I'm irritated at the lack of aftermarket for 2.0L/2.3L Ford Duratecs

[JCE]

You know what has been irritating me the fact that the US-spec Duratec Focus has little or no aftermarket parts and even the ones that are around are either too expensive and or don't even give that much of a gain. I mean Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas have some good aftermarket parts for less or equal money and they do more. I do know why Japanese 4cyl motors are better for tuning but that still doesn't excuse Ford for dropping the ball on this one. Yes, I blame Ford.

I've spent the last week--had nothing else better to do since I am housesitting--researching Focus owners forums to see what kind of aftermarket the Duratec has and it's not pretty. Apparently, you need to spend upwards of $4000-6000 to get the Focus below a 14 second ¼mi. With fully tuned Foci posting numbers of 0-60mph times of over 6 seconds--with no one posting below 6 seconds to 60mph without spending $10k or swapping the engine. I'm just sick, not to mention the gasmileage isn't what I want it to be when compared to the Civic, Corolla, and Sentra.

I'm pretty much set on trading my '05 ZX5 within a year for something else--front runner is the V6 Fusion or an '07 Mustang GT. I half bought the Focus expecting a decent aftermarket...what I didn't realize is the aftermarket the Focus has is for the 2000-2004 models with SPI or ZETEC engines...and even then it still takes $1000's just to get a good tuned Focus. The only thing that will sway me to keep my ZX5 is either; a) swap the 2.0L for the 2.5L Duratec from the SVT Contour or b) pay it off and have some extra $$$ to just get another car to modify this using the ZX5 for a daily driver.

Who else here has had a similar experience after buying a car--not just Focus owners but anyone in general.

 

[Poverty]

why not trade in the focus for something japanese?

 

[Ghost C]

Why not do something crazy like, put a real motor in it. You're going to spend thousands on any N/A 4 cylinder to get them to break into the 13's. It doesn't matter whether it's American, European, or Japanese.

Edit: And just so it doesn't seem like I posted that to be an ass, yes, I've had a similar experience. Until I started making parts for it, the Cadillac 4.9 had zero aftermarket. Now people are starting to take interest, and I'm still trying to get the bigger companies to start making parts for it.

 

[IMADreamer]

why not trade in the focus for something japanese?

Believe it or not some people don't like Japanese cars. I know, it's a shock but there are American fanboys too just like there are Japanese fanboys. I'm not saying that this guy is a fanboy but maybe he just doesn't want a Japanese car? Or in my case the nearest Japanese dealer is about an hour drive away.

I am a little suprised that there is no support for the Ford 4 bangers. If you are a die hard Ford guy, which it sounds like you are, I would say just get a Mustang. You know the V8s will have plenty of aftermarket and the V6s will too.

 

[Raghavan]

Just get the Focus RS8 conversion and it'll only set you back about $100k. 👍

 

[Onikaze]

Yeah, sadly if you want aftermarket love, get a V-6 or V-8 Mustang.

You will be up to your ears in options that way.

 

[YSSMAN]

...I thought the 2.3L engine had an aftermarket for it? Jackson Racing does a lot of tuning on the Duratec I4s, and if not, you can always pull up the Ford Racing website and buy factory-backed parts that come with a warranty.

 

[Master_Yoda]

Well nothing compares to Japanese aftermarkets... I mean that's what there cars are made for.

 

[IMADreamer]

Well nothing compares to Japanese aftermarkets... I mean that's what there cars are made for.

Mustang aftermarket >>>>>> Japanese aftermarket. I remember going to the Chicago auto show the year the new mustangs were coming out and there were already two dozen different aftermarket companies there selling parts for it. The car wasn't even out yet. It was mind boggling. I used to think the civic and DSM eclipses had the biggest aftermarket but the Mustang has them beat so badly it's sickening. Honestly it would be possible to give 100 people mustangs and the money to mod them and it would be entirely possible that no two would be alike. .

 

[JCE]

Just get the Focus RS8 conversion and it'll only set you back about $100k.

I'd rather have the RS200 w/the 302 V8 RWD swap.

why not trade in the focus for something japanese?

Because as much as I love Nissans and Mazdas it would be cheaper for me to get a Ford since I get a D-plan discount (4-6% below invoice usually+incentaves+discounts)--and getting a RWD sport coupe is on my list. I'm seriously considering getting a previous generation Mustang GT/Cobra.

...I thought the 2.3L engine had an aftermarket for it? Jackson Racing does a lot of tuning on the Duratec I4s, and if not, you can always pull up the Ford Racing website and buy factory-backed parts that come with a warranty.

Problem is I do not own the Focus ST--which has the 2.3L, I own the plain ol' 2.0L Duratec. Either way the 2.3L aftermarket is scarce and costs too much...

 

[eiriksmil]

Listen my friend, nothing is hard until you've owned a 1.3 litre Daihatsu Charade with the HC-E engine. Nothing beats that. I can get Golf/Jetta parts thrown after me, same with Mitsubishi, Toyota, etc, but Daihatsu, everything I found in my own country was H&R springs. In the UK I've found Bilstein dampers for the GTti, but that's all. Fun, eh? Exhaust, since it's custom built, will cost me around $1200..

 

[JCE]

Touche', you win. But, that still doesn't make me feel any better. Infact I'd be better off with that car--I'd strip it, do some basic tunes, and throw on a small turbo. That little car would be great to thrash around. 👍 I've often thought about buying some old cheap Hyundai Accent or the Suzuki Esteem or something to gut the interior and make an autocross car out of. lol

 

[YSSMAN]

This should have what you are looking for...

Ford Racing Performance Parts

 

[JCE]

This should have what you are looking for...

Ford Racing Performance Parts

Nope. Again mostly parts for the ZETEC, SVT, and 2.3L Duratec motors. And these parts are way too expensive anyway. $3100 for a supercharger kit for the SVT and it adds (according to the website) 30bhp and 11lb.ft of torque? WEAK. I'm now shopping around looking for a Mustang--I haven't decided what I should get yet. I can get a base 2006 V6 coupe for about $16k brand new...or buy pre-owned and get a 2003-2004 Mustang GT with low miles for around $13k~15k. And if I decide to get a Cobra it would have to be a 1999-2001 model with average miles to get it in my price range. I've all but decided not to spend any $$$ on my Focus that isn't regular maintience. I'm probably about 6 months away from trading the Focus in--at that time I will have positive equity to use for a trade. I'm not going to get a Fusion unless the total monthly payment+insurance is more than $125 more per month for the Mustang. I know the GTO is only $25 per month more insurance more than my Focus but the payment would be well over $175 more a month. Unless I get EXTREMELY lucky finding a 2004 model for $16k that doesn't have too high mileage.

P.S. Thing is with the 2006 V6 is there's a good aftermarket for it--OR I could easily drop the 4.6L V8 in it for very little money when compared to modding the Focus. I can get a retired P71 Crown Vic for less than $2k--can you say donor vehicle? And, heh, for the hell of it I could drop the 4.0L V6 in the P71 just to be different. 👍

P.P.S. God this is irritating...everytime I look at my Focus now I don't smile...I frown. What a waste of money, this car is great for what it's designed for--to be an econobox.

 

[Master_Yoda]

Mustang aftermarket >>>>>> Japanese aftermarket. I remember going to the Chicago auto show the year the new mustangs were coming out and there were already two dozen different aftermarket companies there selling parts for it. The car wasn't even out yet. It was mind boggling. I used to think the civic and DSM eclipses had the biggest aftermarket but the Mustang has them beat so badly it's sickening. Honestly it would be possible to give 100 people mustangs and the money to mod them and it would be entirely possible that no two would be alike. .

Imports have it better... Mustangs.. Saleen..Rousch..O god I know a couple others... I forget..

Imports... Spoon, Nismo, HKS, Vail Side... Omg this can go on for ever....

 

[YSSMAN]

If you're looking for a Mustang now JCE300GT, I'd probably go about finding myself a used GT, or if you've got a bit more money to spend, try to find one of the special eddition Mach 1 or Boss Mustangs.

According to Edmunds.com, you should be able to find a 2003 Mach 1 for about $18-19K, and that doesn't sound like a horrible way to go. But being that you are looking at the $15K at most, the newest and fastest Mustang available would be a 2001-2002 GT, which does include the super-rare Bullitt Eddition GT.

But if you want to be different, I could understand the necessity of picking up a Crown Vic with the Persuit Package. I've seen midified Crown Vics with upwards of 500 BHP capable of near 200 MPH, and if you can find the good ones, they can look stunning when modified correctly. Think Marauder but with Ford badges...

EDIT:

@Master_Yoda: I know you are one of those silly import fans, but what you are saying is just plain stupid. Comparing HKS and Spoon against companies like Rousch or Saleen is just silly. Rousch and Saleen both have proven themselves on the road and track, and often build some of the best aftermarket models available in the United States. Do I even need to mention something like the S7? What do those companies have, the NISMO R34 Z-Tune? Bitte...

There are plenty of companies from Japan that make some great aftermarket parts, so what? There are plenty here in the United States as well. One cannot forget about Lingenfelter, SLP, Gibbs Performance, Stillen, Jackson Racing, Vortech, Comptech, Edelbrock, Moroso, Mallett, Hennessey, etc. And that in itself is barely scratching the surface.

...Lest you forget of course, that America is the one who not only began to build cars on a massive scale, we were also the ones to begin racing on a massive scale as well. High performance parts have been a cornerstone of our industry for decades, and thus hundreds of companies, individual tuners, etc have been created in the process.

Its not like a Hot Roda ala Import Scene thing never happened before. Roll the clock back to the post-war era, and our Grandparents were all building up their Plymouths and Chevrolets.

 

[Perfect Balance]

Imports have it better... Mustangs.. Saleen..Rousch..O god I know a couple others... I forget..

Imports... Spoon, Nismo, HKS, Vail Side... Omg this can go on for ever....

Ahh who cares how much tuning companys there is. For either car, there is going to be more stuff than you could buy anyways. You like imports, I like imports, but I respect Mustangs and other domestic cars, because I know that the fastest car in my city is a 800+hp Dodge Charger, which is faster than any import around. Yes, we have loads of cars that could outhandle any domestic car around, but each person likes different things. If speed is his thing, then why not? They don't handle very bad either, especially then new Mustangs, they are great cars.

@YSSMAN: I think what makes me like import cars better is the way the Japanese use technology to the fullest. As soon as they find something new or better, they use it. Americans like to stick to traditions, makes stuff the way they always have been. Sure, they get better at making it, but its still the same ideas as they were 50 years ago.

 

[YSSMAN]

I really don't see what the problem is with that Perfect. It keeps costs down and reliability goes up over time (generally speaking). Keep in mind that Americans don't like change, and when big changes come, they often are not taken well. Thats why most models, engines, transmissions, etc evolve over time into something new instead of being radically different.

Technology, IMO, is what is killing our cars today. Why do you think Toyotas and Hondas are becoming so dreadfully boring and BMWs are becoming impossible to even drive? Technology is the answer there, and although I can most certainly see the benefits of some of it, why not build cars with their roots tied to the past and not necessiarily the future?

I applaud GM for not tacking on a bunch of crap to the new Kappa cars, as they don't need it. Traction control? Please, thats what a limited-slip differential is for. Flappy-paddle SMG gearbox? Not in a true sports car...

It is so unfortunate how technology has changed cars from being fun to drive, although somewhat dangerous, into overly safe rides with no fun quotient.

 

[IMADreamer]

Imports have it better... Mustangs.. Saleen..Rousch..O god I know a couple others... I forget..

Imports... Spoon, Nismo, HKS, Vail Side... Omg this can go on for ever....

So because you have heard of more Japanese companies then American then there must clearly be more aftermarket for the Japanese cars.

You seriously have to get out of your little Japanese fanboy world. There is so much more to cars then that if you would just open your eyes.

 

[Perfect Balance]

I really don't see what the problem is with that Perfect.

Technology, IMO, is what is killing our cars today.

I'm not saying there is a problem with that, that's just my reasoning for liking Japanese cars better. I like new things, and Japanese cars keep me satisfied.

When I say technology, I'm not talking about things like dvd players and navigation systems. I love those old truenos with nothing but a steering wheel, pedals and a seat.

When I say technology, I mean things like V-tec and such. I love the idea of getting 1000+hp out of a 2.6 liter engine. Thats the things that amaze me and make me say wow. When I see 1000hp out of a 5 liter engine, then it doesn't seem as great of a feat. It seems like when you have that much engine to work with, it's not such a great accomplishment.

 

[JCE]

If you're looking for a Mustang now JCE300GT, I'd probably go about finding myself a used GT, or if you've got a bit more money to spend, try to find one of the special eddition Mach 1 or Boss Mustangs.

According to Edmunds.com, you should be able to find a 2003 Mach 1 for about $18-19K, and that doesn't sound like a horrible way to go. But being that you are looking at the $15K at most, the newest and fastest Mustang available would be a 2001-2002 GT, which does include the super-rare Bullitt Eddition GT.

But if you want to be different, I could understand the necessity of picking up a Crown Vic with the Persuit Package. I've seen midified Crown Vics with upwards of 500 BHP capable of near 200 MPH, and if you can find the good ones, they can look stunning when modified correctly. Think Marauder but with Ford badges...

I get not only a D-plan for new FoMoCo vehicles but I can get a used car for $250 more than what the dealer took it in for. So, if someone got raped on their trade in I can score. And I'll just get a base GT 5spd and drop the Cobra supercharger among other mods OR I'll get a pre-2003 Cobra and do the same--or drop the 5.4L + supercharger. If I can find a Bullitt, Boss, or Mach 1 'stang for the right price then that would of course be acceptable.

If you remember I had a '99 P71 and I loved the hell out of it but it just don't float my boat to mod for the street and possibly autocross. However, I've had talks with my buddies about building a Ford V10 Crown Vic drag car before. 👍

 

[a6m5]

I think used Mustangs are great idea. I think you, or your dad worked for a Ford Dealership? If that was the case, search the dealers' used Mustang inventory. Then go to kbb.com and check the "trade-in" value. If your used car manager does his job well, those used Stangs' price should be close to the lower(fair?) trade-in value. Few years old Mustang GTs are dirt cheap, my friend.

Edit: I do think Fusion and '06 & newer Mustang GTs are great. Personally, I'd go with a 4-banger Fusion.

 

[Master_Yoda]

You seriously have to get out of your little Japanese fanboy world.

You need to shut your mouth and read my posts. My favorite cars next to Nissan/Honda, is Lotus, BMW, and Mercedes... THATS NOT JAPANESE. I'm not a f'ing Jpnese car fan boy. I'm a general import fanboy... But thats only because I don't like the looks of muscle cars... Whats wrong with that? SHOOT ME..
I absolutly love classic British sports cars.

Yeah Mustangs have alot of aftermarket ****... People are upsest with Muscle Cars at my school. The very reason I like imports right there. 2 People at my school own Rousches, and we have 3 95' Mustangs also. Yeah they sound nice and stuff... I preticulary don't like the looks...

 

[JCE]

I think used Mustangs are great idea. I think you, or your dad worked for a Ford Dealership? If that was the case, search the dealers' used Mustang inventory. Then go to kbb.com and check the "trade-in" value. If your used car manager does his job well, those used Stangs' price should be close to the lower(fair?) trade-in value. Few years old Mustang GTs are dirt cheap, my friend.

Edit: I do think Fusion and '06 & newer Mustang GTs are great. Personally, I'd go with a 4-banger Fusion.

Yea, I really dig the Fusion but I think I just can't stand driving a family car anymore. I keep going from sport coupe to saloon to coupe to saloon...now I need to get back to having a coupe. It's a vicious cycle really. lol If I decided to get a new Mustang it'd be the base V6 so I could drop a couple of turbos in or a nice little supercharger...or a 4.6L/5.4L later in it's life. I'm pretty set on getting a 2002/2003 GT. I really doubt I'm going to find a low mileage (30000mi-50000mi) 1999-2002 Cobra within my price range--but if I did get lucky and find a non-convertable Cobra within my price range I will get it in a nanosecond. Now my biggest problem is getting employed for someone other than myself (being self employed sucks) and waiting 5-6 months to actually buy the car.

 

[IMADreamer]

I'm not saying there is a problem with that, that's just my reasoning for liking Japanese cars better. I like new things, and Japanese cars keep me satisfied.

When I say technology, I'm not talking about things like dvd players and navigation systems. I love those old truenos with nothing but a steering wheel, pedals and a seat.

When I say technology, I mean things like V-tec and such. I love the idea of getting 1000+hp out of a 2.6 liter engine. Thats the things that amaze me and make me say wow. When I see 1000hp out of a 5 liter engine, then it doesn't seem as great of a feat. It seems like when you have that much engine to work with, it's not such a great accomplishment.

1000hp is a 1000hp I don't give a damn what engine it comes out of it. It's impressive.

Master Yoda: Ok so your not a Japanese fanboy, but you sure are an American hater. Either way it's the same level of ignorance.

 

[Master_Yoda]

Master Yoda: Ok so your not a Japanese fanboy, but you sure are an American hater. Either way it's the same level of ignorance.

I'm not a American Hater.... Actually I really like new GTO, and C6 Z06.. But in general, I really don't like how most American cars looks, or the fact they can't get gas mileage worth a ****. But I like the older Mustangs and Chargers.. There just really sweet looking, I don't care if those old muscle cars can't handle,,, I just like the looks. And thats what matters to me.

 

[Perfect Balance]

I'm not a American Hater.... Actually I really like new GTO, and C6 Z06.. But in general, I really don't like how most American cars looks, or the fact they can't get gas mileage worth a ****. But I like the older Mustangs and Chargers.. There just really sweet looking, I don't care if those old muscle cars can't handle,,, I just like the looks. And thats what matters to me.

Then what are you? You like Imports in general, you don't hate American cars, but everyone seem to view you as someone who does? In my eyes too, it seems like you always talk bad things on American cars.
I don't like them that much either, but cars like the Ford GT and those old Plymouth Cudas, they are nice. The new Corvette is also one fast car. I mostly don't like cars like the Neons and Cavaliers, the Focus's. The sport compacts.

Crap, I making this thread go way off-topic. I'm done here.

 

[Poverty]

lol this thread if funny. First and foremost, JCE3000GT, I think you should get a stang.


Now to wade through the rest of the mess.

@Master_Yoda: I know you are one of those silly import fans, but what you are saying is just plain stupid. Comparing HKS and Spoon against companies like Rousch or Saleen is just silly. Rousch and Saleen both have proven themselves on the road and track, and often build some of the best aftermarket models available in the United States. Do I even need to mention something like the S7? What do those companies have, the NISMO R34 Z-Tune? Bitte...

Its a silly argument of apples vs oranges. Calling master yoda a silly import fan whilst quite amusing isnt very PC as he could call you a silly domestic fan etc etc.

Mustang aftermarket >>>>>> Japanese aftermarket.

Depends on where you live. Worldwide the japanese aftermarket is much bigger.

...Lest you forget of course, that America is the one who not only began to build cars on a massive scale, we were also the ones to begin racing on a massive scale as well.

Its arguable.

Technology, IMO, is what is killing our cars today. Why do you think Toyotas and Hondas are becoming so dreadfully boring and BMWs are becoming impossible to even drive? Technology is the answer there, and although I can most certainly see the benefits of some of it, why not build cars with their roots tied to the past and not necessiarily the future?

American VS German and japanese sales would suggest otherwise.

I applaud GM for not tacking on a bunch of crap to the new Kappa cars, as they don't need it. Traction control? Please, thats what a limited-slip differential is for. Flappy-paddle SMG gearbox? Not in a true sports car...

I dont think GM would have been able to afford to do so if they wanted, and as theyre a max profit car manufacturer like toyota they dont incorporate much technology to keep costs down and profits up.

It is so unfortunate how technology has changed cars from being fun to drive, although somewhat dangerous, into overly safe rides with no fun quotient.

Those technology ridden cars still seem to be more fun to drive than those without barring exotica, maybe its because the non-techno competition is so dismal.

1000hp is a 1000hp I don't give a damn what engine it comes out of it. It's impressive.

Many motoring publications would disagree, as cars that achieve over 100hp/liter and are NA are widely celebrated.

 

[Master_Yoda]

Then what are you? You like Imports in general, you don't hate American cars, but everyone seem to view you as someone who does? In my eyes too, it seems like you always talk bad things on American cars.
I don't like them that much either, but cars like the Ford GT and those old Plymouth Cudas, they are nice. The new Corvette is also one fast car. I mostly don't like cars like the Neons and Cavaliers, the Focus's. The sport compacts.

Crap, I making this thread go way off-topic. I'm done here.

I do hate Domestics, other then those few... I basically consider anything out side of America Imports...

Anyways i'm done here..

 

[Race Idiot]

The best thing you can do to the focus is turn it into a decent autocrosser, the best thing about the focus (well in europe anyway) is it's handing because it has rear IRS which helps allot. You can actually purchase the SVT suspension bits to improve the handling here for $260.

I dunno for a car like that it's just not worth it for power mods I doubt the designers thought that it would be able to run 11 sec runs on the 1/4 mile.

Also yeah not every engine can be like the GM Ecotec, which I know can be modified into some crazy firebreathing beast.

Also why does every second thread have to turn into an american cars vs the rest of the world thread and why we should all be buying corvettes because they are gods gift to cars and omg why would anyone buy anything other than a corvette I mean its soooo fast and awesome and I stuff and so cheap and gm are gods etc etc