New owner!!

[JTex]

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

[zx2srdotnet]

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.

[JTex]

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

[twizzlenutz]

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.

[ZX2000]

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.

[zx2srdotnet]

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