I think they’re pretty fun. Zetec with a manual sounds like a blast. The only ones I’ve driven were automatic, but I remember the steering being surprisingly good.
Hadi said:
I think they’re pretty fun. Zetec with a manual sounds like a blast. The only ones I’ve driven were automatic, but I remember the steering being surprisingly good.
Exactly. A 5-speed manual with coilovers would probably make it handle like a dream.
@Blue
You can even swap in a Duratec 2.5 for more power. It’s not too complicated.
Hadi said:
@Blue
You can even swap in a Duratec 2.5 for more power. It’s not too complicated.
Really? I’ve only heard about the SVT ZX3 with the 6-speed and a better 2.0 engine.
Hadi said:
@Blue
You can even swap in a Duratec 2.5 for more power. It’s not too complicated.
Really? I’ve only heard about the SVT ZX3 with the 6-speed and a better 2.0 engine.
A friend of mine had one in high school. It was alright, but my CRX was definitely faster.
Hadi said:
@Blue
You can even swap in a Duratec 2.5 for more power. It’s not too complicated.
Really? I’ve only heard about the SVT ZX3 with the 6-speed and a better 2.0 engine.
Yep, that’s the 170hp SVT Focus, also called the ST170 in Europe.
Hadi said:
@Blue
You can even swap in a Duratec 2.5 for more power. It’s not too complicated.
I just looked into the 2.5 swap. I’m definitely tempted to get a ZX3 and do it for a fun little gas saver.
@Blue
Do it! I’ve been keeping an eye out for a cheap Focus or Mazda3 with a bad engine to try this swap myself.
Hadi said:
@Blue
Do it! I’ve been keeping an eye out for a cheap Focus or Mazda3 with a bad engine to try this swap myself.
If you go with the 2.5 swap, do you use the 5-speed MTX75 from the ZX3, or can you fit the 6-speed from the SVT?
@Blue
A 6-speed manual with a little Cosworth magic would make it a beast.
Hadi said:
I think they’re pretty fun. Zetec with a manual sounds like a blast. The only ones I’ve driven were automatic, but I remember the steering being surprisingly good.
Here’s a cool trivia bit for you: the 2006 Ford GT supercar used a Focus steering rack. Best fit they could find.
I always thought these had the best design. The high tail lamps are a great touch.
I had a 2007 ZX3 SES for years and loved it. Great handling, super reliable, and cheap to maintain, but the interior quality was trash.
Had a 5-speed Zetec. Really fun to drive but slow as heck. Reliability was hit-or-miss.
Kieran said:
Had a 5-speed Zetec. Really fun to drive but slow as heck. Reliability was hit-or-miss.
Mine keeps chewing through idler pulleys for no apparent reason.
Kieran said:
Had a 5-speed Zetec. Really fun to drive but slow as heck. Reliability was hit-or-miss.
Same here. My slave cylinder failed and leaked into the transmission, ruining the clutch.
I’ve always thought of these as furry little cars.
I had one back in 2008, a 5-speed manual. It wasn’t the quickest, but it was super comfy and fun to drive. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat.
Funny how the picture of the car isn’t even in focus.