Well as a huge pro-touring fan, I love a car that handles. In Aug the Ultimate Street car Assoc is having an event within driving distance of me. (finally) At Pikes peak international raceway in Pueblo, CO. It is open to all makes and models. My conundrum is, Do I take my 2013 Focus ST, which handles like a slot car. OR do I try and get the wagon handling better and take it? They now have a one day competition that is only the road rally, Autocross and speed stop. the two day event adds the road course and design and engineering These are what I think the wagon would need, based on the fun I had last year at the autocross at '13 Good-Guys Colorado Nationals. You can still see the marks on the tires were they rolled over. 18" wheels, I have the summer only tires off the Focus to use. performance springs, still have the stock worn ones. upgrade swaybar, add rear. Add 3 point seatbelts, minimum. install f-41 brace. already have it. upgrade front brakes add rear discs. More????? While the Focus is good to go as it is but I would like to add Cat-back and a CAI. Maybe a tuner. either one would be fun to take, I am looking to go for the experience and fun. I know I have no chance of winning. Thoughts, Ideas Would also welcome sponsors too, LOL. Tim
Uh I don't think they're is any question here... ruin the Buick! I'd anything, it is an excuse to trick it out. Wheels, springs, upper a-arms, swaybars, and shocks should make it fun enough.
I don't use conundrums, I'm married. O.K., seriously, I'd check out what packages are being offered by the major suspension manufacturers. It's best to get everything from one place so the parts work together and upgrades are much easier. I like what Morrison and Detroit Speed offer.
Idk what your budget is for the upgrades. UMI has their Stage 2 suspension set for $2276 and some change. It's an expense but by what I have read of others experiences it seems to be worth it. That's the direction I intend to go when I get some other things wrapped up. And if you end up needing a better front sway bar I have the big one from the Trans Am in my garage. If I go with the UMI kit I won't need it. Good Luck with it.
X2 on the umi stuff got it in mine went in easy and works good. beside how many other focuses are there gonna be!
You can always call Mark at SCandC.com and have a chat with him. He is an expert on pro-touring suspension, and not just on one brand, but lots of them. He can get you something put together from mild to wild, and will spend whatever amount of time it takes on the phone to get you set up right.
I say take the Focus. It's practically brand new which means it's unlikely it will break down. Also as you say it's pretty much ready to go (read little $$$$ to be spent). Taking the Buick would be cool but lots of money up front. There also is a good chance your 40+ year old car may break down just because you will be pushing it hard.
I know nothing of the raceway that you mention but you also mention Pike's Peak which makes me think high altitude. With that in mind the computer in the 2013 Focus is going to do all the work for you as far as air fuel ratio's are concerned. You also say that the Focus handles like a slot car. If you really want an excuse to put $$$ into your Buick wagon I'd suggest some lowering springs to get the center of gravity down and a set of Bilstein shocks to firm up the ride and improve the handling. I priced the springs and shocks at less than $600 - not a bad upgrade for the money.
