Where, how, what? Focus builing questions, all input welcome

Ok, i posted this question in a diffrent forum and did'nt get any answers i need, so i am going to be patient and ask it again. I just got into a focus, and want to start building it soon. I have owned two integras and a civic, and want to try somthing new. My platform is a 2000 focus se. I want to know how to start adding power. My idea would be to swap a more powerful engine into it and build it with proper internals and boost, like i did my civic. can anyone tell me where to get started. I need to know what engines fit in it, their stats and the best places to start buying parts. For one of my integras i just swaped out the non vtec head for a vtec, can i do that with a zetec head? I will take everyones input into consideration, money is not that big of a problem.

Swaps on newer cars are more difficult, because of the computers and related sensors. Without everything hooked up properly, modern engines will go into a "limp home mode". Either running less cylinders (ie. only 2) or retard ignition and add fuel. Or they'll refuse to run at all.

You'll need the computer to go along with the motor and you'll need the KEYS to go along with the computer. They have PATS, remember.

You more than likely you have a 2.0L SPI. Moving up to a 2.0L Zetec is a nice step up. But then if your doing that, buy a WRC block for the swap. Money is your friend here. Spend until you get the HP you want.
Superchargers, turbos, N2O, almost anything you want.

A better motor to start with would be a 2.3L. With 150 hp and much more torque to start with, a simple intake and exhaust can net major improvements in HP. They are severely choked off to meet emissions. Turbo Tom would be your best bet with this motor.

Make sure you have a MTX75 trans. Unless you have big money to rebuild the auto. 6 speed trans is a marketing point, not a performance trans. The MTX75 is the trans in the RS, SVT Contour, not the 6 speed.

ATI Motorsports did an engine swap with a SVT Focus. I don't know if the engine bay is the same size on all focus models, but they slapped an '03 SVT Mustang Cobra engine in that hatch. Oh My!

Cut your losses, sell the focus, and buy a better car. The amount of money you would need to drop into a focus SE to make it even semi-fast is at least double or triple the value of the car. Seriously, you easily are looking at 10k in performence mods alone. And you are maybe looking at 300hp?

If you want to go fast for cheap, buy a 1st Gen AWD DSM, you can get to 300hp to the all 4 wheels for 7k, including the car!

Another route would be to buy a used 2002 WRX, (one was at the Subie dealer down the street from me for $16,800) This car stock will be faster then a focus SE after an engine swap with performence mods, and even a low boost turbo. (there is one or two kits I know off that drop about 250 to the wheels) not to mention it is AWD. for $1000 in after market parts, you get 50hp to the wheels, putting you around the 240 mark. 300 is obtained with boost, fuel, computer, and some intake/exhast work. The motor can handle about 350 safely, though some reports much higher on stock internals.

You could also buy an older NA AWD Impreeza, and swap in the WRX motor. There was a good article on this in a recent SCC.

You also could shop around and buy a Toyota Celica All-trac. They are the domestic version of the GT-4, AWD turbo charged.

There is also the option of buying Mustangs, and F-body's.

Basicly any route you go, you will go faster for cheaper.

GadflyII has a point with the mustang advice. I own a '65 GT coupe which I have done hardly any work on but runs great, and a '95 coupe that runs strong. you may want to sale your focus to a private buyer (never trade in with a dealer, they rip you off) and use the money to buy an old 'stang (around 65-70) and beef it up.