Stick with it or move on
Discussion
I've owned a fiesta st mp215 (Mk7.5) for over 4 years now, and I've loved every minute of it. Bar a few niggles in ownership its not really put a foot wrong. Its an absolutely brilliant car for what it is.
However, I've wanted to start going to track days for quite sometime now and I'm not sure the fiesta st is the right choice. Originally I wanted an EP3 type r when I bought the fiesta st. Mostly as I drooled over them when my mum was having her CRV serviced at two mills (Cheshire). Over time I became more interested in DC2 and DC5 integras but couldn't find one that I felt confident in buying.
So the dilemma is, do I stick with my fiesta st, get some performance brake pads and braided lines. Or do I sell the fiesta, buy a good dc5 and go a bit mental with the spec.
I'd be interested in hearing from people that have (or still own) owned DC5s and tracked them. Looking at track day videos the driving position looks miles better than the fiesta and the k20 is just bonkers. Plus, as its not forced induction, not as susceptible to heat soak?
Cheers.
However, I've wanted to start going to track days for quite sometime now and I'm not sure the fiesta st is the right choice. Originally I wanted an EP3 type r when I bought the fiesta st. Mostly as I drooled over them when my mum was having her CRV serviced at two mills (Cheshire). Over time I became more interested in DC2 and DC5 integras but couldn't find one that I felt confident in buying.
So the dilemma is, do I stick with my fiesta st, get some performance brake pads and braided lines. Or do I sell the fiesta, buy a good dc5 and go a bit mental with the spec.
I'd be interested in hearing from people that have (or still own) owned DC5s and tracked them. Looking at track day videos the driving position looks miles better than the fiesta and the k20 is just bonkers. Plus, as its not forced induction, not as susceptible to heat soak?
Cheers.
Why not just put some decent brake pads on the Fiesta, not mess about with anything else and see how you get on at the track? It seems to be the low cost option to try what you've got already and if there are any glaring deficiencies you'll have first hand experience of why so you can rectify it how you see fit be that with more mods or changing car.
Heat soak isnt really a problem on a track car, plenty of cool air getting through the rad and intercooler. Only thing id be aware of tracking a turboed car is use decent oil, and change it regularly. And do at least 1 proper cool down lap before you come in to the pits.
As above, id try the fiesta first, might be just fine. Brakes and tyres will make a bigger difference than the chassis, assuming the power is about the same.
As above, id try the fiesta first, might be just fine. Brakes and tyres will make a bigger difference than the chassis, assuming the power is about the same.
I could give you a really long winded answer about pros and cons. But the dc5 would win hands down. It all comes down to your financial situation, and only you know that the best. If you have the means, then single biggest question you need to ask yourself is - in 20 years time would you regret it if you didn't?
IME once you start using a car often for track data it starts to become a bit ropey. Then you’ll destroy all the standard bits and spend money on things which will make it a much worse road car. Better IMO to buy/build a dedicated toy. Preferably one which has already had money spent on the important things.
I've never done track days, well not in my own car anyway. The only track work I've done is either karting or supercar experience days bought for me as presents. The thought of thrashing my own car around a track doesn't appeal but if it did I think I'd want to buy something specifically for the job, and not spend much at that.
My current car is a fiesta ST3. You're right, it's a great car, especially on the back roads where it's brilliant fun. But I think you could do better for track days. I've not had a Honda VTEC but have owned a Toyota Celica VVTLI and also an MR2 roadster and would take either of those over the fiesta for the track. They were less good on the road, but on track you could really exploit a high revving engine and a proper sports car driving position would be preferable to a hot hatchback.
If you want an integra then go for it. But you might find it a bit tiresome as a daily. I'd probably keep the fiesta as a daily and get a cheap EP3 type r or indeed a Celica t sport for the track.
My current car is a fiesta ST3. You're right, it's a great car, especially on the back roads where it's brilliant fun. But I think you could do better for track days. I've not had a Honda VTEC but have owned a Toyota Celica VVTLI and also an MR2 roadster and would take either of those over the fiesta for the track. They were less good on the road, but on track you could really exploit a high revving engine and a proper sports car driving position would be preferable to a hot hatchback.
If you want an integra then go for it. But you might find it a bit tiresome as a daily. I'd probably keep the fiesta as a daily and get a cheap EP3 type r or indeed a Celica t sport for the track.
The Fiesta is better than you're giving it credit for change the brake pads & away you go.
A DC5 is a great car & will be slightly (maybe) better on track but they're not the best daily's also if you want a track car then buy one that's already been fettled because it gets expensive real quick if you start with a stock car.
A DC5 is a great car & will be slightly (maybe) better on track but they're not the best daily's also if you want a track car then buy one that's already been fettled because it gets expensive real quick if you start with a stock car.
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