New wheels for my Focus

#Russ#Es# · 18-02-2009, 09:22 PM

With much deliberation and annoying tyre/wheel outlets, I have finally fitted new wheels and tyres to the Focus.

For those who say there are no decent wheel options for the 5x108 fitment - you're not trying hard enough! Some very nice options available from LWT and GMAX in 17 and 18 inch with good prices. Anyone interested let me know, I'll drop the names of the wheels available + approximate prices.

Wheels fitted were CSA Motorvatr in 17 inch - a conservative choice in wheel size, but IMO a good compromise between looks, comfort and handling. Of all the wheels I looked at (and there were MANY), including ones in the US and the UK, I settled for ones made right here in Oz.

Tyres are Yokhhama A Drive R1's - was planning to put Maxxis MA-Z4'a on, but the tyre place had problems getting them - paid $20 more per tyre for the Yoko's.

Unfortunately the camera died after 2 shots so will have more to come soon.

For those looking to update to 17/18's and money isn't as much of an issue, a good option that does fit is the following: http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?w...=Netz+-+Silver

Anyone based in Sydney looking for new wheels, Bob Jane Blakehurst were very helpful - ask for Leigh or Alan.

And for those who notice the ugly brake calipers, they will hopefully be repainted on the weekend...just need to decide on colour. Suggestions would be welcome...thinking charcoal grey, black or red (nice contrast with grey).

RJO89 · 18-02-2009, 09:42 PM

Mint. Absolutely love your car Russ. It's amazing how small adjustments can make such a big difference to the car. Now with the rims and lowering, it's definitely the best Focus sedan I've ever seen. Well done mate.

In terms of calipers, I'd probably go with the black. Only reason of that over the red is that too many people have red calipers IMO, but red would look good. Black's a lot rarer, but would look sweet to go along with the rims.

DZFord · 18-02-2009, 10:23 PM

The wheels look great on your car. I actually considered them myself, after seeing them here as an optional extra: http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/Conte...=FOA&c=DFYPage

I'm unsure about the caliper colour. I'm having the same dilemma myself - i'm very reluctant to go with red, as it's a bit too common.

#Russ#Es# · 19-02-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DZFord

The wheels look great on your car. I actually considered them myself, after seeing them here as an optional extra: http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/Conte...=FOA&c=DFYPage

I'm unsure about the caliper colour. I'm having the same dilemma myself - i'm very reluctant to go with red, as it's a bit too common.

Thanks for the compliments guys, has been a long time in the making and a good feeling to have some wheels fitted that suit the Focus. Funny you mention the Ford option of these wheels - I actually picked them out a month or so ago, them remembered Ford now offered aftermarket wheels and noticed they listed the same wheel! At least I knew they would fit!

Regarding the calipers - I agree with you and RJ089 - I like the look of red, but everyone does red and I don't want to look like a Brembo wannabe! Thought a gloss black would look best, grey may just look like I have BAD brake dust!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

Orange

or green. But I have bad taste.

Interesting choice, orange would certainly stand out! Just a shame most manufacturers don't make green caliper paint

BlackLS · 19-02-2009, 12:02 AM

Hehe at long last Russ! I would love some aftermarket rims. The stock rims are nice but sit too far in the guard.

BlackLS · 19-02-2009, 12:04 AM

Orange

or green. But I have bad taste.

NZ XR6 · 19-02-2009, 02:14 AM

Wow, looks great. Hard to believe it's a Focus 4-door!

I'm looking for some wheels for my Mondeo (Panther black), and I think that these would look good. Also interesting to see that CSA make them with a decent offset in 5x108.

819_FLY · 19-02-2009, 07:40 AM

As you mentioned above earlier with the rims and how they aren't that hard to find, I am trying to find some rims that are similar in design to the Koya Inox AC wheels, I have done some scouring on the net and found that there is a European company called River Alloys that make a similar design but frankly the cost is what is limiting me at the end of the day. Plus for every 50 rims available it seems only 1 has the right P.C.D for the Focus. Which is a bit frustrating for me at times trying to get the look I want with my car.

Still the rims look great on your car.

I might have to go with something local that I don't particularly like but will save me a bit in the hip pocket.

#Russ#Es# · 19-02-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 819_FLY

As you mentioned above earlier with the rims and how they aren't that hard to find, I am trying to find some rims that are similar in design to the Koya Inox AC wheels, I have done some scouring on the net and found that there is a European company called River Alloys that make a similar design but frankly the cost is what is limiting me at the end of the day. Plus for every 50 rims available it seems only 1 has the right P.C.D for the Focus. Which is a bit frustrating for me at times trying to get the look I want with my car.

Still the rims look great on your car.

I might have to go with something local that I don't particularly like but will save me a bit in the hip pocket.

Don't give up just yet! There are plenty of nice wheels out there, just takes some homework that's all - if you want to stay with a local manufacturer, speak to Michael at LWT wheels (03) 9687 9266 - I spoke to him recently about wheels that fit the 5x108 fitment, and he was VERY helpful. They have several wheels that fit the Focus...also, they are considering producing the Zeus wheels without the black finish if that is a design you'd consider...

BlackLS · 19-02-2009, 10:59 AM

Russ, what's the offset on your newly purchased. How wide are the rims and what tyres did you put on it.

#Russ#Es# · 19-02-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

Russ, what's the offset on your newly purchased. How wide are the rims and what tyres did you put on it.

Offset = 48
Rims = 17 x 7
Tyres = 215/45/17 Yokohama A Drive R1's (at a VERY good price)

Conquest_Tsi · 23-02-2009, 09:37 AM

Looks great Russ, suits the car very well.

Keep away from gutters

sumpPUMP · 23-02-2009, 02:55 PM

Nice choice man, now u need some 'xr5/zetec' headlights or the euro 'angel eyes' headlights to go with the gloss black on the wheels...

sailaway · 26-03-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Offset = 48
Rims = 17 x 7
Tyres = 215/45/17 Yokohama A Drive R1's (at a VERY good price)

Thanks for that info!

Yours do look good.

#Russ#Es# · 24-02-2009, 09:12 PM

Thanks Steve - I was paranoid around gutters with the stock 16's, so you can imagine what I'm like with the 17's!!

sumpPUMP - I have kept a look out for those, just trying to find some that aren't too pricey.

#Russ#Es# · 13-06-2009, 09:48 PM

Thought I would throw a few updated pics after my camera died taking the couple above. New Ford Forums sticker also attached, although a little hard to see with all the reflection...

Fredo · 14-06-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Thought I would throw a few updated pics after my camera died taking the couple above. New Ford Forums sticker also attached, although a little hard to see with all the reflection...

Hey Russ, did you end up painting your calipers?

I have a Titanium CL that I am starting to fiddle with so am interested in what you do/have done to your car.

Just bought some Zetec 17's that I am thinking of painting gloss black and I was considering doing the calipers 'Ford' blue, or something close, because the Ford badges is the only colour on the car (other than the indicators, chrome surround on the grille, and black)

Wadda ya think?

:

Fredo

#Russ#Es# · 15-06-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredo

Hey Russ, did you end up painting your calipers?

I have a Titanium CL that I am starting to fiddle with so am interested in what you do/have done to your car.

Just bought some Zetec 17's that I am thinking of painting gloss black and I was considering doing the calipers 'Ford' blue, or something close, because the Ford badges is the only colour on the car (other than the indicators, chrome surround on the grille, and black)

Wadda ya think?

:

Fredo

Hey Fredo, unfortunately haven't had the time + $$$ to paint the caliper's - have a wedding to pay for atm. Will definitely still be painting in gloss black.
I have a little black caliper paint at home to use as undercoat, just need to find some hard wearing ultra glossy black and clear coat.

In terms of what you plan for your Focus - Ford Blue would look good, or maybe even a navy blue so brake dust doesn't stand out so much?? Looking forward to seeing the Zetec alloys once they're on too.

Great to see another Titanium Grey Focus here that is being played with!

Fredo · 15-06-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Hey Fredo, unfortunately haven't had the time + $$$ to paint the caliper's - have a wedding to pay for atm. Will definitely still be painting in gloss black.
I have a little black caliper paint at home to use as undercoat, just need to find some hard wearing ultra glossy black and clear coat.

In terms of what you plan for your Focus - Ford Blue would look good, or maybe even a navy blue so brake dust doesn't stand out so much?? Looking forward to seeing the Zetec alloys once they're on too.

Great to see another Titanium Grey Focus here that is being played with!

Cheers Mate.
You are right, there does seem to be a deficiency of Tit Grey cars here.

Fredo

TitaniumLT · 10-03-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

I have a little black caliper paint at home to use as undercoat, just need to find some hard wearing ultra glossy black and clear coat.

Hi Guys,
I just got a Focus as well, Titanium Grey as well in fact, and was wanting to do a few things to make it stand out a bit. I really like the stock zetec 17" rims so was going to keep them.

I was thinking of adding some colour to the calipers and you guys mentioned that you can just paint them - is there any special sort of paint you need or is it better to buy some aftermarket calipers in the colour you want?

Also, some other forums mention upgrading to a cold air intake - what are the advantages of doing it and is it a big job to do yourself?

Thanks

alky89 · 19-06-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Thanks Steve - I was paranoid around gutters with the stock 16's, so you can imagine what I'm like with the 17's!!

when you get new tyres look for some with a rim protector. you can reverse into a gutter at 20km/h and get away unscathed. (but try not to "test them out")

#Russ#Es# · 20-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alky89

when you get new tyres look for some with a rim protector. you can reverse into a gutter at 20km/h and get away unscathed. (but try not to "test them out")

Thanks for the tip, but my Yokohama's already have a pretty decent rim protector already. Still extra careful around gutters though! No plans to test the rim protector out!

#Russ#Es# · 17-02-2010, 11:19 AM

Bringing up an old thread from the dead, but I have my old rims for sale here:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11288516

I'm open to offers. PM if you require more info.

BlackLS · 14-06-2009, 04:10 PM

This is the sweetest Focus sedan I've ever seen.

#Russ#Es# · 15-06-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLS

This is the sweetest Focus sedan I've ever seen.

Thanks Chris, yours is also coming rather nicely! Can't say I'm disappointed I bought a sedan though ;)

galaxy xr8 · 16-06-2009, 01:06 PM

Those rim's suit the dark grey and look great, any shadow chrome style rim would also look fantastic on the dark grey.

DZFord · 11-03-2010, 01:09 PM

Hi, welcome to the forums and congratulations on your new purchase.

If you are going to do some modifications, using the search tool can bring up lots of good information.

HERE is some info on painting the calipers.

As for the intake you have two options:
K&N make a 57i pod filter setup, which may give slightly more power, but suffers from lack of heat shielding. It does give an excellent induction roar.

Alternatively, K&N (and some other brands) made a replacement drop-in panel filter. This will also allow for increase airflow, however, it retains the original airbox setup.

With either option, do a search on lower airbox / intake resonator removal, which will also allow you to route cold air feeds up to your new panel filter / pod filter.

TitaniumLT · 11-03-2010, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the info DZFford. cant wait to start playing around and changing a few things. looks like this forum could be a handy resource

YUSLOW · 12-03-2010, 12:44 PM

Cant say I'm a fan of the wheels but do like the Focus sedans in Titanium or Sea Grey.
Would love to see one fitted with Falcon Ego colour XR5 wheels.

paul&amanda · 24-03-2010, 12:45 PM

I had 18's fitted when i got the car new in 06. They look great but the ride is a bit hard at times on our quality NSW roads.