Originally Posted by n2focus
Thanks for the info, I'm new to ford so I don't really know much about them. My ZTS is a DOHC 2.0, I just replaced the factory straw with a 2 1/4 stainless pipe from the flex pipe back, I have ordered a Focus Central header and off-road pipe with the cat. If this Focus is anything like my 10 sec. '97 DOHC all motor neon, this car will eat mustangs for breakfast! Ironicly my neon was t-boned by a Ford Excursion. I will post my upgrades as they performed. I almost in the very near future I will be doing a Kuegler v-8 swap to my Focus. SICK!
If I were you, I would cancel your order for the FocusCentral header. Every "generation" of that header has looked like shit and had some serious issues (cracking at the welds is/was common). Their customer service is also lackluster if/when you have a problem with the header.
If you do a header, don't even bother with the shorty design. Minimal gains and TONS of headache with installation. Long tube headers yield the best gains and are very simple to install. I'm a HUGE fan of the Focus Sport long tube. Great quality made by a company that actually backs their products.
A cheap alternative for an aftermarket long tube is the SVT 4-2-1 header. Requires a bit of modification for the O2 sensors and whatnot...but very cheap and quite effective.