Strut Brace(s) for Ford Focus Mk1

[YTee]

I have a Mk1.5 Focus 1.8 which I use as a track day car.

(Pauses for the laughter to end...)

I know I know, but it was free and I'm using it to learn in, not to set lap records It's actually really fun on the track, but I digress...

I'm considering strut braces to try to reduce the body roll a bit. Can anyone recommend which one might be best and which positions I should look at? I've found various front strut braces for it online but I think I'd be better off with a rear brace (to reduce understeer) only I can't find one of them.

The suspension is standard at the moment, so I suppose the next question might be... should I bother or just wait and get better springs/shocks instead?

[lucido grigio]

I'm no technical genius but I don't think a strut brace will reduce bodyroll much ,it just stiffens the shell a bit.

[300bhp/ton]

Strut braces might make it roll more. If it does reduce chassis flex, then it will make the suspension work harder. But tbh you notice little difference, depends really.

As for where to get bits. No idea, never owned a Focus. But they are pretty common cars. So try searching eBay and Google. If nothing comes up then chances are they are not easily available.

[YTee]

Hmm, interesting feedback. So maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree? Should I be looking at changing ARBs perhaps?

[300bhp/ton]

YTee said:

Hmm, interesting feedback. So maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree? Should I be looking at changing ARBs perhaps?

Depends what you want to achieve.

The "suspension" really starts with the tyres. Race/rally tyres will have stiff sidewalks and reduce flex and bulging. You would try inflating your tyres to higher pressures maybe 40-45psi. But might cause odd wear issues and changes in actual road holding.

Then you have spring and damper rates and of course the bushes and ball joints. As well as ARB's. Changing these as well as the ride height, roll centre and CoG will all have the potential to affect body roll and lean.

And there is no one perfect answer either. But playing on the experience of others is worthwhile. Not sure if the Focus ever had a one make race series or how often they are competed. But might be worth trying to set yours up how other people have.

[lucido grigio]

To answer part of 300s post,Focus' don't get raced much,apart from BTCC level as a Fiesta is smaller,lighter and an ST is enough for most.

And there is a multi class Fiesta series in the UK.

I do know of a FRS MK2 raced in "Tintops" .

[YTee]

Yeh, I'm definitely investigating tyres at the same time. The track days are destroying them with such ferocity that it makes sense to spend the money on the right things rather than wasting the same money on bad tyres.

Currently I'm on T1-Rs, which grip well enough for me but quickly melt when I push it hard in the dry, so next it'll be rubber designed with the track in mind! I'll certainly wait to see what difference that makes before blowing cash on suspension upgrades, but the feedback has been useful, thanks.