Focus RS catD

Had the car today and very impressed. A massive upgrade from the VXR, even though it's not massively faster it certainly feels it. Handling is also far better due to the LSD, you can throw it into corners and power out of them without having to worry about the TCS kicking in or wheel spin, far less torque steer.

Spent most the afternoon trying to find a suitable bit of rubber piping for the top intercooler pipe as the original blew a hole, was very frustrating driving the first 50 miles off boost :p Managed to find an intercooler pipe from and old Scooby which fitted perfectly in the end. Going to fit different pipes anyway sooner rather than later, the standard ones seem to flex a lot? Going to look at a good hard pipe kit. What should these be boosting at standard btw, it's hitting just below the red through all gears at the moment (on the standard dash gauge)

IceMan, are you able to check for any service history or work done mate? If not I'll be getting the cambelt and a service done ASAP. Currently on 53k miles. Brakes have a lot less feel than the VXR, a lot more spongy, is this normal? Discs look fine and there's plenty of meat left on the pads.

All in all very happy anyway :D
 
Thought you'd like it :D

A lot of people replace the hoses with Samco ones etc - there's not really any performance difference to be had though. Boost sounds fine, they run about 1.2 bar max (limited in 1st and 2nd on the standard engine map) so just on or below the red line is perfect.

Your brakes should definitely NOT feel spongy - As standard it's a Brembo system so they are pin sharp - check what pads are on there and maybe replace the fluid as well.
 
The VXR brakes are massively over servo'd which will attribute to the feel of the brakes, but if you are going to service it anyway, replacing the fluid should be high on your list.
 
Yeah after taking it out for a few hours today the brakes are fine, was just used to the VXR ones I think. Will get the fluid changed anyway. The pads are 3/4 worn so I'll get those changed over sooner rather than later also. Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on there, impressed with these also - had Conti sport 3's on the VXR and they felt a lot more soft on turn in than these, hard to compare though really on different cars.

Yeah upon looking closer the boost is slightly lower in 1st and 2nd but hitting the red line in 3rd,4th,5th. Suprised how much quicker than the VXR it is, took it down my favortie bit of private road - couldn't get over 125mph in the VXR, hit 135mph in the RS with plenty of road left. Through the corners is like night and day, the LSD makes so much of a difference :)

Unfortunatly I had a go on my mates GSXR750 today also, and getting back into the Focus was like driving an old Fiesta. Been meaning to get a bike license for a while and after today it's top on my list! Was planning on spending a few grand on the RS and getting it upto ~300BHP but I'm thinking of keeping it standard now and going for a bike for some summer fun :)
 
Only got the one at the moment which I took yesterday, need to get her properly cleaned before taking some better pics. Opinions on the wheels seem to be hit and miss with but I love them, all been refurbed and sprayed this color but unfortunately my fathers girlfriend has slightly curbed one. Also the car has tints all around but the passenger rear window was replaced during the repair and hasn't been done yet so I need to get that sorted.

photovx.jpg
 
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