|
Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
28-06-2007, 10:20 PM | #1 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 326
|
I am thinking about buying an '03 LR Zetec. I have noticed that any for sale say Premium Unleaded for fuel. Is this correct or can they run on standard unleaded?? I would prefer the 3 door. Is there anything that I should watch out for? I have watched several episoded of "Top Gear" and they give the old Focus the thumbs up as an excellent handling car.
|
||
28-06-2007, 10:41 PM | #2 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 77
|
They do run on 95+ Premium Unleaded.. But I'm pretty sure that you can alternate between normal unleaded and premium unleaded on say a tank by tank basis (don't quote me on that but I've heard of people doing it), but in the end it's only going to save you a couple of dollars at the bowser.. I always run mine on premium and in the end its better for the engine..
In regards to the handling side, it's a little ripper.. The only front wheel drive car I've driven that loves a little lift off over steer through a tight bend and its amazing how the thing sticks to the ground with a good set of tires.. Its soo much fun!! All in all i think its a fantastic little car, and I'm sure a lot of the guys on this forum will agree however it could to with a little more power... I haven't had any major problems as yet but I'm sure you'll find out if there are any in a few posts.. All the best, Adam
__________________
Blue Flame Focus Zetec ST170 Side Indicators, K&N Panel Filter, Factory Scuff Plates, Leather/Alloy Handbrake Cover, Body Kit |
||
28-06-2007, 10:54 PM | #3 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 397
|
Its a great car. Don't expect your average Ford service department to know anything about the Focus though!
I've only ever used 95 or 98 RON petrol. If you use 91 to save money you will probably find that economy will suffer to make this uneconomical anyway. MK |
||
28-06-2007, 11:54 PM | #4 | ||
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Just remember, its not recommended you run petrol with ethanol in the LRs.
|
||
29-06-2007, 05:38 AM | #5 | ||||
Mr Focus
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brisbane, southside, Redlands.
Posts: 575
|
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
Cosworth: 2.5" high flow exhaust system, piston & rod 8.5.1 Ford Racing: Tail lights, engine cover, racing wing, cnc'd head, manifold, 70mm tb. Lentech: Torque Convertors with 23 spline input shaft, valvebody Oz racing: WRC OBX: 4-2-1 race header SCT: xcal3, dash scan. |
||||
29-06-2007, 08:45 AM | #6 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane North
Posts: 1,994
|
Quote:
|
|||
29-06-2007, 09:28 AM | #7 | ||
AFF Post NAZI
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Albury
Posts: 3,634
|
get the ST170 mate... they are great and a step above the Zetec's... there are some good ones on carsales.... some are going for 18k up to 22k....
alot of them have good milage as in about the 50 area and have been kept in good nick....
__________________
"Its not always about power, The car has to handle Beautifully" |
||
29-06-2007, 10:55 AM | #8 | ||
Old enough to know better
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,311
|
You are a smart man indeed to look at the LR Focus!
The Zetec is tuned for 95 ron fuel, and I wouldn't run it on less. And I agree, keep your eye out for an ST170. Going for great value prices. About 20% more powerful again than the Zetec....and they only come in 3 doors If you find something advertsised you like the look of, post it up. Everyone here is happy to give an opinion ( even those who don't know what they are talking about!!!!)LOL
__________________
Manual 2003 Machine Silver 5 Door LR Focus Zetec. Mods: Ford Racing CNC'd cylinder head milled .040", 3 angle valve grind. Ford Racing Stage II camshafts. Ford Racing cam gears. Ford Racing long tube header. Random Technology hi flow cat. Herrod 2.25" stainless cat-back. Pipercross Viper intake. CFM 65mm throttle body. 2000 ported intake manifold. Herrod Custom SCT tune. Eibach suspension. Quaife ATB diff. Wilwood 13" brakes. Custom ST170 leather interior. www.cardomain.com/ride/2773918
|
||
29-06-2007, 11:27 AM | #9 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 119
|
i own one they are great. ive kept it for longer then i thought i would and i dont think i will get rid of it anytime soon.
if you want more power theres a turbo kit......... |
||
29-06-2007, 12:06 PM | #10 | ||
AFF Post NAZI
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Albury
Posts: 3,634
|
there is also a Supercharger kit for the st170!
__________________
"Its not always about power, The car has to handle Beautifully" |
||
29-06-2007, 06:11 PM | #11 | |||
Focus Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 518
|
Quote:
http://www.steedafocus.com/store/p103/Powerworks-Supercharger-Kit---'03-'04-Zetec/product_info.html
__________________
04' Panther Black Focus Zetec Custom Euro Plates, ST side indicators, MK2 Badges, ST Snorkel, White 17"s, Exhaust, Springs, Volant Intake,Angel Eyes, Body Kit, St170 Lower Grill, F/C Throttle Body, DBA slotters |
|||
29-06-2007, 06:24 PM | #12 | ||
Mr Focus
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brisbane, southside, Redlands.
Posts: 575
|
that supercharger won't fit on a SVT as the manifold are different on the Zetec and SVT
GO HERE http://www.focussport.com/supercharger.htm
__________________
Cosworth: 2.5" high flow exhaust system, piston & rod 8.5.1 Ford Racing: Tail lights, engine cover, racing wing, cnc'd head, manifold, 70mm tb. Lentech: Torque Convertors with 23 spline input shaft, valvebody Oz racing: WRC OBX: 4-2-1 race header SCT: xcal3, dash scan. |
||
29-06-2007, 10:49 PM | #13 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 326
|
Yes the ST170 does look trick. Insurance may be a killer. Are you finding that parts and servicing are a problem. Can someone post some pics of the interior of an ST170 please. I have only seen pics of the outside. What are the differences between the ST and the Zetec apart from the extra go?????
|
||
30-06-2007, 11:05 AM | #14 | |||
Focus Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 518
|
Quote:
Body Kit as Standard Extra Gauges (Oil Temp/Pressure) Headlights have black surrounds Interior is a lil different.. Bigger Brakes, (slighty :P) better suspension Better looking Foggies Hot 17's Spoked Rims Is all that worth an extra 5-8 grand..?? Yer..
__________________
04' Panther Black Focus Zetec Custom Euro Plates, ST side indicators, MK2 Badges, ST Snorkel, White 17"s, Exhaust, Springs, Volant Intake,Angel Eyes, Body Kit, St170 Lower Grill, F/C Throttle Body, DBA slotters |
|||
01-07-2007, 08:31 PM | #15 | ||
Supes
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,063
|
LR Focus - I have one, reliable (havent had any major issues so far except for a clutch destruction at 4,000km on the clock). Best car I have owned and wont look at getting rid of it for a while yet, running on 4 years old for me now, nearly the longest I have owned a car.
The Zetec does run on 95RON as stated by all above, however I run mine on the 98ROn as its more available around where I am. YOU CAN run your Foci on the lower RON stuff you just wont get the zip of the Zetec. Any issues to watch for. All LR Foci can chew through brake pads, known issue but nothing serious enough to stop you from looking at the car. Fuel sender card can play tricks (ie shows empty when you know your tank is full). Apart from that the LR Foci that made it out to Australia are a couple of generations old so most issues are well and truly ironed out in the production line. Unlike to LS :P
__________________
Yes I DO drive a Toyota |
||
01-07-2007, 09:44 PM | #16 | ||
Zetec_170
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 20
|
I find my LR to be Very fussy with fuel, I have found BP Ultimate to give me the best performance (Better than Optimax). Fuel is one thing you can never comprimise on. If you run a fuel with less than 95 Octane you risk doing damage to the engines bore due do the Knocking effect. Anyone who uses regular on a modern 4 cylinder is asking for trouble in the long term. Ethanol promotes corrosion within your fuel system so I would stay away from it.
__________________
2002 3 Door Zetec Coupe, 18" BMS Multispokes, Sports Muffler, Kingsprings, Wings West Avenger 4 Piece Body kit, and an ST170 write-off which will be donating its Brakes, interior, suspension and gearbox to my Zetec. |
||
02-07-2007, 06:34 PM | #17 | |||
Focus is my middle name
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brissy
Posts: 112
|
Quote:
__________________
2004 LR Ford Focus Zetec 3 door, Panther Black, Manual, 17" MP3 Alloys, SVT Airbox with K&N panel filter, SVT Snorkel, Leather Gear Knob and Steel Handbrake Cover, ST170 pedals, ST170 Lower grille, CFM UDP Not too soon : Focus sport/Borla Exhaust, Throttle body
|
|||
03-07-2007, 05:20 AM | #18 | |||
Mr Focus
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brisbane, southside, Redlands.
Posts: 575
|
Quote:
Would you like some 95 with your 98 to go with that....LOL
__________________
Cosworth: 2.5" high flow exhaust system, piston & rod 8.5.1 Ford Racing: Tail lights, engine cover, racing wing, cnc'd head, manifold, 70mm tb. Lentech: Torque Convertors with 23 spline input shaft, valvebody Oz racing: WRC OBX: 4-2-1 race header SCT: xcal3, dash scan. |
|||
03-07-2007, 04:42 PM | #19 | ||||
Focus is my middle name
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brissy
Posts: 112
|
Quote:
Yeah in my experience...I might be wrong too.. Quote:
__________________
2004 LR Ford Focus Zetec 3 door, Panther Black, Manual, 17" MP3 Alloys, SVT Airbox with K&N panel filter, SVT Snorkel, Leather Gear Knob and Steel Handbrake Cover, ST170 pedals, ST170 Lower grille, CFM UDP Not too soon : Focus sport/Borla Exhaust, Throttle body
|
||||
03-07-2007, 04:57 PM | #20 | ||
Focus is my middle name
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brissy
Posts: 112
|
__________________
2004 LR Ford Focus Zetec 3 door, Panther Black, Manual, 17" MP3 Alloys, SVT Airbox with K&N panel filter, SVT Snorkel, Leather Gear Knob and Steel Handbrake Cover, ST170 pedals, ST170 Lower grille, CFM UDP Not too soon : Focus sport/Borla Exhaust, Throttle body
|
||
03-07-2007, 05:21 PM | #21 | |||
Mr Focus
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brisbane, southside, Redlands.
Posts: 575
|
Quote:
I must be to old on this forum for watch the news.
__________________
Cosworth: 2.5" high flow exhaust system, piston & rod 8.5.1 Ford Racing: Tail lights, engine cover, racing wing, cnc'd head, manifold, 70mm tb. Lentech: Torque Convertors with 23 spline input shaft, valvebody Oz racing: WRC OBX: 4-2-1 race header SCT: xcal3, dash scan. |
|||