Focus ST Block Query

[Blanchimont]

I'm looking at a Focus ST Mk2 facelift. I've heard the pre April 2008 cars have blocks susceptible to cracked liners, and after April they revised them stopping the issue.

I was wondering how often these are known to happen, and whether it's worth spending extra to get a newer one, or buy one and get the block modded.

Help?!

[Funk]

Blanchimont said:

I'm looking at a Focus ST Mk2 facelift. I've heard the pre April 2008 cars have blocks susceptible to cracked liners, and after April they revised them stopping the issue.

I was wondering how often these are known to happen, and whether it's worth spending extra to get a newer one, or buy one and get the block modded.

Help?!

Only really an issue if you're planning on heading past 330bhp. As far as I know there wasn't any change in the engine spec for the Mk2/2.5 (facelift), it was merely cosmetic but I could be wrong.

[Blanchimont]

I was looking at going for the Mountune 260 kit, with the exhaust and leaving it at that, I wasn't looking for 300hp+ primarily, but you never know what would happen!

Ah, according to the buying guides I've seen it says the liners were changing in April '08. Could be wrong though!

[AdamIndy]

There is a block mod you can do, can't remember the in's and outs but search the interwebs and you will find it. Costs about a grand iirc.

Basically a spacer between the liners I think to stop them cracking.

[Blanchimont]

Is it worth doing, If I'm just running the 260 mountune upgrade, or is it better do to prevent it happening at all?

[Podie]

Standard cars have been known to fail. I'm not really sure of the volume of cars affected as the Internet distorts things.

Belts are known to go before 10 years (again, Internet facts) so worth considering getting it all done at the same time.

I used Tim Williams, a Volvo specialist, in Leicester - far cheaper than the grand figure being bandied about.

[Blanchimont]

If I get a non Mountuned car, I was planning on getting the belt, Mountune 260 with the exhaust, and the RS clutch done at the same time at a dealer that I know well.

[Funk]

Blanchimont said:

I was looking at going for the Mountune 260 kit, with the exhaust and leaving it at that, I wasn't looking for 300hp+ primarily, but you never know what would happen!

Ah, according to the buying guides I've seen it says the liners were changing in April '08. Could be wrong though!

It was the liners that were cracking but only really on the bigger-power conversions - I recall the Wolf cars had issues at the time. Perhaps Ford did attempt to rectify that with better liners.

I was Admin on www.focusstoc.com for several years and it was a great place for info, probably still is so I'd head over there as part of your pre-purchase reading!

[Podie]

OP - where are you based?


ETA - if you're near me, I'm happy to have a chat / go for a spin

Edited by Podie on Wednesday 7th October 17:22

[hjcrichard]

Funk said:

It was the liners that were cracking but only really on the bigger-power conversions - I recall the Wolf cars had issues at the time. Perhaps Ford did attempt to rectify that with better liners.

I was Admin on www.focusstoc.com for several years and it was a great place for info, probably still is so I'd head over there as part of your pre-purchase reading!

Unfortunately buying used blind means buyers will not know if the car has had a level of tune at some stage that would increase the risk of liner failure.

Unsurprisingly I concur with Gav's recommendation on checking out focusstoc.com, if nothing else there are cars with known history for sale on there

[Blanchimont]

I'm down in Bristol.

I'll go on and have a look. I've heard that once they start to go, it's new engine time. Is that entirely accurate?

[Podie]

Blanchimont said:

I'm down in Bristol.

I'll go on and have a look. I've heard that once they start to go, it's new engine time. Is that entirely accurate?

A few tuners say they can rescue them (Dreamscience may be one, IIRC) but that's about all I know.

Further to previous comment - if the belts need doing, it makes good sense to do it at the same time.

[Blanchimont]

I planned to get the belts done whilst I get it mountuned and RS clutch'd. Which, knowing me it'll be about 15 minutes

[NelsonP]

I'll be watching this thread with interest.
I have an '06 ST which will need new belts soon.
I'm also thinking about the Mountune 260 package, but am worried that this will just bring on a cracked block / slippy clutch and turn my car into a money pit.

[0000]

Podie said:

Belts are known to go before 10 years (again, Internet facts) so worth considering getting it all done at the same time.

I'm past 100k miles on an '07. Been putting this one off but perhaps it's about time to do it.

[Podie]

Clutches are a lottery... some are fine, some aren't.

The MP260 isn't the cheapest option, but the delivery is very nice - it exacerbates the standard cars characteristics.

[Blanchimont]

I've subtly modified my current car with an exhaust and a map, and I like the though of subtlety, but people who know what they're on about know and respect what it is.

[Podie]

After two years of 260, I'm about to go 290 in the next few weeks.

There is also now an MR305 pack, which is basically full RS induction and a further remap.

[Blanchimont]

Don't tempt me!

With the 260 kit, what sort of MPG do you get?

[Funk]

I put 80,000 miles on my '06 ST2 in 3 years. I was running Bluefin initially and then switched to Dreamscience on the Race+ map which, if the DynoDynamics RR was to be believed, was putting out 270bhp and 330lb/ft. My only issues with the car in that time were:

• clutch (changed at 50k)
• oil separator diaphragm (done under warranty)
• driveshaft splines clicking (done under warranty on a TSB)
• rocking seat mount (a common issue and also fixed under warranty but possibly not helped by my more robust stature!)

Overall it was a great car and one I enjoyed owning for a while, however the fuel economy was tragic with even moderately enthusiastic driving (especially given the relatively low power output) and it had an appetite for tyres unmatched by anything I've owned before or since.

If you do get one, get a proper 4-wheel alignment done on a Hunter or similar - it transformed the handling of the car and I've had it done on every subsequent car as well.