Mods for a NA Automatic focus

Here's what I've done and been happy with

Pulley- Feel a big difference, relatively low cost (AFX)$100

Intake- Great change in response, much nicer growl (Focusport)$250

Exhasut- Very Very worth it improved accel and also it looks a lot better than the stock rusted coffee can. (Focusport)$400

In terms of sparkplug wires unless you are drag racing (see summitt racing or Jegs.com) they are all pretty much the same 9mm wires. I got Steeda's for $50 or so.
I feel they smoothed out my ideal and improved response slightly but don't expect too much change.

Good luck to you!

List of my auto mods:

FC Cam Gears - set at 0 for now.

Crower 2 Cams - untuned for now but did notice quicker acceleration at hwy speeds.

FS Exhaust - sounds good. get compliments all the time. nice gains as well.

Volant Intake - just swapped out my bomz cai for this one. very nice intake. nice power across the board. just need a fc ram air hood to keep the car from bogging.

Ported TB - very cheap and easy mod. barely noticeable increase in throttle response. better off leaving it stock and saving for a 65mm tb.

FR Plug Wires - more of an appearance mod. nothing provides a better spark than oem until you upgrade coil pack. if you find some used, it's definately worth the $$.

Esslinger UDP - one of the best bang for the buck mods. would recommend every auto owner get one. noticeable change in acceleration. revs much faster now. however, in combination with my system, it's putting a sufficient drain on my electrical systems.

FS 4-1 Race Header and flex pipe - coming for christmas. should push the cams to their full potential. looking for some really good tq #s from this mod.

all this on the stock tranny!!
When it goes out,it's conversion time.

I'm gonna tell you how it is SO LISTEN TO DADDY!!

1. PULLEY
2. CHIP
3. COIL PACK & WIRES
4. HIGH FLOW CAT
5. FLEX PIPE
6. EXHAUST, 2.25"
7. COLD AIR OR ICEMAN INTAKE

Thanks!

Almost forgot, get some light wheels and gut the hatch! Wieght is our enemy!!

Mods I'd do in order:
1)K&N Filter. A decent car dealer should offer this when they sold the car.
2)chip, Superchip or diablo depending on code. Definitely needed for autos. Sad part is the 91octane needed! If you DON'T want the advanced time/AFratios, PM me about other tranny options to help shifting.
3)UDP, Esslinger(FordRacing) & FC Water or FC 2piece are your best. Uses stock belts
4)CAI, Can't go wrong with Iceman.

Don't waste money on wires unless you just want "cool" colors. The stock ones are hard to beat.

In an auto, I wouldn't change the exhaust out. You loose too much lowend tq. I went back to stock. If you start messing with adjustable cams and have them dynotuned you might consider it.

As for handling, upgrade to 16" or 17" wheels. I favor the stock 16" (of course I also have a set listed in the classifieds).
Consider an upgrate to SVT springs and dampers for better ride/handling. Or for even better handling at a modest cost ($400 or less) try a KW or Apex sport kit. If you're a diehard or want to rally, look at DMS (about $1800-$3200 for street40's or offroad50's).

Here is what I have:

1. ITG Flat + SVT snorkel
2. Apex-i exhaust

This should be done:

3. UDP
4. Diablo chip

The shifting point in our ATX is so bad, it delays when you floor it sometimes. If my car had been reliable I would have done diablo chip. But, this car is a frequent visitor at the local dealer and they need to pull the code everytime. The joy of owning a ford, I guess.


=dRe=

here is my set up
FS Race header,
AEM CAI
crower stage II cams
cam gears
esslinger UDP
screamin demon coil pack 10mm wires
FC TB
Diablo chip
magnaflow cat back
rear seats removed
rota slipstream wheels 13. something pounds

still run 17.2 in the quarter mile
don't bother with an auto. Isn't worth the trouble in my opinion. I wasted so much time and money on this car and is still can't beat a stock civic auto on the track. Fun to drive I guess.

Jason