Right or wrong, around here Ford RS designation is synonymous with AWD. The self-made "FiRS" you just described is awesome no doubt, but we still call it "a heavily modified FiST". Though it's still only bolt-ons, so I don't know "heavily" is really true.
YMMV
Cheers (and grats!)
YMMV
Cheers (and grats!)
See above post but don't forget every vehicle in terms of a performance variety is just bolted on just at a manufacturer level. The problem is even with these vehicles like the FoRS you will still be bolting on parts lol. If you have a great starting point with good potential and healthy aftermarket it doesn't matter. The FiST has this more so then the FoST. No doubt a 2.3EB in a FWD FoRS would be overkill and couldn't hook up, the FiST still has some room left in it. The last 2 FoRS's are more so what I think the FiRS should be. I think people get too caught up in numbers and forget about balance, the FiST already has an amazing chassis so why not use that to your advantage and improve on everything, rather then re-engineering the vehicle.
I'm not saying I could build a better FiRS then Ford, but I am saying certain aspects and parts would be higher quality then what a FiRS would come with. I have followed the FoRS for many years and the FoST before that. 10K is what it would of cost to get my FoST to where I wanted and I already put 3K into it. The FoRS was so pose to solve many problems and it did in some aspect. AWD solved traction, but not the redline launching tire ripping 1.5 60ft like you would expect. They stated largest IC they could fit but it was still subpar. Dual mode dampers that still feel over sprung like the FoST. The only things the FoRS did correctly that you wouldn't have to mess with are the brakes, which are a huge fail on the FoST and the engine. The brakes don't even need a pad change and can take a beating. The engine will make 350whp with ease although my goal was 400whp it can get up there with Meth or Race gas. All depends what your goals are but I don't have any doubt Ford could pull off a wicked FiRS if left FWD and invested more into upgraded parts over AWD.
I'm not saying I would hate an AWD FiRS I'm just saying it isn't needed at the power levels we could expect. There are other things I would like to see the investment go to and the rumored RS500 and what it is so pose to be with forged aluminum suspension components and so forth is what I would love to see a FiRS. Who doesn't love helm joints?