New owner!!

I just wanted to introduce myself to this forum as the very proud owner of a brand new 2005 Focus ZX3 SE. I finally went back to Ford, being a GM owner for the past 2 years. I traded in my 2000 Pontiac Grand Am SE last Wednesday. I won't ever go back to GM. I learned my lesson after having my engine replaced not once, not twice but three times. Anyway, as soon as I can, I'll post a pic of it. Also, people can say what they want about the Duratec being inferior to the Zetec but the Duratec is one killer engine. So far, I'm planning on adding a CAI to it (probably Focus Sport) and an exhaust (Borla i'm thinking). From there, not sure. Anywho, enough of that, just wanted to say hi :) .

Welcome back :) I have a Zetec in my Focus, but the Duratec is superior by a good amount IMO. I read a comparo, and the Duratec held it's own against a Zetec SVT Focus in acceleration tests. Good place to start your mods too!

well seeing how the ST has more tq and weight about 200 less it should have been close, but the zx3 doesnt have the 2.3 ST

i think the '05's do...

05's have the Duratec, I don't know though what the ST is...

i think the '05's do...


the ST is the only 05 with teh 2.3 the others are a 2.0 that are still about on par with the non-SVT zetec'


Zetec: 130hp 135tq 2,612lbs
2.0E: 130hp 129tq 2,677lbs
2.0: 136hp 133tq 2,677lbs

It's good to be back :biggrin:. I was talking to my buddy, who has a 04 svt zx3, and he was asking if it was the 2.0 or the 2.3 and i told him the 2.0 and he was kinda surprised but he said that its a really nice engine and has a lot of options for it. I was telling him about how it's very restricted engine as far as air flow and how I'm starting with a CAI and an exhaust and he said that was a great place to start for upgrades. I'm thinking Focus Sport or Focus Central CAI. As for the exhaust, I want a Borla because I've heard the one that my friend has on his svt and it sounds nice but I can't seem to find the one for the 05 on their website. Anyway, I'm thinking Borla, Focus Sport, maybe the Focus Central. I'm not sure that I like the Marcy Motorsport exhaust. I just watched a video of a guy that had it and he was doing a drive by and it sounded way too much like a fart can for my taste.

'05's probably too new for Borla to make an exhaust for it yet, however, since the '05 Focus essentially only hada facelift, the Borla might work. As long as the '05 and earlier Foci had the same cat-back length, it should be fine. I have an AEM intake on my car, and I love it, but again, the '05 is too new a car for AEM to make one yet.

The current (2005) 2.0 and the 2.3 are both Duratec engines to my understanding ( and are actually Mazda engines.) The Duratec is supposedly superior to the Zetec, being the Duratec is a newer design. I think the 2.0 Zetec and I think the SPI engine are gone for good.

Focus Sport does have some nice stuff. The Borla exhaust does sound nice. But check if it will work with the 05 first. The car might have only gotten a facelift, but you never know what else they may have changed.

may be gone... but im gonna help make sure it aint forgotten. don't RIP yet Zetec... i still got use for you.

Truth be told, I was in the market for a used Zetec ZX3 but most of what was in the area was too expensive for what the car was. I decided I'd go with the Duratec because I actually wanted a brand new car for once (I'm only 20, been driving used since I got my license). I didn't realize until a few weeks or so before I bought my car just how good the Duratec is.

Truth be told, I was in the market for a used Zetec ZX3 but most of what was in the area was too expensive for what the car was. I decided I'd go with the Duratec because I actually wanted a brand new car for once (I'm only 20, been driving used since I got my license). I didn't realize until a few weeks or so before I bought my car just how good the Duratec is.


I did drive a new Mazda 3 with the 2.3 Duratec. Much better then Zetec. Better,flatter torque band, quieter, smoother and faster revving.


Having a new car after owning all used is great isn't it? Except for the price. I still miss my old 81 Buick that was given to me by my grandparents when I turned 16 in 1994. Well, only when I send Ford credit money every month!

Hi guys,
New here. I just bought an '05 ZX3 S. I came across an add, it was priced $10,988. I thought it would be so basic, I wouldn't like it. The dealer where I live had good inventory but w/lots of extras and none w/ 5 speed. Their prices were way off of the advertised
of this dealer 80 miles away. I expected the bait and switch.
The car had 34 miles on it. Good color the metallic maroon, car had air, CD stereo, 5 speed. Interior is nice too charcol gray, black carpets and mats, (not luxurious, but roomy for a small car and doesn't ride like an econobox).
Dealer honored the adervertised price, with my old POS as trade in I drove out for a little over $11K. The car is quite comfortable and rides well.
I've been a loyal Mazda owner (my last 4 cars). I was happy to hear that the Duratec 2.0 is the same engine they use (I imagine since Ford owns part of Mazda). I think I made a good choice, can't beat the price. So I'm happy at this point. Since I'll probably do some very basic mods, I'll be hanging around here for a while. Thanks!
JT

I was happy to hear that the Duratec 2.0 is the same engine they use (I imagine since Ford owns part of Mazda)

Actually, it's a Mazda designed engine, so it's even better for you :p

Actually, it's a Mazda designed engine, so it's even better for you :p

really? my Mazda designed transmission is a POS

zx2srodnet,
Thanks for your reply. I can understand some of your unhappiness with your 5 speed tranny. I have a '91 Mazda Miata that I've had since '99. The Miata MX5 was totally made in Japan. The 5 speed in it is a blast to drive due to the way car is geared. I'm still have to get used to the 5 speed in the Focus it's geared nothing like the Miata. From what I have read the '05 Focus is a mixture of succesful enineering features other car makers ( Ford has their hands in so many
different car manufactures now, they get to choose what has been succesful). My past 4 cars have been Mazdas and they have all been very good cars. I would look at the VINS on the car to see where they were made, I wanted the ones totally made in Japan.

I needed a car that would seat more than 2 people. My '91 Miata is in good condition for it's age(has 101K miles) and been paid for. So my practical self went with the ZX3 S. It's sporty and has lots of mod potential. For a guy my age, mods would be new rims and maybe and exhaust system. For $11K it was a deal since the dealer only had one one the lot at that price and good color Maroon metallic.
JT

i believe the 5spd focus is still a MTX-75, they are used in the euro Puma, mondeo, and focus, and the US, focus, SVT contour(maybe the i4 couger also), and i think the zetec couger.

the G5m(zx2 and Mazdaspeed Protege) is crap the diff in the ZX2 can barly take 150 with spirited driving, so the put a LSD in the MSP, the problem w/ that is the damn part is by Mazdaspeed, so the spine count on the protege is different then the ZX2, and Ford had a LSD planed for release for teh ZX2 in 98 but Mazdaspeed threatened to sue. so teh zx2 got screwed out of a LSD for a MAZDA tranny, but a MAZDA subsidary, due to a damn spine count change.

I wish I understood most of the racing terminology you were using.
I was seriously considering an '04 Miata speed( turbo, 178 hp, only takes premium fuel). The prices are great 2 packages to choose from base model - vinyl roof, cloth interior, upgrade -cloth top, leather interior, all cars have bose audio systems. Sticker on these cars base car $26,020.00, other $27,250.00 can be had for $19.5 and $20.5 - TTL. These are cheaper than the basic MX5.
I really learned to like Miatas- older NA models. You can find used Miatas on e-bay very reasonable to cheap. They're easy to work on and mod. These cars were engineered by a person that knew what he was doing. Not much power 1.6L 108 HP but the way they geared this car makes it a blast to drive. Not the most masculine looking roadster though but after driving one for a while you'll see the way they handle, makes it a true sports car.
I'm still happy I bought the ZX3 S due to it's potential if I want to mod it. I don't think I'll do much though. Some rims and exhaust.
JT

With income tax coming in shortly, and expecting a rather large return, I figure its a good time to start upgrading my car. I plan on getting the FocusSport CAI and the exaust as well (without the stealth muffler). Also going to start work on getting my stereo system put back in (2 200 W 10" Pioneer subs, driven by a 400W Pioneer amp, running from a Pioneer head unit. Not a whole lot but still bumps =)). Anyway, more of the return will be going to upgrading my computer (in dire need of it). I would like to lower my Focus but I think I'll wait until I get some new rims first.

we'll always have Phantom Grip... HAHAHAHA... what a joke. anyways... one day i hope there will be a clutch type lsd for the ZX2. on the other hand... the MSP tranny internals may fit into the zx2 G5M. according to rob @ zxtuner.

the spine count on the axles is different and you need to shave part of the LSD for it to fit