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Ford Focus Hatchback ZX3 - Part VIII

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Comments

  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    Wolf, Thanx for the lengthy explanation of "curb", etc.
    In response to your("Does the Gulf shift better, or accelerate faster? Anyone know?")......
    My '87 GT with only 102hp out-accelerated many higher powered cars.
    VW geared it for hi-torque at low rpm's, so you could scoot away at when traffic lite turned green. Of course there was a negative trade-off (less torque available for passing at higher hiway speeds).
    But in my book it was worth it, for it was satisfying to be able to leave the thundering herd behind at the Light, and get into a good position on the heavily-trafficked road.
    My point: the Golf "gearing" might still be set up that way. I hope so.
    As for the "shifting better?" part of your question: I HOPE it's "better". I never liked that long stick in my GT. It made for a "long throw" when shifting. I like short stick, short throw. The z stick is an improvement over the old Golf in that dept.
    Incidentally, my GT was the last GTI with the 8 valver. That same year, the 16 valver came out (so Mktg dropped the letter "I" from my GTI).

    Euro Focus's "stiffer suspension" .....
    I agree it really makes car corner nice and flat (like my MGA and GT). Maybe Ford USA will relent and offer it here, at least as an option.

    Beast thanks for Replys ("occasional hesitation").
    If you consider it a non-issue, so will I.
    Incidentally, since I talked to you Sun., I checked oil dipstick. Just a tiny, teeny-weeny, smidge over "Full".
    Since my z only has 225mi. on it, I assume the factory did that. Is that level OK in your book?
    zx3
  • wolf1313wolf1313 Member Posts: 13
    To put you, at ease theres still room for an additional quart or so even if it was overfilled.Also, your seals would blow not your engine! Theres an overflow reservoir anyway. I would relax and not worry about it. As long as it's only one quart over the fill mark, you will be ok. You can always return to the dealer or go to a Quicky Lube and have it drained and refilled.
    With regards to the Gulf, thanks for the response. But I was more curious about the new model as they made some significant changes since you owned yours.The Focus is geared for high speed. Pretty silly if you ask me considering it's designed to be an economic vehicle.
    In first, second and 1/2 way thru third the gearing is a joke! Once Im at about 60MPH the car hauls [non-permissible content removed]! I would prefer that torgue at lower RPMs and lower speed.I can't get out of my own way in the city but once im at highway speed (my car likes it between 75-85MPH )the car flies. It's like I have unlimited torque and balls.It's no wonder Ford has a limiter on the vehicle so you can't punch it past 106 mph!
    By the way, what's up with no redline on the TACH? What's really the point of having one when you don't know what the hell redline is?
    Ford I love you, but charge me a little more for the car and get some of this [non-permissible content removed] right!
  • wolf1313wolf1313 Member Posts: 13
    BY the way, I have yet to see 'another' ZTS like mine or any other sedan model for that matter in black. I live in Connecticut very close to NY state. I have not seen another and the reason I mention my location is to bring attention to the fact that I live in a metropolitan area.How about any of you guys? Seen any black ZTS's or black sedans in your neck of the woods?
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    Parked behind a black sedan last week. In Philadelphia. Have been seeing lots around in all colors lately, maybe because I'm looking harder.
  • gotnonamegotnoname Member Posts: 1
    I've seen a black SE sedan in my area, but very very few Foci on the road near me... and I'm in NY, not far from you, Wolf.
  • rvtex1rvtex1 Member Posts: 23
    I too have noticed the slight hesitation at the 2000-2100 rpm range. Glad to hear others are having the same phenomenon. In my opinion however, I would classify it a very mild hesitation as opposed to a true engine hesitation. At first I thought it was my air conditioner compressor kicking in and out till I noticed it without the ac on. I have put it down to a characteristic of this engine and no longer worry about it. I am rather amazed at how smooth the engine runs at idle speed while stopped at light or stop sign.

    I waxed mine the first week I had it with McGuiars Classic Gold paste wax out of the can. I did no other prep than a thorough washing and the infra-red really shines and washes well in this Texas heat. It was amazing how the surface of a new vehicle becomes so much more smooth after waxing even though it was brand new. I had a slight streaking problem that went away after the sun came out. McGuiar's help e-mail said I should not have wetted the applicator but should have been totally dry. That was a new one on me.

    First three tank fulls of gas have averaged 25.5-25.9 mpg with air conditioner always on and including lots of rush hour traffic. Not bad for a new engine.
  • rvtex1rvtex1 Member Posts: 23
    I too have noticed the slight hesitation at the 2000-2100 rpm range. Glad to hear others are having the same phenomenon. In my opinion however, I would classify it a very mild hesitation as opposed to a true engine hesitation. At first I thought it was my air conditioner compressor kicking in and out till I noticed it without the ac on. I have put it down to a characteristic of this engine and no longer worry about it. I am rather amazed at how smooth the engine runs at idle speed while stopped at light or stop sign.

    I waxed mine the first week I had it with McGuiars Classic Gold paste wax out of the can. I did no other prep than a thorough washing and the infra-red really shines and washes well in this Texas heat. It was amazing how the surface of a new vehicle becomes so much more smooth after waxing even though it was brand new. I had a slight streaking problem that went away after the sun came out. McGuiar's help e-mail said I should not have wetted the applicator but should have been totally dry. That was a new one on me.

    First three tank fulls of gas have averaged 25.5-25.9 mpg with air conditioner always on and including lots of rush hour traffic. Not bad for a new engine.
  • gabegarwickgabegarwick Member Posts: 127
    I have an auto ZX3, 1400 miles on it now. I can report that I am very pleased with the performance characteristics of the auto.

    Gabe
  • gabegarwickgabegarwick Member Posts: 127
    Hi towcrazy2,
    When you say vent visor, is that the same thing as a wind/rain deflector? (Those plastic shields that cover the top 3 inches of the windows?)
    If so, then yes, I have them installed on my ZX3. The brand I purchased was WeatherTech. Total price including shipping was around $55. I've had them on the car since day one and am very pleased with their performance. Install is a breeze (no pun intended), takes less than 5 minutes and most important to me, no adhesives are used!

    Here's a link to WeatherTech's website:
    http://www.macneilauto.com/

    link to the page listing the shields for the focus:
    http://www.macneilauto.com/FordCA.htm

    Gabe

    BTW-(I'm still looking for a cargo liner to fit in the back. Looks like a 30X40 in. rectangle one will do the job.) See one, please let me know.
  • tickbittytickbitty Member Posts: 250
    I tried to find a fitted cargo liner, but nobody's making them specifically for the ZX3, just for the wagon. I did find a large rubber mat at K-mart that has a large raised lip that holds lots of the crumblies in. It fits just about perfect front to back and leaves maybe 2 inches to either side on the right and left. It was like 15 or 20$ I think. I had kind of hoped to find a fitted one that would runn all the way up when the seats are down, but no luck. A blankie will do.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Yes, streaking and/or clouding will occur if you use a wet applicator while waxing, or even try waxing your car on excessively humid or rainy days - which is most of the time here in south TX :(
    You might want to try a quick detailing mist like Meguiar's no. 34 Final Inspection between washings. Remove serious dust/grit with a California car duster, and then use the Final Inspection per the instructions - wow! Using the Final Inspection after a wash will restore the slickness of your wax, and the depth of color will impress you.
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    I haven't cut out the upshift light yet, although I think I was the first to complain about it on this forum. Someone suggested that this was included to get better MPG ratings...

    My roommate has a chip for his VR6 that was made in Canada. It is programmed such that it reads as a VW chip when the service guys hook it up. They have no idea. Does anybody know if there's a Ford chip out there that does this?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    There's a webpage for a Ford dealer in Tom's River, NJ that lists, among other Focus parts, a chip from Superchips. I have no experience with this company's products, but a call to the service department of this dealership might be worthwhile. It seems a little odd that their parts guys would sell you a chip, only to have their service dept. tell you it voids your warranty, so my guess is this chip is okay - at least as far as this dealer is concerned. Remember that dealerships are independent businesses, and are free to work with you or against you on issues such as performance mods and your warranty.
  • emilgolenemilgolen Member Posts: 2
    I have a ZTS 5 speed and notice the same thing. It's not really terrible just something you notice. It feels like a EGR imbalance or lean out condition. I know the older ZETEC's (1999) had variable exhaust valve timing in place of an EGR valve, the newer ones have an EGR valve. I'm wondering if the tuning is just a bit off. Hopefully a recall will address this.
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    You said:
    "......the Focus is geared for high speed. Pretty
    silly if you ask me considering it's designed to bean economic vehicle. In first, second and 1/2 way thru third the gearing is a joke! Once Im at about 60MPH the car hauls! I prefer that torgue at lower RPMs......"

    REPLY:
    "Amen" to that.
    It's in "city / suburban" where I do most driving. It's there --- at those lower speeds that I want, I need, the torque.
    zx3
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    Try driving a V-TEC some time. You might as well be driving a Geo at city speeds...
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    A couple of strange discoveries in my ZX3.
    The front passanger seatbelt clip (the thing next to the seat that the belt fastens to) has a square piece of velvet stuck to it like a sticker.
    Also, In the hatch, there are two pieces of velcro stapled to the plastic lip that is at the bottom of the hatch near the floor of the trunk. You cant see it unless you deliberatly stick your head in the trunk and look down and back or just run your hand along the edge. I have no idea what they are there for. has anyone else discovered this in their ZX3?
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    I think they're to velcro the wheel cover/trunk floor into place.
  • drebe73drebe73 Member Posts: 243
    Nothing is attached to it though it just the hook side of the velcro.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The patches of velcro stapled to the rear panel catch the underside of the luggage compartment floor material and hold it smoothly against the panel. The fuzzy gray material is pretty "loopy" all by itself, hence no velcro attached to it. I think the piece of velvet you notice on the seat belt latch is to keep it from rattling when that belt isn't in use.
  • rmsabcrmsabc Member Posts: 17
    does anyone have the rear brake drums rusting
    one of my drums if fully rusted and looks ugly
    the dealer said this is normal and will not do anything about it
    does anyone else have this on their focus
  • zx3cdnzx3cdn Member Posts: 27
    I have the same thing. Don't care though, the car is awesome. Lots of low end torque and once you hit 3000rpm you fly. :)
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Mine still look nice and black, but it isn't hard to pull the drums, sand them down, and give them a coat of high temp engine paint. You can find spray cans in a variety of colors (if you want something different than black) at any decent auto parts store. The dealer can't be bothered with stuff like this - it is purely cosmetic, and they've got enough problems to take care of.

    It may seem obvious, but let the paint dry thoroughly before putting the wheels back on, and make sure you don't get overspray inside the drums on the friction surface.
  • wolf1313wolf1313 Member Posts: 13
    Perhaps since I have the supposed 'top of the line 'ZTS, which comes equipped with no spoiler or fog lights, this was there "thanks for buying the sucker model" present.It was nice though, but man if I could do it again I would have passed on the fake Micky Mouse woodgrain dash and gone for the SE Sport.At least I have lumbar support and map pockets on the backseat right? I still love the car!Hey guys what do you think I can not make up my mind. Should I add the spoiler ( remember I have the sedan)? When I look at the rear end it kind of looks like somethings missing.Sometimes it even looks as though it's an Escort! But then again, isn't that what the Focus really is? A replacement for the Escort? All things aside could you guys give me some feedback/opinions on whether I should add the spoiler or leave well enough alone? Thanks.......
  • zx3zx3 Member Posts: 167
    Focus Owners Guide says ...."Do not fill oil past FULL mark. It COULD cause engine damage".
    But it doesn't say "exactly how much" overfill would/could cause damage.

    Opinion on this Forum is divided. Some say a 1/2 qt. overfill is not dangerous. Others say it is.

    QUESTION:
    Has anyone here gone to www.ford.com website, and asked a Ford rep to settle this "1/2 QT." thing?
    Is it possible to get the answer there?

    Please accept my apologies for "belaboring" this issue too much.
    But our engines cost Big$$.
    And we've all seen many posts here by z owners, complaining that the Ford dealers, oil-fill shops, and garages --- routinely dump 5 qt in, when changing oil & filter, and don't tell customer.

    I'm not registered at www.ford.com but if no one here has already registered, or no one wants to volunteer --- let me know --- and I will consider going there, get registered, and see if I can get the "1/2 QT" Answer and post it here.
    zx3
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    One thing the sedan doesn't look like is an Escort. Not even close! I do like the spoiler on the sedan, though. I'd do it. The focus is a replacement for the Escort, but is nothing like it...

    wolf--

    Where did you get the idea that most 27k to 35k cars have 300hp? Closer to 150-225...
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    a co-worker had her 4dr.sedan stolen on
    sat. night. this had happened in pa.-just off the
    tpk. i thought it would be a tough nut to steal
    this car.proved me wrong.any suggestions
    on anti-theft deterrents?
    silver bullet-do you have those 2 part no.?
    the logo front mats + map dome lights, i will
    have confirmation on availability tomorrow
    thanks
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    The lamp assembly is part no. YS4Z-13776-AB. I'm sorry, I didn't get the part no. for the medium graphite front mat set (w/Focus logo). I'd be curious to see what you find out. I'm amazed anyone was able to defeat the Securilock system - did they drive the car away, or tow it off?
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    like the old saying goes you cant put 10lbs.
    of( you know what ) in a 5lb. bag and expect
    it not to break. the smart thing as you pointed out zx3, is to follow the owners manual.4 1/2
    qts. will put it to fill mark. that seems to be
    the general consesus here. i rather err on the
    side of caution. i think it is irresponsible to
    advocate that over-filling is not harmful.it is
    especially critical in a 4cyl. engine.
    to wolf1313- the focus will eventually replace
    the escort + contour.
  • tognetertogneter Member Posts: 245
    Try "The Club."
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    thanks for the quick response,i have 2 reliable
    sources for parts-if they cant get them,then i
    know they are either factory back-ordered or
    non-stock special orders. if they are available,
    i can get them shipped very easily to you. also,
    i am amazed as well about that stolen 4dr.my
    first thoughts were that the car was towed.
    howcould that securilock system be defeated?
    i am in dis-belief +very concerned if it was just driven away.
  • zx3beastzx3beast Member Posts: 661
    togneter-im glad you said try "the club" + not
    join the club.
  • gypogypo Member Posts: 1
    Hey people :) I just joined the forum. I am going
    to buy a ZX3 really soon. Maybe in the next
    couple of weeks. It will be Infra-Red and Auto.
    Auto because of my wife. She hates stick. Anyway, this forum is completely awesome. You guys are the reason that I'm totally sold on this little Gem. I'm a fan of the Subcompact as it is. I am currently driving a Festiva. I know, I know, it's
    a death trap but I just love my little car. However, I feel like it's time to get another car. Thats where the ZX3 comes in :) The car is just so sweet I can hardly believe it. I don't
    even have one yet but I already feel like a proud owner of a ZX3. Partly because I think it's
    awesome but mostly because I've read about 600 to
    800 posts in this forum already. I say 600 to 800
    because I lost count. Anyway, I look forward to
    getting my car and, as far as I'm concerned,
    becoming one of the elite :)
    Also I have not seen that many here where I live.
    I live in North Georgia. So far I've spotted 4. 1 Black SE Sedan, 2 silver Sedans, and 1 Blue Sedan.
    I've yet to see any ZX3's. Hopefully I'll be the
    first around here to flaunt one. I can hardly
    wait to enjoy mine. In the meantime, keep the
    Subcompact (and the forum) alive.

    Gypo
  • jwkessler1jwkessler1 Member Posts: 99
    I keep reading references to "curb" in this forum. Unless I'm mistaken, I believe someone made a typo and everyone else has been propagating it. I think the original reference should have been to "curve" as in torque curve. This would refer to a graphic representation of the torque produced by the engine over a range of RPM. The chip Ford uses apparently is designed to alter the shape of this curve to achieve reduced emissions or better mileage.

    Has anyone considered having a nicely engraved plaque made up which could be mounted under the hood near the oil filler cap? The plaque would list the correct oil fill, include a big warning not to over fill the engine with oil, and perhaps add something about possible engine damage. I bet mechanics would be less likely to casually overfill the engine after seeing a reminder like that.

    I saw an interesting demo of the club on TV a few years ago where a pro-thief (is there such a thing?) removed one in seconds by simply deforming the steering wheel.
  • jwkessler1jwkessler1 Member Posts: 99
    Oh, I forgot... I saw my first ZX3 that wasn't on a dealer's lot today. It was a flat black one. Some slob hasn't ever cleaned that poor puppy!

    This was in Binghamton NY.

    Soon (I hope) I'll be adding my Zinc/Egg Yoke Yellow ZX3 to the Binghamton scene. I hope to keep it a bit shinier!
  • projectzx3projectzx3 Member Posts: 256
    over-filled oil foams when it gets hot. i stand by my opinion that the car should get 4.5 qts. and not one tiny drip more! operate the oil level in the safe zone on the dipstick and you will get better performance and longevity. 4.25 to 4.5 qts. with filter change. also you know what i think? i think the suckers didn't change my filter when i took it in for the complimentary oil change @ 1900 miles. and since the fl-2005 motorcraft filter on our z-babies is designed to retain oil for immediate flow to the motor upon start up... i think thats where the excess oil in my case came from! they put 4 to 4.5 qts in and the filter they should have changed (said they changed) already had approx 3/4 qt in it! i shoul've put a crayon mark on the filter! hehe
  • tuner1tuner1 Member Posts: 44
    I came across some interesting info.check out the results to our cars crash test.Our hatchling got a five star rating while the sedan received a four star rating.Thats the price you sedan guys pay for those two extra doors! http://www.autosite.com/new/grabbag/crash/1918.asp
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    My curiosity got the better of me, so I checked my car - the cargo floor mat does have velcro attached to the underside of its rear edge, which mates with velcro attached to the rear panel. Keeps the rear edge of the cargo mat nice and smooth.

    ZX3beast - I think my parts are on national back-order, at least that's what my dealer has said. Maybe you will have more luck finding them.
  • catsoftcatsoft Member Posts: 15
    The Club will deter the casual thief and may provide peace of mind, but it won't keep any serious thief from stealing the car. It's trivially easy to remove The Club. Sure, the thing itself if from hardened steel and hard to cut, but the stearing wheel is made of very soft material designed to give way in a crash (or at least limit bodily harm somewhat). A simple metal saw will cut a steering wheel like butter and remove a Club in very little time...

    Having said all that: I use The Club in a minivan I own. Hopefully it'll deter some Joe that wants to make a quick snatch. Just wanted to make sure no one has any illusions about the thing.
  • zx3ow2zx3ow2 Member Posts: 4
    Hi,

    Just joined the zx3 owners club on Friday 5/26.
    Been reading about the zx3, test drove several other cars and chose the zx3. Malibu Blue, 5 speed.

    What is the part no. for the bmw chrome pipe. I know that I read it in an earlier session, but don't know which one. Please advise.
  • catsoftcatsoft Member Posts: 15
    Can't help myself here to add a few comments about overfilling oil. Fist the disclaimer: I'm no mechanic. On the other hand, I've taken a number of motorcycle engines apart, fixed them, and put the things together again (yes, they always worked). 4 stroke motorcycle engines work exactly the same as car engines.

    IMHO no manufacturer will design an engine that is so sensitive to overfill that going a bit over the mark will ruin it. It would just be too much hassle to deal with all those resulting warrantee cases.

    From a mechanical point of view, the oil sump is just that, a bucket hanging under the engine holding oil. Putting in more won't make any difference, up to a point. Things get bad when rotating parts (crankshaft) start hitting the top of the oil. That's when pressures build, it'll foam like mad, and gaskets/seals get blown. Of course, no one knows how much overfill the engine will handle before that happens.
  • catsoftcatsoft Member Posts: 15
    Can't help myself here to add a few comments about overfilling oil. Fist the disclaimer: I'm no mechanic. On the other hand, I've taken a number of motorcycle engines apart, fixed them, and put the things together again (yes, they always worked). 4 stroke motorcycle engines work exactly the same as car engines.

    IMHO no manufacturer will design an engine that is so sensitive to overfill that going a bit over the mark will ruin it. It would just be too much hassle to deal with all those resulting warrantee cases.

    From a mechanical point of view, the oil sump is just that, a bucket hanging under the engine holding oil. Putting in more won't make any difference, up to a point. Things get bad when rotating parts (crankshaft) start hitting the top of the oil. That's when pressures build, it'll foam like mad, and gaskets/seals get blown. Of course, no one knows how much overfill the engine will handle before that happens.
  • mznmzn Member Posts: 727
    The gabfest goes on! Join us in our our newest ZX3 topic.

    carlady/host
  • fgaydosfgaydos Member Posts: 319
    The club devices are easily defeated if they want your car. They saw through the steering wheel and slip it off. Mostly a deterrent to kids, not pro's.
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