oldracer

HITMAN!!!!! and the rest of you reprobates live!!!! We sadly still have the 2002 GT Vert now with 91,000 miles, still flawless and in possession of a Cloth Cobra top... I am enjoying the R32 & the GlI as daily drivers and we are 1/2 assed shopping for a Terminator or GT500 used as a new toy...still I took a new job and I am buried at work most of the time...but as I went bacl to Lockheed Martin my retirement goes up next time I retire..... We still go to all the Mustang shows/cruises we can and love the 2010....just out of space. We are selling our 2002 SVT Focus we replaced almost everything on it in the last year and now it hardly gets used, so time for it to go to a new loving home....if anyone knows someone who would appreciate what it is and wants one let me know, 91K on it and it still gets 32+ highway at 75ish

62,000 miles and it's tire time again...going with Nitto Neo Gens,,,we put them on the 2002 SVT Focus which is now for sale as we have too many cars.. details/pictures available, e-mail me... I haven't been here much lately, mostly on VWVortex...we have a GLI & an R32 as daily driver's, both lightly modded and extremely fun cars.

I haven't been here for awhile....still have the 2002 GT Vert and we are looking for an 03-04 Terminator....toy time again. We bought a 2006 CPO GLI, (mine) - DD and a new 2008 R32 wife's DD....Mercedes is gone. Now we are looking for another toy as noted, missing rumble......and taking the SVT Focus to the Mustang vlub just doesn't do it for us. It is at a local Mustang seller and is for sale finally.

GLI getting 31-34 highway at 75-80 mph, ST getting 30 ish with Leadfoot driving it......still trouble-free...great little car. Rolled the 2002 GT Vert to work 1 day last week, got 23.95 mpg again at 75-80ish......of course the 16-18 city kills the average... The new Focus is growing on me....but no sport or engine option kills it for me as a viable choice.

52,000 miles and retired to my son's custody.............. He is selling the 93 LX5.0 we have mostly finished, as he is getting married Nov 1, and he is also selling his 2002 SVT Focus and taking my ST. He gains TC, Audiophile, 2 more doors, heated seats and all the parts and extended warranty. Some of you will scoff, but I bought a 2006 Jetta GLI, Pkg 1, 18"s, spoiler and DSG, it was a CPO and had 20,254 miles. I had the windows tinted Sunday and started driving it Monday for my 100 mile/day drive. The power & DSG are amazing, it has gotten 29-30 mpg so far even with everyone beating it and using the paddle shifters..... I will still get to drive my ST once in awhile and we plan to run it until 100K when the warranty ends. I am not able to shift consistently due to back & leg issues related to my service time.....so I went A/T. I drove the Fusion, Mazda 6, and some other stuff, the Jetta is miles ahead in all areas and I am very happy with it. I used to be a Service Manager for Porsche, Audi, & VW, so I know that they are way better than people think....or have heard. I wouldn't spend the $$ for a new one due to the tremendous amount of miles I put on, but this was what I wanted 3 yrs ago and the price was in my commuter car budget, ($20,900 is what I paid). My ST will be driven "only" 76 miles/day now to work by my son.......I expect it to continue to be troublefree and a solid car. I like it very much and would recommend one to anyone. Later guys

50,000 MILES!!! I had the brake/clutch fluid changed Sat, the Mobil 1 and they added 5 oz,s of R-134.. I still haven't done the brakes, dealer said I have 5K left, same as the last visit 8,000 miles ago. Boring to say, but no issues or problems yet....... I also swapped the plugs for Denso Iridiums...WOW!!! Idles smoother and runs better....but the stock "100,000" mile plugs were used up when I removed them, color was OK, electrode was pitted, and worn....there is no such thing as a 100K plug... This is a great car, too bad Ford doesn't make it anymore......

Yeah, but I'm not much of a Volvo person.....I'd do a Mazda 6 way before the Volvo.... I'm pretty settled after re-driving everything Sat that the GLI is my best all around choice, I feel I'm getting an expensive car for a MEDIUM PRICE.. I still want a 335i, but realistically 306 hp in a commuter car, plus heavy miles is such a waste.........maybe I should retire..... BUT: In spite of my leg & back problems, I am in no big hurry to get rid of my ST, it compares well with everything out there for the most part...it has more room than our C230 in the backseat..... I drive an A/T car from the house when I can't walk, so I think I will just keep procrastinating until the 09's come out..... Tiguan is at the dealer, gonna look at one of them too.....

Yes I have. The only Mazda that rings my bell for this task is a Mazdaspeed3....but its 6 speed only.... That is the reason it comes in 2nd to the GTI/GLI is the lack of a performance oriented A/T. My legs are bad due to Neuropathy and my back is gotten worsae in the last yr.....so I will have to go A/T next time. The regular Mazda 3 just isn't a feasible switch from my ST at this point, Focuses just don't have great resale or trade-in value. The best trade I have been offered in the last 2 months is around $8-$9K, for that it will sit out front as a 3rd or 4th car because I think it would be stupid to write a check to cover negative equity for a car I actually like enough to drive for another year or 2..... I rarely drive it on weekends and we usually drive the Mercedes for long trips or vacations due to the enjoyment and comfort/handling combo, plus it is a 7 spd A/T. 5 days a week of shifting is quite enough for me at this point. The DSG in the GTI/GLI is the best transmission I have ever driven period. It shifts faster than a Ferrari A/T (8/1000's of second vs 400/1000) and with the 2.0 Turbo it gets 32-34 actual mpg hwy, and 24 mpg city according to 3-4 owner's I have talked too....and they love the car. At $30ish loaded, its a great package. Its got paddles or just a Sport setting that holds to redline......all I need. I am getting older and starting to like cars like our Mercedes way more than I used too, my wife loves the C63 and boy that's a nice little car, pricey, but so is a Shelby or Z06 as a toy........later on maybe. (Z06 is now my 1st choice due to my GM discount from Cuz...) If we go to 1 vehicle someday, it will have to be the LTZ Suburban, can't beat the versatility and features and it drives wellk and tows good. If I buy one for Florida, we will get the Dk Blue, as my 07 is White. With the 6.0 it gets 13-15 city and 18-20 hwy, same as my 4.0 Ranger used to get.....I can live with that as the business uses it as a writeoff anyway. I still like my ST and it looks like it will run to 100K easy with no issues.....I'm changing from Mobil 1 to Royal Purple synthetic shortly as an experiment to see if I notice any differences...

OK, here's my $.02 worth: I hate FWD as it just doesn't drive as well as a RWD, no debate there, raced 911's for 17 yrs and have had all manner of muslecars and sports cars too. I bought my 2005 Focus ST in Feb 2006, today it has 47,500 miles on it from driving 100/miles a day to work. I have not had any issues since the A/C compressor seal had to replaced at delivery, probably from sitting for 5 mos before I bought it. It was purchased for $16, 186 after a $2,500 rebate and X-Plan as a throwaway commuter car and has won me over in that capacity in a way I never thought it would. It is, of course, a 2.3L Duratec, 5 spd manual, with 6 disc, power windows, locks, mirrors cruise, traction control, heated seats, moonroof, 4 wheel discs, SVT shocks with stock Focus springs were part of the factory package. It has Leather & suede like seats, rears fold down, and it also has the Sony Audiophile system. To all that I added; Mobil 1, upper tie bar, Steeda CAI, and a SCT premium fuel performance tune, and BFG G-Sport tires and window tint. I drove a new 2008 SES that I was thinking may be a better piece for my commute....hated the way it drives and looks, and the gadgets were cool, but I am more a performance dynamics kind of guy.......NO SALE. Then I went and drove a Jetta 2.5 and a GLI.....completely different level of vehicle. The Rabbit & Jetta 2.5 are both competitive with the Focus SES loaded version on price but way ahead on driving, handling, features etc. The GLI is what I would buy and may yet......but a quick cost/benefit analysis tells me what I need to do is run ST to 100K miles and then buy something else............I purchased a warranty thru the Credit union that is $0 Ded and covers everything mechanical...so far again, haven't needed to use it... I drove a Mazdaspeed 3 and thought why couldn't Ford have offered this in a Focus??? Dumb asses was my assessment....turbo motor is awesome, in fact the whole car is great. So no 2.3, no sale, I gert 26-29 running 65-80, so I'm happy. The new ones are reporting in at more like 30ish hwy from what my Ford buddy is hearing..... I bought my wife a 2007 C230 with the AMG Sport pkg last April, 13.6" front drilled rotors, 11.5 rear.....this is a 2.5L V6 with 201 hp, it gets 22 city and 30-32 hwy at 80-90.....handles better than any of our Mustangs and is toy loaded....for approx 32K new...can't beat it. 7 spd A/T makes the diffewrence for performance & mileage I'm sure. I would buy another one except, I don't like the 2008 redesign...so we are replacing it with a 335i in a year or so...even better!!!! I would buy a Fusion over anything except a Mustang at this point.......

Bill Franco put 2 complete drivelines in my '99 Cobra Vert...didn't fix the problem, they gave me full MSRP less $100??? WTF!!! and we bought a 2001 ST, (POS), then a 2002 GT Vert, still here....then my son & I bought the '93 LX 5.0 FHP Notch, still got that building a 331 Turbo for it...bought a GM, got rid of that for the commuter Focus ST, bought a 2007 loaded ST V8, sold that for the 2007 C230 Sport.... what a phenomenal road car....comfort has become our thing I guess.....Mustangs are all toys now.... Still have the 2007 LTZ suburban w/6.0 l.............great truck, love it!!!! I'm thinking I will relocate it from Boston to here.....but then I got nothing to drive up there...... Now I am deciding on a color, (white, Vista or Grabber), for our 2008 GT.....idiots that we are, we keeping all the other cars....I learned that if you sell them, you regret it sooner or later..... 2008 will get forged internals and twin turbos...will be a shop car, ( tax writeoff too!!!) Going A/T with this car for traffic and launch issues....plus my legs and back deteriation have earned me a Handicapped placard after years of trying to avoid it.....at least I get great parking spots now...... I guess my addiction is never going to be cured, but that's fine wiith me

44,250 miles still no problems/issues. I am researching whether a Mazdaspeed 3 driveline will be a difficult swap or not...the thought intrigues me........ I might have to just buy the Mazdaspeed 3......great little car.... I will update from time to time......

Well, I replaced the tires with the same BFG G-Trac Sport Comp's I had....car returned to silent, comfortable ride again. I will turn 42,000 miles tomorrow and will replace Mobil 1 and Mobil synthetic filter again this weekend. The car will be 2 yrs old Sat Feb 16th Still no failures, issues or concerns despite the sporty use it sees. The SCT2 tune continues to be flawless andf is delivering 27-30 mpg w/o A/C on.....and that is running 75-90 mph everyday on the highway for 25-30 miles of my 48 mile 1 way commute. I am Mustang hunting again, as we want one for a toy for club and weekends....I'm leaning towards a 2008 GT or a 2004 Terminator. Either one will get mods, the '08 has the advantage of the A/T for my bad back and legs.......plus we can order it the way we want it. "Fred" as I call my ST will be around as a commuter/extra car until the end of my 100K aftermarket warranty.....no sense in taking the $$$ loss by selling or trading it...it is the Anti-Ricer and still new to me. The new Focus is Fugly to me and with no 2.3 or meaningful power...no sale here. I could see a Fusion V6 maybe if I am still commuting when this goes, but when I get the shop....Mustang will be driver then.

mn. written like a true lawyer....when I finished I was confused about what the subject was initially!!!! :reading: I ordered a GT500 from my dealer, my refusal to pay more than MSRP resulted in the purchase of a Mercedes instead... I thought about a Shelby GT, but the cheap tacky hood scoop and fugly rear diffuser killed that idea....and the laughable price too I have decided now that I am either buying a 2004 Terminator or a 2008 GT Premium and spending the $$ I save on serious mods... I like the GT and Lord knows there is tons of parts available..... I love the Bullitt, but the local dealers are adding $10K to the first batch the idiot at the 1st dealer said there was only going to be500 made, so it was a steal at $10K over.........would have laughed if the stupidity wasn't so depressing... I have been offered a 2008 GT500 @ MSRP, but no color choice......my thought is - BITE ME, and that Z06 is looking way better about now. I guess I will decide this Spring about which way to go...

40,000 mile update......turned 40K today. No problems other than the tires are going to need replacement shortly after 25,000 miles of abuse... No time to do any changes to the car, maybe brake upgrade will be done in the next 2 mos or so...still have original brakes and rotors, wearing well. Put 10K miles since Nov and it sat for 2 weeks over Christmas vacation, we drove the Mercedes all the time and the '93 LX 5.0 of course..... I'm looking into a Bullitt if they can be had.......sure would like one...

This is the 36,000 mile report.........No problems, no issues. I will write again at 40,000 I expect I'll have time to do some upgrades, (17" SVT wheels, Turbo form a Mazdzspeed 3 maybe, struts and shocks, SS brake lines etc.) I decided to push the envelope a little....resale is poor anyway, why not have some fun.......

35,000 mile review as of today. No problems, continues to get 27-30 mpg highway and the only change, (besides new Mobil 1) is an upper strut tiebar form Focaljet by way of CFM. Tightened up the front end some more. I got to get to the springs and anti-roll bars, just short of time as usual. We drove our C230 Sport to Boston and back averaged 28.1 for 3,047 total miles and 59 mph average speed. Very nice road car, way more comfortable than our 2007 Sport Trac was as far as seats go...those hard seats do you right on long trips. First day was 920 miles to Aberdeen MD....even my bad back was fine.... The seats in my ST are damn close to the same comfort level, although we haven't driven it on any long trips yet... I will probably run it up to Asheville this fall to give it a good "Italian tuneup" Still impressed except for the FWD thing, this is one great little car, I could not live with a Honda Civic or Corolla for this task... nowhere as fun and powerful..............

Stay with me here........YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - USUALLY. My 2005 Focus ST is what the small car segment needs, 2.3 L, moonroof, tilt & telescope, CC, PW, PL, seat heaters, traction control, 6 disc Sony Audiophile system with steering wheel controls, body kit is subtle, 4 wheel disc brakes, SVT struts & shocks, antiroll bars, leather wheel & shifter knob.etc, etc. The only option I'm missing is the side airbags. MSRP was $20,490. I paid $16,212 after $2,500 rebate and using X-plan. I will replace this car in 57,000 miles before my 100K extended warranty expires. To this package, I added a SCT Premium fuel performance tune, Steeda CAI, a Steeda short shifter, medium tint, BFG G-Sport tires, Mobil 1, and my radar detector. I just turned 33,200 today, runs perfect gets 26-28 in the heat, 29-32 w/o A/C...like that happens much here in FL... I would buy another ST, but of course Ford quit making them due to poor sales...never advertised here, never in the showroom etc, etc. Now I am OK with a Fusion, but not enough to buy one.... So I will likely either take the 2007 Mercedes C230 Sport, (so far 21-22 city, 28-29 hwy, and only 5500 miles on it, far short of the 10K break-in period it takes to loosen up) from my wife and buy her a new ML 320 CDI, or buy a Jetta TDI, at a projected 50 +mpg it will make sense for my 100 mile/day drive. Before all you parrots tell me VW sucks etc, remember that I was a Service Manager for VW/Porsche/Audi for 5 years, and we still have 2 in the family...no problems beyond maintenance... I like interesting performance vehicles and the ST fits that niche, the regular Focus does not. I also like our 2002 SVT Focus, but not as much as the torque enhanced ST. Ford is losing me gradually, due to horrific depreciation, poor choice of options and colors and just generally, except for the Mustang, mediocre uninteresting products. We love our Mustangs......

transman!!! Great to hear from you again...I miss you and Hitman taking pompous idiot trolls apart, ( Not you Tony V), If GM had put a Duramax in my 2007 LTZ 'Burb, I would have that instead of the 6.0 that's in it.... The other race shop truck is a 4 door crew cab Duramax 4X4 with Banks parts...the guy who bought the shop from me owns that vehicle.... I like it, but its a country mile long.... I am really talking myself into a Z06...maybe even the rumored Z07 next year...I love Mustangs, but the Vette is just mind boggling to drive. Its sorta like a Porsche Turbo on Steroids and amphetamines all at once...almost enough power to never get boring too.... The one I road tested last year, (my cousin's car), is now done and ready to race...I will drive it again in Oct, back permitting, and dial in the setup for him.... I advised him to get some track time, I'm not dialing that in on the street.....I'd never get out of jail..... We are all getting older, but it seems none of us are more mature Thank God!!!!!!! I still love a smoky burnout for 200-300 feet, it just feels so damn good!!!!! My new Sherriff buddy wasn't amused, but saw my DAV pin and let me go with a lecture.....bless his little heart!!! Last comment was; you are getting too old for this type of thing......HELL NO I"M NOT!!!!!!

Other major players are Griggs, Steeda and Kenny Brown.. I think KB stuff is on hold due to his health issues though. We are going 90%+ Steeda on all 3 Mustangs, I have found their stuff to be highly engineered, fits perfectly and works better than advertised. I have no connection or benefit there, I just really like their stuff best. Griggs is second by a nose, for me shipping and location are better with Steeda also. The 02 GT Vert already has Steeda full length subframe connectors, (zinc plated), and a Steeda CAI. This is our closest to stock vehicle, it also has the SCT2 premium tune, Cobra calipers and slotted Brembo rotors with Steeda's SS brake lines. The 93 LX 5.0 SSC FHP car has so much Steeda stuff I can't even remember all of it, we just put their 3" cowl hood and pin kit on it, its a Kaenen piece sold thru Steeda and it is perfect, fit well, painted well and has a very high level of finish even on the underside. The 91 LX 5.0 Vert is a work in progress still, but with 550+ rwhp from the Vortech it is getting an entire Steeda rear suspension and K member setup next year. Also has a Steeda 3" cowl as above... I have to buy the 8 point cage from MM, as no one else has one readily available it seems. Be aware that most all tubular K-Mmebers will transmit some rattling noise thru the chassis, its just the nature of the setup. However anything that takes weight off the front end of our pig heavy Stangs is generally a good idea. I even bought their CAI for my 2.3 Focus ST and the Tri-Ax also,,,great improvement there....

closserd, My P6's were noisy, harsh and started to separate around 15,000 miles....I never liked Pirelli's anyway but thought I would run out the OEM rim protectors before I upgraded. In fairness to them I hit a piece of broken cinderblock that fell off a landscape truck that I simply could not avoid with the R/F side...it trashed both tires and I replaced them immediatly, they still held air and all, just killed the tire integrity. Regardless of the early demise,(YEAH!!!) I would have never even considered them as a replacement based on their performance for 15K miles. I wish I had done it the day I brought it home after feeling the improvement. All I can say is if you think P6's ride good, wait until you put real tires ON!! You will be astonished at the change. I found the P6's had road noise that was excessive and traction was poor wet or dry, plus compared to the BFG's they did not ride well either....really a quantum difference with this upgrade. I personally have had poor experiences with Pirelli, Continental and Goodyear both on the street and on my race cars. We were offered free Dunlop or Pirelli for the 4 bike race team as sponsors, we paid for our Michelins...they worked better. The BFG's are smoother, quieter, ride better and as a bonus, turn in is much sharper too. The BFG's are a performance tread design, but handle our torrential downpours excellently, with no hydroplaning up 80 ish even, (I tested them!!) I kept the stock 5 spoke ST wheels and the stock 205/50/16 size tires for now. I also used to be a Porsche, Audi, VW Service Mgr for 5 years and I am primarily a Michelin fan for most applications. Performance tires are so good these days that they really do it all. Tires are the only part of your car that is supposed to touch the ground, be picky, it won't be $$$ wasted for sure. I wish I could get you to drive my car, the minor changes/upgrades transformed an already fun and zippy piece into a joy to drive anytime, and I'm not done yet... As a disclaimer; all my miles are generally highway, between 55-90 where noise, harshness, and a tendency to hydroplane are very pronounced. If most of your driving is city or not at a 30 mile sustained run at speed that may explain why they seem better. The recommended inflation of 34/34 made them unbearable for me and they were ugly too!!!! J/K, that would be shallow....

closserd, The SCT2 tuner allowed me to remove the 112 mph speed limiter and raise the redline to 7000. Tried 7200 - no power added, no point to leave it there Raising the redline enables me to hit 60 in 2nd....with the 93 tune it will pull from 1200-7000 with no flat spots or hesitation. I am considering an exhaust, but I don't want it any louder...I may do a Cosworth header....and Borla setup if the noise is tolerable, but I'm not feeling the need, it runs great, it sounds good...so no problem leaving it alone so far. I toyed with the idea of putting in a Mazdaspeed 3 driveline, but its smarter to just go buy the car new. I have tired 3 brands of fuel: Sunoco, BP & Exxon with the following observations; I drive the same route every day and pretty much the same speed 55-100 mph range...God bless my Passport 8500!!! Exxon = 25-28 mpg BP = 27-30 mpg Sunoco = 27-32+ All are 93 octane and always purchased at the same stations, I have no clue why there is a difference other than additives...I guess it just likes the Sunoco best. Same type of results with the 3 Mustangs, just much lower #'s DUH!!! I can keep up with our 2002 SVT Focus, also SCT2 tuned with a Steeda CAI & Mobil 1, I just cannot do it over 85ish and cannot pass him...its a fast little bitch..and 6 speed helps too... 1 of these days when we aren't tuning the Mustangs at the strip, I will run it just to see what it has...I would guess low 15's/90ish on a good air day...but who knows??? Mine is also Liquid Gray and the only option missing is the side airbags....everyone who drives it always says the same thing: wow way better than I expected and quick too....for a Focus... assholes!!! My Civic owning neighbor (2005 LX), said if he drove this car, he would of bought it instead of the Civic.. He was stunned at the content and transaction price, he paid less than a $1000 under what I did and he has: no power, no moonroof, no leather combo seats, and no premium stereo, no heated seats and no 6 disc.......but he gets 33-35 mpg not a tradeoff I would make... We just put Nitto Neo Gen's on the SVT, they are even better than my BFG G-Sport tires, next time I may put them on, although these BFG's have 15K on them with minimal wear and as I keep inflated to 34 psi and the alignment is perfect they are wearing evenly. With FWD rotation & balance every 5000 miles is essential to get any wear out of the tires. I am going to get it aligned shortly as it has never been done...I will also dump the brake/clutch fluid, coolant and PS fluid. I do all my cars/trucks once a year, the heat here destroys fluids, interiors and paint quickly. Maintenance is cheaper than repair & downtime... I love the seats, with my back issues, the heated seats and the great comfort make for a great package for long rides.

I really miss all you guys...we did some wild shit and had a lot of fun here. My update: Yesterday was my 37th weddig anniversary and she still drives like me!!! I would be lost without her :happy feet: We have a new set of vehicles...getting older you know and more conservative.....still adding more later as usual. 2007 Mercedes C230 Sport - wife's new daily driver, SportTrac gone. 2005 Focus ST commuter car - mine, just turned 30K, good little car 2007 Suburban LTZ - mine, alleged tow vehicle, only has 3150 miles since Oct 06.....I love this thing, shitty mpg & all!!!! 2002 SVT Focus, son's car, my wallet it seems..... 1993 LX 5.0 SSC FHP car, my son & I co-own this one, mostly restored now, building a 331 Turbo to replace tired stock block. Everything else pretty much done mechanically except 5-lug and that will be shortly, 3' Cowl and frt clip just painted. 1991 LX 5.0 Vert, Cobra shortblock, forged internals etc, etc, Vortech S-Trim with 3 position adjustable boost, (10 psi, 12psi & 14psi), probably will convert to turbo when '93 is finished sucking up $$$$ This is our new Mommy & Daddy "toy" and Mustang Club Car. It went 10.91, but only once...no cage, no encore. I am upgrading it to a MM rollcage and Corbeau seats for cruising and track days. Everything from 3" Cowl to 5 lugs and Cobra brakes done, need to paint it, and replace the cloth top, ( on order - $1400!!! damn), this is a work-in progress right now. 2002 GT Vert, just turned 66,000 miles, still looks new and with the SCT2 tune and exhaust and CAI went 13.8 in Drive with 2 people aboard, slow but pretty!!!! My attempt to buy a GT500 seems done, I still won't pay the huge markup, and we cancelled our Shelby GT when we saw it, way to ugly for us, hood scoop and tailpipes look like ricer boy put them on; plus only 319 hp. If I wanted a $39,000 GT, I'd buy one from Steeda and be way ahead of this thing. We are planning to retire in the next 2 years or so, before I'm dead, and are deciding where to build our final house. NH is in the lead right now, but who knows what could happen. I will sell my MA house and its 20 acres. I want a 12 car garage with an attached kitchen and bedroom; the wife seems less than thrilled about that configuration...I see compromise big time!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe a medium size 4/3 will pass the requirements for her...grandkids need sleepover space after all. The excitement of getting old continues, I am finally needing to have my back surgery NOW, Spur Fractures & 3 crushed discs seem to require immediate attention my surgeon tells me. Happening in August, then up to Boston in Oct for a couple weeks of rest. OH Yeah, VICODIN rocks, did you know you can walk, get dressed, & drive and shift & everything with this wonder drug.....then the shit wears off.....WOW is that not any fun!!!!!.....until we re-medicate :happy feet: ....then again you think cool, and again the shit wears off....very frustrating when you are crippled and can't bend over and stuff..........so whatever it takes I'm doing the fix. Using a cane and/or crutches sucks. Let's make an attempt to keep this shell of our old hangout going everybody check-in at least once a week OK? Later guys and be nice to a Veteran once a day, we appreciate it!!! John

The newer people here may not know that as a former racer, (oldracer..duh), that I despise FWD cars generally. That being said I have just turned 30,000 on my 2005 ST and felt a fair review was in order. I have a Steeda CAI, SCT2 premium fuel custom tune, Steeda short shiftter,(amazing improvement), Mobil 1, tint and BFG G-Force Sport tires at this time. On order is a Focaljet upper tie bar from Hector @ Central Florida Motorsports and then FRPP springs. Car already has SVT struts/shocks & 4 wheel disc brakes & ABS from the factory. Factory Options are: Moonroof, T&T steering wheel, pw, pm, traction control, heated seats, Sony Audiophile system, steering wheel audio controls and cc, and Leather & velour type seats. 2.3 L DOHC and 5 speed trans. First let me list all the problems, A/C compressor seal was leaking at delivery, promptly fixed. OK that has been all the problems so far...... I drive 100 miles/day to KSC and run 65-80++ and with my A/C on constantly since Feb, my mileage for the last 5000 miles is averaging 27.9 mpg. Best ever was 32.6 mpg, worst was 22.9 mpg...hammering it all week and 125+ mph several days in a row.... The tires and shifter made a bigger impact than the power increase in fun to drive, it turns in like our SVT Focus, but with more roll of course until I put the springs and upper tie bar in it. This car has been trouble free and reliable every day for the 18 months since I got it new, (Feb 06), and while I bought it as a throwaway commuter car, it has earned my respect as a fun little ride. I still don't like the FWD handling over RWD, but it can be hustled if some skill and sense is used. The sad part is, of course, Ford will not be making these after 2007, and my dealer said they sold so poorly that they don't even order them anymore. Mine sat from Oct 05 until I finally bought it in Feb 06 @ X-plan. MSRP was $20,490, I paid $16, 218 +TTT for a total out the door of $18,253. Resale like all Fords, sucks, so I am adding a 100K mile, $0 Ded Warranty fronm the Credit Union for $1,469 and throwing at away at 100,000 miles. I have to give this car credit, it gets the job done with a high level of fun included. Highest praise I can offer, is that I would buy another one if I'm still commuting that distance. We drive it on weekends sometimes instead of the Mustangs because it really is a fun car. I can see why Focus sales are up, imagine if we got the good one from Europe!!!!

Here is the Jeff Gordon signing story( condensed version), confirmed to my wife & me by Jeff himself in his rookie season over dinner. (yes we know him personally, and I have great respect for his driving talent in a variety of cars). I bought dinner that time by the way. He paid later at Charlotte.. He was running at Charlotte doing practice laps and Humpy & Rick Hendrick were watching from one of the suites... Jeff was sliding the car every lap onto the front straight, Rick asked Humpy, "who is that driver and let's watch him bust his ass, because he is on the ragged edge, and is about to hit the wall hard" After a large number of incident free laps, Rick asked who he drove for....Humpy said Bill Davis/Ford. but they haven't yet come thru with the promised Cup contract.....Rick signed him that day, and the rest is history. Jeff went fast enough in his first ever drive in Montoya's F1 BMW to have qualified 6th on the grid for the F1 race.....he did a very decent job at the Rolex 24 last Jan for his first ever drive in that type of car. We were there watching him & Jimmie Johnson... He has "car feel", which all the great driver's seem to have...Mario, AJ, Stirling etc, they all drove and won in all types of race cars. Tony Stewart also has that skill, the common denominator is usually sprint cars, Sports cars or some type of open wheel racecar background. They are all a bitch to drive well..... We have minimized our NASCAR viewing, and are on the Grand AM, ALMS and SCCA racing bandwagon. It is only logical for us, as that was the type of racing where I raced for 17 yrs in Porsche 911's...I also raced NHRA and AMA roadracing on motorcycles....(hence: oldracer...) I am still active in NHRA some and Motorcycle racing, just not riding them at my age anymore.... I am still a weekend track guy with various Mustangs we drag race though, can't seem to quit.........

Steeda, FRPP and Anderson Ford Motorsports all have parts for the V6. Get a 5.0 and/or MM&FF, the advertiser's alone are worth the price of the magazine....