As was expected, we've been rather enjoying our few weeks with
a Fiesta ST
. Actually, scratch that, we've loved it. Paul still hasn't driven it yet, muttering something about it not being his 'thing', but Dan and I remain
totally enamoured
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.
... and the finishing touch
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?
