Ford Focus RS
Sourcing new and used parts.
The Brits have always liked fast Fords, so when the steroidpopping Focus RS hit the streets in October 2002, it quickly gained an enthusiastic following.
Despite sticking to two-wheel rather than four-wheel drive, Ford invested heavily in the sporty Focus. It’s been suggested that approximately 70% of the RS is unique to the model, fuelling rumours that the firm lost £4000 on each of the 4501 cars that made up the total production run. Just 2147 of them were supplied to the UK market in right-hand drive guise.
The Focus RS was powered by a turbocharged version of the Bridgendbuilt 2.0-litre Duratec unit, with forged pistons, a chargecooler, a high-flow fuel pump and a modified cylinderhead with sodium filled exhaust valves to cope with the extra heat generated from the Garret GT2560LS blower. With 212bhp on tap, its 6.4 second 0-60mph time and 144mph top speed means performance more than matches its macho looks. There was only one colour, Imperial Blue Metallic, and there were no options available. There were also no major revisions, although people often refer to the ‘Phase 2’ cars, distinguished by a pink grommet on the throttle cable, extra front seat stitching, an ‘Engine Start’ sticker, an instrument dimmer switch and an engine remap to alleviate cold start issues. All of these mods can be fitted to the earlier model.
As a rapidly appreciating classic, few cars offer as much bang for your buck as the RS, with good examples generally changing hands from around £11,000. From here, prices are only likely to go one way, but if you’re interested in buying one, it’s worth considering what goes wrong and the cost of parts to keep it in good health.
Engines
Being based on the tried and tested Zetec unit, there’s little to report on the uprated version used in the RS. That said, specialists recommend replacing the timing belt, idler pulley and water pump far sooner than Ford’s recommended 100,000-mile interval – every 50,000 miles would be wiser. The engine takes 5W30 fully-synthetic (such as Castrol Magnatec) and the oil and filter should be replaced every 10,000 miles – or sooner if it’s being driven hard.
Blue smoke isn’t a good sign as it can point to turbo oil seal failure. New turbos are only available from Ford at £2301.60, although assuming it’s salvageable, Turbo Technics can rebuild your old one for £468. Fuel pumps can also fail and these start at £70 from independents.
The only other item worthy of mention is the air-to-water chargecooler for the turbo. To make it fit, Ford used a short section of intake pipe, which leads to high temperatures. If the coolant in the chargecooler boils, hot air entering the engine can cause untold internal damage, hence why a popular modification is to fit a front-mounted intercooler; prices start at around £900. We found replacement engines for sale secondhand for £2500. Coolant leaks can occur from the thermostat housing, so watch for this, too.
The RS transmission is based on Ford’s MTX75 five-speed gearbox, only with closer ratios, a short-throw gearshift and an AP Racing clutch. Be aware that spirited driving can mean a short clutch life – and, as you can see, they’re not cheap.
Electrics
Air-conditioning was fitted as standard in the RS, so check that it blows cold air, not hot. Replacement condensers cost £92.99 from independents.
Worthwhile additions include fitting an intermittent wash-wipe from the Ghia as the RS didn’t have one. Also, a water temperature gauge will add peace of mind – they cost around £60 and will fit neatly in place of the coin storage facility. Electrical component prices AIRCON CONDENSER Main dealer £323.17 Independent from £92.99
Steering/suspension
The RS features beefier lower A-arms with a hydro bush, 25mm shorter springs to lower ride height, Sachs dampers and a smaller diameter (18mm) anti-roll bar, so don’t assume interchangeability with a stock Focus. It also has redesigned wheel bearings to cope with the extra cornering forces. Uneven tyre wear is a good indicator that items are worn or that the geometry is out.
As for the steering rack, that was different, too, with stiffer mounting bushes and just 2.9 turns from lock-to-lock.
A Quaife torque-biasing differential was fitted as standard – on early cars it causes the steering wheel to wiggle on hard acceleration. On the final 1000 cars, the diff was refined and Ford tweaked the ECU to make it smoother to drive. Suspension component prices STEERING RACK Main dealer N/A Independent from £169.99
FRONT COIL SPRING Main dealer £110.40 (each) Independent from £238.96 (uprated kit)
Brakes
Stopping power comes from 325mm vented discs and four-piston Brembo calipers at the front and 280mm solid discs and a two-pot caliper at the rear. A Bosch MK25 ABS system prevents skidding. Inevitably, lots of owners will have made upgrades, with a big AP Racing brake kit using 343mm discs being a popular option. A less expensive solution would be to fit EBC grooved and dimpled 324mm front discs, which cost £189.20 per pair with Brembo HP2000 pads (£102.65) from ECP. Original RS front discs and pads are still available from Ford, but just look at the price!
Other issues
The RS came with a 65mm-bore stainless exhaust from the factory, but bigger diameters to coincide with ECU tuning can easily release extra horses – indeed, 300-400bhp is attainable from this engine. While the RS shares the bonnet, doors, tailgate and roof with the standard three-door Focus, its broader steel wings to accommodate its 65mm wider track are unique and now difficult to find.
Finally, beware the cost of tyres. Those special 18-in OZ Racing alloys (unique to the RS) are shod in 225/40R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport rubber and they don’t last long if the car’s driven at its full potential. Other component prices EXHAUST Main dealer N/A Independent from £479.72 (Mongoose 4in)