2002 Ford Focus ZX3 - Streetcar

Attempting to put all that power to the ground is a Precision-rebuilt transmission. A Fidenza lightweight flywheel, Clutch Masters Stage 4 clutch and a B&M shifter improve shift quality and feel, as well as being far more robust than the stock pieces. A 4.08 Ford Racing gearset sitting on a Quaife differential complete the driveline and ensure traction. For those on a budget, Tom points out that the same gears were available on four-cylinder Contours. He says they bolt right up.

To keep this rig on the road, Tom set up the suspension with Focus Central front A-arms and rear trailing arms, larger front and rear anti-sway bars, Focus Sport front upper strut tower brace, Gold-Line springs and 17x7 Enkei RS6 wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich g-Force 225/45R-17 gumballs. Brakes remain stock for now.

Once the mechanicals were taken care of, it was time to give the Focus a more menacing look. Tom added a Wings West body kit, Sean Hyland rear wing, NOPI Cobra hood and a billet fuel door.

Interior upgrades are minimal, with A-pillar-mounted Auto Meter Phantom boost and air/fuel ratio gauges. Tom's son, Thomas, enhanced the stock stereo system by adding Sony 6x9s front and rear, Rockford Fosgate 275 and 400-watt amplifiers, and two 12-inch JL speakers in a custom box in the back.

When the car was completed, Tom wasn't content with just driving the Focus to work and soon got involved in running the Fun Ford Weekend circuit, racing in the True Street Focus and Focus Central/Focus Frenzy classes. He's been the number one qualifier at every event since the classes were created. His best time so far is 13.1 seconds at 113 mph, spinning the street tires the whole way.

Wheel spin is such a problem that Tom has to launch in first gear at a low 8 lbs of boost, then he cranks it up to 18 lbs when he hits second. He's currently looking for a way to break into the 12s, which shouldn't be a problem considering his trap speed.

As with any true project, it's never really finished. Besides more power and a brake upgrade, future mods include a six-point roll cage, racing seats and safety harnesses, and a new coat of white paint with old-school, hot-rod style blue flames.

And then of course, there's Tom's next project. Brand loyal? Nah. It's a 572 ci-powered '55 Chevy.

2002 FORD FOCUS ZX3