Does anyone know what the best year is HP wise for the SVT? I'm a newbie, and am looking to buy an SVT used at auction. I know they dropped the HP at some point, either 2004 or 2005, I think. What's the most desirable year and model, performance wise?? Is it liveable as a daily driver? I drive about 900 miles/week, and want something a little more exciting than my Legacy, which handles well, but is genetically incapable of acceleration. It does have > 300k on the clock, though, so I'm wondering about durability. Do these cars hold up well long term?
I'm not sure about hp vs year. I will tell you honestly, if it's acceleration you're looking for, the Focus may be disappointing. Modified Foci & SVT's do pretty well, but basically it's not a good drag-race car. Now, if you're looking for fun to drive & the best handling outside of a genuine race car, this is it.
Long-term durability. Hmmmmmm. Although I love my Focus, hardly anything will beat a Subie for reliability. Focus models from '02 and more recent are pretty good, tho.
Hope this helps you.
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I never heard of the SVT dropping power (HP). whom what I know it was 170 from 02 to 04. Now the 03 and 04 ZX3 PZEV (2.3L Duratec) has 145 HP and the non PZEV 2.3L has 155HP. THat might have been what you were hearing about with a drop in HP. It is said to be just under HP of SVT but can hang with the SVT. The gearign in the MTX75 of the 03 & 04 Duratec is differant than the Zetec motors and allows the 2.3L to pull the little car real hard. In 05 from what I have heard the MTX75 went back to the gearing of the Zetec motor MTX75's.
If you want, get a 03 or 04 2.3L Duratec Focus and with intake and exhaust you will be real close to the power of the SVT. Now do headwork and some other small things and you can be over the power of the SVT than you can get into FI if you like. Like the saying goes "there's no replacament for displacement". I have also been reading a little about the Duratecs and the 2.3 can be bored and stroked(rods only) to a 2.5L
As for durability. There are Zetecs out ther with 150K with no problems and yet others blowing rods through the block as yearly as 50-60K(some had H2O in the intake to help with the problems). I say as long as you do regular maintnance and stay away from the 2000(first year) models you should be fine for a long time to come. But you also have to remember that the Subi motor is of its own design with the pistons lying down and not vertical which may help it with its longjevity.
Thanks for your generous advice. Ironically enough, the Subie died today, blew a head gasket. I knew I was getting near the end, but, it's funny I'm shopping for an SVT. Tough piece to find, even though I have access to MAnheim Auctions. Thanks again-Ken
