Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

tukaniray · **Getting my hands Dirty -** 06-22-2011, 10:18 AM

So, I haven't posted a Timeline of my car's catastrophic failure a couple of months back. Figured I would share.

April 2011, heading to a car show in Austin, TX, my car goes **PUFF PUFF ... BOOM!!!

And this is the result

Bent my valves. "How?" You are probably wondering.

Well, I drive an SVT Focus. In those little cars, the engines are actually interference engines. Standard Focuses are not. What that means is the valves kiss the pistons. So, if one were to retard or advance the cams too much or if you bust a timing belt, it would cause the pistons and valves to hit harder than they are suppose to and thus bending the valves.

In May 2011: thankfully found another unfortunate person, have a rear end accident that totalled his SVT Focus in Houston and I gladly bought his engine from him. A Donor Motor as people put it.

Donor Motor actually in background.

Thankfully my pistons were in good shape and I didn't have to replace those ... whew.

So, then I took it to a machine shop with new valves, springs and retainers. And had them do their professional magic.

Later, I received this:

Too bad it's in the engine and won't be on display. Oh well ... I race more than show anyways. AutoX race that is. 4 bangers aren't the greatest nor easiest to take down a straight ... little cars are great for turning.

Rebuild process started early June 2011

And then a couple of days later ... I cleaned the car and took her out for a test run ... and mini-photoshoot.

I hope you guys enjoyed the little journey I presented here.

Feels good to have my secondary car back.

Aside from all of the story ... back to the photoside of things ...

How do the shots look? Anything that could have improved or made the photos more appealing ...?

Thanks again for viewing ... it was fun documenting the failure and rebuild.

-Ray-

groovyone · 06-22-2011, 10:21 AM

Nicely done. Those little buggers can be quite high strung. I was keeping an eye out for a used SVT Focus to be my DD, but they are hard to come by!

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 11:06 AM

Why yes they are. But are very very easy to work on.

They were only made for 2 years ... 2002-2004. Too bad. Ford needs to get back into the small car performance category, like their Euro-counter parts.

Which, with the new Fiesta and new Focus ... they are finally heading in the right direction.

I am looking at the new Fiesta as a second daily to our SUV, but heard they are coming out with a Turbo version. Yes ... I would use it for show purposes and daily 2 and use the Focus as my autoX track car.

Thanks for the comment.

-Ray-

groovyone · 06-22-2011, 11:13 AM

Yeah, the Fiesta ST has been seen out for testing. I like the Focus ST too. I will probably test drive one as soon as they hit the dealers.

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 11:25 AM

Same here. I tested the new Fiesta already. And they are real nice to tell you the truth. But I need a bit more power.

-Ray-

dmarty78 · 06-22-2011, 01:25 PM

Ok why are you parked in the middle of the street. I see cars coming lol!!

Oh and...... Wait and get this. It's gonna be a beast, the Eco Boost Focus ST.

Top gear test:

YouTube - ‪Top Gear - Ford Focus ST - Jeremy Clarkson‬&rlm;

Loving the interior of this thing

groovyone · 06-22-2011, 01:33 PM

We do need a car GTG one of these days.

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 02:14 PM

Yup I know all about the Focus ST.

I am a Ford fan and a Ford Focus/Fiesta forum member on this site called FocusFanatics.
And I am a Mod there.

So ... definitely know lots about them.

And yes, thanks to Jeremy and his love of Ford on TopGear ... I also have become one.

I own the Focus and an Edge. My wife and I use to have a Ranger as well.

Since, I already have a focus though ... the new Fiesta ST is the next thing I am looking at. It will have the new EcoBoost engine and is at the moment being tested on the Nürburgring. Im excited.

-Ray-

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groovyone

We do need a car GTG one of these days.

I would be game for that ... a mix of Photogs and cars ... that would be interesting.

-Ray-

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 02:17 PM

OH by the way Dale, the car the Focus ST that Jeremy tested is still the MkII chassic focus. The One you have pictures of is the new MkIII chassis and will sport a larger turbo and more grown up interior as you already posted you like. [:)]

-Ray-

dmarty78 · 06-22-2011, 03:08 PM

still didn't tell me why you were parked in the middle of the street!! :D

tukaniray · 06-22-2011, 03:14 PM

LOL ... I just liked the spot. I am actually in the middle of the turning median. So, really I am not in the way of anybody.

I was going for a standing out shot. Nothing to take away from the subject and a car on the street is exactly a location for a car. :)

-Ray-