It seems that every Comparison article in the automotive press these days is pitting the plucky-but-capable little Fiesta ST against all sorts of competition – from the more direct comparisons like the Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper S to apples-and-oranges comparisons like sending the Fiesta ST up against the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86 – which it’s evenly matched against – or beefier competition – like the E46 M3. With so many other cars seemingly wanting a piece, these few tuner tweaks to the Fiesta ST will make your car faster, handle better and more fun to drive, and maybe even allow you to embarrass a few people at the local Run-What-Ya-Brung night at the Dragstrip.
Read more on the ModBargains blog!
http://blog.modbargains.com/6-mods-maximum-fun-fiesta-st/
The full version of the article can be found at the above link with more info and photos - below is a shortened, text version.
1. Tighten your hose clamps!
This Mod is the most cost effective of any because it’s FREE – it just costs a bit of your time. Take a 7mm and tighten the various clamps that secure the entire intake tract.
Here are the connections you must tighten:
Connection 1 – On the back of the engine looking up from underneath, there is a connection of a rubber hose going onto the outlet of the turbo charger.
Connection 2 – The other end of that rubber pipe goes down onto a thin looking metal pipe.
Connection 3 – This is the other end of the metal pipe. From under the car these 3 are easy to access. It connects the metal pipe to the rubber hose that goes to the intercooler.
Connection 4 – This connection is on the passenger side of the intercooler (looking head on at the car) a lot harder to access without removing the fascia.
Connection 5 – This one is the driver’s side of the intercooler. It can be hard to access without removing the fascia.
Connection 6 – This connects a rubber hose coming from the driver’s side of the intercooler and goes onto a plastic pipe that heads up towards the intake.
Connection 7 – This is the other end of the plastic pipe, It goes to a short peice of rubber hose just before the throttle plate (Hard to get to will probably need a 7mm wrench, not a socket)
Connection 8 – This is directly onto the throttle body. This can be hard to get to with all the AC pipes in the way, but not too hard.
2. Stop Truncating your Torque… with a Tune!
From the factory, the Fiesta ST comes with Torque Truncation in 1st, 2nd and reverse. This means that the car’s output is significantly hampered during those critical take-off gears. A tune, for instance, the Cobb AccessPort for Fiesta ST, utilizing Cobb’s Off-The-Shelf (OTS) tunes, disables these limiters – allowing you to get the most out of your Fiesta. While the HP gain is just 5% for a Plug-n-Play OBD II tuner on a stock Fiesta, the 15% torque increase (that’s around 30lb-ft) is something you’ll notice day to day – you’ll be downshifting less and find yourself with a harder “pull” at WOT.
http://www.modbargains.com/cobb-v3-accessport-flash-tuner-ford-fiesta-st.htm
3. Get More Grip With Wider Wheels & Tires
If there’s one thing the Fiesta ST needs more of, it’s hook-up and traction. By upgrading the Fiesta ST wheels with a wider set, for instance, a set of ESM-004 wheels in 4x108mm for Fiesta ST, wrapped in 225-series tires, will give you more of that grip you need. 225 series is about as wide as you can go on the Fiesta ST. Of course, you need to remember with tires, compound is important, so be sure you’re fitting a set of properly high performance tires. Fun fact: We share a lug pattern with 4-lug 1979-93 Fox body Ford Mustangs...
4. Get Low With Sport Springs or Coilovers
Now this one may cause some debate, but really the correct answer for this comes down to personal preference and budget when it comes to choosing the right Suspension for your Fiesta ST.
If you’re the average daily-driver that occasionally autocrosses, a set of Sport Springs, paired with a sway bar (more on that later), is probably just right for keeping your daily driver comfortable enough for commuting and will enhance the balance of the car. You’ll notice less body roll and experience a more ‘competent’ feeling ride compared to stock, and at under $300 they’re a great value. Eibach, Vogtland and H&R Suspension all offer Sport Springs for the Fiesta ST, and each has their own pros and cons – you may want to check out all three before making your decision – but H&R’s Sport Springs for Fiesta ST offer a ride on the sportier side, whereas an Eibach Pro-Kit for Fiesta ST will ride closer to stock.
If you’re more track focused, or are a power-user that prefers to have a full range of adjustments over their suspension, a Coil-Over Suspension setup is the way to go. Experience says that Bilstein PSS Coilovers for Fiesta ST are fantastic, but the H&R Street Performance Coilovers for Fiesta ST are comparable, while BC Racing BR-Series Coilovers for Fiesta ST or Vogtland Coilovers for Fiesta ST are great options for the more budget conscious.
5. Sway Bars
Sway bars are among the best things you can do for your car as far as bang-for-the-buck performance is concerned. While the Fiesta ST’s Suspension handles great from the factory, upgrading it with a set of Eibach Sway Bars for Fiesta ST will help make the balance of the car more neutral and reduce body roll and dial out some of the understeer.
6. Breathe Freely with a Downpipe & Exhaust
When it comes to breathing, most people are quick to jump to Intake – but the trick is, very little is on the market at the moment. In the mean time, however, the OEM airbox is only a marginal restriction- so for now, we’ll focus on the other side of the equation – the Fiesta ST’s exhaust.
For even faster spool-up, throttle response and a few definite ponies, a Catless Downpipe (if you live outside Cali) or Catted High Flow Downpipe (for those who prefer cats or just don’t like the smell of unburnt fuel) is the way to go – pair it with a high-flow cat-back exhaust for maximum gains. Milltek’s Race Cat-Back Exhaust for Fiesta ST is compatible with their Catted and Catless High Flow Downpipes, but we also offer a Borla Cat-Back Touring Exhaust and a Magnaflow Cat-Back Fiesta ST Exhaust as alternate options. This is more subjective as to which exhaust is best, as the best one for you will be the best balance of sound and flow – you’ll notice the greatest improvement in performance by upgrading the downpipe AND the exhaust together.
Other Things to Consider…
Front Mount Intercooler
Rear Motor Mounts
Limited Slip Differential
Upgrade The Part Between The Seat And Steering Wheel- The Driver!
No amount of money thrown at parts on the car will make you a better driver. Time and again, Ferrari and Porsche drivers have proven to everyone at track days that buying a Ferrari does not automatically make you capable of driving one at the limit. Getting some seat time in the car and trying it out on a pylon course before you go hitting up Tail of The Dragon, Mulholland Raceway or Glendora Mountain Road is a fantastic idea – and will keep you from being the guy who actually managed to roll a Fiesta ST.
By improving yourself as a driver, you’ll be able to go faster around that corner than the guy in the more expensive car, able to brake later and stay on the power longer. As a result of your own improvement as a driver, you’ll be able to get the most out of your car. Try attending an SCCA Solo event or a local track day. These are great, as experienced drivers are often willing to help you out and critique your techinque to help you improve, and hell- as someone who bought a Ford ST vehicle – did you know you automatically are qualified to get professional Driving Instruction at Ford’s ST Octane Academy? Be sure to take advantage of such programs while they exist.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some insight into upgrading your Fiesta ST in the future.
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