2014 Fiesta ST
Discussion
Having now installed the symposer delete kit from Boomba Racing (btw, their installation video makes it look like a 2 minute job, but the spring clip to remove the synmposer from the intercooler hose is a royal PITA to get to. It took me more like 30 minutes!) *ahem* I can now confirm the change is a vast improvement in terms of cabin noise.
I can actually hear the real engine and exhaust note, which, even from the standard exhaust, is much better than the fake noise the symposer put in the cabin.
I was going to change to summer wheels/tyres this week, but with a huge increase in working hours and the fact that the last 3 mornings have been frosty, I'll hang on another couple of weeks.
On the plus side, the Easter holidays mean the roads are a lot quieter.
I can actually hear the real engine and exhaust note, which, even from the standard exhaust, is much better than the fake noise the symposer put in the cabin.
I was going to change to summer wheels/tyres this week, but with a huge increase in working hours and the fact that the last 3 mornings have been frosty, I'll hang on another couple of weeks.
On the plus side, the Easter holidays mean the roads are a lot quieter.
Summer tyres we put back on last Thursday, but I didn't take my ST to the WEC at Spa last weekend. I was taking 3 mates, all of whom are over 6' tall.... Octy vRS Wagon it was then.
Still, a decent clean of the ST this coming weekend will then see it stickered up well in advance of it's 2nd run to La Sarthe for the "24 Heures du Mans" in June.
Still, a decent clean of the ST this coming weekend will then see it stickered up well in advance of it's 2nd run to La Sarthe for the "24 Heures du Mans" in June.
Winter tyres on 16" "Titanium" alloys are back on the car since last Friday, and will be until probably mid-April. That's €65 for removal/refit/clean filthy 17s, storage until Spring.
I continue to enjoy the car itself, but find the SYNC audio pretty s
t, tbh. Music/podcasts via Bluetooth from either my iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5 is very low volume compared to using my old iPod, plugged in using the crappy 'Y' cable. Ho, hum..... Not sure there are any real solutions for that since SYNC is Microsoft based, and, ergo, generally crappy.
Happy to hear from other ST owners if they find the same with the volume issues?
I'm considering a remap in the Spring - a local RR company, not a generic plug & play - together with the 'grey' plastics being painted gloss black to match the front grille (so lower front grille, front fog surrounds, rear diffuser grille and probably the door mirror covers too.) Will have to see how my 2015 bonus goes.... *ahem, to my boss!*
ETA: Average commuting fuel consumption now around 6.4l./100km which is 44mpg.
Makes a big difference to the 26mpg I had from my 2.5T S-Max, when I was doing twice the mileage!
I continue to enjoy the car itself, but find the SYNC audio pretty s
t, tbh. Music/podcasts via Bluetooth from either my iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5 is very low volume compared to using my old iPod, plugged in using the crappy 'Y' cable. Ho, hum..... Not sure there are any real solutions for that since SYNC is Microsoft based, and, ergo, generally crappy. Happy to hear from other ST owners if they find the same with the volume issues?
I'm considering a remap in the Spring - a local RR company, not a generic plug & play - together with the 'grey' plastics being painted gloss black to match the front grille (so lower front grille, front fog surrounds, rear diffuser grille and probably the door mirror covers too.) Will have to see how my 2015 bonus goes.... *ahem, to my boss!*
ETA: Average commuting fuel consumption now around 6.4l./100km which is 44mpg.
Makes a big difference to the 26mpg I had from my 2.5T S-Max, when I was doing twice the mileage!
Edited by 5potTurbo on Wednesday 25th November 07:30
5potTurbo said:
Winter tyres on 16" "Titanium" alloys are back on the car since last Friday, and will be until probably mid-April. That's €65 for removal/refit/clean filthy 17s, storage until Spring.
I continue to enjoy the car itself, but find the SYNC audio pretty st, tbh. Music/podcasts via Bluetooth from either my iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5 is very low volume compared to using my old iPod, plugged in using the crappy 'Y' cable. Ho, hum..... Not sure there are any real solutions for that since SYNC is Microsoft based, and, ergo, generally crappy.
Happy to hear from other ST owners if they find the same with the volume issues?
I'm considering a remap in the Spring - a local RR company, not a generic plug & play - together with the 'grey' plastics being painted gloss black to match the front grille (so lower front grille, front fog surrounds, rear diffuser grille and probably the door mirror covers too.) Will have to see how my 2015 bonus goes.... *ahem, to my boss!*
Look into Peron for tuning options. They know these cars and ecus better than anyone else. See my progress thread for more info. No disrespect to any other independent but they put in £10k worth of development into their stage 1 and 2 maps and ii guarantee you won't find better.I continue to enjoy the car itself, but find the SYNC audio pretty s
t, tbh. Music/podcasts via Bluetooth from either my iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5 is very low volume compared to using my old iPod, plugged in using the crappy 'Y' cable. Ho, hum..... Not sure there are any real solutions for that since SYNC is Microsoft based, and, ergo, generally crappy. Happy to hear from other ST owners if they find the same with the volume issues?
I'm considering a remap in the Spring - a local RR company, not a generic plug & play - together with the 'grey' plastics being painted gloss black to match the front grille (so lower front grille, front fog surrounds, rear diffuser grille and probably the door mirror covers too.) Will have to see how my 2015 bonus goes.... *ahem, to my boss!*
5potTurbo said:
Thanks Kidders
I'm sure I commented positively on your thread. Your car looks very good indeed.
Thanks! We keep pushing forward now that V1 Hybrid development is complete. V2 is looking very exciting taking us over the 300bhp mark with ease whilst maintaining driveability and reliability. I'm sure I commented positively on your thread. Your car looks very good indeed.
Just covered 1,550km on between Thu & Sun on a run from Luxembourg to my hometown area of "Bormuff". The ST averaged 43mpg, which was surprising as much of my return journey on the continent was *ahem* rather quickly covered!
(I covered the Thu trip and re-fuelled in Romsey when the car was running probably only on fumes, but it had covered almost 700km on a tankful of 98 UL.)
The still very poor headlights (I already installed +100% bulbs 18 months ago) were very noticeable for large sections of the E411 that runs north/south through Belgium, and there's no lighting on a lot of it. Fortunately I picked up my +130% bulbs in the UK at the weekend, so those will be fitted next weekend.
For anyone who lives in the Bormuff area, the local traffic's appalling. I'm pleased I don't have to deal with that every day!
(I covered the Thu trip and re-fuelled in Romsey when the car was running probably only on fumes, but it had covered almost 700km on a tankful of 98 UL.)
The still very poor headlights (I already installed +100% bulbs 18 months ago) were very noticeable for large sections of the E411 that runs north/south through Belgium, and there's no lighting on a lot of it. Fortunately I picked up my +130% bulbs in the UK at the weekend, so those will be fitted next weekend.
For anyone who lives in the Bormuff area, the local traffic's appalling. I'm pleased I don't have to deal with that every day!
Edited by 5potTurbo on Monday 7th December 07:49
The reason for the poor lighting became apparent when I saw a reflection of the front of my car. My R/H dipped beam had blown!
Stupid boy!
In my defence, the lights were working when I removed my beam deflectors at the Tunnel terminal in the UK on Sunday lunchtime and I didn't stop until I got home in Lux.
I fitted the +130% bulbs tonight, having forgotten what a ball ache it is to remove the headlights to change the bulbs. My hands are very big, so I've no alternative.
I'll see how good they are tomorrow morning.
Stupid boy!
In my defence, the lights were working when I removed my beam deflectors at the Tunnel terminal in the UK on Sunday lunchtime and I didn't stop until I got home in Lux.
I fitted the +130% bulbs tonight, having forgotten what a ball ache it is to remove the headlights to change the bulbs. My hands are very big, so I've no alternative.
I'll see how good they are tomorrow morning.
Impressed with the new +130% lights, also recommeded to another ST owner elsewhere in Readers' Cars.
We've had 1 week of snow, when I didn't drive my car anywhere, and LOADS of rain. I'm bored of understeer central on winter tyres. It's just been too damn warm for them to be useful, but we have to for insurance and police B.S.
Car's averaging 44mpg on my commute, a little more on longer runs.
Unusually it's about to head back to Blighty in a few weeks' time (usually only once a year) since it's my brother's 50th birthday. We need a car with more than 2 seats and my brother, who's single, has a Boxster S, so not really practical!
Anywhooo, I received a service reminder from the main stealer last week. Car's on 23k km after 2 years.
We've had 1 week of snow, when I didn't drive my car anywhere, and LOADS of rain. I'm bored of understeer central on winter tyres. It's just been too damn warm for them to be useful, but we have to for insurance and police B.S.
Car's averaging 44mpg on my commute, a little more on longer runs.
Unusually it's about to head back to Blighty in a few weeks' time (usually only once a year) since it's my brother's 50th birthday. We need a car with more than 2 seats and my brother, who's single, has a Boxster S, so not really practical!
Anywhooo, I received a service reminder from the main stealer last week. Car's on 23k km after 2 years.
5potTurbo said:
Impressed with the new +130% lights, also recommeded to another ST owner elsewhere in Readers' Cars.
We've had 1 week of snow, when I didn't drive my car anywhere, and LOADS of rain. I'm bored of understeer central on winter tyres. It's just been too damn warm for them to be useful, but we have to for insurance and police B.S.
Car's averaging 44mpg on my commute, a little more on longer runs.
Unusually it's about to head back to Blighty in a few weeks' time (usually only once a year) since it's my brother's 50th birthday. We need a car with more than 2 seats and my brother, who's single, has a Boxster S, so not really practical!
Anywhooo, I received a service reminder from the main stealer last week. Car's on 23k km after 2 years.
What is it like on the highway? I'm considering one of these as a daily as my car becomes more a track car. Everybody knows that they are great but I'm not sure if I should buy something more comfortable and refined if its going to be a daily. Knowing me I'll end up with the Fiesta lol.We've had 1 week of snow, when I didn't drive my car anywhere, and LOADS of rain. I'm bored of understeer central on winter tyres. It's just been too damn warm for them to be useful, but we have to for insurance and police B.S.
Car's averaging 44mpg on my commute, a little more on longer runs.
Unusually it's about to head back to Blighty in a few weeks' time (usually only once a year) since it's my brother's 50th birthday. We need a car with more than 2 seats and my brother, who's single, has a Boxster S, so not really practical!
Anywhooo, I received a service reminder from the main stealer last week. Car's on 23k km after 2 years.
What's it like?
Revs about 3k at 130km/h, and I (usually) do 4 long-ish journeys a year in it: to/from Le Mans (600km ea. way) and "home" to the UK (700km ea. way).
It's actually very comfortable, and will easily only comsume 5.8l./100km (49 mpg)
I'll admit to whincing should I hit one of the gazillions of potholes on the E42 in Belgium, especially when my car has its Summertime 17s on.
Revs about 3k at 130km/h, and I (usually) do 4 long-ish journeys a year in it: to/from Le Mans (600km ea. way) and "home" to the UK (700km ea. way).
It's actually very comfortable, and will easily only comsume 5.8l./100km (49 mpg)
I'll admit to whincing should I hit one of the gazillions of potholes on the E42 in Belgium, especially when my car has its Summertime 17s on.
Service booked for Thursday, and ideal timing too as one of the rear calipers isn't releasing on the handbrake correctly, *clunk* then movement.
I wonder how much the stealer's going to rob me this week? €220??
In other news, I'm pondering either selling the Octavia vRS diseasal wagon we also have, for which we're STILL waiting for the local importer to reprogramme the ECU on following VW's emmissions debacle (!), or to sell the ST.
Why, when we love both cars so much?
Well, I've a good company car allowance each month, and financially I'm stupid for continuing to take the money and not use it for a car, which could, for example, stretch to a fully loaded new Q7, including servicing, fuel, insurance, etc. The allowance in real terms is about €500 after PAYE deductions, but copany cars are paid for on the gross allowance.
However, the Q7 is just too big for us. I had a 2 hour test drive last week and I was very impressed, the latest Q7 being 350kg lighter than its predecessor AND having 4 wheel steering, it's pretty nimble for such a tanker! The Q5 is more suitable size wise, but I'd want the SQ5, and we're not allowed them! Arse! Perhaps a 320hp A6 avant, the bi-turbo TDI??.... we'll see, once I have the lease company's "stimulator"
access to check monthly prices.
I wonder how much the stealer's going to rob me this week? €220??
In other news, I'm pondering either selling the Octavia vRS diseasal wagon we also have, for which we're STILL waiting for the local importer to reprogramme the ECU on following VW's emmissions debacle (!), or to sell the ST.
Why, when we love both cars so much?
Well, I've a good company car allowance each month, and financially I'm stupid for continuing to take the money and not use it for a car, which could, for example, stretch to a fully loaded new Q7, including servicing, fuel, insurance, etc. The allowance in real terms is about €500 after PAYE deductions, but copany cars are paid for on the gross allowance.
However, the Q7 is just too big for us. I had a 2 hour test drive last week and I was very impressed, the latest Q7 being 350kg lighter than its predecessor AND having 4 wheel steering, it's pretty nimble for such a tanker! The Q5 is more suitable size wise, but I'd want the SQ5, and we're not allowed them! Arse! Perhaps a 320hp A6 avant, the bi-turbo TDI??.... we'll see, once I have the lease company's "stimulator"
access to check monthly prices.Car's now reach 26,000km. Regularly achieving 40+mpg commuting.
Summer wheels and tyres were refitted on Thursday, just in time for it to snow yesterday! WTF?
Yep, really.
Four seasons in 1 day. Snow, rain, sunshine, hail. Temps have dropped lower this week than for many months. What a MOFO!
Anywhooo, I'm now seriously considering taking my car to Shiftech in Luxembourg for a RR mapping, only stage 1 as it'll be a different airfilter, nothing else like I/C, CAIS, exhaust/downpipe changes.
from 182 -> 195 bhp
and from 240Nm -> 330Nm
There's a 5 year guarantee behind and free re-flashing if the dealer wipes the mapping.
Summer wheels and tyres were refitted on Thursday, just in time for it to snow yesterday! WTF?
Yep, really.
Four seasons in 1 day. Snow, rain, sunshine, hail. Temps have dropped lower this week than for many months. What a MOFO!
Anywhooo, I'm now seriously considering taking my car to Shiftech in Luxembourg for a RR mapping, only stage 1 as it'll be a different airfilter, nothing else like I/C, CAIS, exhaust/downpipe changes.
from 182 -> 195 bhp
and from 240Nm -> 330Nm
There's a 5 year guarantee behind and free re-flashing if the dealer wipes the mapping.
Weather's improved, but the traffic's also increased - along with the fuel consumption.
6.9 l./100km = 41 mpg
27,000km clicked over yesterday - the car's not been used *that* much recently - and it's not even doing it's jaunt to Le Mans in 2 weeks as I'm taking the other car at home, Octy vRS diseasal wagon.
More room for 3 of us and all our kit in that.
6.9 l./100km = 41 mpg
27,000km clicked over yesterday - the car's not been used *that* much recently - and it's not even doing it's jaunt to Le Mans in 2 weeks as I'm taking the other car at home, Octy vRS diseasal wagon.
More room for 3 of us and all our kit in that.
Edited by RC1807 on Friday 30th December 09:40
Quick update....
I sitll haven't done anything about tuning my car, and I doubt I will, to be honest. I looked at local requirements to ensure any mods would be shown on my registration card, and, therefore, covered on insurance. The "homologation" costs are still pretty stupid here for simple things.
Anyway, good news and bad news, recently:
Good news: The car has been running very well and recently did a blast back to Poole and then back to Lux over a weekend, which was 1,500km at 40mpg. I had, stupidly, programmed the MyKey function and limited my speed to 140km/h (~85mph). What a knobber.
Bad news: I had a small bump whilst driving in an underground car park, sliding very slowly on the wet floor into a Focus estate in front of me. No damage to the Focus I bumped, but my car needs new front plate, grille and bumper, which split where it meets the bonnet next to the headlights.
Good news to come out of that is that whilst the front end is off, I'll get the lower front grille, fog surrounds, and also the rear valance grille insert and door mirror covers all painted gloss black whilst it's in the paintshop.
So far = 32,300km trouble free motoring. No squeaks or rattles. No breakdowns.
I sitll haven't done anything about tuning my car, and I doubt I will, to be honest. I looked at local requirements to ensure any mods would be shown on my registration card, and, therefore, covered on insurance. The "homologation" costs are still pretty stupid here for simple things.
Anyway, good news and bad news, recently:
Good news: The car has been running very well and recently did a blast back to Poole and then back to Lux over a weekend, which was 1,500km at 40mpg. I had, stupidly, programmed the MyKey function and limited my speed to 140km/h (~85mph). What a knobber.
Bad news: I had a small bump whilst driving in an underground car park, sliding very slowly on the wet floor into a Focus estate in front of me. No damage to the Focus I bumped, but my car needs new front plate, grille and bumper, which split where it meets the bonnet next to the headlights.
Good news to come out of that is that whilst the front end is off, I'll get the lower front grille, fog surrounds, and also the rear valance grille insert and door mirror covers all painted gloss black whilst it's in the paintshop.
So far = 32,300km trouble free motoring. No squeaks or rattles. No breakdowns.
Edited by RC1807 on Monday 9th January 12:19
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