Upgrade from the £100 Puma
Discussion
The story started 2 years ago or so when I spent the princely sum of £100 on a 2002 Ford Puma 1.7 Lux. It had a scrape down the back and no history whatsoever, but was bought as a second car with track day aspirations and given those parameters it performed fantastically. 2 days on Silverstone National, 1 day on Silverstone GP and 1 on Brands Hatch Indy. During those sessions the number of cars I overtook can be counted on a single hand, but I suspect I had the most fun out there and got the car to a point where I could keep up with most things in the corners. Catching somewhat more exotic machinery through Maggots being a recent highlight. It's a fantastic car to have fun in.
The Puma never wanted anything from me despite being regularly driven hard and the plan was to run it until the cambelt snapped or the limits of my talent ensured we got intimate with a wall on track. Sadly neither of these will happen thanks to the behaviour of some brainless oaf this weekend when the car received a good kicking during a particularly rainy evening. Given the cost of the car I can't justify keeping it on the road and it is going to be scrapped next week. It's been a lot of motoring for a handful of notes. Adieu
That brings us to tomorrow when I hop on a train departing London and revisit my old manor of the East Midlands - Leicester to be exact where I will be buying, yes, another Puma for second car and trackday duties.
This time a 2001 in dark silver with a comprehensive service history and recent bills detailing welding, a new cam belt and fuel pump among other things. MOT history is above average for these cars, and I know what to keep an eye on these days. £500 in my pocket will be accompanying me so I have something to drive back in. Having only driven one Puma previously it'll be very interesting to see how this compares. Given that I wanted to use this car regularly on the roads I only had one necessity, that being both passenger and driver airbags - the former being quite a rare option on a Puma. Bingo!
I'll be happy to update this thread with any adventures and any owners or prospective owners are more than welcome to chime in. Otherwise I will perhaps see some of you out on track. Funnily enough my other car, a 1979 SLC comes back from restoration today so I should also start a thread on that one in due course.
Thanks for reading.
Pauly
The Puma never wanted anything from me despite being regularly driven hard and the plan was to run it until the cambelt snapped or the limits of my talent ensured we got intimate with a wall on track. Sadly neither of these will happen thanks to the behaviour of some brainless oaf this weekend when the car received a good kicking during a particularly rainy evening. Given the cost of the car I can't justify keeping it on the road and it is going to be scrapped next week. It's been a lot of motoring for a handful of notes. Adieu
That brings us to tomorrow when I hop on a train departing London and revisit my old manor of the East Midlands - Leicester to be exact where I will be buying, yes, another Puma for second car and trackday duties.
This time a 2001 in dark silver with a comprehensive service history and recent bills detailing welding, a new cam belt and fuel pump among other things. MOT history is above average for these cars, and I know what to keep an eye on these days. £500 in my pocket will be accompanying me so I have something to drive back in. Having only driven one Puma previously it'll be very interesting to see how this compares. Given that I wanted to use this car regularly on the roads I only had one necessity, that being both passenger and driver airbags - the former being quite a rare option on a Puma. Bingo!
I'll be happy to update this thread with any adventures and any owners or prospective owners are more than welcome to chime in. Otherwise I will perhaps see some of you out on track. Funnily enough my other car, a 1979 SLC comes back from restoration today so I should also start a thread on that one in due course.
Thanks for reading.
Pauly
Edited by paulyv on Tuesday 6th March 17:11
Gallons Per Mile said:
Shame about the original Puma! Don't scrap it, I know my £50 Puma could probably do with a couple of bits from yours... Are you in Kent?!
Drop me a line if interested GPM as I don't want this thread to be about my scrapping of a car as this forum isn't for that. I am in central London, SE1, Suffice to say London isn't the place to break a car and I have been offered a little more than the sum I originally paid for it by the scrappers who are taking it next Tuesday - that'll go nicely towards its replacement. I realise I never did update this thread, and I have time on my hands this afternoon. Plenty to catch up on.
The silver Puma was sold to a local forum member who I believe patched it up after its run in with a vandal. It's still on the road according to the MOT records.
So I bought the new(er) Puma pictured above last year. £300 secured me the car:
2001 Puma 1.7
A really nice blue/grey
85,000 miles and one owner for most of its life. It seemingly wanted for nothing, being regularly serviced and having had new replacement dampers, various part changes and 2 cambelt changes the most recent of which was done 3000 miles prior to my purchase. It has one of the best folders of receipts I have seen and even the original sales brochure.
Cassette player (Yes! I can now play Jack Mix 3 by Mirage)
Working aircon, heated front screen
Perfect interior. This is often the case - these cars seem to age from the outside inwards.
Both driver and passenger airbags. As I mentioned this was important to me, given it trundles me up and down the country. Dual airbags are pretty rare on these cars as the buyer had to pay extra to protect their passenger against blunt-force trauma and nobody bothered in Blair's Britain. I know these are hardly 5-star NCAP material, but you do what you can.
Cologne-designed weight-saving in the rear wing department. The only item which was disappointing was the rear arch rust which was worse than I had been led to believe. Still - given I was already up in Leicester I bit the bullet and drove back without any trouble and to be fair this was surely why it was cheap (turned out it was also cheap due to a head gasket issue - see below).
Issues I noted:
Those rear arches
It's slightly, slightly slower than my previous one (to be remedied)
Tacky blue lights over the rear number plate (I just noticed these)
Hazy front headlamps (resolved with a diy kit)
Tyres courtesy of the Ditchfinder General - now replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 3's all round
Tired groaning front brakes - grooved brakes and new pads fitted
Then some issues started.
Steady coolant leak followed by an inspection at service time found a somewhat porous head gasket of which the signs were not apparent to me when purchasing. I had this done right away - no point messing about or regretting my not spotting it, so am good to go.
I had to replace the heating valve (as every Puma owner has it seems)
Very loud creaking from the front when turning. This only happened when the engine was hot so thought it was probably worn bushes. New front droplinks got rid of almost all the creaking. Bingo. I have also bought new anti-roll bar bushes, to be fitted in a month or so.
Also a wicked oil leak. This was pointed out to me by a marshal on a recent Silverstone track day sadly cutting my day short. Appeared to be the rocker cover gasket which is common. I got my hands dirty and changed the gasket myself 2 weeks ago - no more leaks. I was rather proud of myself for doing this and if anyone is considering it then I cannot stress how straightforward it is. Had I been able to get the part there and then I could have done this at Silverstone and been on track within an hour.
We're in a good place:
It's a keeper, but given I want it to be even more fun on track there's more to be done, the plan being:
Get the rear wings sorted. Funny how a car with rust sticks out these days, as it used to be such a common sight.
OMP lower strut brace
10mm rear axle spacers
Quaife LSD up front
Ford Focus 1.8 clutch to be fitted
The adding of 15/20 more bhp the route to which is to be decided. Likely cams, exhaust and ECU to vaguely replicate the Racing Puma route. Nothing extreme as reliability is key.
As usual I cannot speak highly enough of the Puma in general. If you fancy one now is the time to get onto Ebay. Not because prices will rise significantly but because plenty are close to rotting away.
The silver Puma was sold to a local forum member who I believe patched it up after its run in with a vandal. It's still on the road according to the MOT records.
So I bought the new(er) Puma pictured above last year. £300 secured me the car:
2001 Puma 1.7
A really nice blue/grey
85,000 miles and one owner for most of its life. It seemingly wanted for nothing, being regularly serviced and having had new replacement dampers, various part changes and 2 cambelt changes the most recent of which was done 3000 miles prior to my purchase. It has one of the best folders of receipts I have seen and even the original sales brochure.
Cassette player (Yes! I can now play Jack Mix 3 by Mirage)
Working aircon, heated front screen
Perfect interior. This is often the case - these cars seem to age from the outside inwards.
Both driver and passenger airbags. As I mentioned this was important to me, given it trundles me up and down the country. Dual airbags are pretty rare on these cars as the buyer had to pay extra to protect their passenger against blunt-force trauma and nobody bothered in Blair's Britain. I know these are hardly 5-star NCAP material, but you do what you can.
Cologne-designed weight-saving in the rear wing department. The only item which was disappointing was the rear arch rust which was worse than I had been led to believe. Still - given I was already up in Leicester I bit the bullet and drove back without any trouble and to be fair this was surely why it was cheap (turned out it was also cheap due to a head gasket issue - see below).
Issues I noted:
Those rear arches
It's slightly, slightly slower than my previous one (to be remedied)
Tacky blue lights over the rear number plate (I just noticed these)
Hazy front headlamps (resolved with a diy kit)
Tyres courtesy of the Ditchfinder General - now replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 3's all round
Tired groaning front brakes - grooved brakes and new pads fitted
Then some issues started.
Steady coolant leak followed by an inspection at service time found a somewhat porous head gasket of which the signs were not apparent to me when purchasing. I had this done right away - no point messing about or regretting my not spotting it, so am good to go.
I had to replace the heating valve (as every Puma owner has it seems)
Very loud creaking from the front when turning. This only happened when the engine was hot so thought it was probably worn bushes. New front droplinks got rid of almost all the creaking. Bingo. I have also bought new anti-roll bar bushes, to be fitted in a month or so.
Also a wicked oil leak. This was pointed out to me by a marshal on a recent Silverstone track day sadly cutting my day short. Appeared to be the rocker cover gasket which is common. I got my hands dirty and changed the gasket myself 2 weeks ago - no more leaks. I was rather proud of myself for doing this and if anyone is considering it then I cannot stress how straightforward it is. Had I been able to get the part there and then I could have done this at Silverstone and been on track within an hour.
We're in a good place:
It's a keeper, but given I want it to be even more fun on track there's more to be done, the plan being:
Get the rear wings sorted. Funny how a car with rust sticks out these days, as it used to be such a common sight.
OMP lower strut brace
10mm rear axle spacers
Quaife LSD up front
Ford Focus 1.8 clutch to be fitted
The adding of 15/20 more bhp the route to which is to be decided. Likely cams, exhaust and ECU to vaguely replicate the Racing Puma route. Nothing extreme as reliability is key.
As usual I cannot speak highly enough of the Puma in general. If you fancy one now is the time to get onto Ebay. Not because prices will rise significantly but because plenty are close to rotting away.
Edited by paulyv on Wednesday 7th November 14:37
With winter fast upon us I thought it was time for the Puma to finally have that thorough service I have been promising it. Dropped off at the garage today to have the following long list done. I will be interested to see if it drives any differently upon return. I appreciate some of this is servicing I can do but as I don't have a driveway, nor the time I am letting a pro do it.
Service:
Oil Filter
Change Oil
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Cabin/Pollen Filter
Spark plugs
Change Brake fluid (upgraded to Dot 4)
Replace/Top Up Gearbox Oil
Rear Number plate lights:
They are currently BLUE! I very much need them back to standard white.
Clutch:
I have supplied a 220mm clutch kit from a Ford Focus Mk1, larger than the standard Puma clutch plate, but I have read everywhere online that this is a straight swap as long as the flywheel is not overly worn.
Front Suspension:
Lower wishbones replaced (supplied with bushes in thankfully)
Front anti-roll bar bushes replaced
OMP Lower Strut Brace fitting
Rear Suspension:
Rear axle sub-frame bushes replaced
Rear Brakes:
Change shoes on the rear brakes
Radiator cooling fan:
Never did work and in slow traffic I am always concerned about overheating
If my previous experience of getting a new clutch fitted on a car is anything to go by the Puma should be rather more eager when I get it back.
Service:
Oil Filter
Change Oil
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Cabin/Pollen Filter
Spark plugs
Change Brake fluid (upgraded to Dot 4)
Replace/Top Up Gearbox Oil
Rear Number plate lights:
They are currently BLUE! I very much need them back to standard white.
Clutch:
I have supplied a 220mm clutch kit from a Ford Focus Mk1, larger than the standard Puma clutch plate, but I have read everywhere online that this is a straight swap as long as the flywheel is not overly worn.
Front Suspension:
Lower wishbones replaced (supplied with bushes in thankfully)
Front anti-roll bar bushes replaced
OMP Lower Strut Brace fitting
Rear Suspension:
Rear axle sub-frame bushes replaced
Rear Brakes:
Change shoes on the rear brakes
Radiator cooling fan:
Never did work and in slow traffic I am always concerned about overheating
If my previous experience of getting a new clutch fitted on a car is anything to go by the Puma should be rather more eager when I get it back.
What a lovely looking Fiesta. Shame it hid some secrets under the skin. These and the Puma certainly share that slight jelly mould look, what with the curves.
This Puma is indeed shaping up to be a good one. As mentioned a few post above I intend to get an LSD in it within the next 6 months - will be really interested to see what effect his has on track and from the outside it'll look standard. No lowering required as far as I am concerned and I am steering clear of polybushing as I love the ride as it is.
This Puma is indeed shaping up to be a good one. As mentioned a few post above I intend to get an LSD in it within the next 6 months - will be really interested to see what effect his has on track and from the outside it'll look standard. No lowering required as far as I am concerned and I am steering clear of polybushing as I love the ride as it is.
I never did update this thread over the past year. Been far too focused on the 450SLC and it's ongoing adventures in restoration, but I do still have the Puma and last week it just went through it's MOT.
This was the first MOT where 'rust' was mentioned as an advisory. Too far away from structural points to be an issue, but it highlights that in the next year it'll have to be looked at if I am keeping the car.
Truth be told it is a complete luxury in central London but I cannot bring myself to part with it, especially recently when it had the above work done. Most important of these being the fitting of a 220mm Focus clutch and new suspension parts and bushes all round.
Hard to say if the addition of a larger Focus clutch made all that difference as opposed to a standard new clutch, but the car certainly puts it's power down in a more efficient and eager manner, which adds to the smiles per mile. New droplinks, lower wishbones, front and rear bushes (the rears were a pig), and an OMP lower strut brace can only have done the car some good, but to be honest I won't be able to tell until I get it on track in June.
I did have some shenanigans with stalling at junctions when decelerating. I fitted a new MAF sensor and idle control valve which has, I think, resolved the issue, although it does seem to idle close to stalling just a touch when the car comes to a stop. I will keep an eye on it.
Good for another 10,000 miles I think (currently at 88k). I will update this if I get any insight into that suspension refresh or when I get that rust tackled.
This was the first MOT where 'rust' was mentioned as an advisory. Too far away from structural points to be an issue, but it highlights that in the next year it'll have to be looked at if I am keeping the car.
Truth be told it is a complete luxury in central London but I cannot bring myself to part with it, especially recently when it had the above work done. Most important of these being the fitting of a 220mm Focus clutch and new suspension parts and bushes all round.
Hard to say if the addition of a larger Focus clutch made all that difference as opposed to a standard new clutch, but the car certainly puts it's power down in a more efficient and eager manner, which adds to the smiles per mile. New droplinks, lower wishbones, front and rear bushes (the rears were a pig), and an OMP lower strut brace can only have done the car some good, but to be honest I won't be able to tell until I get it on track in June.
I did have some shenanigans with stalling at junctions when decelerating. I fitted a new MAF sensor and idle control valve which has, I think, resolved the issue, although it does seem to idle close to stalling just a touch when the car comes to a stop. I will keep an eye on it.
Good for another 10,000 miles I think (currently at 88k). I will update this if I get any insight into that suspension refresh or when I get that rust tackled.
Gallons Per Mile said:
Stalling when dipping the clutch is usually the idle control valve, but apparently can also be the throttle position sensor on the throttle body housing. May be worth changing that too if it's still not idling perfectly. Also, check for air leaks.
That should be very fun on track with refreshed suspension
Thank you. It doesn't stall when specifically dipping the clutch, but only when the car rolls to a stop - the second the car stops forward motion, the engine then seems to drop down to below 500 rpm and just catch itself in time - something it never used to do. That should be very fun on track with refreshed suspension
Gallons Per Mile said:
Interesting...
There is a speed sensor on the top of the gearbox but this sounds like an air leak to me. Unless you got a second hand idle control valve or a really cheap one?
Okay. No the idle control vale was brand new. I will see what's what at the weekend. Just ordered a crank position sensor too, just in case, although it likely isn't that.There is a speed sensor on the top of the gearbox but this sounds like an air leak to me. Unless you got a second hand idle control valve or a really cheap one?
After the suspension work I took the car for its first proper drive on B-roads yesterday. What fun. As a reminder I had the following new items fitted a short while back:
Droplinks
Lower wishbones with bushes
Anti-roll bar bushes
OMP lower front strut brace
Rear axle subframe bushes
These were all OEM, aside from the OMP item of course, which would not have been fitted on a factory car. The car also had a full service.
If you’re considering a suspension refresh on your Puma I would definitely recommend it. The ride does not feel much firmer but the car is far more composed in corners, feels less ‘wallowy’, even though I was not aware of that being a factor prior to the work being done, and the steering has been rather transformed as the car simply goes where I point it.
This could all be done rather cheaply if you are a handier person than I. I understand from the mechanic that unsurprisingly those subframe bushes were the main pain in the rear, as can be seen in the image below.
Droplinks
Lower wishbones with bushes
Anti-roll bar bushes
OMP lower front strut brace
Rear axle subframe bushes
These were all OEM, aside from the OMP item of course, which would not have been fitted on a factory car. The car also had a full service.
If you’re considering a suspension refresh on your Puma I would definitely recommend it. The ride does not feel much firmer but the car is far more composed in corners, feels less ‘wallowy’, even though I was not aware of that being a factor prior to the work being done, and the steering has been rather transformed as the car simply goes where I point it.
This could all be done rather cheaply if you are a handier person than I. I understand from the mechanic that unsurprisingly those subframe bushes were the main pain in the rear, as can be seen in the image below.
Well, for the sake of closure I wanted to update this thread as the car is going to be sold shortly. No harm in a little publicity if I am honest - if anyone fancies a great track car, but equally wanted to thank you for your comments over the past 18 months.
The Puma has been terrific and were I not living in the centre of the city, and were the Puma not a second car, I would certainly be keeping it for track days and the occasional trip out. It's new parts have only just been fitted but central London isn't the place for one vehicle, let alone two!
Best of luck to you other Puma owners out there - I shall keep watching with interest and should I move out of town I can easily see myself buying another one for track days.
Pauly
The Puma has been terrific and were I not living in the centre of the city, and were the Puma not a second car, I would certainly be keeping it for track days and the occasional trip out. It's new parts have only just been fitted but central London isn't the place for one vehicle, let alone two!
Best of luck to you other Puma owners out there - I shall keep watching with interest and should I move out of town I can easily see myself buying another one for track days.
Pauly
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