Focus ST and car history
Discussion
Been a long time reader of this site, I've finally decided to put up my car history and daily driver.
First car at 18, was a Mk1 Focus 2.0 Zetec. Wasn't really into cars back then but it did teach me the joys of freedom and how to properly drive. Did nothing with it, engine gave up 3 months into ownership, handled great, mpg was bad for the power and tax was £260.

Built up some no claims then 1 week before buying a EP3 Type R I had my first crash. Was my fault and a stupid mistake, still paying for it now. Insurance was £2500 for the EP3 so decided to get something with a bit less power.
Looked at a few cars, CRX, GTI-6, then a nice Fiesta ST came up and deciding on something a bit more modern it was perfect.

How it looked before I sold it. The difference in handling, power (previous owner had tuned it abit), looks, were a different league to the focus. It taught me alot more about cars and how to look after something you've saved up for.
Joined a Fiesta ST club and went to lots of shows, meets, random runabouts in the country, any excuse to take the car out really.

I soon found out the club I was in attracted the wrong kind of people and meets were getting worse so I decided to join a local ford club which I found on here. Great bunch of people and still in it today.
After going out in a few high powered Focus ST/RS's, I knew I had to have one. Saved again and went for an orange Focus ST.


Picked her up from Wales, what a drive home, previous owner had modded quite a bit. Not driven a turbo car before, so had to get used not gearing down all the time plus I had 6 gears this time.
The power and torque is insane to what I'm used to. The noise from the 5 pot engine is great and been orange you do get some good and bad attention. Very comfortable inside, no rattles and a pot holes are durable now. The only thing I miss about the Fiesta is the fuel and handling which will be changed soon.
Visually it might not be everyone's taste on here but I think it's not over the top.
Mod List
RS Clutch and Flywheel
Full 3' Exhaust System, Miltek Catback
Auto Specialists CAIS
Focus RS500 Intercooler
Bluefin Stage 2 Map
Mintex Pads and Drilled/Grooved Discs
Around 300bhp at the moment, got RS injectors to go on then its down to Jamsport for a JS320 map. Got some Eibachs coming then going to sort out the handling. Then next year maybe a Hybrid/RS turbo conversion.
Sorry for long post!
First car at 18, was a Mk1 Focus 2.0 Zetec. Wasn't really into cars back then but it did teach me the joys of freedom and how to properly drive. Did nothing with it, engine gave up 3 months into ownership, handled great, mpg was bad for the power and tax was £260.

Built up some no claims then 1 week before buying a EP3 Type R I had my first crash. Was my fault and a stupid mistake, still paying for it now. Insurance was £2500 for the EP3 so decided to get something with a bit less power.
Looked at a few cars, CRX, GTI-6, then a nice Fiesta ST came up and deciding on something a bit more modern it was perfect.

How it looked before I sold it. The difference in handling, power (previous owner had tuned it abit), looks, were a different league to the focus. It taught me alot more about cars and how to look after something you've saved up for.
Joined a Fiesta ST club and went to lots of shows, meets, random runabouts in the country, any excuse to take the car out really.

I soon found out the club I was in attracted the wrong kind of people and meets were getting worse so I decided to join a local ford club which I found on here. Great bunch of people and still in it today.
After going out in a few high powered Focus ST/RS's, I knew I had to have one. Saved again and went for an orange Focus ST.


Picked her up from Wales, what a drive home, previous owner had modded quite a bit. Not driven a turbo car before, so had to get used not gearing down all the time plus I had 6 gears this time.
The power and torque is insane to what I'm used to. The noise from the 5 pot engine is great and been orange you do get some good and bad attention. Very comfortable inside, no rattles and a pot holes are durable now. The only thing I miss about the Fiesta is the fuel and handling which will be changed soon.
Visually it might not be everyone's taste on here but I think it's not over the top.
Mod List
RS Clutch and Flywheel
Full 3' Exhaust System, Miltek Catback
Auto Specialists CAIS
Focus RS500 Intercooler
Bluefin Stage 2 Map
Mintex Pads and Drilled/Grooved Discs
Around 300bhp at the moment, got RS injectors to go on then its down to Jamsport for a JS320 map. Got some Eibachs coming then going to sort out the handling. Then next year maybe a Hybrid/RS turbo conversion.
Sorry for long post!
pilchard8 said:
Yeah mods are in first post, about highest i can go without hybrid/rs turbo
ye i looked , i just dont get how you can get an extra 100bhp on the standard turbo .What kind of boost are you running .do you know what your AFRs are ,also that max power rpm is at a diesel level.If i was you ,get a run on a different dyno to be sure.
300bhp/ton said:
Just want to say, it looks nice, love the colour.
But curious, why a Focus?
Thanks, wanted to stick with my Ford club and the Focus is a perfect all rounder to use everyday.But curious, why a Focus?
No idea what boost its running but cars with similar/same mods run the exact same power, so it aint the dyno.
At the moment its quite tame the noise, the exhaust is getting changed next year to something more anti social

Edited by pilchard8 on Wednesday 13th November 13:00
pimpchez said:
pilchard8 said:
Yeah mods are in first post, about highest i can go without hybrid/rs turbo
ye i looked , i just dont get how you can get an extra 100bhp on the standard turbo .What kind of boost are you running .do you know what your AFRs are ,also that max power rpm is at a diesel level.If i was you ,get a run on a different dyno to be sure.
Anyhow, a bit of a moot point with regards to power as the rest of the drivetrain and suspension simply aren't up to the job of putting that much power down. Seen loads of guys chasing power figures but forgetting about how it actually drives. It was only after getting into a less powerful car with better handling that opened my eyes.
The ST is a lovely car but I'd stop around the 300bhp mark tops. If you're going to spend lots of money, do it on a car that can actually handle the power.
They can crack liners with just a simple remap, most tuning companys do a block modification to prevent this but it aint cheap. Its quite rare for it to happen but its there for piece of mind.
I know what mean about putting power down but theres a few STs i know of running 400+bhp and they seem fine in the dry, even without the Revoknuckle from the RS.
I know what mean about putting power down but theres a few STs i know of running 400+bhp and they seem fine in the dry, even without the Revoknuckle from the RS.
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