SM105K's Ownership/Performance/Maintenance Thread

[sm105k]

The Focus got washed and vacuumed today. Along with a fresh oil swap and and new trans mission fluid. That dual clutch fluid BS was $31.50  per quart. I only need two, but come on. On a side note the trans shifts a lot smoother now.

 

[sm105k]

So the SHO has a crack in the garbage windshield that Safelite put in the car.  I am going to request that they replace the windshield with OEM Carlite Soundscreen this time.  This also means that I have to get the damn banner re-done.  Not a big deal, just a time waster.  However, rather annoying.

The car is getting copper metallic overlays for the ford ovals when they arrive I will install them. 

I am also going to pull the front clip off the car this weekend.  My trans temps (even with the PP cooler) are warmer than I want.  Cruising at 80-85 mph here in the heat of Phoenix I am seeing 207 degrees.  Ford says 100 degrees over ambient is acceptable...but not for me.  I am going install a larger cooler, and make it fit in the stock location.  Cooler is below.  My local speed shop has the same one for 5 bucks less. So why not?

https://www.jegs.com/i/RPC/707/R5054X/10002/-1

 

[sm105k]

Update on the Upgraded mounts. They are DAMN good. If you have stock DP's, it literally took me 20 mins from start to finish to install these. Yes the car vibrates more (it has gotten better with the mileage) but the 1-2, and particularly the 2 - 3 shift is amazing. If you don't mind the mild vibration, and want the performance, these are probably the 2nd best mod besides a tune IMHO.

 

[sm105k]

Got the custom overlays in. Installed them, and they are perfect. Just the burn copper color I wanted.

Now I have to snag some black lug nuts, and when my new license plate frame comes in hopes that it somewhat matches the overlays.

 

[802SHO]

The SHO is looking top notch my friend!  The overlays look better than I imagined for a copper badge!  Etsy Designs does great work!

That cooler should improve your trans temps for sure.  Looking forward to your results.  You're hoping for about 20-25 degree cooler temps?  I think that's a reasonable expectation. 

 

[sm105k]

The SHO is looking top notch my friend!  The overlays look better than I imagined for a copper badge!  Etsy Designs does great work!

That cooler should improve your trans temps for sure.  Looking forward to your results.  You're hoping for about 20-25 degree cooler temps?  I think that's a reasonable expectation.

Thanks dude. I dont know what to expect with the trans cooler honestly.  If I can cruise at 85 in 105 -110 heat with trans temps in the 190's I would say I am winning.  Only time and money will tell.

 

[802SHO]

The SHO is looking top notch my friend!  The overlays look better than I imagined for a copper badge!  Etsy Designs does great work!

That cooler should improve your trans temps for sure.  Looking forward to your results.  You're hoping for about 20-25 degree cooler temps?  I think that's a reasonable expectation.

Thanks dude. I dont know what to expect with the trans cooler honestly.  If I can cruise at 85 in 105 -110 heat with trans temps in the 190's I would say I am winning.  Only time and money will tell.

True dat and it's good the cooler mods go easier on the wallet than most other upgrades we do to these beasts.  A cooler is anywhere from 50-200.  The Super fancy pants ones are upwards of 300.  Overall not too shabby

 

[sm105k]

The SHO is looking top notch my friend!  The overlays look better than I imagined for a copper badge!  Etsy Designs does great work!

That cooler should improve your trans temps for sure.  Looking forward to your results.  You're hoping for about 20-25 degree cooler temps?  I think that's a reasonable expectation.

Thanks dude. I dont know what to expect with the trans cooler honestly.  If I can cruise at 85 in 105 -110 heat with trans temps in the 190's I would say I am winning.  Only time and money will tell.

True dat and it's good the cooler mods go easier on the wallet than most other upgrades we do to these beasts.  A cooler is anywhere from 50-200.  The Super fancy pants ones are upwards of 300.  Overall not too shabby

I may or may not tackle the trans cooler project this weekend.  It will all depend on how replacing the strut bearings in the Focus goes.  Ford has a brilliant design where the bearing's top (hat) and bottom (cup) separate and then the pieces slam together, so it sounds like the front is trying to fall out.  It is safe, but is rather annoying.  So I have to pull the struts out, and take them to Pep Boys so they can compress the springs and swap the bearings out.  Then reinstall. I am not motivated since it is suppose to be 111-112 degrees here for the next 5 days....so.

I also have to go to the junkyard on Friday, and find some Taurus' and remove the lower door exterior trim pieces, so I can remove the retaining clips from them properly and install them on my paint matched ones. It is never ending.   

 

[802SHO]

The 3m tape didn't hold?  Usually that stuff is found being the "only" thing holding stuff on.  3m makes an adhesive primer called 3M 94 Primer.  Might want to try that as well.  I have some and if need be I will use it.  Try to remove the tape completely.  Prep with your 50/50 water/alcohol solution.  Dip a Q tip in the primer, apply a small amount to where you will stick the tape.  Allow to dry 5-10 min.  It goes on and dries clear.  Then add your fresh piece of 3m tape, apply firm pressure and then use a hair dryer or heat gun and apply more pressure.  Apply the 94 Primer to the trim piece where the tape will stick, let dry and when you go to adhere the two...do the same thing, apply pressure without heat then with heat.  Let cool.  It shouldn't fricken move! 

Forgive me if such thoughts and procedures are already in place or known just figured to walk through how I get things to stay in place. Btw that 8oz container will last your lifetime.  So about $25 dollars for a lifetime supply lol

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Tape-Primer-94-Vinyl/dp/B005LDG7HQ

 

[sm105k]

The 3m tape didn't hold?  Usually that stuff is found being the "only" thing holding stuff on.  3m makes an adhesive primer called 3M 94 Primer.  Might want to try that as well.  I have some and if need be I will use it.  Try to remove the tape completely.  Prep with your 50/50 water/alcohol solution.  Dip a Q tip in the primer, apply a small amount to where you will stick the tape.  Allow to dry 5-10 min.  It goes on and dries clear.  Then add your fresh piece of 3m tape, apply firm pressure and then use a hair dryer or heat gun and apply more pressure.  Apply the 94 Primer to the trim piece where the tape will stick, let dry and when you go to adhere the two...do the same thing, apply pressure without heat then with heat.  Let cool.  It shouldn't fricken move! 

Forgive me if such thoughts and procedures are already in place or known just figured to walk through how I get things to stay in place. Btw that 8oz container will last your lifetime.  So about $25 dollars for a lifetime supply lol

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Tape-Primer-94-Vinyl/dp/B005LDG7HQ

The 3M tape works, just the bottom trim/moulding won't stay down in the corners. It is actually anchored down with clips so the wind doesn't pull them up.  I am going to buy the primer, and it I have any issues with the upper trim I will address it.  I just want the stock clips (I broke mine) just for piece of mind, because in the past the SHO has made some 150+ mph passes and I haven't had any issues.  I want to keep it that way.

 

[802SHO]

150+ mph passes that's legit.  I've burried the needle once ....over 140 on a 65mph interstate is good enough for me lol I didn't try to tach it out as I had no idea how fast it was after 140.  I just kept going a few more seconds after 140 and let off

 

[sm105k]

150+ mph passes that's legit.  I've burried the needle once ....over 140 on a 65mph interstate is good enough for me lol I didn't try to tach it out as I had no idea how fast it was after 140.  I just kept going a few more seconds after 140 and let off

I had my SHO on GPS at 157 mph.  That is all she would do in the current configuration.  That was with a full tank, and my luggage.  I was in a hurry to get home from CA at 2 am in the morning.  I think with all the mods now, (including the DPs & tune revision) wheels, and quarter tank she will do 160+ mph.  Not bad for a heavy pig.  On a side note, the ST does 151 mph and actually runs out of gear in 6th.  Lol.   

 

[802SHO]

150+ mph passes that's legit.  I've burried the needle once ....over 140 on a 65mph interstate is good enough for me lol I didn't try to tach it out as I had no idea how fast it was after 140.  I just kept going a few more seconds after 140 and let off

I had my SHO on GPS at 157 mph.  That is all she would do in the current configuration.  That was with a full tank, and my luggage.  I was in a hurry to get home from CA at 2 am in the morning.  I think with all the mods now, (including the DPs & tune revision) wheels, and quarter tank she will do 160+ mph.  Not bad for a heavy pig.  On a side note, the ST does 151 mph and actually runs out of gear in 6th.  Lol. 

You're ripping!  2 am in the morning here going that fast you'd probably plaster a deer and that would suck.  Gotta watch out for them over yonder lol

 

[sm105k]

150+ mph passes that's legit.  I've burried the needle once ....over 140 on a 65mph interstate is good enough for me lol I didn't try to tach it out as I had no idea how fast it was after 140.  I just kept going a few more seconds after 140 and let off

I had my SHO on GPS at 157 mph.  That is all she would do in the current configuration.  That was with a full tank, and my luggage.  I was in a hurry to get home from CA at 2 am in the morning.  I think with all the mods now, (including the DPs & tune revision) wheels, and quarter tank she will do 160+ mph.  Not bad for a heavy pig.  On a side note, the ST does 151 mph and actually runs out of gear in 6th.  Lol. 

You're ripping!  2 am in the morning here going that fast you'd probably plaster a deer and that would suck.  Gotta watch out for them over yonder lol

On the major highway from here to Ca (there are two) it is flat, straight, and wide open for 20 to 30 miles stretches.  If there is a full moon, you can see for miles.  Biggest thing I have ever seen on the side of the road is a coyote, so high speed runs are the norm.  In AZ on those stretches the speed limit is 75, and almost everyone sets their cruise at about 90 and the Highway doesn't even blink when they see you.  You can run 80-83 mph on those stretches of CA as well. This is why I am looking to upgrade my trans cooler, because of continuous higher speed cruising.

 

[802SHO]

I would do the same thing then...see what my top speed is!  I can't wait for you to do the cooler.  I want to see an improvement there. 

 

[sm105k]

I would do the same thing then...see what my top speed is!  I can't wait for you to do the cooler.  I want to see an improvement there.

You know.....when in Rome.....

 

[sm105k]

Couple of updates...

PPE DP's are on the way.  I have also contacted my fabricator about the adding the quad tips to my exhaust as well. Once I buy the new trans cooler, this will close out this round of mods. 

The car will only need four things to be complete and I will be pretty much done.  Next up, Upgraded HPFP, GH Turbos, Meth (yes I said it), and then a built short block. 

Also, Brad is taking over tuning for my Focus ST as well.  The Ford Performance Tune is good.  However after data logging their tune, and reviewing it with Brad we
are seeing things that are less then to be desired.  91 octane, high boost spikes, and extreme heat isn't the best combo.  Going to throw her on Flex Fuel (E51) and she should be a lot happier.   

 

[802SHO]

Come to the dark side young Skywalker .....endulge in METH!  You too shall suffer from the unquenchable thirst for methonal

 

[sm105k]

Come to the dark side young Skywalker .....endulge in METH!  You too shall suffer from the unquenchable thirst for methonal

You are completely ridiculous. LOL.  Meth will only be used to clean the valves.

 

[802SHO]

Come to the dark side young Skywalker .....endulge in METH!  You too shall suffer from the unquenchable thirst for methonal

You are completely ridiculous. LOL.  Meth will only be used to clean the valves.

Yeah OK?  We'll see about that.