Focus ST MK2 Buying Guide
Engine borrowed from Volvo
5 Cylinder means it sounds like no other Ford
Variable valve timing on both camshafts, lighter flywheel, recalibrated throttle MAP
7000rpm rev limit
15mm lower and 30% stiffer springs.
Front upper strut brace and thicker front lower subframe
Focus ST Buying Guide – Interior
ST3 had full leather and rear seats for 2 people only
Mountune conversion makes 260bhp
Plenty of STs on the market so if you don’t like something move on to another one
Focus ST Buying Guide – Engine
Up to April 2008 the 2.5 litre 5 cylinder motor suffered from cracked cylinder liners, check for mayonnaise in the oil filter. More likely a problem on modified cars because of the increased cylinder pressures.
Symptoms can seem like head gasket failure but they rarely fail. 1 headgasket to 30 liners is a common ratio
Ford does not supply block only so new engine required
If car sings like a kettle at idle, diaphragm in oil filter housing has split.
Solenoid boos valves can fail, boost gauge should go to over half and then drop down a little bit, or read more if the car has a chip.
If the boost gauge fails to register more than a quarter of the dial the solenoid valve is probably at fault
It is 85GBP for the valve
Focus ST Buying Guide – Transmission
Clutch on early cars is weak and can slip. RS has a stronger kit so that is usually used as a replacement. RS flywheel also required when changing to RS clutch. 900GBP to convert to the RS clutch setup
Clicking from driveshafts could mean car had missed the Ford factory recall for mismatched driveshafts and CV joint splines. Left side drive shaft boot fails a lot. If it’s not fixed it can cost 380GBP for a new drive shaft.
Focus ST Buying Guide – Suspension
Front anti roll bar drop links wear quickly
The rear bushes on the front wishbones can split after as little as 12,000 miles, they are fluid filled. Polyurethane items is the best choice here as the bushes are not available on their own from Ford.
Focus ST Buying Guide – Interior
Boot can leak, check for a damp carpet. Leaking is due to missing sealant around the hinges
Water bottle can leak
Drivers seat base can break, check if the seat rocks back and forth. It can be welded.
Fuel economy as low as 14mpg around town average around 24mpg
Focus ST Tuning – Specs
Engine: 2.5litre, 5 Cylinder, 20Valve Turbo
Max Power: 222bhp @ 6000rpm
Max Torque: 236lbs/ft @ 1600-4000rpm
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual, Front Wheel Drive
Tyres: 225/40-18
Weight: 1317kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 162bhp/ton
0-60mph: 6.7secs
Top Speed: 150mph
Price New: 17,495GBP 2005
Focus ST Buying Guide – Servicing
12,000miles 145GBP
24,000miles inc Brake Fluid 185GBP
36,000miles inc Spark Plugs 260GBP
Cam Belt Change 120,000 miles
