Quote:
Originally posted by Adam Chaplin
Focus has a feature called TRAMS. Torque-Roll-Axis-Mounting-System. It's basically a fancy set of engine mounts that allow the engine to move, rather than transmit the torque steer to the ground. I drove a heavily modified ST170 (like the US-Spec SVT) and it hauled serious butt - even hard launches provoked little torque steer.
Did you know that Ford actually produce an over-the-counter kit, sold at Parts Counters to convert the Focus to 4.6 DOHC Cobra V8 & RWD? It's amazing!
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Wow - my Ford Racing parts guy never mentioned the Cobra conversion; he must be feeling sorry enough for me already. Modding the Focus - never thought I'd see the day. But I came to the conclusion long ago that the Focus was far and away the best vehicle buying decision I've ever made - so why not drop a few bucks into it? I plan to keep the thing forever.
Torque steer is now observable with the extra ponies, but it's pretty much only an observation, not even a distraction let alone a threat to managability. The driver is more concerned about keeping traction in the first two gears rather than worrying much about torque steer.
Adam - the ST170 is the Focus that I wish we had here - the SVT is a bit of a pale comparison. You might notice that I admire the 170 so much that I've already installed the upper grille and headlights from the euro ST170.