Thanks for the great info on the seat hinge design. Seems like alf3 had a similar problem with his rear seat hinge, so it may be wise words for us all. Tomp8 - I'm not an expert, but I have made some good and bad modifications to the (too) many cars I've had. I would suggest looking for a spring/shock package using either Bilstein or Koni shocks, along with Eibach or H&R springs. These are names you can trust. What you want is a set-up offering shocks that are valved for the particular springs used. You may find cheaper parts from other manufacturers, but buying cheap suspension parts makes about as much sense as "bargain" brakes or crash helmets - these parts affect your safety.
I have heard the rear disk set-up from the SVT Contour is a "bolt-on" modification for the Focus - anyone out there confirm this? I'd be curious to know if the emergency brake set-up on these rear disks is compatible with the one in our ZX3s.
Don't say that!!! Please don't say that. It's almost like saying break a leg. I live in deer country. We have almost as many deer per square mile as we do people. Some bear to. You don't want to know what they can do to a car. At least we're lucky not to have moose. Don't want to know what they could do to a zx3.
Think I read somewhere that you could get rear disc brakes from Ford Racing. One of the other forums. Your dealer should have info, if they have the racing catalog. That's a big IF.
to lefeuetglace-i seriously doubt it.zx3 + all focus are hot sellers. no incentive needed to move inventory.look at all the posts on the wait. to focuszx3r-congrats.+ good luck on your new purchase.
Here in Kentucky we have renegade thoroughbreds and horses of all kinds! A couple did some real, serious ( including a critical injury to the driver) damage to a Miata here in Louisville a couple of weeks ago. Just look out for critters of all kinds, everyone! I do have more confidence in our ZX3's ability to protect us in the driver's seat than I would have in a lot of sporty cars, though. So that's something, at least.
About the right headlight. Echoing Pat and Silver Bullet, but adding a bit....yes, the right headlight is designed to be a bit more illuminating than the driver's side. But, too, halogen lights often appear to be two different intensities even when they are not.
Add my vote for TEAM ZX3 as our club name. And, since we seem to have some concentration of us either in the midatlantic or northeast or with some ties there, I think it would be an ideal setting for our first ZX3 "Reunion"! Jersey shore, anyone? (of course, then we have the salt air and paint issue....something to consider). Calico1
Ford is continuing its promotion of 4.9/5.9/6.9% financing for 3/4/5 years until at least the end of June, but there are currently no rebates. I was told that the incentives change quarterly, and that they would change again in early July. I just hope my ZX3 is delivered by then. Don't forget about the $400 graduate rebate if you're eligible.
I'm jealous. I ordered my pitch black ZX3 weeks ago and I'm told May 9 it will be here; and was told it would be here April 18. One local dealer has my exact car on the lot now, but won't negotiate with me since I ordered through Autobytel. He's says the car is too much in demand to let it go for $79 above invoice, which is what I'm paying, almost fully loaded. What interior finish did you get? Good luck and happy ZN.
will there be a vote? team zx3 is definitely cool. hey, does anyone know if the college grad. rebate applies for 1977 grads?uh-oh , i must be one of one of the old guys here.
all i know is there is one less doe in rural Baltimore County thanks to my ZX3! Bucks County and the surrounding areas in 'Pennsyltucky' get my vote for deer capitol of the US of A! The deer count there has always been legendary. I like Team ZX3 alot! I vote for that name. My latest check on mpg was 29.96 with pretty much a 50/50 mix of city and highway.... up from the 25 mpg i was getting (but 80-90% city). the car still only has 2.9K on the odometer. i am admittedly having alot of fun and heavy on the accelerator!
Well, the dealer did his thing and they still squeak, screech actually. I'm very dissapointed. The dealer says they didn't hear anything while testing, right..... Anyone else figure this one out so I can help the dealer?
I really like "Team ZX3"! I would wear a shirt that said that. Hey who knows??? This could be a big business, we'll start off with shirts and key chains, and in two years--we'll be designing wheels or something!?!!??! I definately want to be a part of "Team ZX3". I love the Focus ZX3!!! Yours *seriously*, Mark
I like the Team ZX3 name as it excludes the Sedan and Wagon cars of the 'Focus' line. It is concise and exclusionary. As for deer in Penn., we have over 1 1/2 million running around here. Makes me mad when the anti- deer hunt folks picket.
to projectzx3- thanks for doing your part in thinning the deer herd,albeit at the expense of your ride.glad to hear you are still behind the wheel.i also have experienced the same gas mileage increase2.4k. jheitman-those squeaky brakes- ive heard mine squeak from time to time,im not concerned- i believe it to be related to moisture- here in philly area,temperature extremes fluctuate wildly this time of year.
Just checked out the edmunds news section and noticed that the ZX3 earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA for driver and passenger!! Probably everyone here already knew that but I hadn't heard it yet and was a little shocked!! It even outperformed the focus sedan! I mean, can this car get any better?
Yes it can. If focus will show that it can be reliable in a few years down the road. That's all it seems to need to dominate,(ahhh maybe a little more hp)
I was just out driving, and I saw a total of 15 deer, one of which ran out in front of me. Why do they like my car?? I guess I may have to invest in a set of dear deterrent whistles for my bumper (as if they really work!). I still LOVE my car and think it was the best decision to buy it. I have been driving my car kind hard, never revving past 3000 rpm, and I think now I am gonna take that limit up to 4000 rpm--What does everyone think?? TEAM ZX3 is a great name for the club. Also, I to had to try out that digital speedometer trick, and I was wondering if anyone knew what all those other things were after u passed the km/h and rpm functions. I just saw a bunch of weird letter combinations and numbers changing--i had no clue what any of it was
kdominczak-I sure hope you are right about your reliability prediction. I just came back from my first road trip with my zx3. I went to Minneapolis with 9 other people. There was five of us in my car, and they were much happier than the four in the integra. It handled them and their luggage pretty well. I couldn't believe it got 30 mpg. The car though, feels as though it's aged about a year. No more new car smell after that long trip.
So far I've had over $700 worth of work on my suspension because it mysteriously got bent out of alignment. Now, I find that I have a faulty tie rod, which ford is thankfully replacing under warranty. Maybe they feel guilty for making me shell out all that money before. Still waiting on the part though. It's been two weeks and at least another till it gets here. I think one of my brake rotors is warped too. There's a whole lot more brake dust on one wheel than the other and the steering wheel vibrates when I brake. All this BEFORE I went on the road trip. I sure hope nothing else goes wrong.
I never heard of the 1000 mile service. In fact I went for an early oil change and the guy talked me out of it - said there's no need for that, that it is an old wive's tale, that he'd be happy to take my money but the filter/oil would be just fine for another couple thou miles. Nobody offered me free service at 1000, but then I did not buy from the local dealer, so maybe that's it?
I took a look at a couple of the "options" on the foci in my dealers lot. The armrest looks completely different than I expected. It looks like ET! I thought it would be upholstered or something. How do you guys like it?
Thanks tickbitty. Seems to me that other posts have mentioned the free 1000 service, but I can't recall what was said. Like you, I don't see the point except it being a public relations thing for the dealer; personally, I'd rather have a free first scheduled maintenance service by the dealer.
Razor5- I do hope you get your car sooner rather than later. I am really enjoying mine. I have the charcoal interior. I got power windows, power mirrors, power door locks w/ remote entry, A/C, ABS, floor mats and of course it's a 5sp, no auto for me. My order was processed before the Comfort Group became available so no tilt but I did get the maplight installed. I also got the windows tintied (30%) before I even took delivery of the car. It was a little more expensive through the dealer but it was worth not having to mess with it myself. The cool thing about this car is that it reminds me of my Ninja 500 sportbike. Well knida. When I ride my bike I ride fast and very aggressive but not recklessly. I take 30mph corners at 60+ and have gone up to 125mph. So I didn't need another vehicle that was really super fast. The ZX3 has a tremendous suspension and steering system. This thing grips the road so well that it reminds me of riding my Ninja. The other day I came into a 30mph corner a about 60mph and had to correct mid-corner while accelerating. The car just goes where you point it with no floaating or drifting. I haven't got mine much over 3,500rpms so I haven't really tapped the powerband that much either but I am pleased with performance. The engine really seems to want to rev and now that I have 200 fairly easy miles on it I am going to start getting the rpms up more. Trust me you'll love your ZX3. Just be patient.
Just a thought but, A local engine builder told me this one time. He builds race motors for outlaw sprint cars and is well known around here for building extremely good engines. Anyway, he has a setup for filtering the engines oil the first time it is started after assembly. The filter is the size of a 55 gallon drum! Any way he cleans the motors and all the parts in a vat before they are ran and the filter is still full of crap upon the first startup. I know that ford has a good cleaning setup for their engines but this might be on reason to change the oil and filter at 1000mi. Just my 2 centes worth.
I noticed that my right headlight is aimed higher than the left. Is this normal and has anyone noticed the colour of the factory engine oil? Almost a green colour. I'm wondering if this is a special break in oil like the one VW uses.
My '83 Rabbit GTI had an upshift light - that's the only other time I've seen one. I found out that VW included the light because it allowed them to claim a slightly higher MPG number on the EPA sticker. At one time, people used to care about fuel economy (remember the demand for Rabbit diesels? Jeez...) Ford probably got a similar deal from the EPA. It is pretty annoying, but you get used to it after awhile. You could always just remove the bulb from the instrument cluster, or ask your service manager to pull it as a special favor.
Wouldn't it be cool to re-program the upshift light to illuminate just before the engine's redline, like on performance/racing tachometers? Instead of trying to get you to be a good citizen, that light could actually be useful, since Ford seems to have forgotten to paint a redline on our tachs.
If your dealer is a cheapskate and doesn't offer a free first 1000 mile check, get it done yosef'. No matter how good the filtration system is in the engine, there is a buildup of *gunk* in the oil and the filter, especially when the engine is new. There is a steady buildup of gunk in the filter that decreases the filter's ability to filter, so at the VERY least, replace the filter. And, don't forget to pour new oil in the new filter. Helps keep the new oil cleaner..longer. Someone mentioned going 125mph on his M/C. Baaaad scene. As someone once told me when I started biking, there are only two tiny patches of rubber in contact with the pavement at any particular time. Lose one contact point, and it's Arrrrrgh. Ride safe now so you can ride longer later... Aloha
just picked up my "3"...noticed i missed a solid dead pedal...any aftermarket ideas that any of you have tried...really enjoy the tilt/tele...makes it so much easier to adjust to...or it to me....dealer claims ford is squeezing small dealers with focus...slow to arrive...can't order 2001's w/o selling 2000's which he can't get...happy so far...enjoy the posts...thanks
Sitting still the average tire has less than six inches of rubber in contact w/ the road (front to back)-- at 50MPH less than five inches -- at 100 mph less than three inches.
I just got my engine oil changed after 1000 miles today and the dealer did not mention anything about being free. But I thought better safe than sorry and paid them my hard earned money. I can really tell the engine on my car is breaking in, it feels like it has a lot more torque than when it was new. I wanted to know if people out there have been redlining (@6500 rpms) their cars yet. I gone past 3000 and recently started revving it past 4000 but as soon as I approach 5000, it seems the engine is working too hard and there is a tremendous amount of vibrating feedback from the accelerator. I know it's not really necessary to rev past 5000 with the torque peak being 5300 rpms, but I was wondering if anyone else has been experiencing this. It just feels like at 5000 rpms the car is telling me "upshift you idiot!!" On another note, I can't wait until I get and install my aftermarket stuff. I ordered a borla cat back, focussport intake, a superchip, pedal covers, and matching silver shift knob and e-brake handle. I know some of you seem against aftermarket parts but i'll be able to get about another 20 horsepower for only a thousand bucks and would be on par with the civic si for a lot less, plus i'd had tons more torque than that high revving [non-permissible content removed] box. By the way I think the carbon fiber trim kits from kurtz kustom is sharp. Perhaps it will be my next investment along with my 17 inch wheels. I thought about the wings west kit but i'd rather have the inside look nicer than the outside besides i'm not gonna be outside looking at the car, i'm gonna be inside, driving the car. Sorry so long and happy revving!
Um...You'd better be sure to check the weight on your 17" wheels. A lot of your newfound horsepower will be wasted with bigger wheels if they're not significantly lighter.
to all-notice that plastic seat rail missing from drivers seat - one fell off passenger -side also, side exterior molding loose- seems glue must have dried out.anyone else notice?
Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars, once said this was the secret behind successful race car design. Look at what racers do and learn some lessons. Every pound you add to your car slows you down and uses more fuel. If the modification you're contemplating doesn't add power, reduce drag, or improve handling enough to justify its weight, don't install it - unless you want to be honest with yourself and admit you just like the way it looks. Unsprung weight (i.e. weight not supported by the suspension) like heavier wheels, tires, brake components, and suspension pieces is the worst. This poundage really affects the ride and handling negatively - again, look at the mega-expensive alloy and carbon fiber pieces used by racers and sportbikes. They know that serious performance gains come from simplicity and lightness combined with great strength. And don't forget, the biggest performance gain comes from changing "the nut behind the steering wheel" - that would be you. Take a course from Skip Barber or Bondurant for the money hose snazzy wheels are going to cost you. You'll be faster, smoother, and live longer too ;-) Enjoy that ZX3!
bad scene...125 mph on a bike...what must you think of someone doing 190 mph on a Suzuki Hayabusa? as long as you're on a race track and are well prepared and protected, why not? (well you would probably be better off at 170mph on a Yamaha R1, but that's another kettle of fish).
Anyway, way off topic, back to focus stuff, still haven't got mine, but the bank said ok to the deal today so we are one step closer.
Reports in the Italian press state that there are problems with the focus holding a straight line (i.e. pulling to the right or to the left) and that ford dealers have been issued with special instructions on how to deal with the problem. Anyone out there have this trouble yet?
On another point, I was considering some of the aftermarket stuff, but have been a bit put off by advice on the net. Rubberban, you say you'll "be able to get about another 20 horsepower for only a thousand bucks", how do you know?
You are presuming that: 1) the 'performance' parts are going to add max power increase they claim (many such parts claim an increase of 0 to X, or up to Y, why should we assume that we are going to get X+Y, and not 0+0); 2) that they are all going to work together; 3) that they are going to add the power cumulatively and, if not uniformly across the powerband, then at least they will all add it at the same point on the powerband; 4) that you won't affect the overall engine response making the car less fun to drive.
Also, as one poster has noted his engine likes to change up well before the redline, if the extra power is all at say 6000rpm, are you going to be able to use it?
As I say, I was thinking of doing this stuff myself, but I am backing off. It was the reasoning on a piece of advice on one site that got to me, i.e. Why didn't Ford do it themselves in the first place? incompetence? Probably not. There are plenty of normally aspirated 2.0L's pumping out much more than 130bhp (Honda's S2000 has 240bhp). Engine tuning is about more than power however and if Ford has only squeezed a max 130 out of the Zetec unit there is surely a reason. Whatever it is, I reckon I'll leave mine the way they give it is and enjoy for what it is.
I fear that all I would be doing with the 'performance' parts, is giving me something more to bore people with, given that, from the posts here, in a few weeks I'll be wearing a big grin and talking nonstop about one subject! Another worry, is that one 'improvement' would lead to another, and I would never be totally happy that I'd put the right bits on. Then when the first Focus R appears.....(talk of a 170bhp version in September, at least here in Euroland)....
Enough said, if you do decide to go ahead with the add-ons, let us know how you got on, and take it for a test to measure the power output (the placebo effect can be quite strong, but then maybe that's all you are after). Anyway I'm curious to know.
A nicely written post. Very interesting about the rumors of directional instability. I've noticed a very slight tendency to "bump steer", and sometimes I feel the car takes a bit of effort to keep it pointed straight on the freeway, but I've put the blame on the Goodyear RSA tires. I've had similar problems with other cars shod with Goodyears, and the "problems" were cured with a tire upgrade. My plan is to keep the stock alloys and fit a set of Pirelli P6000 Summer compound tires (in the stock size). I've had very good luck with the Pirellis on other front-drive compacts.
i must admit i have run my hatchling hard. why not... its under warranty. my racing friends have always said run it from day one like you're going to run it later on. i have tached to 6300 on several occasions and the zx3 politely chirps second gear. optimum shift point is 5700-6000 based on my ears and seat of the pants observation. and to think i'm still getting almost 30 mpg! sinful! very happy:)
Comments
I have heard the rear disk set-up from the SVT Contour is a "bolt-on" modification for the Focus - anyone out there confirm this? I'd be curious to know if the emergency brake set-up on these rear disks is compatible with the one in our ZX3s.
Don't say that!!! Please don't say that. It's almost like saying break a leg. I live in deer country. We have almost as many deer per square mile as we do people. Some bear to. You don't want to know what they can do to a car. At least we're lucky not to have moose. Don't want to know what they could do to a zx3.
Drebe and Norway Doug, Hang in there guys!
Pat
Pat
have so much deer outside of philly here that
the neighboring county is named bucks!
focus are hot sellers. no incentive needed to move
inventory.look at all the posts on the wait.
to focuszx3r-congrats.+ good luck on your new purchase.
About the right headlight. Echoing Pat and Silver Bullet, but adding a bit....yes, the right headlight is designed to be a bit more illuminating than the driver's side. But, too, halogen lights often appear to be two different intensities even when they are not.
Add my vote for TEAM ZX3 as our club name. And, since we seem to have some concentration of us either in the midatlantic or northeast or with some ties there, I think it would be an ideal setting for our first ZX3 "Reunion"! Jersey shore, anyone? (of course, then we have the salt air and paint issue....something to consider).
Calico1
And whats this ford racing catalog?
I bought my car the first of January and I haven't gotten my watch or my mug yet! Why?!
There. Check here tommorrow too see if it worked.
Audilizard
hey, does anyone know if the college grad. rebate applies for 1977 grads?uh-oh , i must be one of
one of the old guys here.
The dealer says they didn't hear anything while testing, right.....
Anyone else figure this one out so I can help the dealer?
Yours *seriously*,
Mark
As for deer in Penn., we have over 1 1/2 million running around here. Makes me mad when the anti- deer hunt folks picket.
increase2.4k.
jheitman-those squeaky brakes- ive heard mine
squeak from time to time,im not concerned- i
believe it to be related to moisture- here in philly area,temperature extremes fluctuate wildly
this time of year.
If focus will show that it can be reliable in a few years down the road.
That's all it seems to need to dominate,(ahhh maybe a little more hp)
I still LOVE my car and think it was the best decision to buy it.
I have been driving my car kind hard, never revving past 3000 rpm, and I think now I am gonna take that limit up to 4000 rpm--What does everyone think??
TEAM ZX3 is a great name for the club.
Also, I to had to try out that digital speedometer trick, and I was wondering if anyone knew what all those other things were after u passed the km/h and rpm functions. I just saw a bunch of weird letter combinations and numbers changing--i had no clue what any of it was
So far I've had over $700 worth of work on my suspension because it mysteriously got bent out of alignment. Now, I find that I have a faulty tie rod, which ford is thankfully replacing under warranty. Maybe they feel guilty for making me shell out all that money before. Still waiting on the part though. It's been two weeks and at least another till it gets here. I think one of my brake rotors is warped too. There's a whole lot more brake dust on one wheel than the other and the steering wheel vibrates when I brake. All this BEFORE I went on the road trip. I sure hope nothing else goes wrong.
http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/news/99hec.htm
This shows each reading and what it means. I don't know who posted this on the other board but Thanks.
I took a look at a couple of the "options" on the foci in my dealers lot. The armrest looks completely different than I expected. It looks like ET! I thought it would be upholstered or something. How do you guys like it?
I HATE the stupid "shift up" light. My dad had an RX7 with this (silly, I know), and I think they're annoying.
There. Got that off my chest. Much better
Everything else...a-ok.
Someone mentioned going 125mph on his M/C. Baaaad scene. As someone once told me when I started biking, there are only two tiny patches of rubber in contact with the pavement at any particular time. Lose one contact point, and it's Arrrrrgh.
Ride safe now so you can ride longer later...
Aloha
I wanted to know if people out there have been redlining (@6500 rpms) their cars yet. I gone past 3000 and recently started revving it past 4000 but as soon as I approach 5000, it seems the engine is working too hard and there is a tremendous amount of vibrating feedback from the accelerator. I know it's not really necessary to rev past 5000 with the torque peak being 5300 rpms, but I was wondering if anyone else has been experiencing this. It just feels like at 5000 rpms the car is telling me "upshift you idiot!!"
On another note, I can't wait until I get and install my aftermarket stuff. I ordered a borla cat back, focussport intake, a superchip, pedal covers, and matching silver shift knob and e-brake handle. I know some of you seem against aftermarket parts but i'll be able to get about another 20 horsepower for only a thousand bucks and would be on par with the civic si for a lot less, plus i'd had tons more torque than that high revving [non-permissible content removed] box. By the way I think the carbon fiber trim kits from kurtz kustom is sharp. Perhaps it will be my next investment along with my 17 inch wheels. I thought about the wings west kit but i'd rather have the inside look nicer than the outside besides i'm not gonna be outside looking at the car, i'm gonna be inside, driving the car. Sorry so long and happy revving!
drivers seat - one fell off passenger -side
also, side exterior molding loose- seems glue
must have dried out.anyone else notice?
Anyway, way off topic, back to focus stuff, still haven't got mine, but the bank said ok to the deal today so we are one step closer.
Reports in the Italian press state that there are problems with the focus holding a straight line (i.e. pulling to the right or to the left) and that ford dealers have been issued with special instructions on how to deal with the problem. Anyone out there have this trouble yet?
On another point, I was considering some of the aftermarket stuff, but have been a bit put off by advice on the net. Rubberban, you say you'll "be able to get about another 20 horsepower for only a thousand bucks", how do you know?
You are presuming that:
1) the 'performance' parts are going to add max power increase they claim (many such parts claim an increase of 0 to X, or up to Y, why should we assume that we are going to get X+Y, and not 0+0);
2) that they are all going to work together;
3) that they are going to add the power cumulatively and, if not uniformly across the powerband, then at least they will all add it at the same point on the powerband;
4) that you won't affect the overall engine response making the car less fun to drive.
Also, as one poster has noted his engine likes to change up well before the redline, if the extra power is all at say 6000rpm, are you going to be able to use it?
As I say, I was thinking of doing this stuff myself, but I am backing off. It was the reasoning on a piece of advice on one site that got to me, i.e. Why didn't Ford do it themselves in the first place? incompetence? Probably not. There are plenty of normally aspirated 2.0L's pumping out much more than 130bhp (Honda's S2000 has 240bhp). Engine tuning is about more than power however and if Ford has only squeezed a max 130 out of the Zetec unit there is surely a reason. Whatever it is, I reckon I'll leave mine the way they give it is and enjoy for what it is.
I fear that all I would be doing with the 'performance' parts, is giving me something more to bore people with, given that, from the posts here, in a few weeks I'll be wearing a big grin and talking nonstop about one subject!
Another worry, is that one 'improvement' would lead to another, and I would never be totally happy that I'd put the right bits on. Then when the first Focus R appears.....(talk of a 170bhp version in September, at least here in Euroland)....
Enough said, if you do decide to go ahead with the add-ons, let us know how you got on, and take it for a test to measure the power output (the placebo effect can be quite strong, but then maybe that's all you are after). Anyway I'm curious to know.
Not-yet-a-Focus-driver-but-almost!
Tilt steering is part of the convenience group (50C) 174 invoice and 195 msrp