Thanks for the welcome and I'm still trying to figure out the consumer market Ford thinks their going to get here in the states with that 4 turbo. I've been saying to other mustang enthusiasts I just can't see the import performance car enthusiast jumping ship over to a mustang even if its a 4 cylinder turbo.
Now, this new Focus RS thats rumored to be AWD and area of 350 HP 4 turbo. That may catch the attention of import enthususts but seems odd Ford would make such a powerful 4 turbo after coming out with this new mustang. In fact if the rumors are true a turbo 350 HP AWD Ford Focus may be faster than their 5.0 because because of traction (AWD) and weight reduction. Very odd too me.
So how about you kind gentlemen eduacting me on import performance cars because I really don't know that much other than your cars have amazing traction, fast from the factory and pulls like a fright train when tuned and modded.
I apologize in advance if my terminology is off for things when talking about your cars. Its my understanding the STI has a very strong motor that loves boost and can hold quite a bit on factory internals. Tell me about your rides and pictures please. What gearing do you guys like for the STI's? How much HP can the engine hold on the factory internals?
People will by the Focus. How much will be pulled from the import crowd, dunno? People bought the SRT4 neon.
Subarus get in your blood once you've owned one. Dunno what's with them, maybe they sprinkle you with pixie dust? Even people who leave them, generally find their way back.
They respond well to mods because of the turbo. Generally, dollar for dollar, vs NA cars, the turbo platform is ahead in making more power. Plus things like ethanol and methanol and race gas only add to the power.
Awd adds weight and makes for launching tricky. Gotta get those revs up in order to play well off the line. Plus off boost, down low, these cars are dogs. Catch a subaru driver off guard or doesn't know how to drive and you've got him in the bag.... unless he's got so much power, it makes up for lack of skills.
The motor is fairly strong with a good crank and rods. Heads flow well and cams seem decent even with bigger turbos. Pistons are the weak link and seem to pop at any power levels. Forged Pistons take care of this annoying problem.
Tuning is also essential to keeping things happy. They are very sensitive to even minor changes.
We don't play much with gearing. The 6 speed has pretty short and steep gears so low end and midrange power comes on fast but at the expense of constantly rowing gears. The transmissions are nearly indestructible along with a very solid diffs.
The cars are lighter than domestic muscle so we can do more with less.
Factory turbos aren't that impressive up top so highway races tend to put us at disadvantages. Bigger turbos are a different story.
Need more input? Lol
