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Now that the novelty has worn off what is the Focus really like? Well the novelty hasn't worn off is the first thing to report in this update. Number 564 is still continuing to entertain and surprise all who ride in her, most people have just been totally gob smacked by the power delivery especially the way that the car is totally drivable around town and then when it is unleashed on A and B roads the FRS becomes the rally replica it was designed to be.

The coolant hose problem has not reappeared and the FRS has been totally reliable over the last 5,000 miles. Fuel consumption is pretty steady at about 28mpg and it uses no oil between oil changes. I have decided on a self-imposed oil changing regime of every 4,000 miles as this ties in nicely with the manufacturers 12,000 mile service interval. At the first oil change the dealer reported little or no oil contamination.

Since the last report #564 has been subjected to a couple of modifications one of a styling nature and the other a performance enhancing modification. The FRS's ECU has now been reprogrammed by Rob Oldman at SCC performance in St Albans using Superchips data. This conversion is not the current "Blue fin" conversion but I would imagine they give very similar results.

My initial impressions on the reprogramming are that the car definitely feels like it has more power in all gears and it is much more noticeable in 2nd gear and above. This is borne out by the following boost figures (taken by Rob using his own boost gauge)

Before the conversion; 1st and 2nd gear peaking at and holding 10psi 3rd gear peaking at 14psi and holding 12psi

After the conversion; 1st gear holding 12psi, 2nd gear holding 14psi, 3rd gear peaking 18 / 19psi and holding 14 / 15psi

When driven hard on A or B roads the car feels a lot faster, there is a very real difference in the amount of torque available in all gears with the most noticeable being second gear. It is possible to catch the car out and get a touch of tyre scrabble in second gear in the dry. The "torque steer" does not appear to be any worse than prior to re - programming and if anything the smoothing out of the fuelling etc. may have softened the standard FRS experience when the car comes on boost in the higher gears but it does feel both faster and more powerful (weird!) The car feels crisper and is more responsive at motorway cruising speeds 75 mph+ this is especially noticeable at about 85 mph which is just short of 3,500 rpm ish and I guess that is do to the increased boost pressures. At these speeds the car definitely picks up a lot quicker with no lag at all. From lower speeds and lower down the rev range I would say that there is no more lag than standard. Fuel economy is better on a run, mine used to average 25 mpg over the first 4,000 miles since conversion it is 28 mpg.

I have covered around 3,500 miles in the car since conversion and I am pleased to say that the conversion has enhanced the FRS experience not only in terms of outright performance but also in every day driving. The FRS's ability to overtake several slower moving vehicles with ease has been improved dramatically and the re programming has turned the FRS into a very capable cross-country weapon.

The other modification carried out is of a cosmetic nature and is simply the addition of some Graham Goode Racing carbon fibre effect covers for the battery and charge cooler covers.

Plans for the coming weeks? Well I think it will involve a combination of both GGR and Collins performance components that might change the following noises, induction, exhaust and dump valve.

CheeRS

Mark Hammond AKA The Cornish Pixie

MARKGHAMMOND@aol.com