New Focus ST Info thread.

[RikBiel]

Originally Posted by EB92

A question for the blokes (and girls?) that have had their ST Focus for a good while now....

I'm just wondering if the seats have become softer or somewhat more forgiving over time?
How do they go, comfort-wise, for day to day driving or commuting?
How do they go, comfort-wise, for a long haul drive on a 500km road-trip run?

My issue to date in considering one of these cars is the comfort factor of the seats
as they felt 'very tight and firm' to me on first impressions when I checked one out at a car
yard. This is in comparison to my BA with full leather that I have had for the past 5
years. (I'm not an overly big bloke, but I'm not skinny either..... 83kg and 5'11").

Any comments would be appreciated.
Cheers.

Mate I wish I was 83kgs....I'm 5'11" and closer to 97kgs!!!!
Need to stop eating for a week or two...
But I am wide in both eth shoulders and hips....only a test drive would tell for sure.
But I've decided on an XR6T now - so don't want to muddle my brain with this hot option....

[martinijosh]

I think I chimed in earlier in this thread about the seat issue, but I'm 186cm and 92kg

I think the seats in the ST fit me perfectly, just the right width on legs, waist and shoulders. Seats in my XR6T let me float around way too much, I really don't like that. - HOWEVER, I've not had much time in the recaros to compare

[DJM83]

One thing that should be added if it hasn't been is that a simple sit in them at the dealer isn't the best way to get an idea of the seats. Only after the car has some kms on it there is a good indication of the seats.

[EB#]

Originally Posted by DJM83

One thing that should be added if it hasn't been is that a simple sit in them at the dealer isn't the best way to get an idea of the seats. Only after the car has some kms on it there is a good indication of the seats.

That's a good point. In my case, I'm hoping that a good test drive will
help provide more clarity on the seats issue for me..... I do need to feel
confident that all would be OK in dropping $38K and sitting in it for about
30,000 km each year!

Nevertheless, it would seem that all accounts here have been positive so far
and this is very helpful info. This ST looks like an awesome car indeed and
ticks nearly every single box for me..... just one tick to go!

[hugoti]

Do we have any Focus ST users in Perth? Just got the Emergency Assistance upgrade on the SYNC system and now noticed that MIX 94.5 FM is no longer using RBS (text display of songs on head unit). I recall there were a number of stations that use this but now I can only see it only on 2 stations now. Not sure if it is coincidence or not.....anyone someone check and confirm to me whether they can get Text when 94.5 FM is on?

Thanks.

[mad axe]

just checked mine neither on 94.5 works on nova. no sync update yet.

[martinijosh]

I'm torn between the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST+Mountune... makes the Fiesta as quick as the Focus and (subjectively) looks better.

Focus ST with mountune would be a bit of a weapon... brings it more inline with the power of the OPC and MPS

[phil545]

Hey mate, all the reviews i've been reading about Fiesta + Mountune aren't saying its the same as the Focus, plus I think Mountune are quite a ways off coming here. Def stick to the Focus, you get so much more car for it :-)

[pajoda]

Originally Posted by hugoti

Do we have any Focus ST users in Perth? Just got the Emergency Assistance upgrade on the SYNC system and now noticed that MIX 94.5 FM is no longer using RBS (text display of songs on head unit). I recall there were a number of stations that use this but now I can only see it only on 2 stations now. Not sure if it is coincidence or not.....anyone someone check and confirm to me whether they can get Text when 94.5 FM is on?

Thanks.

I was in for the Emergency Assistance upgrade for sync as part of the 15K service yesterday and was advised application of it was on hold, too many bugs was cited. They even showed me the document off the system.

In regard to RBC I have noticed it works some times and sometimes not. Not that it is something I really use, but have played around with it at times.

[WILDB]

Originally Posted by pajoda

I was in for the Emergency Assistance upgrade for sync as part of the 15K service yesterday and was advised application of it was on hold, too many bugs was cited. They even showed me the document off the system.

In regard to RBC I have noticed it works some times and sometimes not. Not that it is something I really use, but have played around with it at times.

That was the case, but the update is back online now.

I've had mine done for a few weeks and it's been working better than ever.

[RSgerry]

Originally Posted by hugoti

Do we have any Focus ST users in Perth? Just got the Emergency Assistance upgrade on the SYNC system and now noticed that MIX 94.5 FM is no longer using RBS (text display of songs on head unit). I recall there were a number of stations that use this but now I can only see it only on 2 stations now. Not sure if it is coincidence or not.....anyone someone check and confirm to me whether they can get Text when 94.5 FM is on?

Thanks.

I rarely listen to the radio, but after the upgrade I have noticed that sometimes it doesn't recognise the ipod at all. today it couldn't find my phone.

[DJM83]

Yeah my update works fine.

[EB#]

Where abouts is the VIN plate located on the ST Focus?

I gather that there is a build date (Germany?) and a compliance date (Aus)....
Is this info on the same plate, or different plates?
A photo would be handy!

Many thanks.

[WILDB]

They are on different plates, they are located on the B pillar inside the driver's door opening.

[EB#]

Originally Posted by WILDB

They are on different plates, they are located on the B pillar inside the driver's door opening.

Thanks mate.

[gassed250]

Originally Posted by EB92

Where abouts is the VIN plate located on the ST Focus?

I gather that there is a build date (Germany?) and a compliance date (Aus)....
Is this info on the same plate, or different plates?
A photo would be handy!

Many thanks.

Vin is under the carpet on the drivers side close to the door, you'll see the little flap in the carpet

[hugoti]

Been thinking about getting my brake calipers painted red on my black ST. Has anyone done this and does it affect warranty?

Not keen to do it myself, so anyone recommend a good place in Perth that does them?

[martinijosh]

Originally Posted by hugoti

Been thinking about getting my brake calipers painted red on my black ST. Has anyone done this and does it affect warranty?

Not keen to do it myself, so anyone recommend a good place in Perth that does them?

They can't void your warranty for painting your calipers

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Hey guys and gals,

Just wondering what mark people's oil pressure is sitting? My car has just over 1000km on the clock now, but I've noticed that the running oil pressure has slowly been dropping since the day I picked it up. At the moment, the pressure seems to be around the 1/4 mark.

Also, for those of you who use a cable to connect an ipod to the head unit, do you get a break (about 0.5 second or so) in audio every now and then? Seems to me like some sort of system check or similar is done to check on the status of something, and the audio stops playing (but the ipod doesn't) for that small period.

Other than that, everything is running fine at the moment.

Cheers

Craig H

[aratic]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Hey guys and gals,

Just wondering what mark people's oil pressure is sitting? My car has just over 1000km on the clock now, but I've noticed that the running oil pressure has slowly been dropping since the day I picked it up. At the moment, the pressure seems to be around the 1/4 mark.

In the owners manual it states 10psi is the oil pressure at idle at operating temp, which is below the quarter mark on the gauge. So your oil pressure is normal

[pajoda]

Can't comment on the iPhone connected with cable, do not have an iPhone and I just find a USB flash drive permanently mounted is so much easier. I am guessing that you are talking about idle speed oil pressure, haven't noticed a change myself but things like ambient temp affecting engine temp and A/C on or off will affect the reading.

[RSgerry]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Hey guys and gals,



Also, for those of you who use a cable to connect an ipod to the head unit, do you get a break (about 0.5 second or so) in audio every now and then? Seems to me like some sort of system check or similar is done to check on the status of something, and the audio stops playing (but the ipod doesn't) for that small period.



Cheers

Craig H

Yep, it only happens rarely, and usually after a minute or two after I start the car. I also noticed that if I get into the car and start it quickly, the sound system doesn't have time to work out the ipod is attached by a cable and is unable to locate anything attached via USB. It refuses to reset until I lock and leave the car for a bit. I have a couple of niggly intermittent issues with the sound system which bug me. Besides the sound system, I love the car.

[aratic]

Oil pressure is relative to oil temp, but I wouldn't be too concerned unless you are getting a reading of less than say two thirds of the first mark on the gauge which is roughly 10psi

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by aratic

In the owners manual it states 10psi is the oil pressure at idle at operating temp, which is below the quarter mark on the gauge. So your oil pressure is normal

Hmm, perhaps you have a different manual to me as I could not find any indication as to what the oil pressure is at idle. Even went back to check just in case I had missed it the first time.

However, what you say seems to make sense as the gauge reads between 0 and 5 bar and 10psi is about 0.7 bar or about 1/8th of the way between 0 and 5 bar. Not that mine sits that low.

Just not sure why they would specify the idle pressure in psi when the gauge is in bar?

Originally Posted by pajoda

Can't comment on the iPhone connected with cable, do not have an iPhone and I just find a USB flash drive permanently mounted is so much easier. I am guessing that you are talking about idle speed oil pressure, haven't noticed a change myself but things like ambient temp affecting engine temp and A/C on or off will affect the reading.

Nor do I, but I do have my whole CD collection plus some on my ipod. The ipod works well for me in lieu of the memory stick as I can use the ipod anywhere, including out on my run. Plus, I put it on random so that I get a good variety of music.

Yeah, knew that temp would have an effect, but the temp hasn't really risen much around here since I got the car. Haven't noticed any correlation with the temp changes we have had.

Originally Posted by RSgerry

Yep, it only happens rarely, and usually after a minute or two after I start the car. I also noticed that if I get into the car and start it quickly, the sound system doesn't have time to work out the ipod is attached by a cable and is unable to locate anything attached via USB. It refuses to reset until I lock and leave the car for a bit. I have a couple of niggly intermittent issues with the sound system which bug me. Besides the sound system, I love the car.

I first noticed it on the drive home when I collected the car. The drive took me about 3.5 hours, so I had heaps of opportunity to experience it.

Do you have a Ford cable or a copy? I wonder if it makes a difference?

I haven't experienced the ipod not being recognised yet.

Originally Posted by aratic

Oil pressure is relative to oil temp, but I wouldn't be too concerned unless you are getting a reading of less than say two thirds of the first mark on the gauge which is roughly 10psi

Re=reading the manual, I realised there is a low pressure warning, so I won't get too worried about it at the moment. If it continues to drop, I may just mention it at the 3,000km check.

Thanx to all for your input, guys. Appreciate it.

Craig H

[EVL BOS]

Hey,

Quick question thinking about making my ST louder/deeper and Just want a bit of advice,

Will removing the Resonator effect the back presser for the turbo?

Or I'm thinking getting an aftermarket full system from the UK, but Im not to happy with the two round tips they all seem to come with, I acutaly prefer the OE tips as they fit in the rear bumper better, does anyone know what size the OE exhaust is, thinking it may be possible to cut and weld on the OE tip to a aftermarket system??

[martinijosh]

Turbo cars love having as little back pressure as possible.

[aratic]

The less back pressure on a turbo car the better, but removing the rear resi wont affect it anyway and its simply a straight through muffler.

Theres a good ST exhaust thread on Ford ST Nation which will give you an idea of how they sound. Personally I dont like the way these things sound with an AM exhaust but you might have a different opinion.

Also I hate the twin round outlets that the AM exhausts come with as well, but you shouldnt have any problem getting the OEM welded on, exhaust guys can usually do anything

[EVL BOS]

Originally Posted by aratic

The less back pressure on a turbo car the better, but removing the rear resi wont affect it anyway and its simply a straight through muffler.

Theres a good ST exhaust thread on Ford ST Nation which will give you an idea of how they sound. Personally I dont like the way these things sound with an AM exhaust but you might have a different opinion.

Also I hate the twin round outlets that the AM exhausts come with as well, but you shouldnt have any problem getting the OEM welded on, exhaust guys can usually do anything

Thanks, sorry if the back pressue question sounded dumb, its my first turbo car so I want to be double sure about anything I do, ask me about the inline 6 or boss engines and I'm good turbos not so good lol

Yeah I dont mind the sound of the MRT one in the states but not sure how it will go with the german built ones. also thinking of Monotune from the UK. But I'll try and visit a few exhaust joints tomorrow to see how much removing the resonator is. I've heard a few clips and it sounds pretty good with out it.

[phil545]

Noticed you got on a sunroof, i assume you went aftermarket with it?

[EVL BOS]

Originally Posted by phil545

Noticed you got on a sunroof, i assume you went aftermarket with it?

Yeah I did, well dealer fitted, got the holandia 900 two piece