[Mopar93]

When I was helping Kenny Clark with his Plymouth Sundance, we started out using some cheap pads that can be bought typically for $15-$20. Bad mistake. They overheated, faded, and then quit gripping and the rotors would then get overheated.

We went to a high-quality pad supplied by NAPA and all problems went away. When we built the Dodge Aries K-Car, we stuck with the same pads since they get the job done. Never had to replace the pads on either car after that. We didn't wear them out.

The good NAPA pads are expensive but it's worth it. We paid over $50 a set for them. The NAPA number we used was UP7403AM. They have one that is even more money now and it might be an even better pad yet, but not sure unless they get tested. That one is UP7403ASD. Neither one is ceramic, they are semi-metallic.

There is probably a comparable pad available for the Neon.

-Maurice

[tricknology]

thanks for the INFO Maurice, I will check out napa.

any other opinions?

[tricknology]

The time might have come to concider the Ford Fucus as a good candidate to build a FWD 4 cyl. car for oval racing.

They are now plentiful in junk yards with the DOHC 2.0 L 4 valve per cylinder engine.

See this link for technical forums,,,

http://forums.focaljet.com/

[tricknology]

Ford Focus Gear ratio chart for man trans

http://forums.focaljet.com/shift/557126-gear-chart-getrag-ratios-mtx-75-gear-ratios-optional-axle-ratios.html

The MTX 75 trans with the 3.41 final drive using second gear gives a 7.305 overall ratio.

would a 7.305 ratio work at Spartan's 1/4 mile flat asphalt track?

Waht gear ratio would you use for a 3/8 asphalt track? (Owosso and Springport speedways)

[tricknology]

2000 -2004 focus powertrain
all specs,,,

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-to-2004-ford-focus-8.htm


Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2000, two engines were offered, both 4-cylinders: A 110-horsepower single overhead-cam 2.0-liter, and a twincam 2.0-liter that produced 130 horsepower. Both engines could have either a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Focus SVT hatchback carried a 170-hp 2-liter 4-cylinder and 5-spped manual, a 6-speed manual transmission was offered later. Added in 2004 was a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder with 145 horsepower. It could be had with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

2005 to 2007

All Specs,,,

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2005-to-2007-ford-focus-8.htm

Powertrain Options and Availability
All Focus models used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, except for the ZX4 ST version of the sedan, which held a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that generated 15 more horsepower. Only a five-speed manual transmission could be installed in the ZX4 ST, but others could have an optional four-speed automatic.

[tricknology]

here is the fly in the focus soup,,,

Camber adjustment.

only 2 easy ways to get more camber.

the lower control arms are stamped steel, lengthen the right one and shorten the left one.

see pic of front suspension

http://www.parts.com/schematics/mechanical/FHP060.gif


use a racing camber adustable upper strut plate/bearing assembly

http://www.focussport.com/ford_focus_camber_kits.htm

[tricknology]

the GM FWD 4 cyl cars with the DOHC 2.2 L , 4 valve per cylinder, ECOTEC engine might be getting cheap enough and plentifull enough to be concidered as a candidate for building a FWD 4 cyl racer.

draw backs may be the beam type rear axle, and the cars are a little heavy.

man trans gear ratios ,,, using second gear equals a 7.76 overal ratio,,,is this too high a final overall gear ratio for Spartan?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getrag_F23_transmission

looks like the 2.2 ecotec only comes with the 4 speed automatic, not the 3 speed auto, and the 4 spd auto may not have the correct gear ratios for Spartan's 1/4 mile flat asphalt oval

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_4T40-E_transmission

[tricknology]

2.2 Ecotec info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Family_II_engine

[tricknology]

[tricknology]

ford focus transmission and final drive ratios

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_4F27E_transmission

http://forums.focaljet.com/threads/557126-GEAR-CHART-Getrag-ratios-and-MTX-75-gear-ratios-optional-axle-ratios?s=d06ee137698cc7444165c4cd47614014

http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_help/2011/Ford/Ford_Focus_2000-2012.htm

http://mechdb.com/index.php/Ford_gear_ratios