The Ford Focus ST is a car that is close to the hearts of the car buying public. When you think of hot hatches, the Focus ST is a car that stirs the pot of performance and price, giving buyers not just a fun car but also a good deal.

The reason? It’s turbocharged. And, of course, it’s an ST, which pretty much guarantees sharp handling and a good time behind the wheel.

At DarkLight Fabrication, we like to think that it’s even a better deal when you consider how easily we can improve its performance with our custom fabrication services. All of which brings us to the question: Why would a car enthusiast want a Ford Focus ST?

A Brief History of the Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST made its entrance at the American firm Ford in 2002, being initially conceived as a performance variant of the standard Focus. The first generation, known as the ST170, employed an engine that was definitely a step up from the standard `Focus` engine. But one must remember the standard `Focus` at the time was just a good car, not a great one. In terms of numbers, you got a `2.0L` inline-four, making `170` hp.

In 2012, Ford presented the Focus ST of the third generation, which was a considerable step regarding performance and technology. This version came with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, with an output of 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine drove the Focus ST from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds. Story has it that Ford performance engineer Jamal Hameedi backed some tuning directions for this engine, boosting torque to 270 lb-ft and making it available in a relatively flat curve for the most goodies during the most crucial part of the power band. Hameedi directed the calibration for performance and for fun. Sounds like he nailed it.

Why the Ford Focus ST is a Sought-After Platform

1. Tunability and Aftermarket Support

Car enthusiasts love the Ford Focus ST, primarily because it is so tunable. The aftermarket world offers a plethora of parts and upgrades, making the Focus ST as individual as the owners who drive it. At DarkLight Fabrication, we are not just enthusiasts; we are fabricators, and we know all about performance and exhaust systems. When you order a system from us, you’re ordering a part that is specifically made for your Focus ST and your demands.

One of the most sought-after changes among owners of the Focus ST is upgrading the exhaust system. Since not every car comes with a perfect exhaust, Focus ST owners have been known to seek out aftermarket options. One of the best options for an aftermarket exhaust system is from a company called DarkLight Fabrication.

2. Engaging Driving Experience

The Ford Focus ST is known and lauded for its engaging driving experience. With lightning-quick steering, a well-tuned suspension, and a limited-slip differential, the ST offers a level of handling that many have compared to more expensive sport compacts and even some bona fide sports cars. Enthusiasts really dig the car's ability to conquer both the serpentine road and the racetrack with equal doses of confidence and aplomb.

We at DarkLight Fabrication know how to take driving to a new level. Our custom fabrication services allow us to take various parts of the Focus ST's performance—from exhaust flow to turbocharger upgrades—and dial them in. Because that's what we do. We take parts that bolt onto the Focus ST and transform them into something that's way more than just bolts. And if you think every drive isn't a NASCAR event, you haven't seen us on an autocross course.

3. Community and Culture

The Ford Focus ST has nurtured a dedicated group of followers who are enthusiastic about performance and modification. Owners connect on online forums, social media groups, and at local meetups to share what they know and to present their cars—talking about what they've done and what they plan to do with their builds. This community is almost a guaranteed draw for any still-unconvinced enthusiasts considering a Focus ST.

At DarkLight Fabrication, we live a culture of collaboration—with our customers and our community. Much of our work in fabricating custom automotive parts becomes part of the very local car culture that we participate in. When we engage with our community and the Focus ST owner subculture, we gain even more clarity about what our customers want, need, and desire. This, in turn, informs our work—making us better able to serve our ideal customers.

4. Performance Versatility

The Ford Focus ST is not just a one-hit wonder. It offers something much better—versatility—over which to appeal to a far greater range of enthusiasts. If you want a car to commute with aplomb, here's one that laughs in the face of stop-and-go traffic. If you want a car that might just give the Civic Si a run for its money, around a well-groomed racetrack, you've got that in the Focus ST.

At DarkLight Fabrication, we appreciate that each and every enthusiast has their own special aims when it comes to their vehicle. Our custom fabrication allows us to create solutions that align with our customers' visions. Sometimes that means constructing a high-performance turbo exhaust manifold for track use. Sometimes it means a more subdued setup appropriate for something like daily driving.

Conclusion

The Ford Focus ST has been established as a much-loved platform in the diehard automotive enthusiast community, owing to its tunability, engaging driving experience, and just plain fun factor. At DarkLight Fabrication, we are committed to the kinds of performance enhancements that let you enjoy all the Ford Focus ST has to offer right now, as well as the potential it has down the road. If you want to upgrade your exhaust system and really make the noise (the good kind!) our team isn't just here to do the job; we go above and beyond to help you unlock the full potential of your Focus ST, turbo and otherwise.

Upgrading your vehicle's exhaust system is an exciting step for enthusiasts, but it comes with a crucial decision: should you invest in a custom exhaust system or a bolt-on kit? At DarkLight Fabrication, we specialize in high-performance turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and custom exhaust systems. In this post, we'll discuss the differences between custom exhaust systems and bolt-on kits and why custom fabrication is the way to go for performance enthusiasts.

Understanding Bolt-On Kits

Bolt-on exhaust kits have become more popular with car enthusiasts over the years because of their availability and ability to not break the bank. These pre-manufactured systems only require some basic hand tools and a couple of hours to switch out your car's factory exhaust for this performance kit. However, there are a number of reasons we do not recommend an out-of-the-box system.

Why We’re Against Bolt-On Kits:

1. Customization Not Up to Par: The primary flaw with bolt-on kit is that they’re not made for you, personally. They're designed to appeal to the greatest number of people possible, which means they might not hit the sweet spot for vehicle performance that you'd hoped for. They might not even get close. And in the world of bolt-on performance, price is often a fairly accurate indicator of how optimized a kit is for your particular vehicle.

2. Performance Compromise: Bolt-on kits can enhance exhaust flow, but they're not always up to the task of maximizing horsepower and torque when compared to custom systems. The standard design may not correspond to your specific engine setup or modifications, so even if it fits, it might not perform optimally.

3. Fitment Problems: Many bolt-on kits that are sold as direct-fit solutions still can have fitment problems. The outcome can be leaks or misalignment, both of which can hurt performance.

The Advantages of Custom Exhaust Systems

At DarkLight Fabrication, we believe that putting your money into a custom exhaust system is the best way to set your vehicle free to reach its peak potential. Here’s why:

1. Tailored Performance

Exhaust systems designed specifically for your vehicle, taking into account such elements as engine size, modifications, and performance goals, are what we mean when we say "custom." And that means optimal exhaust flow, and that means improved horsepower and torque. Bolt-on kits may offer a one-size-fits-all approach—certainly a better alternative to a stock exhaust system; but for serious gearheads, the next step in exhaust-system evolution is a kit with some on-site engineering. That allows serious customization for someone serious about their vehicle.

2. Enhanced Sound

One of the most appealing aspects of upgrading your exhaust system is the sound. Custom exhaust systems allow you to choose the tone and volume that best fits your style. Whether you prefer a deep, throaty growl or a more aggressive roar, a custom system can be designed to achieve the exact sound you desire. Bolt-on kits, on the other hand, often provide a generic sound that may not resonate with your personal preferences.

3. Quality Craftsmanship

At DarkLight Fabrication, we take pride in our meticulous craftsmanship. Our custom exhaust systems are built using the highest-quality materials and methods on the market to guarantee the durability and longevity of our products. Bolt-on kits, while convenient, too often skimp on materials and craftsmanship, leading to premature failure and unwanted issues.

4. Future-Proofing

Choosing a custom exhaust means investing in the longevity of the system. Should you decide down the road to up your turbo game or significantly increase your engine’s power, a system can be designed and built specifically for those changes. By contrast, a bolt-on kit may not work so well with your future powertrain changes and may require you to replace the whole system for any future mods.

5. Improved Aesthetics

Custom exhaust systems look better. Hands down. 

Conclusion

Even though bolt-on kits can be a fast and easy way to upgrade exhaust systems, they may lack in performance, customization, and quality. At DarkLight Fabrication, we think that the custom exhaust system is the best choice not only for serious performance enthusiasts but for anyone who wants a ride with the upper hand. Our exhaust solutions are tailored for elevated performance, enhanced sound, and superior craftsmanship, with a setup that is uniquely your own. That's a no-brainer when you consider the alternative.

If you're prepared to improve your vehicle, reach out to us now to discover more about our custom exhaust services. We’d love to get your vehicle to the level it should be.

In the world of legendary sports cars, the Mazda Miata stands unrivaled. An international favorite since its introduction in 1989, the Miata contestants for the hearts of our driving ecstasy. The first two generations—the NA (1989-1997) and the NB (1998-2005)—are cherished for their almost cartoonishly light weight, the kind that makes them feel like much smaller cars than they actually are; for their near-perfect balance, which allows them to handle and perform in ways that feel right and good; and for their straightforward, here-to-there drivability, the best kind of pleasure you can have in the seat of a car. On this last point, too, the Miata has few equals.

A Brief History of the Mazda Miata NA

The original Mazda Miata, known as the "NA" in car enthusiast circles, hit the market in 1989 as a "homage," according to Mazda, to the British roadsters of the 1960s and '70s. The Miata NA was an open-top sports car with a convertible top that you could put down or keep up, a front end with pop-up headlights, sleek bodysides with curves in all the right places, and a rear end that couldn't help but shout "fun," whether you were driving it or just looking at it. Powering the NA was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 116 horsepower.

The NA Miata was designed to be simple. It has a light chassis, it has a direct (but not too direct) manual gearbox, and it has a near-ideal weight distribution. Because of this, it handles extremely well, and it turns in extremely well. These characteristics have made it a favorite of driving purists, who appreciate not just the Miata's performance but also the fact that it's not an overly complex machine.

The Evolution to the NB

Mazda launched the NB Miata in 1998, which built upon the success of its predecessor and incorporated several improvements. The NB sported a more refined design with a slightly more aggressive stance and updated styling cues. Fixed headlights replaced the iconic pop-ups. Performance, already quite good in the NA, got a nice bump thanks to a more powerful 1.8-liter engine that produced between 142 and 140 (most sources say 140, but 1999 was a transition year and engines were upgraded mid-year) horsepower, depending on the year.

The NB Miata adhered to the lightweight design, tipping the scales at about 2,400 pounds. This generation kept the elbow grease of making a car that wasn’t just about going fast (not that the NB was slow), but got by with the driver’s satisfaction emphasized at every turn. Even with these couple of bumps in the curve, straight ahead, the NB remains a very easy car to live with. Thanks to a stiffer chassis, better suspension, and nice electronic power-steering, you might say the NB even got better with "S"-shaped bumps.

Why the Miata NA and NB are Sought After

1. Lightweight and Agile Design

The turbo exhaust manifolds and downpipes that enthusiasts have custom-built by DarkLight Fabrication are a major reason why the Mazda Miata NA and NB remain so lightweight. Of course, that's not the only reason to consult with DarkLight in this regard; the Miata has always been about easy speeds and fun times. That's what makes it a 'neighbor' to the very light (and very small) Lotus Elise in the pantheon of "Sports Cars You Can Store in Your Garage."

2. Aftermarket Support and Customization

One of the most exuberant and supportive groups in the world of cars is the Miata community. A veritable cornucopia of aftermarket parts and accessories is available to Miata owners, and the ocean of potential customization that laps at their wheels is broad and deep. While some folks are content to throw a few Miata stickers on the ride and call it a day, others go to the nth degree in making their particular Miata an expression of their own individuality. At DarkLight, we specialize in making custom exhaust systems for these latter sorts.

3. Engaging Driving Experience

What makes the Miata truly special is its driving experience. Both the NA and NB serve up a connection between man and machine that is nearly impossible to find in modern sports cars. The "responsive steering, balanced chassis, and rear-wheel-drive layout" (as Car and Driver put it back in the early ’90s) create a harmony that is hard to replicate. And they create that at a price any gearhead can love.

4. Timeless Design

The Miata's classic design has aged with grace and remains a timeless choice for car lovers. The NA's pop-up headlights and the NB's elegant lines are nostalgic touches that still draw attention. The Miata's passion-inducing cars disruptive cruising through any form of urban space are dangerously underrated. And if you take one of these cars on a road trip through the National Park Service's 417 sites and its 12,383 miles of paved roads, there remains nothing that can whip through the wild like the Mazda Miata.

5. Community and Camaraderie

To own a Miata is to be a part of a community bursting with passion. Events, track days, and car shows bring together countless legions of roadster fanatics. They spend time in the company of their cars. When it comes to the World of Wheels, they expend a lot of daylight and moonlight, too, laboring and watching over every square inch. That $25,000 figure I tossed out at the top of this review? It don't mean a thing if you ain't Miata ownership adjacent. If you are, then unbridled joy walks hand in hand with your next pay stub.

Conclusion

More than mere automobiles, the Mazda Miata NA and NB are a celebration of driving merriment and automotive fervor. They are platforms for car enthusiasts, and the reasons for that are myriad. They have lightweight designs, engage their drivers in a way that few other cars can, and have an almost cult-like following in the aftermarket. At DarkLight Fabrication, we are proud to count ourselves among the Miata enthusiasts and to provide high-quality custom fabrication services to that platform.

If you have a classic NA or a sophisticated NB, the Miata lives on in your garage, and its spirit driving onward inspires the newest generations of drivers when they slide behind the wheel. Come with us as we honor the Mazda Miata— the roadster that redefined just how much fun it is to drive.