You guys really need to check this stuff out!

[PR5Matt]

The Focus and Mazda 3 are 90% silmilar, and many parts that work on a Focus work on the 3. The Focus is even available already with a low emissions version of the 2.3. Guys in the Focus world are already running mid-14s with N/A 2.3 cars (Just a CAI, Exhaust, pulley, and header will do it for you [but of course the Focus is lighter than the Mazda3]). Check out these sites, and look at the PZEV (the low emissions version of the 2.3) and Duratec (Ford's name for the its new line of 4cyls) tuning sections:

http://www.focaljet.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/

 

[ilvmazdas]

aftermarket parts

Are you saying that aftermarket parts that work on the focus work on the 3?

 

[TooleBox]

focaljet is my home away from home... im still a mod there in zetec tuning. but Focaljet i not just for the focus anymore... look in the forum there called the "triospeed garage" that is dedicated to the mazda 3 until focaljet's sister site (mazdapilot.com) goes live!

 

[PR5Matt]

Are you saying that aftermarket parts that work on the focus work on the 3?

Yes they will. The suspension is 95% identical. Just minor differences in swaybar endlinks, that will switch between the two. Engines are the same (the 2.3 only for now, and in 05 they will all be the same). I think the trannys are different though.

 

[frenzy2223]

The Focus is based on the C170 chaise and the Mazda 3 is based on the C1 chaise. How would the parts be the same if the chaise is different? Mazda R&D claims that the Mazda 3 and the Focus are only 42% the same!

 

[ZippityZoomZoom]

It seems the engines are a bit different from the sites I have been to. (uhm)

 

[canada3]

same as the 626's and the ford probes...same engines and trannies and suspension and almost everything mechincal........hard to find 626 parts but easy to find probe parts...

 

[PR5Matt]

The Focus is based on the C170 chaise and the Mazda 3 is based on the C1 chaise. How would the parts be the same if the chaise is different? Mazda R&D claims that the Mazda 3 and the Focus are only 42% the same!

Sure, if you look at the TOTAL car (body, interior, engine, trans,etc.) they are about 50% similar, but the chassis is essentially the same even with the new upgrades chassis designation. I owned a fOCUs until about 2 months ago, and modified the hel out of it. I drove a 3 home and checked it out. There is a lot to interchange. I would have gotten the 3, but I got a super sweet deal on a bling-bling 5.

 

[PR5Matt]

It seems the engines are a bit different from the sites I have been to. (uhm)

The new 2.3 PZEV in the fOCUS and the 2.3 in the Escape are the same Cosworth/Ford designed sweetie as in the 6 and 3. The 6 and 3 both have VCT, the Escape and the fOCUS do not (plus the fOCUS version for this year is a Partial Zero Emissions engine. Next year it will be the same as the 2.3 in the Escape [153hp v. 145hp for the PZEV], and the 2.0 ZETEC will be dropped and the 2.0 Duratec will become the new PZEV engine in some models [non-PZEV in others <148hp>] and they will all be called Duratec engines.) The fOCUS motor will have more low-end torque than the VCT 3/6 engine, but not as much top-end HP.

 

[PR5Matt]

Just an example of the performance of the 2.3 (remember that for now that the fOCUS only has the Partial Zero Emissions engine [145hp])

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7280

 

[Black Majik MSP]

Hey Matt, do you know what the new torque figure is going to be for the 153hp 2.3L Focus? I'm assuming it will be 158 since the torque has been 5 higher on both the ZETEC & the 144hp PZEV.

I thought someone said the Focus had an advantage over the 3 because it weighed less, but I checked Edmunds & the difference is only 150lbs. The 2 cars should be about dead even in performance when the Focus gets the new engine.

I also saw a white 3 today with the spoiler & appearance package...it looked damn good.

 

[PR5Matt]

150lbs is a big difference to a 4cyl! I believe the fOCUS will have a torque rating of 155+. BTW these engines are being used by a circle track team in California and they are putting out over 300hp N/A. The Ranger and B2300 has the same engine in rwd form. Cosworth will be introducing a cam, prted head, intake and ecu package next year that will add 100hp!!!! Check all of this stuff out on the two fOCUS forums...

 

[PR5Matt]

Check this out!!!

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/...=&threadid=7280

 

[AzMz3]

Check this out!!!

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/...=&threadid=7280

I pretty sure none of your information has been varified yet. I was a Ford Focus owner and still check out the forums. There are similarities but that does not mean parts will swap from one to the other. I wish it was that simple. So if you know any hard facts, like pics that aftermarket parts from the Focus will fit then post them. The sites you posted did not have any information about the Mazda3. I even checked out the H&R springs that they will soon offer for the Mazda3, they are a totally different part number. Whick means something is different.


---Herb---

 

[PR5Matt]

I pretty sure none of your information has been varified yet. I was a Ford Focus owner and still check out the forums. There are similarities but that does not mean parts will swap from one to the other. I wish it was that simple. So if you know any hard facts, like pics that aftermarket parts from the Focus will fit then post them. The sites you posted did not have any information about the Mazda3. I even checked out the H&R springs that they will soon offer for the Mazda3, they are a totally different part number. Whick means something is different.


---Herb---

The part number difference can come from the spring rates or amount of drop, not just a difference in mounting. The 3 is heaver and might need less of a drop or more rate, but if you do your research, you can probably find a Focus rate that will work. I didn't say they would fit for sure, but that you guys need to check it out. Focus stuff is pretty darned affordable.

I crawled under the 3 and took a good look. A lot of suspension parts are very similar. I am not saying that everything will be a direct bolt-on, but with some mechanical ability you could make a lot of it work. I do believe that springs, struts, shocks, and maybe even swaybars will swap (there is a difference in endlinks in the rear, but they use the same mounting points).

CAIs, Headers, pulleys, etc, will also probably swap. Like I said, I never said it would be easy, but because of the similarities between the two cars (remember, you should be proud that this car is based on the Focus chassis 'cause it is the world leader), you can make a lot of things work until the aftermarket really takes off for the 3.:'(

 

[PR5Matt]

I am just trying to help you guys be innovative. You should appreciate that instead of being cynical. Like I said, you guys need to check this stuff out and see for yourself, but it seems to me that there is a lot of potential here. This is all new ground, so I am just trying to help you guys forge ahead and be the "Groundbreakers"...

Plus, the new engines rock!!!

 

[AzMz3]

Well, I agree after your last reply. But your first post did say that the Focus parts will fit. And I do agree with the suspensions being very identical, and I thought about the spring rates. But someone like me that is into performance is not going to go out and buy a spring that was not designed for my car, even if it is because the car is 150lbs heavier. And who whats to Jerry-Rigg parts for one car to work on the other. LOL......Beleive me if the parts were to fit, I would have had them the first week I got the car.

--Herb--