Tell me about Focus ST170's
Discussion
A clean, low mileage ST170 is one of the options I am considering as my next daily runner. What should I know before I start hunting?
We have one Mk1 Focus in the household already (a 1.6 Zetec), so I have some knowledge of the car.
I don't expect the 170 to set the world alight in terms of performance, but I do expect a crisp handling, fun drive. Ideally I'd get a 3 door with xenons and the leather Recaro interior.
How much firmer is the ride over a standard Zetec? What sort of real world mpg do people get? Are there options for getting a bit more power out of it?
Any other helpful advice you can offer?
We have one Mk1 Focus in the household already (a 1.6 Zetec), so I have some knowledge of the car.
I don't expect the 170 to set the world alight in terms of performance, but I do expect a crisp handling, fun drive. Ideally I'd get a 3 door with xenons and the leather Recaro interior.
How much firmer is the ride over a standard Zetec? What sort of real world mpg do people get? Are there options for getting a bit more power out of it?
Any other helpful advice you can offer?
I had an 02 example, leather, xenons etc etc. It was a very nice driver, I bought mine second hand to replace a 2000 Zetec 2.0. Handling was fantastic, slightly stiffer sprung than the zetec and quite limited suspension travel (would bottom out on rough roads and over speed bumps), but very well damped. The engine though, despite what everyone seems to think, was fantastic. It was a typical 2.0 zetec at low revs, quiet and smooth but once the variable cam cut in at around 5k it was enormous fun. I loved mine to bits until the dual length inlet broke so I traded it in for a ST225 which was considerably less fun around the twisty bits (softly sprung, woeful damping). Actually I now wish I'd kept the ST170, would have been a good daily driver (09 RS in thh garage for the weekends).
As for upgrades, the usual bluefin stuff and superchargers seem to be quite popular. It's quite highly strung as standard and I'd say keep the revs up and enjoy 3rd gear...
ETA fuel consumption: low to mid 20s around town, low to mid 30s on the motorway, it was reasonably economical I thought.
As for upgrades, the usual bluefin stuff and superchargers seem to be quite popular. It's quite highly strung as standard and I'd say keep the revs up and enjoy 3rd gear...
ETA fuel consumption: low to mid 20s around town, low to mid 30s on the motorway, it was reasonably economical I thought.
Edited by checkmate91 on Wednesday 3rd November 21:23
Long gearing, but that does mean that you can use 2 or 3 to keep it in the sweet spot and concentrate on the business of steering it.
Doesn't feel fast but isn't what could be considered a slow car.
Fairly thirsty when compared to other cars of similar performance.
Very well damped and comfortable when compared to a lot of hot hatches, the suspension really is a huge step up from a focus zetec in terms of what it will let you get away with. I drove mine back to back with a MK1 RS and found I was as quick over the same road in the ST and the RS, I also drove mine back to back with the highly regarded Clio 182 Cup and preferred pretty much everything about the focus.
As far as modifying it goes the engine is already a very well modified version of the 2.0 zetec lump so options are limited. Superchargers are popular and won't alter the power delivery character.
Beyond that there are a couple of things you can do that will help, a sports cat or decat pipe, don't bother upgrading the exhaust its big enough. An adjustable vernier pulley for one of the cams can free up 10 ish bhp when set up properly (google should help with details), a panel air filter will help and is much better than an induction kit. Beyond this you get into expensive work such as ITB's and old school head work.
Doesn't feel fast but isn't what could be considered a slow car.
Fairly thirsty when compared to other cars of similar performance.
Very well damped and comfortable when compared to a lot of hot hatches, the suspension really is a huge step up from a focus zetec in terms of what it will let you get away with. I drove mine back to back with a MK1 RS and found I was as quick over the same road in the ST and the RS, I also drove mine back to back with the highly regarded Clio 182 Cup and preferred pretty much everything about the focus.
As far as modifying it goes the engine is already a very well modified version of the 2.0 zetec lump so options are limited. Superchargers are popular and won't alter the power delivery character.
Beyond that there are a couple of things you can do that will help, a sports cat or decat pipe, don't bother upgrading the exhaust its big enough. An adjustable vernier pulley for one of the cams can free up 10 ish bhp when set up properly (google should help with details), a panel air filter will help and is much better than an induction kit. Beyond this you get into expensive work such as ITB's and old school head work.
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