[ABiToFMiSeRy]

Hey guys I just got my 2003 Focus ZX3, and now that winter is pretty close, I've decided to not do anything till the car but over winter I'm going to get all kinds of parts to put on right after winter.

As far as performance goes, I was thinking the following...I just need ideas and brand names to go by...

Intake
Cat Back Exhaust
Headers
Plugs and Wires
Perfomance Chip

That's what I think is going to be my "first performance run", which looks like it may cost between 1000-1500 dollars to complete. I want to do everything at once so I realy notice a difference, which is why I'm going to buy all the parts over the winter and get them installed all at once...

Anyways, does that look like a good plan? Is there something else I should add, or take out? Any other ideas?
And what brands should I go for? I'm not looking to race the car, just to put a decent amount of horsepower behind it...

BTW, it IS automatic

Thanks...

 

[Jibberish18]

From what I hear the FocusSport VF Engineering mount with Polybushings seems to be a worthy investment. Especially since you have an automatic. You might wanna either a Screamin Demon Coil Pack or a MSD Coil with ZX2 Escort wires (So they fit). Might give you better mileage in the long run. It seems that the stock header according to some does an good job on it's own. Many people like to flock towards a Throttle Body . Either ported or find a used Focus Central 65mm for $150-$175. They say it greatly helps out with throttle response and torque.

 

[BUR_ZX3]

Plugs and wires IMHO are worthless...

Move that chip up to the top of the list if its autotragic...

Maybe add cam gears.... can you even dyno tune an automatic?

 

[Ray]

nix the plugs and wires, port your throttle body, and if you get a header that's not a race header, get a high flow cat.

also, a short shifter is good ALL YEAR

just like most performance mods... it's all in how you drive.

DEFINATELY consider a suspension setup. Best bang for the buck mod.

 

[Jibberish18]

Maybe add cam gears.... can you even dyno tune an automatic?

Why wouldn't you? <---Also heard that is very good to do. Totally forgot about that.

 

[SilverZXIII]

U should get an AF/x underdrive pulley.

 

[SilverBulletZTS]

Maybe add cam gears.... can you even dyno tune an automatic?

Why wouldn't you? <---Also heard that is very good to do. Totally forgot about that.

Because Dynos weren't made for automatics. It works but I don't think the results are 100% accurate. I think...

 

[RallyRacer]

On an automatic you might want the chip first, it makes a big difference in shifting.
Also an underdrive pulley and a poly trans mount will make up for that lag feeling that the torque converter gives.

 

[speedy_zx3]

also, a short shifter is good ALL YEAR

short shifter for an auto? what would be the point? I mean, it's not like you're moving that thing back n forth really... but then again, I drive a stick and the shifter was one of the best things I did.

 

[LemonGT]

also, a short shifter is good ALL YEAR

short shifter for an auto? what would be the point? I mean, it's not like you're moving that thing back n forth really... but then again, I drive a stick and the shifter was one of the best things I did.

I think that is an oops!

 

[belnaper]

does a polly bushing make a big diff on a auto car? just wondering cause i have one and i didnt think that it would make that big of a diff.

 

[ford_focus]

Since we just did an Automatic this way, I can tell you its the best value:

- FocusSport std. compression head
- Custom Auto cams
- FocusSport long tube header
- FocusSport ceramic coat exhaust
- FocusSport wires and plugs
- FocusSport valvecover
- Diablosport chip
- Kent cam gears
- CAI

Dyno'd at 140fwhp on a Superflow waterbrake dyno. Probably 150fwhp on dynojet.

The car originally had the "regular bolt-ons" and made a lot of noise and heat but no power. Now its runs with 5.0L Mustangs.

Save up and go with a complete set up. Doing it in pieces will leave you with parts that might not work together later on.

 

[UltegraSTI]

loox like randy has a new pimp...

1st is obvious bolt-ons, pick and choose which intake and exahust fits you and you alone, not what some1 else has or pitches. just work on those solutions, do some susp work, and go from there.

good luck,

-Ult

 

[mycannon]

Turbo please save your money turbo

 

[Skinee J]

too lazy to read what everyone else wrote, but dont forget about cams, cam gear, and a ported out head after you do all that. then youll really feel it. and i would honestly get new suspension, bushings, and sway bars before i go making a zx3 faster.

and dont foeget about thos crap stock tires, i dont know if they give you 2003 guys the same crap i got.

-j

 

[doogie78]

Sell it and buy Japanese. No seriously.

 

[LemonGT]

What would a valvecover do?

 

[EggYolk]

Oh Man! You mean you don't have a valvecover??? Those things add like 25whp man and give better throttle response - you gotta get one! J/K See that nice big black piece of plastic that says Zetec, Ford and 16V on it? Thats your valvecover...

 

[RiTzBiTz]

Personally the only real add on that is worthwhile is forced induction. bolt ons are costly and never add enough to make them worthwhile.. Add a jackson/vortech or turbo kit then slowly add in bolt ons....

 

[doogie78]

Personally the only real add on that is worthwhile is forced induction. bolt ons are costly and never add enough to make them worthwhile.. Add a jackson/vortech or turbo kit then slowly add in bolt ons....

you will need bolt ons eventually. By a butt load of bolt ons or a tom kit. Haven't seen much luck with a Jackson and the ones that worked I wasn't too impressed.