Importing Focus RS to the US

[PapoSwing]

Hey guys. I am an owner of a 03 SVt focus and fell in love with the Focus RS when I first saw it. I was wondering if its possible to import an RS to the US? I know I would have to convert it, but what exactly needs to be done for it to meet US specs? Adn what company is capa ble of doing this?

[beyondloadedSE]

I know a guy that imported a skyline from japan. I think it cost like $50,000 just to import it. Im sure it would be close to that from europe.

[focusfreak]

The skyline is more expensive for two reasons. one being that you're importing it from Japan and two being that it's a higher class car. The RS will have to have the engine screwed with to meet smog specs here in the states, which will lower hp. Someone told me that the steering wheel along with the stick and pedals have to be put on the correct side, but i'm not to sure about that. it shouldn't cost $50,000 to import it. and the shop to do all this i'm not quite sure where you would take it, but I can tell you it won't be cheap.

[VenomInMyVeins]

There will never be a focus worth that much money though. Well.. at least not a stock one.

[fordesigner]

You would need to start with a RS manufactered in Germany. They have the steering wheel on the correct side. The bumpers would have to go along with the Euro rebar. The car will have to pass US crash testing. That means US front and rear bumpers, also means it would look like ass. Custom front and rear bumpers and it would still not look right with the wide fenders. Add US emissions and empty wallet as the US inspectors desire.

[c2Elliott]

I really don't think the steering wheel has to be converted over. I mean I seen people were I live have Integras, Civics, s2000's, Mr2's and more with a right hand drive cars and they don't usually get pulled over for being on the wrong side of their cars.

It's usually because they have illegal modifications or street racing.

[c2Elliott]

Hey I think that steeda.com has a RS Body kit for the SVT. Go and see if they have it.

[fordesigner]

Steering wheel does not have to be converted, however it will make the process go much smoother. And anything to make the paper work go....

There are a couple of RS here in Michigan, privately owned.

[PapoSwing]

So how much have these people in Michigan payed for getting one imported to the States?

[redturbo66]

This would cost too much.......in the end, it'll be a big waste of money.............that could've been spent on a supra.

[fordesigner]

Don't know how much they spent. With some work you can duplicate the RS. Body panels are available and the turbo motor really isn't all that great. The Precision turbo kit can put out as much or more power than what the RS has. Tom's kit can put out more power too. The suspension can easily be handled with Tein coilovers. The EFDC makes it a very logical choice and even nice for daily driving. Add a larger rear sway bar and a few choice poly bushings and the handling would be superior too. Check some of the euro sites. RS seats and interior pieces occasionally come up for sale. BAT even sells the badges.


Every dollar spend on a car is a waste. Cars are the worst investment you car make. Sorry but I've seen plenty of Mustangs run down Supras. Too many Supra become dyno queens. Last time I was at a road course I could have stomped the 657 whp Supra. It kept overheating and he could only manage 3 or 4 laps before pitting.

[redturbo66]

Originally Posted by fordesigner

Sorry but I've seen plenty of Mustangs run down Supras. Too many Supra become dyno queens. Last time I was at a road course I could have stomped the 657 whp Supra. It kept overheating and he could only manage 3 or 4 laps before pitting.

657 HP isn't much for a Supra. I've seen a few 900HP Supras run all night long without overheating. Sounds like the car you're talking about hasn't been taken care of very well.

[ruffgeezer]

don't bother, they are shit, speaking as someone who works for ford and has driven the RS, it ain't that impressive, besides your getting the RWD focus with the V lump in it, save ya dollars for that my friend (and then swap the wanky US engine for a cossie lump )

[darkprincess0330]

This focusfreak guy has no idea what he is talking about!

[focusfreak]

Whatever, I bet you don't know a head gasket from a spark plug.