The story of John and Jennifer's Mystic Focus ST project began with a faulty 2013 Focus ST, a trade-in, and finally, our story's subject: the glorious 2014 Focus ST-3 you see today. Since John worked at the dealership, he and Jennifer had the distinct pleasure of unpacking their brand new ST themselves.
The OE finish on the 2014 Focus ST was Ford's Tuxedo Black, a beautiful coat, but unfortunately one that was beginning to freckle with chips from the gravel of Hampton, Virginia's streets. Thus began the hunt for their baby's new paint job. Before finally going with Mystic, John and Jennifer tossed around the idea of Calypso Green commonly found on fox body Mustangs, a few different purples, greens, teals, and even refinishing in the stock Tuxedo Black. Thankfully, the choice of Mystic turned out to be a real game-changer. Inspired by Jennifer's passion for the Mystic paint jobs featured on the '96 Cobras, John and Jennifer's newest build began as the best of them do, a work of love.
In a sort of break from tradition, John and Jennifer decided to take baby steps with their newest project and build on it more gradually than past builds. The idea was to begin with bolt-on parts one at a time, letting the car adjust in between modifications. Make no mistake, this wasn't their first rodeo, having previously modded an '03 Mach 1, '98 Cobra, '00 Lighting, and '99 Anniversary Edition Mustang convertible. Needless to say, they were prepared and determined to turn their stock ST into a hot hatch they could be proud to display at car shows.
John and Jennifer broke the ice with Turbosmart's BOV as their very first upgrade. In search of quicker spool-up times and improved low-end power, the Turbosmart BOV turned out to be worth some minor installation hassles and the occasional noise complaint from neighboring cars. John and Jennifer's 2014 Focus ST-3 build was off to a good start with improved off-the-line performance and durability from Turbosmart's BOV.
Next: tires. The stock ST's summer tires proved capable in warmer weather, but anything below 50° made it feel like they were driving on ice. In order to improve traction, they went with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrical All Seasons (235/40-R18). The All Seasons helped to combat the torquey ST's knack for wheel spin and improved overall performance.
Another issue with turbocharged FWD cars is wheel hop, which can be rather violent and uncomfortable when you're playing around with 270 lbs/ft of torque (before tuning and mods, of course). And since the Mystic ST build also serves as their daily driver, John and Jennifer decided to address the issue with COBB's rear motor mount. This quick bolt-on upgrade will prove useful keeping the Mystic Focus ST's wheels on the ground for improved launches, traction, and handling during aggressive driving around town and at the track.
Now that driveability and handling had been addressed, John and Jennifer wanted to take steps to distinguish their ST from the rest in terms of exterior styling. For that reason, they invoked Street Scene Equipment and busted out their Chin Spoiler and Side Splitters for an aggressive, track-inspired look.
Aside from the Street Scene body pieces, John and Jennifer's Mystic 2014 Focus ST build leans aesthetically modest with just a 3m clear bra, state legal window tint for the front and rear windows and a shaved grill. The relatively minimalist exterior styling contrasts beautifully with the more ostentatious Mystic paint job, distinguishing this ST build as one of the cleanest and most unique we've seen here at Stage 3.
Inevitably, John and Jennifer developed the all-too-relatable thirst for more power. While the stock ST pumps out an impressive 252HP and 270 lbs/ft of torque, let's face it - more is always better. John and Jenn quenched their thirst for power with Accessport's V3 Tuner. The Accessport V3 features a compact and ergonomic design ideal for cramped spaces like the ST's cluttered dash. The fairly basic, yet effective device can increase the 2.0L EcoBoost's horsepower by up to 15% and torque output by 31%, just enough to give the Mystic Focus ST some much needed grunt.
Although, what's the point in all that bonus power if the car still sounds like it just rolled off the factory line? That's precisely the reason John and Jennifer decided to swap out the factory kit and install Borla's Touring Cat-Back Exhaust System. The Touring kit produces a deep, mellow and throaty growl that doesn't drone too much during cruising, perfect for John and Jennifer's daily driver. The Mystic Focus ST also picked up some extra power thanks to the Borla Touring kit's 2.5" mandrel-bent tubing and high-flow muffler.
While John and Jennifer's 2014 Mystic Focus ST is far from the end of the aftermarket road, as it stands it's truly a sight to behold. Considering that the car is primarily used as a daily driver, there aren't any plans to crack into the engine internals any time soon. However, John and Jennifer do plan on upgrading the intake system with Velossa Tech's BIG MOUTH Intake Snorkel to improve airflow.
This stunning ST build pays homage to Cobra heritage and represents a niche within the Mustang community with which John and Jennifer hope to connect. While they've heard talk of a Mystic F150 in the Norfolk area of Virginia, their 2014 ST is still looking for a photoshoot companion. Head on over to the Mystic's Instagram page if you're looking to connect or just browse through pictures - we'll be doing the same while we wait in anticipation to see where John and Jennifer take this exceedingly unique ST build next.
I'm a truck guy,but the rally car thing is cool.Pack up the camping gear and go explore
