Okay folks, this one is going to go slow and steady, and not nearly as much fun as more heavily-funded build threads but I wanted to create a thread to hold myself accountable and track progress in one place.
Back story: I'm 28 and I got married to the most wonderful woman in the world last October. I have always loved hatchbacks, but have always driven coupes because, well, girls are more impressed with coupes. And then I marry a woman who couldn't care less about the type of car I drive... didn't see that coming. Four years ago I bought a '07 G35 coupe (auto). My wife has always hated that car, due to the stiff suspension and the fact that it ate tires for breakfast (staggered setup = no rotating). I decided to sell my G35 in August in order to get some more utility out of my car while still maintaining the fun-to-drive factor. Four doors and FWD (it gets snowy around these parts, although we plan to move to AZ in 2-3 years) contributed to convincing my wife that this would be a practical choice. The ST is my daily driver. So far I love the thing. It's my first manual car and that has been a lot of fun to learn.
The Core Values:
1. Fun. I love driving, and this car is a blast to drive. Anything that can add to that experience is a plus, with the other goals in mind.
2. Practicality. It's a 5 door hatchback Ford at the end of the day. It's great for hauling groceries, hardware, hockey equipment, kids (at some point in the future). I don't want any of my mods to sacrifice that.
3. Subtlety. I would like to maintain a stock-ish look and that "ah, he sold his G35 to get a Focus, what a responsible gentleman" spirit
4. Budget. I'm well aware that there are better purposes for my cash than investing in my commuter car, so I'm looking to keep my mod spending down around $100 per month from Sept '14 forward (after the wheels/tires, which were kind of necessary). With that in mind, I expect this build to take about 3 years. EDIT: For Phase 2 on I have bumped that up to $175 per month, including the $420 overage from Phase 1, as my income has increased and my car deserves a piece of that pie. Will drop that down to $150 per month for Phase 3. I've also added a phase 4 and a "Long Term" phase as I learn more about what I want... which means this is going well beyond 3 years, more like 5. The "Long Term" phase will not be budget restricted, but rather will save money by perfecting this car rather than upgrading to a newer car
The Plan:
Phase 1 (Sept '14 - Mar '15):
17" Enkei M52 wheels in Matte Grey DONE
Continental ControlContact Sport All-Season tires 225/50 DONE
Remove Focus Emblem from hatch DONE 9/5/14
Green Filter DONE 9/16/2014
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHIR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4" ST stickers for side skirts DONE 9/20/14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251567642954?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Rokblokz short mudflaps - black w/ red logo DONE 9/23/14
http://www.rokblokz.com/ford-focus-st-11-14.html
CF/ red vinyl overlays for front and rear ford emblems DONE 9/28/14
http://www.ebay.com/usr/sinclairgraphics
Black/ red vinyl overlay for steering wheel ford emblem DONE 9/26/14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181398017951?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Cobb Accesport V3 DONE 10/2/14
Plasti-Dip front lip matte black DONE 10/26/14
Hella Optilux yellow foglight bulbs DONE 12/6/14
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E2WMWG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Boomba 270g shift knob DONE 1/1/15
http://www.edgeautosport.com/manufa...-knob-ford-focus-st-2013-2014-fiesta-st-2014/
Cobb SS Plate DONE 1/3/15 - REMOVED 3/21/15 in favor of Breedt arm
http://www.edgeautosport.com/cobb-tuning-short-shift-plate-ford-focus-st-2013/
Boomba aluminum cable bracket bushings DONE 1/17/15
http://www.edgeautosport.com/manufa...bracket-bushings-red-ford-focus-st-2013-2014/
Custom Vibrant/ Magnaflow CBE DONE 1/30/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E3VHWI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CCFZZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XGC4M0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V19PUC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VQY660/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Mountune intake elbow DONE 2/07/15
http://www.mountuneusa.com/mountune-High-Flow-Induction-Hose-Focus-ST-p/2363-ih-blk.htm
Steeda symposer delete DONE 2/07/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380927527871?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
COBB AP3 holster (unfortunately mine didn't come with one) DONE 3/08/15
http://www.cobbtuning.com/Accessport-V3-Holster-p/ap3-holster.htm
COBB AP3 vent mount (just for the ball socket/ dovetail piece to fit onto the holster) DONE 3/08/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111349435843?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Arkon adjustable suction cup mount for AP3 DONE 3/08/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251379284115?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Needless Torque Calibrations Shift Cable Bushing DONE 3/14/15
https://www.facebook.com/groups/944538215556945/
CFM valve cover breather DONE 3/14/15
http://www.c-f-m.com/performancepar...2013-14-Focus-ST-ST250-p3732.htm#.VPeRwyvF-y4
Rocket Science Intake snorkel DONE 3/21/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/rocket-science/
Breedt quick shift arm DONE 3/21/15
http://breedt-performance-car-parts...archPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12
Panda inlet tube DONE 3/22/15
http://www.pandamotorworks.com/collections/focus-st/products/inlet-tube?variant=1050553008
CP-E Stage 2 RMM DONE 3/22/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/sold-sold-sold/35327-fs-cp-e-xflex-stage-2-rmm.html
Phase 2 (Apr '15- Feb '16):
Turbosmart 50/50 BPV/BOV DONE 4/18/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IGWW5UC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Brisk Racing Silver spark plugs (used, 10k miles) DONE 5/3/15 - Removed 7/19/15 in favor of Densos
Modify exhaust to be flush with bumper DONE 5/9/15
Steeda lowering springs DONE 5/16/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/sold-s...e-downpipe-steeda-lowering-springs-14-st.html
Garageline 15/20 wheel spacers DONE 5/18/15
http://dsautosport.com/shop/garageline-ford-focus-st-wheel-spacers/
Garageline Hood Struts DONE 5/20/15
http://dsautosport.com/shop/garage-line-2013-ford-ford-focus-st-hood-strut-kit/
30% tint DONE 6/3/15
Gloss black roof wrap and sideview mirrors wrap DONE 6/13/15
Black Gurney flap for rear spoiler DONE 6/13/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161457965732?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/usr/burtonracing?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
After Hours Fabricators CXRacing FMIC DONE 6/20/15
https://www.facebook.com/afterhoursfabricators
Depo Racing cold side charge pipe DONE 6/20/15
http://www.deporacing.us/shop/ford/ford-focus-st-intercooler-pipe-kit/
Rebel Devil Customs downpipe bracket DONE 7/1/15
Depo Racing Catted Downpipe DONE 7/1/15
Denso ITV22 Sparkplugs DONE 7/19/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CJ04AK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Breedt IM Spacer DONE 7/19/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/parts-...-spacer-non-ported-75-shipped.html#post892466
Roush airbox w/ AEM dryflow filter DONE 1/16/16
http://www.roushperformance.com/parts/ROUSH-Replacment-Air-Box-Seal.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHN1W7G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291655572778?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Replace rear hatch panel and wrap gloss black DONE 1/29/16
Panda Tune DONE 2/4/16
Phase 3 (Feb '16 - Jun '16):
FastMKCParts aluminum shift cable bushings DONE 2/13/16
Boomba short throw shifter DONE 2/28/16
Boomba aluminum shifter base bushings DONE 2/28/16
Anarchy motive Atlas shift knob DONE 2/28/16
Redline shift boot DONE 2/28/16
Forge Recirc Valve DONE 2/29/16
Mountune Filter DONE 3/17/16
18" Advanti HY Hybris wheels DONE 3/18/16
245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports DONE 3/18/16
Depo Racing 3.5" intercooler Done 4/12/16
Bilstein B8 shocks/struts and required hardware Done 4/14/16
2013 Eibach Pro Kit Done 4/14/16
Revamped Custom Exhaust Done 5/20/16
ZL1 Rock Guards Done 5/28/16
Stratified E30 flash tune Done 6/27/16
---------------------------------------------------------------------
------- Hiatus as I move to AZ, buy a new house, etc -------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Phase 4 (Feb '17 - May '18):
K&N Filter and airbox lid Done 2/17/17
TB Performance front traction bar Done 3/20/17
Velossa Tech Bigger Mouth Snorkel Done 4/16/17
Front grill bar delete and DHM Front Crash Bar Done 4/16/17
Massive rear endlinks w/ Eibach rear swaybar Done 8/14/17
Depo Racing hot side charge pipe Done 8/27/17
TB Performance Rear Traction Bar Done 8/28/17
Custom Exhaust pt. 5: Magnaflow 12276 in the midpipe, Magnaflow 10416 in the pre-axle section, rear muffler delete
Rear wiper delete
Paint calipers red
Headlight retrofit
Tial Q Bov on the hotside charge pipe and JBR symposer delete to run vacuum to the BOV
Long Term:
GTX2867r (or GTX2863r??? :serious: http://www.focusst.org/forum/strati...67r-gtx2863r-daily-driver-w-modest-goals.html)
Radium Engineering/ Panda Motorworks Aux Fuel Kit
Maxton Designs v2 front lip - gloss black
Maxton Designs side skirts - gloss black
Maxton Designs wing extension
Re-wrap rear hatch panel in Satin Black
Gel Badges AU black/red Ford badges
Custom satin black Mountune-style side vinyl graphics
(for reference: https://cdn3.volusion.com/rnmwa.rjxsk/v/vspfiles/photos/2363-SS-Color-6.jpg?1394710558 but with a 20" white/red Ford Performance decal in place of the Mountune text)
Big Brake Kit - Brand and Type TBD
Mfactory LSD
ACT lightweight Flywheel
Odyssey PC680 battery and Grimspeed Lightweight Battery Mount Kit
Here's a shot of the car after getting the new wheels/tires put on:
I'll be documenting my mods, struggles with installation, etc here. I will also keep a focus on the budget. I want this to grow into a useful guide for people who want to do a modest build without breaking the bank.
As this is truly my first adventure into modding, any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
Back story: I'm 28 and I got married to the most wonderful woman in the world last October. I have always loved hatchbacks, but have always driven coupes because, well, girls are more impressed with coupes. And then I marry a woman who couldn't care less about the type of car I drive... didn't see that coming. Four years ago I bought a '07 G35 coupe (auto). My wife has always hated that car, due to the stiff suspension and the fact that it ate tires for breakfast (staggered setup = no rotating). I decided to sell my G35 in August in order to get some more utility out of my car while still maintaining the fun-to-drive factor. Four doors and FWD (it gets snowy around these parts, although we plan to move to AZ in 2-3 years) contributed to convincing my wife that this would be a practical choice. The ST is my daily driver. So far I love the thing. It's my first manual car and that has been a lot of fun to learn.
The Core Values:
1. Fun. I love driving, and this car is a blast to drive. Anything that can add to that experience is a plus, with the other goals in mind.
2. Practicality. It's a 5 door hatchback Ford at the end of the day. It's great for hauling groceries, hardware, hockey equipment, kids (at some point in the future). I don't want any of my mods to sacrifice that.
3. Subtlety. I would like to maintain a stock-ish look and that "ah, he sold his G35 to get a Focus, what a responsible gentleman" spirit
4. Budget. I'm well aware that there are better purposes for my cash than investing in my commuter car, so I'm looking to keep my mod spending down around $100 per month from Sept '14 forward (after the wheels/tires, which were kind of necessary). With that in mind, I expect this build to take about 3 years. EDIT: For Phase 2 on I have bumped that up to $175 per month, including the $420 overage from Phase 1, as my income has increased and my car deserves a piece of that pie. Will drop that down to $150 per month for Phase 3. I've also added a phase 4 and a "Long Term" phase as I learn more about what I want... which means this is going well beyond 3 years, more like 5. The "Long Term" phase will not be budget restricted, but rather will save money by perfecting this car rather than upgrading to a newer car
The Plan:
Phase 1 (Sept '14 - Mar '15):
17" Enkei M52 wheels in Matte Grey DONE
Continental ControlContact Sport All-Season tires 225/50 DONE
Remove Focus Emblem from hatch DONE 9/5/14
Green Filter DONE 9/16/2014
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHIR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4" ST stickers for side skirts DONE 9/20/14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251567642954?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Rokblokz short mudflaps - black w/ red logo DONE 9/23/14
http://www.rokblokz.com/ford-focus-st-11-14.html
CF/ red vinyl overlays for front and rear ford emblems DONE 9/28/14
http://www.ebay.com/usr/sinclairgraphics
Black/ red vinyl overlay for steering wheel ford emblem DONE 9/26/14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181398017951?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Cobb Accesport V3 DONE 10/2/14
Plasti-Dip front lip matte black DONE 10/26/14
Hella Optilux yellow foglight bulbs DONE 12/6/14
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E2WMWG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Boomba 270g shift knob DONE 1/1/15
http://www.edgeautosport.com/manufa...-knob-ford-focus-st-2013-2014-fiesta-st-2014/
Cobb SS Plate DONE 1/3/15 - REMOVED 3/21/15 in favor of Breedt arm
http://www.edgeautosport.com/cobb-tuning-short-shift-plate-ford-focus-st-2013/
Boomba aluminum cable bracket bushings DONE 1/17/15
http://www.edgeautosport.com/manufa...bracket-bushings-red-ford-focus-st-2013-2014/
Custom Vibrant/ Magnaflow CBE DONE 1/30/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E3VHWI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CCFZZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XGC4M0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V19PUC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VQY660/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Mountune intake elbow DONE 2/07/15
http://www.mountuneusa.com/mountune-High-Flow-Induction-Hose-Focus-ST-p/2363-ih-blk.htm
Steeda symposer delete DONE 2/07/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380927527871?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
COBB AP3 holster (unfortunately mine didn't come with one) DONE 3/08/15
http://www.cobbtuning.com/Accessport-V3-Holster-p/ap3-holster.htm
COBB AP3 vent mount (just for the ball socket/ dovetail piece to fit onto the holster) DONE 3/08/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111349435843?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Arkon adjustable suction cup mount for AP3 DONE 3/08/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251379284115?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Needless Torque Calibrations Shift Cable Bushing DONE 3/14/15
https://www.facebook.com/groups/944538215556945/
CFM valve cover breather DONE 3/14/15
http://www.c-f-m.com/performancepar...2013-14-Focus-ST-ST250-p3732.htm#.VPeRwyvF-y4
Rocket Science Intake snorkel DONE 3/21/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/rocket-science/
Breedt quick shift arm DONE 3/21/15
http://breedt-performance-car-parts...archPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12
Panda inlet tube DONE 3/22/15
http://www.pandamotorworks.com/collections/focus-st/products/inlet-tube?variant=1050553008
CP-E Stage 2 RMM DONE 3/22/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/sold-sold-sold/35327-fs-cp-e-xflex-stage-2-rmm.html
Phase 2 (Apr '15- Feb '16):
Turbosmart 50/50 BPV/BOV DONE 4/18/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IGWW5UC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Brisk Racing Silver spark plugs (used, 10k miles) DONE 5/3/15 - Removed 7/19/15 in favor of Densos
Modify exhaust to be flush with bumper DONE 5/9/15
Steeda lowering springs DONE 5/16/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/sold-s...e-downpipe-steeda-lowering-springs-14-st.html
Garageline 15/20 wheel spacers DONE 5/18/15
http://dsautosport.com/shop/garageline-ford-focus-st-wheel-spacers/
Garageline Hood Struts DONE 5/20/15
http://dsautosport.com/shop/garage-line-2013-ford-ford-focus-st-hood-strut-kit/
30% tint DONE 6/3/15
Gloss black roof wrap and sideview mirrors wrap DONE 6/13/15
Black Gurney flap for rear spoiler DONE 6/13/15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161457965732?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/usr/burtonracing?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
After Hours Fabricators CXRacing FMIC DONE 6/20/15
https://www.facebook.com/afterhoursfabricators
Depo Racing cold side charge pipe DONE 6/20/15
http://www.deporacing.us/shop/ford/ford-focus-st-intercooler-pipe-kit/
Rebel Devil Customs downpipe bracket DONE 7/1/15
Depo Racing Catted Downpipe DONE 7/1/15
Denso ITV22 Sparkplugs DONE 7/19/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CJ04AK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Breedt IM Spacer DONE 7/19/15
http://www.focusst.org/forum/parts-...-spacer-non-ported-75-shipped.html#post892466
Roush airbox w/ AEM dryflow filter DONE 1/16/16
http://www.roushperformance.com/parts/ROUSH-Replacment-Air-Box-Seal.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHN1W7G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291655572778?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Replace rear hatch panel and wrap gloss black DONE 1/29/16
Panda Tune DONE 2/4/16
Phase 3 (Feb '16 - Jun '16):
FastMKCParts aluminum shift cable bushings DONE 2/13/16
Boomba short throw shifter DONE 2/28/16
Boomba aluminum shifter base bushings DONE 2/28/16
Anarchy motive Atlas shift knob DONE 2/28/16
Redline shift boot DONE 2/28/16
Forge Recirc Valve DONE 2/29/16
Mountune Filter DONE 3/17/16
18" Advanti HY Hybris wheels DONE 3/18/16
245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports DONE 3/18/16
Depo Racing 3.5" intercooler Done 4/12/16
Bilstein B8 shocks/struts and required hardware Done 4/14/16
2013 Eibach Pro Kit Done 4/14/16
Revamped Custom Exhaust Done 5/20/16
ZL1 Rock Guards Done 5/28/16
Stratified E30 flash tune Done 6/27/16
---------------------------------------------------------------------
------- Hiatus as I move to AZ, buy a new house, etc -------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Phase 4 (Feb '17 - May '18):
K&N Filter and airbox lid Done 2/17/17
TB Performance front traction bar Done 3/20/17
Velossa Tech Bigger Mouth Snorkel Done 4/16/17
Front grill bar delete and DHM Front Crash Bar Done 4/16/17
Massive rear endlinks w/ Eibach rear swaybar Done 8/14/17
Depo Racing hot side charge pipe Done 8/27/17
TB Performance Rear Traction Bar Done 8/28/17
Custom Exhaust pt. 5: Magnaflow 12276 in the midpipe, Magnaflow 10416 in the pre-axle section, rear muffler delete
Rear wiper delete
Paint calipers red
Headlight retrofit
Tial Q Bov on the hotside charge pipe and JBR symposer delete to run vacuum to the BOV
Long Term:
GTX2867r (or GTX2863r??? :serious: http://www.focusst.org/forum/strati...67r-gtx2863r-daily-driver-w-modest-goals.html)
Radium Engineering/ Panda Motorworks Aux Fuel Kit
Maxton Designs v2 front lip - gloss black
Maxton Designs side skirts - gloss black
Maxton Designs wing extension
Re-wrap rear hatch panel in Satin Black
Gel Badges AU black/red Ford badges
Custom satin black Mountune-style side vinyl graphics
(for reference: https://cdn3.volusion.com/rnmwa.rjxsk/v/vspfiles/photos/2363-SS-Color-6.jpg?1394710558 but with a 20" white/red Ford Performance decal in place of the Mountune text)
Big Brake Kit - Brand and Type TBD
Mfactory LSD
ACT lightweight Flywheel
Odyssey PC680 battery and Grimspeed Lightweight Battery Mount Kit
Here's a shot of the car after getting the new wheels/tires put on:
I'll be documenting my mods, struggles with installation, etc here. I will also keep a focus on the budget. I want this to grow into a useful guide for people who want to do a modest build without breaking the bank.
As this is truly my first adventure into modding, any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!