An Adventure in Chain Garage Bullshit (+ Rant and A Pretty Lady Story)

"Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him" (tylerssvtfocushateshim) 11/14/2013 at 17:32 • Filed to: Story Time, Rants

0

28

I finally got my winter rims and tires put on my little Focus after about a month of procrastinating, and it was a miserable experience. God those rims are ugly, too...

Note that I said "put on", not "I put them on", unfortunately. Because I'm in college, all my tools are at home, so I could either a) drive two hours round-trip to my family's house and do it myself, or b) go to a shop to get the wheels mounted, since I'd probably spend the same amount in gas but save myself an hour or so. I chose option 'b', and Christ did I choose poorly.

When I called to make an appointment, the dude who answered, who could not have sounded less qualified, told me over the phone the whole work order, changing four wheels and an alignment (figure I needed one anyway), would take an hour to complete (which was suspect, since I know an alignment takes 30 minutes or so after having one done elsewhere, and swapping wheels should take less than five minutes, but anyways). I had a meeting with a few classmates to do some Computer Graphics homework at 5 p.m., so I was like alright, I have enough time to get all that done, plus go to a hardware store to pick up some PlasticWeld and AutoZone to get some fuel system cleaner before swinging by the library. All three places were within a half-mile of each other and five minutes away from campus, I could surely be back before five, right?

I show up exactly at 3:30, my appointment time, hand over my key (sidenote, why does every fucking chain garage require your life's information? I refused to give it to them for such an simple order and the guy got all shitty) and head to the waiting room where I waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. 4:30 rolled by. Then 4:45. Then 5. I was doing homework so I didn't notice it was almost 5:30. Then it was 5:30. Nothing. So I finally went up to the counter and asked not-so-politely where the fuck my car was, and why the fuck it was taking so long, only to get the "oh, we're just making sure we're doing it right" bullshit canned response. Because they had a sign behind the counter saying they wouldn't allow anyone into the garage area for insurance purposes ( coughbullshit ) I didn't demand to see my car. Probably should have; I assume it was sitting in the back corner done or had some asshole thrashing it around the backroads for "quality assurance purposes" (should've noted the mileage on my car before I handed it over), but regardless, at 5:50 they finally brought my car out.

It made me physically sick to my stomach to pay these assholes the $90 or however much it was. I was that kind of mad where you're not even angry anymore, it's like you've blown a rage fuse or something. I almost thought about arguing over the price since it took so damn long but figured if they didn't give a shit up to this point they sure weren't going to start now. I got back on campus at 6:15, which meant my group was pretty much done with the work, so I felt like a bit of a dick for not doing my part, and I'm pretty sure they were kind of pissed too.

However, on the bright side, there was a really cute junior girl who was also waiting to get an alignment done who I had the most awesome conversation with. Keep in mind I'm horribly introverted and terrible at small talk (think Socially Awkward Penguin level of awkwardness), but for some reason I could talk to her like I've known her for years. Chick knew what she was talking about, too, she had her Cobalt (not SS, unfortunately) on coilovers with a cold-air intake and a few other mods I forget because she was so cute, but knew all about the mods her boyfriend ( noooo ) had put on his WS6 Trans-Am. Sure she (jokingly) made fun of me for driving a bright red hatchback and didn't know what SVT was (which most people don't so they think my car's lame), but was so adorably cute when she did. I was actually kind of sad to hear the asshole tech call my name because that meant I had to stop talking to her after like an hour and a half. It was legit the highlight of my day.

Also check out the clearance wheel clearance. Dude at the counter tried to give me some shit that I needed wheel spacers because of my calipers and they could order and install them for me and I was like lolno, you fuckwit. Not to suck my own dick, but someone who drives an SVT Focus won't be the kind of person you can rip off like that. Seriously...

Moral of the story: Chain garages are run by sleazy motherfuckers who suck you dry and try to rip you off. Don't go to them. Unless you like talking to cute girls... wait, I don't think that's right...

area man > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 17:34

0

Is that lowered? It looks good.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > area man 11/14/2013 at 17:38

0

Thank you :) That's actually the factory suspension, believe it or not (it sits more than a half-inch lower than the regular ZX3). Car handles so well and looks so good I don't need to mod the suspension at all, I'll just buy the factory SVT suspension when I replace it this summer. The rake is what makes the car IMO.

Nibbles > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 17:42

1

I

uh

I have those wheels too

area man > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 17:44

0

Seriously makes it. Is that only on the SVT model? I've never noticed it before on other Focii.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Nibbles 11/14/2013 at 17:47

1

Oh...

I'MSOSORRYPLEASEFORGIVEMEIDIDN'TMEANTOBEMEANTOYOURWHEELSI'MSURETHEY LOOKPERFECTLYNICEONYOURFOCUSMAYBEIT'SMYFAULT

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > area man 11/14/2013 at 17:52

1

Yep. You can buy the SVT suspension kits from Ford and it fits all other 1st-gen Focii, but yeah, the SVT was the only one to come like this. The kits are actually really cheap, too, they're like $500 altogether as compared to $900 or so for a good coilover kit.

area man > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 17:57

0

Wow, good deal. I can honestly say I've never been so drawn to a first-gen Focus. I like the tinting job you did (had done?) too.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > area man 11/14/2013 at 18:04

0

Glad you like it! Guy I bought it from a few years ago put the tint on in 2006, 35% up front, 10% in the rear. He went to a good shop, too, not fading or peeling on the corners even seven years later. Here's what it looks like on the bigger SVT rims if you're interested. Not exactly car porn but I like it.

area man > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 18:05

0

I am very interested. Sharp rims.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > area man 11/14/2013 at 18:09

1

I'll sell it to you for your firstborn son haha. Love this little thing, glad you like it too.

maximillious > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 18:14

0

I just sold an 02 SVT with 45k miles on it. Was the most high maintenance car ever. New AC Compressor, new IMRC valve, New IAC, new Intake manifold. All in six months.. not to mention other random issues. it was a money pit. Got the new ST. I sincerely hope you are having better luck with yours. It was alot of fun to drive and the engine note is not something you would expect from a car like that... I always hated the back bumper tho, wanted the euro bumper so bad.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > maximillious 11/14/2013 at 18:26

0

Geez, 45k miles and all those problems? Mine hasn't been so bad yet, it's just been regular maintenance. I bought it at 95k and so far have replaced about $1000 in just regular stuff (plugs and wires, battery, tie rod ends, engine mounts, winter tires that came with the car, etc.) in two years and 10,000 miles. The only thing that's 'broken' I guess has been an O2 sensor and the IMRC actuator. It's just at that age where shit starts needing replaced. The '02 SVT's were terrible from what I hear, but mine's a 2003 and it's been relatively problem-free (knock on wood). I do agree with you on the bumper, though, not a big fan of the faux-diffuser look Ford tried to pull. But congrats on the ST Focus, man, heard they're a riot. A damn sight faster than the SVT, too :)

Nibbles > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 18:42

1

LOL

Nah, they are pretty ugly. 4 exposed lugs and 5 spokes really messes with my tendencies.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Nibbles 11/14/2013 at 18:49

0

They do look awfully funny, don't they. Oddly enough I've seen them on sedans and they look ok but on the hatchback it just doesn't seem right. There's too much surface area on the side of the car, especially with the wides spokes.

maximillious > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 18:52

0

Yeah the ST is pretty crazy, I am still getting used to it as it hasnt crossed 300 miles yet. They are way to much fun. From my understanding the 02 svt had a basket of problems ranging from poor tuning by ford resulting in unstable idle (which i had the whole time) to shitty plastic parts (intake manifold) and other random things. The IMRC was an issue from day one. When i bought the car I hardly got it off the lot before the check engine light came on...from that day in april until last week I was fixing shit on that SOB... I hope a collector got it and is going to just garage it. I doubt that very much though and I am sure some unlucky highschool will wind up with it and he will hoon it till it blows up at 65k miles.

Did you do all of your timing maintenance yet? if not do it because if that shit fails you will be out a car.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > maximillious 11/14/2013 at 19:01

0

I have shitty idle, too, apparently the last PCM reflash Ford put out fixes it, but it's still like $90 to a stealership. I was going to do the timing belt next summer, I've heard on the forums it's a ticking timebomb and I'm terrified of it. Maybe I'll do it this winter. I'm at 105k miles right now, but I'm in college so I'm not driving anywhere really. Sorry to hear you had such problems with yours, mine hasn't been perfect either, but I'll be damned if I don't keep it running. I bought the car expecting some shit, with it being a high-mileage performance car, but so far nothing's made me regret buying it.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/14/2013 at 21:56

1

It actually looks like your springs have let go. I know the SVT is lower than the normal Focus, but yours sits a little lower than a factory SVT.

Car looks good. Have you done anything with the timing assembly? It's like for-reals serious that it be changed every 5 years or 80k miles.

I've got number 85 off the line, a 2002 Sonic Blue with zero options. I've added an FSWerks Stealth exhaust, short-throw-shifter, poly lower engine mount, poly bushings on the subframe, and just had new shifter bushings and shift linkages as well as a ClutchMasters FX100 kit with an Aluminum flywheel installed.

Car drives like a champ. Love they way these things bed to be driven hard.

Nice winter wheels. I use the 16" SVT Contours on mine.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 11/14/2013 at 22:18

0

Figured that might be the case as well, just needed confirmation. I've seen SVT Focii sitting as low as mine in the front, but maybe they were all old too. I bought it like that and the mechanic who checked it out didn't say anything, and it still handles like a housefly, so I dunno. I was planning on swapping out the suspension anyways this summer, now that I know it's going bad I'll definitely put that higher on the list.

Timing belt was another thing I had lined up to do. I've heard horror stories about timing belt failures and it's my top priority for either this winter or spring break. I'm in college so the car isn't really driven now, but it has 105k miles, and I think 120k is the next timing belt replacement. Either way I'll definitely get on it.

But dude, you got some great mods on your Focus. I'd love to mess around with mine, but for now everything is bone-stock, the suspension and timing belt are priorities over any upgrades. Even stock the SVTF loves to be hooned, so it's not like I'm missing out haha. I deliver pizzas in it during breaks, and it's nothing short of sublime to get in on a busy night and just drive. Cool to see another SVTF owner on Oppo, there's a few of us around here I believe.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 11/14/2013 at 22:25

0

Oh, brakes aren't stock, forgot about those. I bought a no-name slotted and drilled kit off of eBay for like $200 as a placeholder while I saved up for a StopTech kit, but the eBay set has been so good I've kind of forgotten about the StopTech kit for now. I'll get the kit eventually, I'm just in no hurry to spend $800 or so on something I don't need just yet, especially with the couple things I previously mentioned.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/15/2013 at 07:48

0

The Ford specified interval is 120k, but it's for the regular Zetec. The SVT will not go that long. Also, it's the whole timing assembly that needs changed, belt, tensioners, idlers, and valve cover gasket.

Call Steve at Tasca Auto in Minnnesota, he's got a kit with all the right parts.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/15/2013 at 07:50

0

Centric blanks are the best way to go.

Centric owns Stoptech, so you're getting the same quality, but without the markup. Drilled rotors look cool, but can crack, and will eat through pads.

Are you on FocalJet? Best site on the web for the SVT.

maximillious > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/15/2013 at 10:18

0

Being that you are at 105k I would get on that timing belt...its recommended at 85k at the most. If it snaps its a catastrophe in that engine. I actually did the reflash that ford put out cuz I had a buddy at a stealership that did it cheap and it really didn't so much for me... usually the idle was the worst when the AC or heat is on. I would eco.mend you loom over your intake manifold too it caused me a lot of problems when it blew off and dped my coolant on the floor of my garage lol.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 11/15/2013 at 12:06

0

Didn't know Centric owned StopTech, thanks for the heads-up. I am on FocalJet, and you're right, it's great for SVT cars. I'm also on SVTPerformance but it seems like that's more geared towards Lightning and Cobra owners. I've gotten some great deals through FocalJet just from the vendors who sell there as well, definitely an awesome forum.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > maximillious 11/15/2013 at 12:09

0

Shit I'll definitely get on that. I don't know if it's on the original belt or not, but yeah, it's definitely something I'm doing this winter break now. Thanks for the heads-up, turns out 120k is for non SVT engines.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 11/15/2013 at 12:10

1

Will do, thank you for the information. Looks like I've got some things to take care of this winter break lol.

maximillious > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/15/2013 at 12:21

0

That's a good call. The SVT has an interference engine...and when a timing belt goes its catastrophic...like new engine bad. Go on focusfanatics or focaljet...there are TONS of useful threads about this timing belt issue... I was going to replace mine at 50k if I hadent clawed my way out from under that car. If you ever have any questions let me know...in the six short months of owning that svt I have researched almost every single problem the car can have cuz mine had them all.

maximillious > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 11/15/2013 at 12:22

0

Also I just realized your screen name and I love it... mine should have been that too.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > maximillious 11/15/2013 at 12:26

0

With all the problems your had it seems like a more appropriate screen name for you haha... I really appreciate the offer to help me out if I need it, the forums should be enough but if I have any questions I'll ask you, thanks!