My new (LX) LS (pics)

#Russ#Es# · 25-04-2006, 06:12 PM

Picked up my new LS LX Sedan on Saturday.

Titanium Grey with bodykit and tints (its a manual also)

So far I'm very impressed with it. I had to drive over 500km to get it home (I was pretty careful running it in on the (hume) highway, made sure I varied my speed often).

Can't believe how refined it is for the money. Didn't listen to much music/radio onthe trip back to Sydney, enjoyed the silence!!

Anyway, here's a few pics. Unfortunately the weather isn't that great today so the pics aren't great either.

My initial plans are to upgrade the speakers (Bostons all round, splits up front) and lower it a little (25-30mm).

(the 1st pic has some rain specks on the camera lens)

Smoke Pursuit · 25-04-2006, 06:37 PM

Very nice, all you need now is the Zetec Alloys!

#Russ#Es# · 25-04-2006, 06:46 PM

Still undecided whether to go for the Zetec 17's or aftermarket 17's. If someone was selling the zetecs at a good price I would consider them.

pertuan · 25-04-2006, 07:40 PM

Looks nice. Personally I would go aftermarket 17s. The zetec 17s just look too stock. Lacks abit of individuality which is what I'm guessing you would be after.

b2tf · 25-04-2006, 08:12 PM

looks nice russ, but the original will always be the best

:.jk

Zetec20 · 25-04-2006, 08:41 PM

go 18's, or 19's, or 20's.... lol 17's don't look big on these cars anymore

pertuan · 25-04-2006, 08:43 PM

Thats very true but rubber for 18+ rims are just really expensive.

Martyvan · 25-04-2006, 08:56 PM

Russ, Thats almost identical to what i wanted, but MRS said i had to drop a bit of money out of the purchase. Doh!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pertuan

Thats very true but rubber for 18+ rims are just really expensive.

Unless you go for Holden's strategy and get Korean Rubber put on there.... Any wonder they are in the midst of a population explosion!

Shop around, some places have good prices on $$$ rubber.

Or get a job with Yokohama or Bridgestone!

Parasite · 25-04-2006, 09:37 PM

Looks good Russ. Finally a member with Sedan + Bodykit.

Teki04 · 25-04-2006, 09:45 PM

Hey Russ,

Congratulations! I remember the dilemma in deciding what car to get! Glad you finally got the right car! looks good, I think as mentioned your doing - it just needs to be lowered. To be honest, I like the Zetec rims, as I like cars to look as factory as can be. But that is just my opinion. Maybe XR5T rims? Now that would be expensive, and very hot!

Once again, congrats and enjoy it!

marcosambrose · 25-04-2006, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parasite

Looks good Russ. Finally a member with Sedan + Bodykit.

Ive been waiting to see one for a long time, get some 18s on it!

XtRmn8 · 26-04-2006, 01:40 AM

Very very nice!!

**PepeLePew** · 26-04-2006, 10:07 AM

Lovely looking car mate....surprised me how much better the new Focii look...

Shop about for rubber....some budget brands like Nankang and Wanli are FINE.

They're safe, they wear well, they're quiet (well Wanli are from personal experience), they grip and they wont break your wallet.

Watch it with the Chinese stuff....whether we like it or not, and they might have some funny uninspiring names but they'll be the Bunnings of the future dragging tyre prices down, they do produce some very decent product already, just change the bloody names Chairman Mao!

Zetec20 · 26-04-2006, 11:08 AM

not a big fan of the nankangs, but with 225/30 r20's there's a $235 difference between them and the next cheapest which are toyos, as for 18's my brother has federals on his civic which are reasonably priced and have good wear and grip. The civic is also for sale should i post it up on here?

#Russ#Es# · 26-04-2006, 11:08 PM

Sorry guys, not planning on changing the wheels for a few months yet. I will be going for 17's (handling + comfort). If you look at the design of the Zetec rims (as much as I like them), they look smaller than they are...they're tapered...same as with the LX 16's. Will be changing speakers + susp. first (got a quote of $550 from Pedders, including fitting, etc).

#Russ#Es# · 26-04-2006, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teki04

Hey Russ,

Congratulations! I remember the dilemma in deciding what car to get! Glad you finally got the right car! looks good, I think as mentioned your doing - it just needs to be lowered. To be honest, I like the Zetec rims, as I like cars to look as factory as can be. But that is just my opinion. Maybe XR5T rims? Now that would be expensive, and very hot!

Once again, congrats and enjoy it!

You're not wrong, XR5 18's (??) would look amazing! I think a little lowering will improve the cars looks heaps though

Zetec20 · 26-04-2006, 11:38 PM

$550 is a bit pricy, we payed 230 for kings superlows all round and fitted them ourselves

#Russ#Es# · 26-04-2006, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetec20

$550 is a bit pricy, we payed 230 for kings superlows all round and fitted them ourselves

...and I was quoted $530 (plus GST and shipping/handling) for the Eibach Suspension kit (same as factory option in UK)...but price doesn't include fitting :(

Zetec20 · 27-04-2006, 02:36 PM

ИИИИe, i suggest you look at the king springs, where abouts are you from?

#Russ#Es# · 27-04-2006, 09:37 PM

I'm at Miranda (S/E Sydney)

Price of King Springs is pretty good, just not sure of the quality compared to the Eibach kit.

27-04-2006, 09:53 PM

For $230 you can't really go wrong, and say if you don't like how they handle you can always pull them out and sell them with little loss.

kiwijohn42 · 27-04-2006, 10:38 PM

I think the Eibach springs won't void your warranty. But don't quote me, might just be europe.

#Russ#Es# · 27-04-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

For $230 you can't really go wrong, and say if you don't like how they handle you can always pull them out and sell them with little loss.

Have you got them (King Springs) on your Focus BlackLS?? If so, is ride firmer?

Zetec20 · 28-04-2006, 03:39 PM

Lol i've got them in mine, yes the ride is much firmer, but i'm also rolling around on 30 profile tyres, are you going on the 28th of may euroford cruise?

28-04-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Have you got them (King Springs) on your Focus BlackLS?? If so, is ride firmer?

No running stock LX susp.

#Russ#Es# · 01-05-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetec20

Lol i've got them in mine, yes the ride is much firmer, but i'm also rolling around on 30 profile tyres, are you going on the 28th of may euroford cruise?

But you have Superlows right?? I would get the Lows (25-30mm lower than standard), and would only go as big as 17's (yes, yes I know, 17's don't look that big on a Focus, but its the [factory] rim design I tell you!!)

#Russ#Es# · 01-05-2006, 10:09 PM

And yes, I will hopefully be going on the Eurocruise. Will be good to meet a few people from here

Teki04 · 02-05-2006, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

And yes, I will hopefully be going on the Eurocruise. Will be good to meet a few people from here

Might come along to congratulate you on the purchase! That and the fact there are sooooo many new members since I sold my pride and joy

:

#Russ#Es# · 03-05-2006, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teki04

Might come along to congratulate you on the purchase! That and the fact there are sooooo many new members since I sold my pride and joy

:

Would be great to see the Clio there!

I am looking at the King Springs atm (Lows), but haven't installed springs myself. I'm ok mechanically, is it a relatively simple job (Zetec20)?? Can't say I have alot of tools to use (have the basics), and only have a (sloped) underground carpark cement floor to use...

Teki04 · 04-05-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Would be great to see the Clio there!

I am looking at the King Springs atm (Lows), but haven't installed springs myself. I'm ok mechanically, is it a relatively simple job (Zetec20)?? Can't say I have alot of tools to use (have the basics), and only have a (sloped) underground carpark cement floor to use...

Hey Russ - Yea, let's hope the Clio makes it! haha. Is spending it's first night away from home tonight

out:

:

Hmmmmmmm - After doing the whole spring thing before - I'm not sure I'd do it again! I'd recommend going for something expensive (and better) and getting shocks also. My Fiesta was riding VERY harsh on alot of Sydney Roads. Don't get me wrong, it handled great... but the shocks were getting worse week-by-week.

If your after cosmetics though, go ahead! I'd just recommend getting a better brand though.... Don't get cheap suspension and hence cheapen your car and risk all the $$$ Ford spent in getting the suspension right.