[Metallicat]

Ok, since I plan on keeping this car for a while (no V6 manual option in 2007 and maybe none until the $30,000 mythological SVT Fusion makes itself known), I would like to know your thoughts on the most economical way to reach 180-200hp with the 2.3. My thoughts are: CAI (do any exist yet?) and a custome tune, followed by a nice header and....then what???? With a quality CAI, header, and tune you can probably expect a good 20 hp gain - maybe more? There are a lot of 2.3 Focus performance parts out there, but what works well with this car? I'm sure an intake cam is out of the question, but would a performance exhaust cam be of any benefit? Turbos and SC variants are out of the question...I want to do this for less than $1500 if possible.

 

[Cross Bolt]

Sorry : But the turbocharger is easiest way to make horsepower and probably the least amount of work. Also when your done, it is easier to put it back to stock.

 

[Metallicat]

But can the stock Mazda manual transmission handle the added torque of a turbo? I am looking for reliability and I would have to believe that the cost of a quality turbo runs in the neighborhood of $3500-$5000.

 

[Cross Bolt]

I can't answer the transmission question. I think that would depend on how you drive it. If you start tearing into the engine, the dollars are going to add up fast. I have done some reading on this engine and if you do start ripping into it, you need to have your act together.
I think, if you really need the hp, the turbo, intercooler,chip mod and some extra fuel, will take you for the ride of your life.

PS: Use some good oil and some good common sense.

 

[Metallicat]

Damn, I was hoping for some nice 20-40 hp bolt-on solutions...guess I will have to settle for something less since I am not willing to test and create my own custom turbo. In that case, a CAI and tune may be my limit unless I decide to wait until 2008 when Ford (hopefully) addresses my peformance needs!

 

[Hispeedsoldier]

Nitrous Oxide..... GO BABY GO!!!

 

[Metallicat]

First = XC2 tune (on the way). 

No laughing gas for me.