Ford Focus ST Mk2 Performance Parts & Tuning Mods

Top Brands For Ford Focus ST Mk2 Mods

The Ford Focus ST Mk2 is supported by a huge range of reputable tuning brands, so finding quality performance parts is straightforward. From proven engine upgrades to chassis and braking mods, you have plenty of trusted manufacturers to choose from for your next step in the build.

Exterior Styling Mods for Ford Focus ST Mk2

For your Ford Focus ST Mk2, we’ve got all the exterior styling mods you need to sharpen its look, from body kits, splitters and diffusers to spoilers, custom grilles and more. Whether you want a subtle OEM+ finish or a properly aggressive road or track presence, you can make your ST truly unique.

Handling & Suspension Upgrades

The Focus ST Mk2 is great fun out of the box, but it can feel a bit soft and front heavy, with some understeer when pushed hard. Start with quality tyres, going for a performance road or track-focused compound to sharpen grip and steering feel. Match that with uprated brake pads, braided lines and decent fluid, so you can lean on the brakes harder and more consistently on fast road or track days. Next step is suspension tuning. Lowering springs or a good set of coilovers will reduce roll and tighten up the stance without killing ride comfort if you choose sensibly. Stiffer anti-roll bars and fresh uprated bushings help the Focus ST Mk2 rotate more eagerly into corners, cutting that factory push wide. Add strut braces for extra chassis rigidity, and the car feels more stable on turn-in, more agile in quick direction changes, and generally more confidence inspiring when you really attack a B-road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best first performance mods for a Ford Focus ST Mk2?

The usual starting point for a Focus ST Mk2 is a quality panel filter or induction kit, a turbo back or cat back exhaust, and a decent remap. Those three upgrades together free up airflow, sharpen throttle response and give you a noticeable bump in horsepower and torque.

It is also worth fitting a better intercooler and uprated recirculation valve fairly early on, especially if you plan to run higher boost. These supporting mods help the 2.5T engine stay consistent on track or spirited road drives, rather than heat soaking and pulling timing.

How much power can I safely get from a remap on the Focus ST Mk2?

On a healthy car, a stage 1 remap on an otherwise standard Focus ST Mk2 typically gives a strong torque increase and a sensible bump in bhp, while still being comfortable on stock hardware. You will feel a clear difference in mid range pull and overall drivability.

With basic supporting mods like an upgraded intercooler, intake and exhaust, a stage 2 style remap can take things further while still being reasonable for daily use. The key is using a reputable tuner that understands these engines, rather than chasing headline dyno numbers.

Will tuning my Focus ST Mk2 affect reliability?

Any performance tuning, from a simple ECU remap to bigger turbo kits, adds extra stress to components. If the car is well maintained, with regular oil changes, fresh spark plugs and good quality fuel, modest power upgrades are usually fine for daily use.

Problems tend to appear on neglected cars or those pushed too far without supporting mods. Uprating the intercooler, clutch, engine mounts and cooling where needed will help keep things reliable. Always start with a health check before chasing more power.

What supporting mods are recommended for higher power builds?

Once you go past the typical stage 2 level, you should be looking at a high flow intercooler, uprated fuel pump or injectors where required, a stronger clutch and possibly a limited slip differential. These parts help the Focus ST Mk2 put the extra power down and cope with the extra heat and load.

Good quality tyres, suspension upgrades and decent brake pads or big brake kits are just as important as engine tuning. More power is only useful if you can stop and turn with confidence.

What wheel and tyre setup works well on a Focus ST Mk2?

Most owners run 18 inch alloys on the Focus ST Mk2, with widths around 8 to 8.5 inches and sensible offsets. This gives you enough room for wider performance tyres and big brake upgrades, without rubbing or messing up the handling.

A quality 225 or 235 width tyre with the right load rating will make a bigger difference than simply going for the largest rim you can fit. Lightweight wheels help reduce unsprung mass, which improves ride and steering response.

How much does it cost to tune a Focus ST Mk2?

The cost depends on how far you want to go. A basic stage 1 ECU remap and intake or panel filter is relatively affordable and gives a good bang for your buck. Step up to intercoolers, turbo back exhausts and clutches and the spend naturally ramps up.

A well planned package, where intake, exhaust, intercooler and software are matched, usually works out better value than buying random bits. We can advise on staged upgrade paths so you do not end up buying parts twice.

Is a big turbo upgrade worth it on the Focus ST Mk2?

A bigger turbo can deliver strong top end power on the Focus ST Mk2, but it is not a simple bolt on. You will need suitable fueling, cooling, mapping and driveline upgrades, plus a clear idea of how you use the car. For many fast road and occasional track drivers, a well sorted stock frame or hybrid turbo setup gives a great balance.

If you want serious power figures, a big turbo build can be very rewarding, as long as you budget for the full package, not just the blower itself. Proper tuning and installation are critical for reliability and drivability.

Final Thoughts On The Ford Focus ST Mk2

The Ford Focus ST Mk2 has earned its reputation for a reason. Out of the box you get that punchy 5‑cylinder turbo, a playful chassis and proper hot hatch character that still works as a daily. It is quick enough to be fun on the road, yet comfortable and practical with real boot space and decent refinement. That balance is exactly why it responds so well to sensible tuning and carefully chosen performance parts. You are starting from a strong base, then sharpening it to suit your own style. On the power side, intake, exhaust and intercooler upgrades help the ST breathe and manage heat far better than stock, especially on mapped cars. The factory intercooler and airbox can struggle with repeated hard runs, so improved cooling, a quality remap and a stronger clutch are common upgrades once you push beyond mild tuning. Supporting mods like fuel pump internals and better ignition components keep things reliable as the boost goes up. Done properly, you end up with a Ford Focus ST Mk2 that pulls harder and more consistently without feeling stressed. Handling and braking mods round out the package. The standard suspension can feel a bit soft and floaty when you really lean on it, and older cars will be tired by now, so fresh dampers, uprated springs or coilovers, and stiffer bushes make a huge difference to control. Bigger brake kits or upgraded pads, discs and fluid give you more confidence on fast road and track. Add in a set of lightweight alloys, subtle styling tweaks and maybe a more supportive seat, and you have a Focus ST that looks right, stops hard and stays composed. The beauty of the Ford Focus ST Mk2 is how well it wears these upgrades while staying usable every day. With the right mix of power mods, chassis tuning and motorsport-inspired hardware, you can build something that feels genuinely special without sacrificing reliability or comfort. Whether you are chasing lap times, back-road thrills or just a more engaging commute, the platform is ready for it. Now it is over to you to decide how far you want to take your build and put your own stamp on your ST.