2000 Ford Focus as a race car?

Quick question. Would a 2000 Ford Focus work as a dirt race car? The 2.0 lists as 110 hp - low compared to others. Are they / is there, anything "special" about them?

Thank you

A local dirt guy won with a hatchback a few years ago. If the car is a zetec, you should be good.

In reply to L5wolvesf :

Dirt track rules tend to very by location; local rules.  Where you're running, what is currently winning?  At my local track the hot setup is/was Chevy Beretta or Grand AM w/3.1L V6. 

I will be running IMCA Sort Compact division (once I find a car), which is very similar to several other oval racing org rules. A few seem to be exact copies. In IMCA VVT ist verboten and IIRC zetec is VVT - correct? 

The struts slide into the knuckle on the front, so not as easy to create camber as a car with two bolts.

We did an SVT project car a few years back. 

I would suggest either Zetec or (starting in 2003) Duratec for at least 127 HP, avoid the SPI motor for its lack of power and valve-dropping tendencies. If you can get a 2003-07 with the 2.3 Duratec you'll get between 145-151 horsepower.

Edit: just saw the VVT rule. I guess that would outlaw the Zetec and the Duratec. And just about any other modern motor. I think that sounds like a ridiculous rule, but I guess I'd say no to getting a Focus for IMCA racing, then.

slowbird said:

I would suggest either Zetec or (starting in 2003) Duratec for at least 127 HP, avoid the SPI motor for its lack of power and valve-dropping tendencies. If you can get a 2003-07 with the 2.3 Duratec you'll get between 145-151 horsepower.

 

Edit: just saw the VVT rule. I guess that would outlaw the Zetec and the Duratec. And just about any other modern motor. I think that sounds like a ridiculous rule, but I guess I'd say no to getting a Focus for IMCA racing, then.

I suspect that it was originally written for Honda to keep them from wiping the tracks with nearly everyone else since it took the domestics so long to catch up.

Nearly everyone has VVT or similar, so someone should petition the rules makers to update the rules.

Anyway....

John Welsh (Moderate Supporter) said:

In reply to L5wolvesf :

Dirt track rules tend to very by location; local rules.  Where you're running, what is currently winning?  At my local track the hot setup is/was Chevy Beretta or Grand AM w/3.1L V6. 

This is actually a set of national rules. I'm still looking for a car hence the question. I've been to the closest track and checked out the cars and drivers. The turnouts are low 7 is the most IIRC, compared to the Midwest tracks that get 14 to 20+. Locally there weren't any 2 of the same cars and most would not seem to be a good choice. One car did dominate last year, a 2005 Sunfire. But at a race I didn't get to he was DQ'd, I don't know why. but FWIW a DQ in IMSA loses you all your points and gets you a track ban. 

In IMCA, and at least 2 other large orgs, Sport Compact is a 4 cylinder, FWD, limited prep class. 

In reply to Streetwiseguy :

Where there is a will there might be a way :) 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Thanks, if I go the Focus route I look at it further.

I have seen a few do awesome at rally cross, if that crosses over.

In reply to Stefan (Forum Supporter) :

I image you are right on the Hondas. This org seems similar to SCCA but there is no process for getting rules changed. 

Is a VVT delete allowed? They're not uncommon on the Duratecs. If no aftermarket parts can be used, you might be able to use Ranger Duratec head/cams as they never had VVT from the factory.

STM317 said:

Is a VVT delete allowed? They're not uncommon on the Duratecs. If no aftermarket parts can be used, you might be able to use Ranger Duratec head/cams as they never had VVT from the factory.

Beyond certain exceptions in the rules the following prevents a number of possibilities.

"All engine components must be unaltered OEM for year, make and model of car used, must match V.I.N."

and they do check VIN #s

thedoc said:

I have seen a few do awesome at rally cross, if that crosses over.

With which engine? and I am not familiar at all with rally cross rules.

L5wolvesf said:

In reply to Streetwiseguy :

Where there is a will there might be a way :) 

I didn't say impossible.  Just not as easy.

The early Duratec Focii did not have VVT. Neither did the Escape or Ranger FWIW. Only the Mazda MZR equivalents and I believe the Fusions had it too on the 2.3l. I don't think they got VVT standard until MAYBE the 2nd gen redesign, or 3rd gen for sure.