Mountuning a Fiesta ST
We've all read great things about the MP215 upgrade, so what's it like everyday?
It's just simple, honest, fast fun. But even faster means even more fun, right? Mr Harris certainly thought so when he tried Mountune's MP215 package for the ST. We needed to find out for ourselves.
So off I popped to Mountune HQ to see various Daves (the official Mountune collective term is in fact 'a wave of Dave') and have our ST tweaked.
Parked next to Walter Hayes' old GT40 and a 2004 GT, EX13EBD was swiftly stripped of its stock airbox, replaced by a Mountune aluminium item with a K&N filter. A laptop is then plugged into the OBD to update the ECU with the Mountune map. Ford and Mountune develop the map together to ensure the right combination of power and driveability, plus to ensure Ford are happy to warranty it. Everything is done within an hour, adding around £60 in labour to the £599 package cost.
It appears some clarity is required on the actual gains from the Mountune pack. Yes, the Fiesta ST is sold as 182hp and 177lb ft but don't forget the overboost; time-limited to 15 seconds but available every time full throttle is applied, the standard ST is then producing 200hp and 214lb ft. The same car is sold as a 197bhp (200hp) in the USA, don't forget. In Europe, that figure can't be stated as the overboost isn't permanent.
The Mountune MP215 pack takes the overboost figures to 215hp and 236lb ft. What it definitely doesn't do is add 35hp and 59lb ft. Come on, it's a remap and a new airbox! Plus the badge, that's 5hp by itself...
It's a brilliant upgrade. Given an ST could be Mountuned for less than the cost of the Molten Orange paint on our car, it's a no brainer. The new airbox brings some extra aggression to the induction noise, and there are some additional whistles and sneezes when the throttle is lifted as well.
Furthermore, what was a punchy mid range is now a rampant one, the Fiesta wheelspinning slightly in third on a damp surface but without ever feeling unruly. It seems to rev out with a little more willingness too, but it's from 2,000rpm to about 5,500rpm where the real gains can be felt.
Moreover there's added confidence at motorway speeds too, the ST happier now to lug through sixth gear. Although, to be honest, I'm often changing down just for the enjoyment of it.
The Mountuned ST is with us until early December, in which time it should be reverted back to stock also. Then is perhaps where the difference will really tell. Wonder if we can get it dynoed before, just to make sure of those headline figures?
[Source: Ford USA]
[Pictures: Prime Exposures]
Graphs on the left. Not sure how much fettling there may or may not have been. You would like to think they are at least a little bit representative however.
Otherwise, cool article. I do love the ethos of the new Fiesta ST, it's in a similar vein to the Clio 197/200 from Renault of yesteryear.
Would certainly buy one if I were in the market. I spec'd a Clio 200 EDC on the Renault site with a couple of gubbins (cup chassis, being one), and heated seats + stereo upgrade. Came in at around £22k. I'd have a hard time choosing the French hatch over this ST, even if the paddles intrigue me.
As for the grille? I like the shape and design of it.
I think I might have an irrational hatred of these, bit like the nutters on the SUV thread.
That grille ruins it for me.
To take a twist on it, the car started off as Molten Orange, but after being driven fierce by PH it went Red hot and changed colour in the last pic.
Try reading and not just looking at the pictures.
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