I have to clear up this whole thing. There are two engines for the Focus. The SPI and the Zetec, both are 2.0L engines.
The pre 98 Zetec for the Contique uses a different filter than the 98+ Zetecs. This is when the change to VCT happened. The 98+ uses the longer 2005 filter. The pre 98 Zetec filter will not fit on the 98+ Zetec. I have investigated this with the different types of filters out there. The issue is all about clearance. It's the same thread and seal size but the pre 98 is wider and shorter. So, the length is good but the width keeps it from fitting on the newer engine. It does seem that the filter listed by Mobil 1 for the Focus will fit on the Contiques regardless of year. Why the change cause clearance issues is beyond me. Ford of America couldn't make a car worth a flip if their lives depended on it. As you can see, both the Focus and Contiques came from Europe. Brought them here, took out a bunch of stuff and then it goes downhill because of infrastructural garbage. IMHO, the only reason the Focus is doing so well and will definitely continue to grow is because of the targeted age. It's not targeted to middle age America, rather two groups. The younger generation w/o kids and those younger adults starting families and the much older senior crowd. My grandparents are above 90 and going strong and have had their Focus SE for a year and love it. Plus the aftermarket scene has caught on and that's what Ford wanted to do. Ford of Europe could care less because both cars have flourished there ever since their inception.
I say again.....awe, nevermind.
My opinion only...John
