Tuning tips and parts for the Focus range.

"Keeping your Focus"

The Focus was released in 1998 and became the car of the year in 1999.

Ford had a successful run with its predecessor the escort which lasted for 6 revisions and started the hot hatch off with the early XR models.

The Duratec engine has been refined over the years and provides a great tuning base to work from.

In 2002 the Focus received 2 performance model and these came in the guises of the ST170 and RS models. The 170 put down 170 bhp whereas the RS managed to provide 215 bhp (most owners reported more than this).

Both cars run 2.0 engines and both give a very rewarding and spirited drive. The 170 is the more sensible choice for the family man. But for sheer fun the RS is the ultimate focus. Every component of the RS has been rethought and revised from a performance point of view including a Quaife diff and large Brembo brake discs. The RS remains one of the best handling cars to come out of the Ford Plant.

In 2005 the ST was relaunched, this time with the Volvo T5 engine and 225hp

The RS is poised for a comeback in 2009 with a more substantial turbocharged 5 cylinder engine delivering 280bhp.

Tuning wise there are a substantial number of options. The best base for tuning are the 2.0 Turbo engines which respond favourable to a remap.

Engine swaps are also popular among Focus owners and the modifications list for 2.0 models runs (in this order). Induction kit. sports exhaust, fuel pressure boost valve, fast road cams, lighter flywheel, and sport computer tune.

Join us in our Ford Forum to meet other Focus owners and swap tuning tips and ideas and read up on the latest TorqueCars member projects. The tuning articles around this site will also explain the details of each modification and take you through any pitfalls associated with them.