Fiesta ST stage 3 build
Discussion
The MK7 Fiesta ST remains the most fun car I've ever driven, and that was only a 20 minute test drive! I've wanted one ever since and they are looking really affordable these days. I will definitely buy one at some point and it's one of the few cars that could tempt me back into a manual. I also like how there's no faffing about with driving modes and stuff. You just get in a drive. I'm not too keen on modern obsession with configurability.
I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
culpz said:
The MK7 Fiesta ST remains the most fun car I've ever driven, and that was only a 20 minute test drive! I've wanted one ever since and they are looking really affordable these days. I will definitely buy one at some point and it's one of the few cars that could tempt me back into a manual. I also like how there's no faffing about with driving modes and stuff. You just get in a drive. I'm not too keen on modern obsession with configurability.
I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
Hi there, yeah they definitely are a very fun and capable little car. I think some can be bought for as little as £5k but will have a few more miles but a very decent spec ST2 can be had from £7k. I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
As for power there's some in the USA running 400bhp on stock internals but there's no way I'd be doing that, simply cause I think there's a limit to how much a little 1.6 can realistically take reliably. I think they're absolutely fine up till 340-360bhp without opening the engine, only thing that it advised is fuel pump upgrades along with better injectors. You're also absolutely right about the clutch, I think it's an AP racing clutch as standard and is rated for 350bhp ( apparently) but there's no harm in upgrading to the ST200 clutch when going bigger power. I'm surprised that you don't find 300bhp in a Cupra that much fun, I was considering getting one after the ST (A Cupra 280 to be specific) but I may just stick to wanting an M135i or M140i
I was out in my sons one yesterday, he can keep the bloody BMW, might be a hint of novelty value but I have driven it before on a fairly regular basis so might just be it fits what I like from a car, it takes me back to older hot hatches and I like I did back then driving it, not nostalgia, just keyed in to the thing where as the BMW just doesnt provide anywhere near the level of feedback, partly due to being an auto but also as its not set up right out of the box.
Its just really good fun and retains most of the other virtues of the Fiesta, there is a reason why its the best selling Supermini.
Round the lanes here in Cheshire I struggle to think of anything that I could go faster in, self preservation kicks in before anything lacking in the car, on dual carriageways it could do with a slug more grunt though, I think what you have done should be plenty, 300 plus is probably laboring a point in a car this size, impressive but really not necessary and I would be worried it ruins the overall package.
Need to try a tuned one, or just get some stuff done, would do if it were my car.
Its funny being fifty and driving a Fiesta ST "Look at that old tit in his boy racer car"
Its just really good fun and retains most of the other virtues of the Fiesta, there is a reason why its the best selling Supermini.
Round the lanes here in Cheshire I struggle to think of anything that I could go faster in, self preservation kicks in before anything lacking in the car, on dual carriageways it could do with a slug more grunt though, I think what you have done should be plenty, 300 plus is probably laboring a point in a car this size, impressive but really not necessary and I would be worried it ruins the overall package.
Need to try a tuned one, or just get some stuff done, would do if it were my car.
Its funny being fifty and driving a Fiesta ST "Look at that old tit in his boy racer car"
J4CKO said:
I was out in my sons one yesterday, he can keep the bloody BMW, might be a hint of novelty value but I have driven it before on a fairly regular basis so might just be it fits what I like from a car, it takes me back to older hot hatches and I like I did back then driving it, not nostalgia, just keyed in to the thing where as the BMW just doesnt provide anywhere near the level of feedback, partly due to being an auto but also as its not set up right out of the box.
Its just really good fun and retains most of the other virtues of the Fiesta, there is a reason why its the best selling Supermini.
Round the lanes here in Cheshire I struggle to think of anything that I could go faster in, self preservation kicks in before anything lacking in the car, on dual carriageways it could do with a slug more grunt though, I think what you have done should be plenty, 300 plus is probably laboring a point in a car this size, impressive but really not necessary and I would be worried it ruins the overall package.
Need to try a tuned one, or just get some stuff done, would do if it were my car.
Its funny being fifty and driving a Fiesta ST "Look at that old tit in his boy racer car"
Still prefer the little ST? That's amazing Its just really good fun and retains most of the other virtues of the Fiesta, there is a reason why its the best selling Supermini.
Round the lanes here in Cheshire I struggle to think of anything that I could go faster in, self preservation kicks in before anything lacking in the car, on dual carriageways it could do with a slug more grunt though, I think what you have done should be plenty, 300 plus is probably laboring a point in a car this size, impressive but really not necessary and I would be worried it ruins the overall package.
Need to try a tuned one, or just get some stuff done, would do if it were my car.
Its funny being fifty and driving a Fiesta ST "Look at that old tit in his boy racer car"
At 240bhp these for the size as you said is plenty. To be fair even standard it felt ok and I'm used to going in a Focus RS. Now at stage 2 I'm not saying the ST would be as fast but I don't think there would be too much in it.
The only reason I'm aiming for 300bhp is because everyone who's done a 300bhp+ build had been blown away by how fast these cars can become. Stage 3 Fiestas should walk away from Golf Rs Focus Rs' and I've seen a video where a RT330R turbo fiesta leaves an A45 which I couldn't even believe myself. Another reason I'm doing it is just to see how a 300bhp fiesta compares to my dad's RS just to see if it's worth the extra money. Admittedly the RS has 4 wheel drive, launch control etc so in some instances the ST won't keep up no matter the power, but I just want to see how close I can get.
But hey, nothing wrong with being 50. I'm just happy you're enjoying the car
I am going to start uploading some gopro footage to my YouTube channel when I get change. It will basically be pov mainly but will in some cases include exhaust clips, drive by clips etc. But still need to find a proper gopro and a decent head mount. Should be good though
Really enjoying this thread, I’ve had mine a month now and although I’ve not been able to drive it properly (hurry up spring and warm and dry roads!) it’s been proper fun.
Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Terry Tibbs said:
Really enjoying this thread, I’ve had mine a month now and although I’ve not been able to drive it properly (hurry up spring and warm and dry roads!) it’s been proper fun.
Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Honestly, stage 2 really is worth it. Most people will run decat systems just to keep cost down and to be louder but I couldn't be bothered with the "taking the cat off to put the old one back on" for the MOT. I'm also waiting on drier roads, although I'd love to see what the car can do I'm not willing to risk it with the wet roads currently Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Dylanaledhall said:
Terry Tibbs said:
Really enjoying this thread, I’ve had mine a month now and although I’ve not been able to drive it properly (hurry up spring and warm and dry roads!) it’s been proper fun.
Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Honestly, stage 2 really is worth it. Most people will run decat systems just to keep cost down and to be louder but I couldn't be bothered with the "taking the cat off to put the old one back on" for the MOT. I'm also waiting on drier roads, although I'd love to see what the car can do I'm not willing to risk it with the wet roads currently Seriously considering a sports cat and system and a stage 2 remap.
The torque limiter in 1st and 2nd is very apparent and getting rid of that would release a few more grins I reckon.
Dylanaledhall said:
Scobblelotcher said:
You can also get yourself £1000 fine for not cat!
Not just that, I know a story of 2 people in a Fiesta ST that passed away due to the car having a decat. Apparently carbon monoxide got into the cabin in a massive quantity. Quite scary really 
But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old s
tters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
J4CKO said:
Thats really sad, a girl at my wifes school died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a barbecue.
But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old stters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.
I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
I guess with the ST there must have been an exhaust leak somewhere. But it's sad nonetheless. Even though my sports cat cost 3 times as much as a decat, I'm happier to be safe But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old s
tters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
Dylanaledhall said:
J4CKO said:
Thats really sad, a girl at my wifes school died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a barbecue.
But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old stters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.
I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
I guess with the ST there must have been an exhaust leak somewhere. But it's sad nonetheless. Even though my sports cat cost 3 times as much as a decat, I'm happier to be safe But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old s
tters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
I might remap my sons ST, well, go half, just need him to get an insurance quote. Spent £70 already this week on a Stoplock and ODB relocation kit for it.
I want to move the M135i on, fancy a Cayman, but would consider an ST and then spend a few quid on it. Stuck with the BMW for a bit as have insured my youngest on it as a learner, he is doing the auto test as cant be bothered with manuals. DIdnt think would be able to insure him on a remapped M135i but Admiral only charged £80 to add him as a learner so cant get shut until he passes now.
If at some point you do decide to change, make sure you try something like an M140i for a decent length of time as they are a very different car, I would say a Hyundai I30N or a Civic Type R are more of the upgrade path for an ST owner, at least over a standard ST.
J4CKO said:
Dylanaledhall said:
J4CKO said:
Thats really sad, a girl at my wifes school died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a barbecue.
But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old stters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.
I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
I guess with the ST there must have been an exhaust leak somewhere. But it's sad nonetheless. Even though my sports cat cost 3 times as much as a decat, I'm happier to be safe But, that said I drove loads of pre cat cars, old Capris, Mantas, Golf GTI's and have had some classics but have never managed to gas myself, same as all the guys from that era and that drive classics now.
Is there something worse about a decatted modern car or a quirk of the design vs some of the old s
tters I used to drive, variously with exhausts in various stages of decomposition.I wouldnt decat a car, can make enough power with one in place.
I might remap my sons ST, well, go half, just need him to get an insurance quote. Spent £70 already this week on a Stoplock and ODB relocation kit for it.
I want to move the M135i on, fancy a Cayman, but would consider an ST and then spend a few quid on it. Stuck with the BMW for a bit as have insured my youngest on it as a learner, he is doing the auto test as cant be bothered with manuals. DIdnt think would be able to insure him on a remapped M135i but Admiral only charged £80 to add him as a learner so cant get shut until he passes now.
If at some point you do decide to change, make sure you try something like an M140i for a decent length of time as they are a very different car, I would say a Hyundai I30N or a Civic Type R are more of the upgrade path for an ST owner, at least over a standard ST.
J4CKO said:
If at some point you do decide to change, make sure you try something like an M140i for a decent length of time as they are a very different car, I would say a Hyundai I30N or a Civic Type R are more of the upgrade path for an ST owner, at least over a standard ST.
Yeah security is what all brand new ST owners should consider. It's a shame that Ford haven't really sorted out the security but it's the same for Audis, Golfs etc so I can't really blame just Ford for it. An m135i is a hell of a learner's car, I wish him all the best with his learning and test etc
To be honest I'm open to anything, I really like the i30n even though I've never driven one, all the reviews were great I'm just surprised I hardly see any on the road. The Civic type R is a weird one for me although I liked the EP3 , the brand new Type R just doesn't appeal to me and I don't know why ( and it's not the bonkers exterior). The m140i is what's the top on my list currently because it would tick most boxes for me. But again, although people say they're dull to drive, I wouldn't mind trying a Golf R just to be fair and not write it off straight away. Problem I have is when I'd be moving from a 300bhp Fiesta, will other German cars feel a bit boring? I think they will, I just hope the M140i doesn't disappoint
Scobblelotcher said:
Yaris GR you know you want to! The Litchfield remap takes it beyond 300bhp and the little car will be a weapon with its AWD, it’s like a mini Evo or Impreza.
Oh my God I keep forgetting the Yaris GR exists haha. Admittedly it must be an awesome little thing, it's just the £30k pricetag is insane which is brand new Golf R/ Focus RS money so that's the only thing that would put me off it, but definitely an awesome little car Dylanaledhall said:
J4CKO said:
If at some point you do decide to change, make sure you try something like an M140i for a decent length of time as they are a very different car, I would say a Hyundai I30N or a Civic Type R are more of the upgrade path for an ST owner, at least over a standard ST.
Yeah security is what all brand new ST owners should consider. It's a shame that Ford haven't really sorted out the security but it's the same for Audis, Golfs etc so I can't really blame just Ford for it. An m135i is a hell of a learner's car, I wish him all the best with his learning and test etc
To be honest I'm open to anything, I really like the i30n even though I've never driven one, all the reviews were great I'm just surprised I hardly see any on the road. The Civic type R is a weird one for me although I liked the EP3 , the brand new Type R just doesn't appeal to me and I don't know why ( and it's not the bonkers exterior). The m140i is what's the top on my list currently because it would tick most boxes for me. But again, although people say they're dull to drive, I wouldn't mind trying a Golf R just to be fair and not write it off straight away. Problem I have is when I'd be moving from a 300bhp Fiesta, will other German cars feel a bit boring? I think they will, I just hope the M140i doesn't disappoint
I wish there was also a better way to secure motorbikes as they are incredibly easy to take. I sometimes have serious anxiety on that front with my BMW S1000RR.
Scobblelotcher said:
This is what I recommend for security (had it on various cars) it’s a brilliant system and lowers insurance too! https://autowatch.co.uk/veh-sec/ghost-2-menu
I wish there was also a better way to secure motorbikes as they are incredibly easy to take. I sometimes have serious anxiety on that front with my BMW S1000RR.
Will give it a look I wish there was also a better way to secure motorbikes as they are incredibly easy to take. I sometimes have serious anxiety on that front with my BMW S1000RR.
I'm not massive into my bikes although my Dad used to have a 600cc Kawasaki I believe. I've heard of Hayabusas, R1s etc but I think I'll stick to cars Dylanaledhall said:
Scobblelotcher said:
This is what I recommend for security (had it on various cars) it’s a brilliant system and lowers insurance too! https://autowatch.co.uk/veh-sec/ghost-2-menu
I wish there was also a better way to secure motorbikes as they are incredibly easy to take. I sometimes have serious anxiety on that front with my BMW S1000RR.
Will give it a look I wish there was also a better way to secure motorbikes as they are incredibly easy to take. I sometimes have serious anxiety on that front with my BMW S1000RR.
I'm not massive into my bikes although my Dad used to have a 600cc Kawasaki I believe. I've heard of Hayabusas, R1s etc but I think I'll stick to cars Anyway sorry for the thread derailment, this is about your Fiesta ST!
Scobblelotcher said:
Not a bad idea but if you want to experience the driving/riding experience there is literally nothing like riding a bike fast or slow, ask your dad! - I drove cars for nearly 20 years before getting on a bike and my biggest regret is not doing it earlier! Bikes offer unbelievable performance for the cost as well although I question the point of this in our heavily speed restricted roads these days. It's funny though when you're riding a litre (1000cc) bike they are so fast you can't actually tell most of the time if even very fast cars are trying to keep up/race. This is what a 7k bike can do to a Bugatti Veyron: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zj2h-3AeiM&t=...
Anyway sorry for the thread derailment, this is about your Fiesta ST!
Haha no that's fine, I'm happy to discuss bikes Anyway sorry for the thread derailment, this is about your Fiesta ST!
but yeah I think I'd be too scared to ride a bike. Some are stupid fast but yeah, don't think it's for me personally I do however envy the ones that go to my University via bike cause they get to skip all the traffic in the morning and get to park for free and under some shelter in case of the rain. However, I definitely don't enby them when it's pouring down Edited by Dylanaledhall on Friday 15th January 10:09
Dylanaledhall said:
culpz said:
The MK7 Fiesta ST remains the most fun car I've ever driven, and that was only a 20 minute test drive! I've wanted one ever since and they are looking really affordable these days. I will definitely buy one at some point and it's one of the few cars that could tempt me back into a manual. I also like how there's no faffing about with driving modes and stuff. You just get in a drive. I'm not too keen on modern obsession with configurability.
I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
Hi there, yeah they definitely are a very fun and capable little car. I think some can be bought for as little as £5k but will have a few more miles but a very decent spec ST2 can be had from £7k. I know these things will happily take monster power pretty easily. The engines seem capable of big numbers with stock internals and i believe they have some kind of uprated racing clutch as standard? Happy to be corrected on that last one. I'd probably be happy with the stock power or go for the 251 kit. As much as i enjoy having 300 bhp in my Cupra, it just doesn't equate to fun. I'm sure one of these is a riot though!
As for power there's some in the USA running 400bhp on stock internals but there's no way I'd be doing that, simply cause I think there's a limit to how much a little 1.6 can realistically take reliably. I think they're absolutely fine up till 340-360bhp without opening the engine, only thing that it advised is fuel pump upgrades along with better injectors. You're also absolutely right about the clutch, I think it's an AP racing clutch as standard and is rated for 350bhp ( apparently) but there's no harm in upgrading to the ST200 clutch when going bigger power. I'm surprised that you don't find 300bhp in a Cupra that much fun, I was considering getting one after the ST (A Cupra 280 to be specific) but I may just stick to wanting an M135i or M140i
300 bhp in the SEAT is fun, but the whole package leans towards it being more of a fast daily than a proper hot-hatch. It's very capable, but feels like a typical VAG product. It's the most fun car I've had within the group, but i think these Fiesta ST's are on another level in that department. I'd also consider a Clio 200 EDC or a 220 Trophy, as i do like having a flappy-paddle 'box to play with.
My old man has an M240i and that's a stunning car. That engine is and gearbox is just a masterpiece.
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