Hi there im new to the forums so I hope this is in the right section if not my apologies

I've recently bought a focus 1.8 petrol 2007 and I have to say I love it so far apart from a couple of niggles

The first thing I would like to find out is :- when I'm setting off its pretty difficult to balance the bite point not like other cars u have to apply revs before getting to the bite point or it conks out its as if it's running low on the idle it's currently at 700 ish..hill starts can be a problem and also it won't creep along on its own in 2nd gear it conks out and can be a pain to start again

And the second thing Is I'm looking see mods I can do on performance and help to what would help it run smoothly as in oil lubricants things like that as I want to look after it

I hope it isn't to long winded thanks in advance

Hi welcome :)

hi and welcome

Looking forward to hearing what u guys come up with

It wont free in second that's what first gears for so more driver error than an issue 700 is about right on the digital display its actually about 780 or more which is also normal as for mods on a 1.8 petrol very little that's worth doing

Are you used to driving diesels? They'll drive around on idle easy and I've pulled away in 3rd a couple of times lol. No chance in a petrol though, they always need more revs.

Sounds pretty normal for that engine.

With careful clutch control, it is possible to get around in 2nd at idle - not recommended though.

As above, performance wise there's not much point in attempting anything. A lot of expense for very little gain.

Again, idle showing at that level is about right. When it's cold you might notice an increased idle speed (this is why the handbook doesn't recommend revving the engine to warm it up - the ECU takes care of that).

As for oils - just use the recommended spec for the car and service IAW the service schedule (some folk reduce the service interval).

Just a thought: maybe the clutch is getting worn out? I used to drive an old car that's clutch was so bad it'd stall with high revs and a slow clutch release!

Hi sorry for the late reply..I may not of explained it properly about the clutch thing..Im not trying to set off in second I meant for example if I'm in a queue and creeping along it won't do it it judders and conks out but ok in first maybe it's me but never had it before in other petrol cars.

But hill starts are a problem I can't hold it on the clutch to set off I have to use the handbrake normally u can hold it on the clutch ( no I don't ride the clutch ) before revving as normal but it struggles to.

And on the mods side of things thanks for the advice on performance being not worth it I was going to try then filters but if it'd not worth it I won't..but I was also on about things like lights and body kits and interior upgrades.

Hill starts are a problem?

Handbrake on, 1st gear, release clutch til you feel it start to bite then apply gas and release clutch (and handbrake) balancing both.

It is more difficult than a diesel, but you will get used to it.