Everything you said i agree with ,stage1 map does make all the difference in the power band for these cars but you do get torque steer ,need to hold on tight with a 3rd gear hard pull or your in the ditch.But as long as its driven safely its a cracking drive.
I have the same age ST3 - completely standard. On the ride/suspension front, I think it’s perfectly tuned for UK roads, it’s firm enough to push hard on B roads yet soft enough to be comfortable. Nothing worse than an MSport style ride bouncing down the road with even less grip…… Engine and sound as you say is hard to beet. Put some all season Michelins on mine to give it all year round and wet weather use-ability. Look forward to some more content on this car !
Super video! Get yourself; Cobra springs, white line rarb whiteline anti lift kit on it & it makes it a whole different car. Oh and definitely some good rubber 👍
I've been watching many of your videos lately! I'm from Canada so we never got the mk2 ST and RS here, but god I love them! The 5 pot is hands down one of the best sounding engines ever made! I currently have a 2.3 ecoboost Mustang, same powerplant as the mk3 RS. I like it, BUT, it doesn't bring me the same joy the sound of the 5 pot does. This is why I am planning a 5 pot swap into my ecoboost Mustang!
@@CarFocused I'd leave the ST as standard because this is it's true personality, comfortable, fast and refined with it's own character. The mk 3.5 RS has a different character but any tuning would benefit this car
I put a koni STRT suspension kit on mine, was a huge improvement and still very comfortable, was less than £500 if I remember, so definitely worth a look
@@CarFocused yeah I'm in the same boat. Regardless, I think hard suspension on our crappy roads is pointless, it just upsets the car too much. I own a mk5 gti pirelli at the moment, which I've just put koni adjustables on, kept on their softest setting are very good as well.
The biggest draw to a focus st is how easy it is to live with day to day. Brakes are ok at best and the suspension is on the soft side but then its not a RS with track focus in mind. I would say with quality tyres 270+bhp and 430nm of torque is fine without a LSD but going beyond that I'd imagine you would loose drivability with an open diff
@@elxggs1237 that's alot of torque man, the highest fwd car I've owned was a mk1 focus rs with 300bhp and enough torque to make the clutch slip on a cold day, and that was a nightmare in 1st and 2nd even with the lsd, I will say while my mk2 focus st didn't have the speed or power of the rs it was far more capable putting the power down, I think the heavier engine over the front axle definitely aids traction
Best upgrades for these is a intercooler and a stage 1 map we have to also appreciate these are upto 17 years old if you can pick up a tidy car for around 5k it's worth a punt just for the sound 😀
@@CarFocused I recommend a torque mount upgrade. Airtec. They are only 80 quid and you will notice the difference. It's likely one of the cheapest bits you can buy for the car 😅 Great value for money!
Needs a limited slip diff , as doesn’t like going around roundabouts or getting off the spot in my opinion. I believe the first version made in orange will be the future classic
Gaz whiteline anti rollbars front and rear make a missive difference plus the eibach and bilsteins on mine perfect.diff next for myself for getting the extra power down
Turbo is great and can hold boost to 1.8 bar or bit more with forge actuator am running mod x r/s mapping and it transforms the car also I use the rs injectors for fuelling Breaks could do with braiding break lines .
Another great video mate 👍, mine is standard suspension I think but keeping as it is as have a little one due in April 🙈 so need to keep it comfortable for the wee man lol 😆
Thanks mate! I have a 1 year old and I must admit I’m enjoying the comfort of the standard suspension. Have you fitted the isofix adapter kit from Ford? Easy install and very handy with the baby seat for fixing into the car.
@@CarFocused 😳 No not yet is there not isofix in it? Had it in my last st but that was an 2009 plate ,going to nip out and check the car to make sure 😂 thanks for the heads up
@@CarFocused Ye just checked and doesn't have it ,lucky you mentioned it will have to order it and get it fitted before he's due ,much appreciated for letting me know 🙌
@@INSANEripsaw no worries mate they’re on eBay - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Ford-Focus-MK2-IsoFix-Child-Seat-Restraint-Anchor-Mounting-Kit-1357238-/393331656832?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
Told ya loads of times get a quick shifter kit there cheap like £60 from airtech and easy to fit plus you could review it etc and once on the ST you'll want one on the RS guaranteed 😉
The one thing I love about my 2006 ST , it’s all real , pops , bangs non of this artificial computerised stuff , you have to drive the old school ST . Mines just flown through an mot at 16 years old , can’t go wrong with them . Although I must admit it will never be a match for my velar .,
I have an 06 XR5.. Australia's ST. Absolutely love it. I look after it, but I am expecting the engine will need replacement in the next couple of years so I'm saving for that.. will never be getting rid of this car 😂👍 I love the sound of the 5 pot too.. those pops and crackles 👍
@@jhopsi i have to agree Mate i bought myself ford focus xr5 2010 last year and o my GOD what a beast of a Car this truly is and its so fun to drive wouldn't change it for anything i m keeping this car as well forever if i can help it by the way which engine Oil did you put in your car i bought 0 40w but i keep seeing everyone saying that it should be 5w 40 which one do you recommend for our hot Australian weather i don't want to damage engine thanks
@@emptyzone8542 hey mate that's awesome, congrats on your purchase. They are definitely a tough and fun car.. and one I think will be a classic in the future.. worth fixing for those of us who love them. As far as oil.. it all depends on kms. Thinner oils like the ones you listed are great for newer engines.. but if your car is getting a little up in the kms.. mine is at 200 000, it's best to use 10w40. It's thicker.. will help reduce engine wear and keep the engine cool. Pretty sure my mechanic uses Nulon. My car hasn't missed a beat. Hope that's helpful, mate 🙂👍
Hello mate, I've been watching your vids recently about the mk2 Focus st and I've Just picked my first ever one up last week. To get a stage 1, do I need to do any mods to the car before hands? Or can I just book it in and get a map on it the way it stands Right now? It's completely standard
I brought one last week after selling my last one 6yrs ago but have a droning noise from the rear anyone have any suggestions what’s causing it ??? Help
@@rh9224 the st doesn't really like high revs pulling out of corners, you make faster progress pulling from 4k revs in 3rd than you would 6k revs in 2nd. Also gearing is quite short as you can't hit 60mph in 2nd either
