fiestaturbo.com

[TRP]

Hello

I am starting a new project as I have got board playing with French cars and could just do with some advise. In the past I have take basic Citroen AXs and Peugeot 106s and turned them in to little track monsters but still useable road cars. I have a 2.3 Duratec, 1.8 Zetec, 1.6 CVH, 1.8 CVH, 1.6 OHV, Focus RS GT2560 Turbo and a Omex ECU so was think how about a Ford Fiesta or possibly KA this time. I am bound to be able to do something with that lot.

First I could do with some advice on suspension. What would you all recommend? I am trying to stay away from solid mounts, rose joints and just to much adjustment in general as it has to be used on the road. Is there any parts of other cars or specific models I should keep my eyes out for? What dampers and springs would you recommend? Is there a good ARB to go for? and well you get the picture.

Then it goes on to brakes. I will need to do something about the brakes, Any suggestions? I would like to keep with standard ford parts if possible but with uprated discs and pads. I hear XR4 front discs will fit and even ST220 ones can be made to fit. I would like dics on the back as well but will still have to have a cable handbrake. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Has any one fitted a Duratec KA or fiesta before? Is there any real problems in doing so? I am guessing I will be making up the manifold and full exhaust system my self but apart from that I cant see a problem.

Should add I have no real problem if things require welding or basic machining so parts don’t have to be a direct fit, as long as its not to complicated it will be fine.

Thanks for any help.

[Big Walker]

Go for a Duratec turbo fester and race Excursion as to who's will be finished first
Obviously you seem to have a fair bit of knowledge on this but Turboing the Duratec i think would be a good move

Suspension - Sure someone will be able to give a bit more insight than me but use adjustables, Koni or Spax, or else go for coilovers

Brakes - Cossie calipers up front or a whole ST170 set-up would be possible

Hope this has been of some help but more will post later

Welcome to Fiestaturbo.com mate
Don't forget to post pics of your motor and project whenever you start in the Member's Gallery

[TRP]

Thank you for your reply and the warm welcome. I have gone off turbos for to be honest, Its bad enough being in a 1.6 Saxo running only 1 bar of boost. Think I would die if I tried 2.3 turbo. I will wimp out and stay with a normally aspirated 2.3 for now. Have already got my eye on going 2.6 if I am happy with it all when its up and running.

Forgot to ask am I right in assuming a Ford KA is basically just a fiesta? I have never really looked at a KA but there some what tame appliance is quite appealing top me.

[Pez]

Welcome to FT mate, nice to see people with fresh ideas and thoughts on the scene

The Ka is essentially the same chassis as a Fiesta under the skin, just a bit more cramped in the engine bay area. Have a browse of the members gallery at some of the ongoing projects for a bit of inspiration, there's a few really interesting ones if you look hard enough

Ive not yet seen a Duratec 4 cylinder unit in a Fiesta, as i believe mainly down to gearbox differences. But, if you are willing to do a bit of engineering work and fabrication, im sure you could get it in there. I notice Burton power supply the complete range of Cosworth tuning products for the Duratec units, have a browse of their sire to see what the tuning options are.

Braking is a relatively straightforward one, unless you are going for mega power. The easiest and most cost effective upgrade is the fitting of Cosworth 4x4 (either Sapphire 4x4 or Escort Cosworth) discs, calipers and pads. This necessitates the use of a (approximately) 5mm spacers between the caliper and hub, to move the caliper inwards due to a difference in disc offset. A popular option for the rear is to fit RS2000 discs and calipers, and this also incorporates a handbrake, and is using entirely Ford products.

A lot has been debating about suspension on this site, and the various products all have their benefits/disadvantages, the best thing to do is have a look around and see what you can see.

Good luck with the project, keep us all updated

[TRP]

Thank you Pez Think its like to go have a good look at a KA and possibly get one to play with.