Difference between base fiesta and ST chassis?

[Mr.Fister]

Just wondering if there's any real difference between the chassis, or if it's the exact same minus some upgraded parts, if that even. I've got some chassis bracing pieces buried away in storage for the normal fiesta that I took off before I got rid of it and I'm wondering if it's worth digging them out if they'll bolt right up. 2014 fiesta to 2016 ST if it matters.

 

[Zormecteon]

I'm thinking the platform is the same since this iteration of the Fiesta was introduced back in 2012(?) along with the Mazda 2.

I saw the pair at the Portland Auto Show and knew it was the car for me. The reviews of the platform at the time mentioned what a good job the engineers had done at designing it, and how stiff they had been able to make it. You can only imagine my delight when instead of buying a stripper model as I had planned they decided to make the ST version, just at the time when I ready to make the purchase .

 

[D1JL]

I also had a 2011 Fiesta SES before I purchased.
I had all the chassis bracing on that car.
I then test all of that bracing on the ST.
So yes, I can say that it all fits.


Dave

 

[Mr.Fister]

rear torsion bar doesn't fit. holes are about 1 inch closer on my fist

 

[D1JL]

rear torsion bar doesn't fit. holes are about 1 inch closer on my fist

I forgot about that.
But then that is not a brace.
The Twist Beam is one of the major changes between the FiST and the non-ST.
However I do believe that would be the only thing that would not interchange between the two.


Dave

 

[GAbOS]

Don't forget about the larger front ARB on the non-ST.

 

[D1JL]

Don't forget about the larger front ARB on the non-ST.

Yes, although it is a larger diameter it does NOT affect any bracing in any way.
In addition all of the brackets and mounting points are exactly the same, only the bushings are different.

BTW, I have a non-ST front sway bar on my FiST now.


Dave

 

[GAbOS]

Yes, although it is a larger diameter it does NOT affect any bracing in any way.

Agreed, to a point. If you flip that statement, bracing may increase the difference in feeling in your movable suspension adjustments. I strut tower brace my cars when building a much stiffer suspension setup for example. Added stress on some cars can make a big difference. In my E30, I will be going with a 4 point rear tower brace that also connects to the rear diff. The tower setup is pretty weak and doing just the top has little to no difference with the way the rear sub frame is setup. Chassis of the gods and all

All in all, the stiffer the car's chassis is (bracing) the more noticeable changes to your suspension will be.

 

[D1JL]

Agreed, to a point. If you flip that statement, bracing may increase the difference in feeling in your movable suspension adjustments. I strut tower brace my cars when building a much stiffer suspension setup for example. Added stress on some cars can make a big difference. In my E30, I will be going with a 4 point rear tower brace that also connects to the rear diff. The tower setup is pretty weak and doing just the top has little to no difference with the way the rear sub frame is setup. Chassis of the gods and all

All in all, the stiffer the car's chassis is (bracing) the more noticeable changes to your suspension will be.

However your comment/statement although true, in this case is slightly off topic.
If you read the first post again correctly you will see that the question was if the bracing would bolt right up and that it does.
How it effects the chassis has been covered many times in many other threads.



Dave

 

[GAbOS]

However your comment/statement although true, in this case is slightly off topic.
If you read the first post again correctly you will see that the question was if the bracing would bolt right up and that it does.

I did and read it as two parts.

1. The main Subject and very first sentence: "Just wondering if there's any real difference between the chassis"
2. He has only Bracing bits and is worried what would or wouldn't work, not understanding Part 1.

I did fail to note that it actually would fit the chassis as they are no different in that regard as well as posting the larger size. But again, I assumed this was a chassis difference thread and not restricted to braces only. I know, I know.. AssUMe ;>

 

[D1JL]

I know, I know.. AssUMe ;>

Well then let that be a lesson to us LOL.

Then I guess the best answer should have been:

Yes, they fit and work well.


Dave

 

[BRGT350]

The ST and non-ST chassis is 100% the same, the differences are in the suspensions, powertrain, and cosmetic changes. The front knuckles, brakes, sway bar, dampers, springs, bushings (different between 2014 and newer), rear twist beam assembly, and master cylinder are all different.

 

[PapaJim13]

Are the control arms the same? I've heard they are from some sources and not from others. What are the differences if any?

And on the topic of control arms, is there any extended lower ball joint for this car?

 

[Dialcaliper]

The control arms are different on the ST.

The rear ST bushing is a different diameter and doesn’t fit the Base control arm.

Additionally, while the front and rear inner control arm bolts on the base model are the same, the front bolts on the ST are larger. Most front lower braces will fit both size bolts though.

The “underbody” is otherwise mostly the same and most of the same braces should transfer over. The main different things on the ST are the bits and bobs. Springs, dampers, Rear torsion beam and hubs, front LCAs, front knuckles, steering rack, etc.