Tire Question - Focus Mk 1

hans1 · 01-04-2007, 05:18 AM

I have a question from the USA:

On the Mark 1 (old body) Focus, the optional 7-spoke 17" x 7" wheel in Europe came with a 215/40 tire, but I hear in Australia it came with a 215/45. Is this correct?

Also, what was the final drive (axle) ratio in the Mark 1 2.0 Zetec 5-speed in Australia?

Thanks.

FOCUSonTHIS · 01-04-2007, 10:21 AM

Yeah the optional 17" MP3 wheel on the Australian Focus came out with 215/45 tyres

The final drive ratio for the Zetec is 4.06

hans1 · 01-04-2007, 03:39 PM

Thanks for the info. That 4.06 is the same as in Europe. In the US, the 2.0 Zetec was unfortunately specced with a rather long-legged 3.82

zetec · 01-04-2007, 05:59 PM

To be honest, I'd prefer the 3.82, the LR Zetec is geared too short for economy. It's not exactly bad at an average of about 8.0-9.0l/100km, but it could be better for a 2.0 litre hatch. I don't need to do 0-100 every day in 8 seconds, I'd rather better fuel consumption - the thing's screaming at over 3,000rpm at 1000km/h. I'd rather it sat at about 2,700rpm just below the power band so it would use less and simply require a single downshift for power.

My 2c anyway. I love it, it's perfectly balanced, but my only real criticism after 4 years is it could be a little more fuel efficient with the help of a slightly longer final drive ratio. I don't know how the europeans with their high speeds could handle the 4.06!

FOCUSonTHIS · 01-04-2007, 07:58 PM

Dunno about you, but my car has never reached 1000km/h. But if it was sitting at 3,000rpm I would be happy lol

1lifeliveit · 01-04-2007, 11:10 PM

Think abt the torque and the power curves...1000kmph at 3000rpm.... :hihi:

Martyvan · 02-04-2007, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

To be honest, I'd prefer the 3.82, the LR Zetec is geared too short for economy. It's not exactly bad at an average of about 8.0-9.0l/100km, but it could be better for a 2.0 litre hatch. I don't need to do 0-100 every day in 8 seconds, I'd rather better fuel consumption - the thing's screaming at over 3,000rpm at 1000km/h. I'd rather it sat at about 2,700rpm just below the power band so it would use less and simply require a single downshift for power.

My 2c anyway. I love it, it's perfectly balanced, but my only real criticism after 4 years is it could be a little more fuel efficient with the help of a slightly longer final drive ratio. I don't know how the europeans with their high speeds could handle the 4.06!

Dont know about the others, but I havnt actually tried to get to 1000kph, Im sure Matt has given it his best shot though. Hahaha!

I would personally prefer a slightly taller ratio, My Corolla at 100kph sits on 2350rpm which is good... Its the only reason we take the Corolla on long trips... the Focus screams too much... :O

zetec · 02-04-2007, 01:17 AM

Don't knock it until you try it. The power band goes from 3,300rpm to 5,500rpm and then hits a wall. It is usually around the time that the Prandtl-Glauert singularity occurs when I hit transonic speeds above Mach 0.8, roughly 1,000km/h but I think the wall I hit is due to the aerodynamics of the Focus just not being made for speeds greater than that.

I've tried for Mach 1.0 and greater down that hill heading southbound on the F3 from Gosford just coming into Hornsby, but just never made it close enough to break the sound barrier. I am yet to try it with the newly installed ST170 grille and 17" rims... :dj:

Here's a pic of me on my last attempt.

Marshy79 · 02-04-2007, 08:55 AM

hahahaha gold!

melbzetec · 02-04-2007, 09:49 AM

Matt can do it because he has a 3 door. 5 door apparently is not as capable.

1lifeliveit · 02-04-2007, 11:58 AM

hahahaha nice comeback

FOCUSonTHIS · 02-04-2007, 07:48 PM

Worst photshop I have come across but 10 for effort

fordel · 02-04-2007, 11:12 PM

ST170 Rims, will make you hit Mach 1.5 no worries ;)

hans1 · 03-04-2007, 06:50 AM

How is the ride quality of the standard Zetec 2.0 on the 215/45-17's? I am thinking of upgrading from my OEM 195/60-15's.

melbzetec · 03-04-2007, 08:44 AM

It's the only size rim I've ever had on my Focus, but I find the ride terrific

zetec · 03-04-2007, 09:52 AM

Ride is brilliant, however I also have full ST170 shock absorbers and springs, so it's slightly harder but still outstanding. On standard suspension, not a problem either.

FRA · 03-04-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hans1

How is the ride quality of the standard Zetec 2.0 on the 215/45-17's? I am thinking of upgrading from my OEM 195/60-15's.

Its alot better to drive with then the 15".
I have Maxxis tyres on our hatch 215/45/17's $165each

1lifeliveit · 03-04-2007, 11:45 AM

It'll definitely feel a little harder in the beginning. But soon u'll get used to it and will never go back. The steering will become a touch harder as well. But Im sure ull never complain

hans1 · 03-04-2007, 04:51 PM

OK, I think I am going to get some 17" wheels and the 215/45's. One final question - what pressure did Ford recommend for these tires? (The USA had no 17" option for the 2.0 Zetec)

FOCUSonTHIS · 03-04-2007, 05:32 PM

32psi

zetec · 03-04-2007, 11:39 PM

32psi recommended, run them on 38psi for best handling/tyre life. Less understeer.

Manufacturers ALWAYS bias towards comfort.

Martyvan · 04-04-2007, 03:00 PM

Ive only got the standard 16" rims on my zetec, but i still run between 38 and 40 PSI, usually 1 higher at the front....