Ooooops Wes that's predictive text taking over. I meant ST. No my tit x doesn't have a body kit on tho I do plan to colour code the black plastic bits.

The 17's will look fine on yours but when you add the skirts it makes the wheels look smaller hence recommending the 18's. I fully agree wheel choice is a personal preference though.:)

As for the side skirts. I've been looking at those fitted to standard cars, zetec s's and ST's. Now I know I need and use reading glasses but I'm totally buggered if I can see a difference between standard and zetec s. The ST's have a distinctive flare towards the rear but otherwise I can't see a difference. I'll know for sure when I paint mine. Just seen a ST and the 18's looked fab. Matt black on deep impact blue car. Luvly jubly.

Easiest way to change the nut colour is to purchase a set of 19mm plastic nut caps on ebay,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271669166658

Also purchase a set of black McGard lock nuts

Confirm fitment prior to purchase

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MCGARD-BLACK-LOCKING-WHEEL-NUTS-SET-24137SUB/170987451719?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29973%26meid%3D36ce4ffb613f4b409e72de86adebb8fb%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D300514803775

The only problem with black nuts is that as soon as you put your wheel brace on them they will get scratched and look a mess. The nut caps sound a better option although ive not see them myself.

Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271669166658

Didnt even know they existed! Do they fit over the chrome caps that are already on ours?

I had some of them on my previous car but I didn't like the quality of them tbh they didn't stay on long lol.....

These caps slide over the existing 19mm nut,

If the tin cap should come off your existing nut it will then be an 18mm

I hate ford supplied nuts there made of cheese,

I swapped all out for McGard but cost me over 100 pounds

I was think of them McGard's but unsure as to which fitments I'd need although I have found a nice set for £72.16

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ST-MCGARD-LOCKS-WHEEL-NUTS-BLACK-ANODISED-SET-/300441567752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item45f3b68208

I thought the Zetec S and ST sideskirts are the same or do i need glasses?:D

Like I said I'm buggered if I see a difference and it's getting in my head to get a ST diesel. FFS I not long sold my tit x sport 2.2 tdci mondeo. Need to start taking the sensibility tablets again lol.

I thought the Zetec S and ST sideskirts are the same or do i need glasses? :D

Like I said I'm buggered if I see a difference and it's getting in my head to get a ST diesel. FFS I not long sold my tit x sport 2.2 tdci mondeo. Need to start taking the sensibility tablets again lol.

I need to pick up the old ones which where removed as I asked to keep any parts which where taken off so I could sell them on once I've got them I'll have a look and maybe get a picture I'm sure there probably the same lol. I only purchased new ones as the texture of the black trim wouldn't of looked right I didn't think.

Also back onto the 18" alloys will I need to get my Speedo re-calibrated?

I need to pick up the old ones which where removed as I asked to keep any parts which where taken off so I could sell them on once I've got them I'll have a look and maybe get a picture I'm sure there probably the same lol. I only purchased new ones as the texture of the black trim wouldn't of looked right I didn't think.

Also back onto the 18" alloys will I need to get my Speedo re-calibrated?

No because the rolling radious is the same size,

You will experience a reduction in take off power though,

Because the wheels are heavier they contribute to the level of "unsprung mass"

This is a term given to all items carried outside of the sprung chassis,

Brake calipers, discs, pads, wheel nuts, alloy wheel, tyres all contribute to unsprung mass

More weight more power to get rolling not much more but a bit.

The ESP will need to be toned down to prevent premature wear of your brakes,

You can do this yourself using a modified elm327 just tick the box that says "ST alloys"

This reduces the sensitivity of the ESP (traction control) allows for a bit of wheel spin or the rotation of a larger mass.

Time for egg on face. Monday mornings are my best eye sight and I can categorically state that there IS a difference between side skirts of standard and ST/Zetec s. I clocked a ST at work and saw the main difference. Parked next to a zetec s at asda and again saw the main difference and that is the ST etc skirt flares out at the front wheel end. All skirts have the same flare at the back wheel. Apologies if I seemed argumentative but I wasn't being. Mmmmm I like egg lol

No because the rolling radious is the same size,

You will experience a reduction in take off power though,

Because the wheels are heavier they contribute to the level of "unsprung mass"

This is a term given to all items carried outside of the sprung chassis,

Brake calipers, discs, pads, wheel nuts, alloy wheel, tyres all contribute to unsprung mass

More weight more power to get rolling not much more but a bit.

The ESP will need to be toned down to prevent premature wear of your brakes,

You can do this yourself using a modified elm327 just tick the box that says "ST alloys"

This reduces the sensitivity of the ESP (traction control) allows for a bit of wheel spin or the rotation of a larger mass.

I was under the impression after reading numerous forum posts that the increase in alloy's to 18's causes the speedo to be out about 5mph, so say your speedo reads 45mph you would infact be doing 40mph. Please do tell me if I wrong lol.

Time for egg on face. Monday mornings are my best eye sight and I can categorically state that there IS a difference between side skirts of standard and ST/Zetec s. I clocked a ST at work and saw the main difference. Parked next to a zetec s at asda and again saw the main difference and that is the ST etc skirt flares out at the front wheel end. All skirts have the same flare at the back wheel. Apologies if I seemed argumentative but I wasn't being. Mmmmm I like egg lol

You didn't seem argumentative to me I could of sworn they was the same as well but now you have mention it, it does look different.....

Anyone recently purchase any Gel Badges? I was going to use gelbadges.com but I contacts them over a week ago and not had a response as of yet......

I was under the impression after reading numerous forum posts that the increase in alloy's to 18's causes the speedo to be out about 5mph, so say your speedo reads 45mph you would infact be doing 40mph. Please do tell me if I wrong lol.

You didn't seem argumentative to me I could of sworn they was the same as well but now you have mention it, it does look different.....

Anyone recently purchase any Gel Badges? I was going to use gelbadges.com but I contacts them over a week ago and not had a response as of yet......

The speedo is always reading over by a few mph

All speedos are like that to allow for speed camera tolerance in callibration there all set to 5 over actual,

But we can blame it on 18" rims if ya like :)

Anyone recently purchase any Gel Badges?

I have an order in with Ryan [email protected] at the moment. There was an issue with my order but he has been very helpful and responded quickly to all my emails.

I have an order in with Ryan [email protected] at the moment. There was an issue with my order but he has been very helpful and responded quickly to all my emails.

I used the contact us function on the GelBadges website but I've had no response would you suggestion contacting them by email? Just to confirm the email address is [email protected] and his name is Ryan?

I think they are two different suppliers.

I think they are two different suppliers.

Don't quite understand you...... Is this the site you used? http://gelbadges.com/

I think they are two different suppliers.

Don't quite understand you...... Is this the site you used? http://gelbadges.com/

I understand you now, I believe Ryan doesn't have a website but I've just dropped him an email for a quote so just have to wait now.

Just had a quote from Ryan @ [email protected] which is as follows:

Front & Rear - 162mm & 127mm - £19.00

Steering Wheel - £4.00

Wheel Centers - £15.00 (For 55mm This would need to be confirmed)

Postage - £2.50

Total - £40.50 - Just a little more than I was expecting but not by much.

Just a quick question my wheel centers size would it stay the same if I change from 16" to the 18" alloys?

After reading up more on the turning circle and that of other cars it isn't causing me as much concern anymore I'll just have to adjust to it lol.

I do have another question though which is in relation to the alloy wheels themselves and the Rim Manufactures can anybody vouch for the manufactures of the blower alloy wheels?

Inovit - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-BLACK-SNOWFLAKE-MATT-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-FITS-FORD-FOCUS-RS-ST-/331587820643?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Car+Make%3AFord&hash=item4d342c9c63

YSM - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-FORD-ST-NEW-STYLE-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-ONLY-TO-FIT-FORD-FOCUS-MONDEO-CONNECT-/221807006700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a4ba53ec

Autec Xenos (I'm aware these are 17's just wondering if the quality is any good as they are more expensive) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-17-Xenos-Ford-Focus-2011-to-2014-Mk3-Alloy-Wheels-1390921067-11017-/301085717395?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item461a1b7393

Go visit a Halfords and other alloy wheel retailers and have a look for yourself at the different manufacturers and their quality.

Go visit a Halfords and other alloy wheel retailers and have a look for yourself at the different manufacturers and their quality.

+1 and bring a sledge hammer ;)

After reading up more on the turning circle and that of other cars it isn't causing me as much concern anymore I'll just have to adjust to it lol.

I do have another question though which is in relation to the alloy wheels themselves and the Rim Manufactures can anybody vouch for the manufactures of the blower alloy wheels?

Inovit - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-BLACK-SNOWFLAKE-MATT-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-FITS-FORD-FOCUS-RS-ST-/331587820643?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Car+Make%3AFord&hash=item4d342c9c63

YSM - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-FORD-ST-NEW-STYLE-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-ONLY-TO-FIT-FORD-FOCUS-MONDEO-CONNECT-/221807006700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a4ba53ec

Autec Xenos (I'm aware these are 17's just wondering if the quality is any good as they are more expensive) - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-17-Xenos-Ford-Focus-2011-to-2014-Mk3-Alloy-Wheels-1390921067-11017-/301085717395?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item461a1b7393

Check out Wheelbase in Oldham.

http://m.wheelbasealloys.com/#

Go visit a Halfords and other alloy wheel retailers and have a look for yourself at the different manufacturers and their quality.

The Halfords around my area don't sell Alloy Wheels unfortunately and there's not many places that do.

Check out Wheelbase in Oldham.

http://m.wheelbasealloys.com/#

Just had a look at these and they don't sell the Focus ST alloys which I'd like on my car....

I've been back and collected the old parts off my car so I now got the following for sale:

• Rear Diffuser
• Rear Spoiler (Painted Moondust Silver)
• Side Skirts - Black Trim (Left & Right)
• Third Rear Brake Light
• Front Grille set - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151755640979?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
• Rear Tailgate Badge - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-Tailgate-Badge-/151755648511?

The above will all be on Ebay soon I will post links later in the week on this post, if anyone is interest in any of the above then please contact me and we can arrange something.

Please note that attached thumbnail of the rear spoiler below isn't that of my actual spoiler and the one I have is in perfect condition, it just to show the colour.

Finally made my decision I'm going for the following alloys:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-BLACK-SNOWFLAKE-MATT-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-FITS-FORD-FOCUS-RS-ST-/331587820643?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Car+Make%3AFord&hash=item4d342c9c63

Will also need to have a steering rack limiter fitted:

https://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_focus_steering_rack_limiter_kit_f_1717039_c_964.htm

I'm just going to start to enquire at places to see if they'll carry out the work for me (Still unsure about who I'm going to ask).

I do have a question for all of you who have been very helpful since I joined this site. How do I know if the following Locking Nuts/Standards nut will fit the above alloys?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ST-MCGARD-LOCKS-WHEEL-NUTS-BLACK-ANODISED-SET-/300441567752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item45f3b68208

Will probably have the work carried out in the next 3 weeks.

The wheels look nice although after all your indecisiveness regarding 18's and rack limiters i am a little bit surprised to see you are going for replica alloys. Hopefully you will get a good set.:)

Finally made my decision I'm going for the following alloys:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-BLACK-SNOWFLAKE-MATT-BLACK-ALLOY-WHEELS-FITS-FORD-FOCUS-RS-ST-/331587820643?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Car+Make:Ford&hash=item4d342c9c63

Will also need to have a steering rack limiter fitted:

https://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_focus_steering_rack_limiter_kit_f_1717039_c_964.htm

I'm just going to start to enquire at places to see if they'll carry out the work for me (Still unsure about who I'm going to ask).

I do have a question for all of you who have been very helpful since I joined this site. How do I know if the following Locking Nuts/Standards nut will fit the above alloys?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ST-MCGARD-LOCKS-WHEEL-NUTS-BLACK-ANODISED-SET-/300441567752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item45f3b68208

Will probably have the work carried out in the next 3 weeks.

To the best of my knowledge there are two types of wheel nut:

Those with a lip edge which seal around a steel rim.

And

Those with a tapered top to fit snug inside the alloy rim,

If the alloys are said to fit your focus then they will be designed to work with your existing nuts,

So if the McGuard nuts are designed for ford replacement then your 100%

The sellers are generally quite knowledgeable in situations such as this.

I also meant to say before,

After fitting the wheels and possibly lowering the car,

When having the laser tracking done,

Tell the garage to put the ST focus in on the tracking system,

They done this on mine and it really did improve the turning radius of the car aswell as handling because the statistics are the same as ST when such modifications have been fitted.

The wheels look nice although after all your indecisiveness regarding 18's and rack limiters i am a little bit surprised to see you are going for replica alloys. Hopefully you will get a good set.:)

Genuine ST rims cost around that much per alloy mate,

Mine were 475 euro per rim including centre cap and Avon ZV5 tyre