I have recently bought a 2007 focus lx 1.4, black, mainly because insurance in ireland is crazy and tax, so not looking to be going 100mph but want something i can work on over a period and make my own. I need help tho for links to good reputable sites for parts, wheels etc.

Here is what i plan to do so feel free to give me any pointers!!
- 18inc bbs ch wheels with relatively low profile tyres
- St front and rear bumpers and skirts
- St front difuser, carbon wrapped
- milltech double exhaust
- carbon wrap bonnet and roof
- st side indicators
- rs spoiler
- lowered maybe 30mm

Any advice welcomed, also if anybody could suggest some engine upgrades to make it a bit nippier would be welcome, but without bumping uo insurance.

This is my first time trying anything like this so all help appreciated, especially if any links to get some of the above parts cheap.

Cheers
Gerard

 

With regards to the power, fitting 18" wheels will reduce power transferred to the rd, unless you put a lower ratio gearbox on it. I put 18s on my 1.6, and it really sapped the power big time, but also made the brakes feel like crap, I've now upgraded to 300mm discs and mondeo mk3 calipers. No matter what you do with a 1.4, you are never going to set the rd alight unless you go drastic with either forced induction, or nitrous. You can gain a few horses with manifold and exhaust, and induction, but for how much it would cost, it's really bad bhp per £! If you know your way around an engine, you can swap he bottom end to a 1.6, that will increase your compression ratio, and the cylinder capacity, & net you around 25-30bhp. You'll need to take it easy for the 1st few miles though while the ECU adapts to the engine. And high octane fuel is reccomended. It's just a suggestion though, might be a bit heavy.