[V8] Don't tell Audi . . .

[Professor GT gmail]

Mike,

Sounds like one of Ford's "Better Ideas", in fact maybe they could one-up themselves by requiring the body to be removed from the frame to gain access to the "air cleaner", like you have to do on their trucks just to change something like a turbo! 

Oh yea, the Focus is a unibody design, so it looks like those engineers saved the day because the body can't be removed from the "chassis"!

Really, since Ford adopted the practice of cab removal as SOP to gain access to the engine, etc., I personally wrote them off as a viable option, as in doing so they have forsaken guys like us who do all their own service.

Having spent 8 years of my life as a Ford field engineer, I have both seen lots of good and bad "stuff" while at the same time developing a special place in my heart for "Ford". That place has been reserved however for only the "good" (ie: GT-40, GT, Mustang, power strokes up to 1997, and so on), but with the current disregard for "common sense" engineering I'm beginning to think nothing is sacred any more!

Well, thank GOD for the small things like our V8's! I'm so glad I decided to resurrect my 5-speed, which has become one of my most favourite daily drivers of all time. The 4 hour weekly commute I'm currently doing would not be nearly so nice if it weren't for this great vehicle.

Anyway, thanks for putting up with my rant, and happy New Year to everyone!

OWDEE ON!

ProfessorGT



Message: 4
Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:21:03 -0500
From: Mike Arman <Armanmik at earthlink.net>
To: v8 at audifans.com
Subject: [V8] Don't tell Audi . . .
Message-ID: <50DE295F.5010108 at earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed



Since I bought some parts for another car from them, I am now getting the Rock Auto monthly
newsletter, which I sometimes even read.


This item just plain floored me.

If I read this correctly, an *air filter* for a 2005 to 2007 Ford Focus costs *$525.42*. No, that is 
not a typo.

Here's the pertinent section (and I have no affiliation with Rock Auto, I'm just an occasional 
customer).


> Dorman?s part number 258519, an air filter housing for the 2005 to 2007 Ford Focus, recently
> caught my attention. It demonstrates how tough it is to make predictions. Back in 2005, I could
> have stared under the hood of a new Ford Focus for a long time and would never have thought to
> look at the air filter housing. After all, the air filter housing on my ?86 Ford is still a fully
> functional plastic box after 26 years of use.
> 
> Dorman decided it would be a good idea to offer a new air filter housing for the ?05 to ?07 Ford
> Focus because the original air filter housing is a completely sealed unit. It is impossible to
> simply open the box and change the air filter. Why Ford chose to do it this way is a bit of a
> mystery. I asked at a Ford dealer?s service department and they presented it as a benefit: ?You
> never have to change the air filter on that car.?
> 
> Searching through Ford Focus enthusiast forums, one explanation I saw was that Ford wanted the
> Focus to be classified as a partial zero emissions vehicle (PZEV) in California. Those rules
> required the car?s air intake system should never require maintenance. ?Never requires
> maintenance? was equated with ?make maintenance impossible.? That sounds crazy enough to possibly
> be true! Luckily no government organization specified that a PZEV never needs gasoline or Focus
> owners might have discovered their gas caps were welded shut!
> 
> Further questioning at the Ford dealer uncovered there is an indicator on the Ford Focus original
> air filter housing that indicates when the filter is clogged. The dealer sells a complete
> replacement air filter housing for $525.42. Frequently driving down dusty dirt roads in an ?06
> Ford Focus could be costly!
> 
> The replacement Dorman 258519 air filter housing currently is $120 at RockAuto, but that is a
> one-time expense. The next time the engine air filter needs to be changed, the ?05-?07 Focus
> owner can just insert a new filter by Auto Extra (61946107), Fram (CA7098) or WIX (46107) and
> save more than $500!


I may not whine too loudly about Audi replacement parts any more.


Best Regards,

Mike Arman
90V8Q

Thanks,

ProfessorGT
(Sent from my iPhone4)