care very much

). i'd say you'd have to be a complete wuss if you don't get one for a good deal less than MSRP. have fun shopping!

[ 04-29-2003, 05:05 PM: Message edited by: spike ]

OmniFocus · Apr 29, 2003

There are tons of 2.3L 5 speeds in California... I even found a dealer in Santa Cruz that showed every ZX3 in stock was a 2.3L 5 speed.

spike · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
There are tons of 2.3L 5 speeds in California... I even found a dealer in Santa Cruz that showed every ZX3 in stock was a 2.3L 5 speed.

correct me if i'm wrong but i am under the impression that you can no longer purchase a zetec equiped focus in cali. it's either the spi or a duratech (tough choice, huh?).

OmniFocus · Apr 29, 2003

You are mostly correct... Except the SPI has been discontinued as well, so all 2003 Foci in stock are 2.3L Duratec... Even the Focus LX.

There are a few 2.0 Zetecs and SPIs still on the lot, but once they are gone, they are gone for good.

EDIT: Which is kind of cool for any racers that don't like hatchbacks... a 2.3L stripper LX with a 5 speed would make a worth little racecar.

[ 04-29-2003, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: OmniFocus ]

Ozmotear · Apr 29, 2003

Alright, so a Standard does exist.

Now all I need to do is learn how to drive one.

OmniFocus · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by Ozmotear:
Now all I need to do is learn how to drive one.

The MTX-75 is a fairly forgiving car to learn with. You'll be having a blast in no time.

ZXmurph · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
a 2.3L stripper LX with a 5 speed would make a worth little racecar.

hmmmmmm.......maybe the wife's new car?

Auto-X-ZTS · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Ozmotear:
Now all I need to do is learn how to drive one.

The MTX-75 is a fairly forgiving car to learn with. You'll be having a blast in no time.

<hr /></blockquote>What Omni says is true; I just taught my sister-in-law to drive stick on my car--she was doing pretty well after about 2 hours. She will be picking up her new Mustang Pony on Thursday

Zoomer69 · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
EDIT: Which is kind of cool for any racers that don't like hatchbacks... a 2.3L stripper LX with a 5 speed would make a worth little racecar.

Dayam!! I can just see this now... dragging against ******** in their big mud swampin' trucks in a cheap little rental car - and kicking their ass!

Jimmy · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
You are mostly correct... Except the SPI has been discontinued as well, so all 2003 Foci in stock are 2.3L Duratec... Even the Focus LX.

There are a few 2.0 Zetecs and SPIs still on the lot, but once they are gone, they are gone for good.

EDIT: Which is kind of cool for any racers that don't like hatchbacks... a 2.3L stripper LX with a 5 speed would make a worth little racecar.

SPI and Zetec are still in production for 2003.

focusdchaos · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by OmniFocus:
The MTX-75 is a fairly forgiving car to learn with. You'll be having a blast in no time.

I thought the 2.3Ls got a new tranny? Or is it just a diffrent plate (is it called bellhousing in fwd?) that bolts up to the engine?

focusdchaos · Apr 29, 2003

Originally posted by Jimmy:
SPI and Zetec are still in production for 2003.

They may be in production, but they aren't available in CA.

OmniFocus · Apr 30, 2003

Originally posted by focusdchaos:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by OmniFocus:
The MTX-75 is a fairly forgiving car to learn with. You'll be having a blast in no time.

I thought the 2.3Ls got a new tranny? Or is it just a diffrent plate (is it called bellhousing in fwd?) that bolts up to the engine?<hr /></blockquote>Same gearset, different case, and different F/D ratio.

Does the 2.3 come in Manual?

Top Contributors this Month