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Monthly Archives: September 2015

  1. Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 3: Test Results

    Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 3: Test Results

    After installing the Fiesta ST induction hose, it was time for the moment of truth! The Fiesta is once again up against the dyno to see what this induction hose brings to the table.

    MAIN POST
    Installing the Fiesta induction hose on the ST

    fiesta on dyno 4
    Fiesta ST on the dyno for Fiesta induction hose testing

    Initially we were expecting this hose to help with flow through the intake, but we were certainly surprised by the results. Our little Fiesta saw gains of 5whp and 10wtq with this induction

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  2. Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 2: Final Prototype

    Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 2: Final Prototype

    We received our final silicone prototype for testing and got straight to installing it on our Fiesta ST. This install is a breeze! After removing two quick clamps and a barb fitting, the stock hose was out and the Mishimoto hose was installed and looking good. Take a look at our black hose option installed on the Fiesta ST.

    Fiesta ST induction hose in relation to other Fiesta ST parts
    Fiesta ST induction hose in relation to other Fiesta ST parts

    Fiesta ST induction hose installed
    Fiesta ST induction hose installed
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  3. Pipe Down. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2: Cold-Side Prototype Fabrication

    Pipe Down. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2: Cold-Side Prototype Fabrication

    Stock Cold-Side Features

    We had it pretty easy during the design phase of our hot-side intercooler pipe. A simple design with relatively common features, not overly complicated. The cold-side is a different story.

    Stock Fiesta ST charge pipe
    Stock Fiesta ST charge pipe

    As you can see, this pipe features a few complex pieces and also follows an unusual path. On the right side at the top of this image, you can see the end of the pipe that mates to the intercooler coupler and hose. This portion of the pipe also houses a pressure sensor, a mounting bracket, and a vacuum-line port.

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  4. Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

    Improve Airflow - Silicone Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

    You may have seen our R&D post on the full Fiesta ST intake, but this one is a little different. We are developing a silicone induction hose as solution for drivers of mainly stock Fiestas who don't want to replace their entire intake system. The stock rubber hose can be restrictive due to its shape and size. We believe that by creating a more free-flowing alternative we could see some substantial benefits without heavy modification to the Fiesta.

    Stock Fiesta ST parts in the engine bay
    Stock Fiesta ST parts in the engine bay

    First we examined the features of the stock hose. Aside from a barb fitting, the hose has a fairly straightforward design. The stock hose has quite a few ridges and flex sections throughout, not to mention a small inner

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  5. Stock System Evaluation - Focus ST Intake R&D, Part 1

    Stock System Evaluation - Focus ST Intake R&D, Part 1

    The 2013 Ford Focus ST has a lot going for it. This 2.0L front-wheel drive, turbocharged, four- cylinder engine pumps out around 250 hp in its stock form, which is impressive for a two-year-old car you can find for under $20,000. Ford now has two weapons in its modern sport-hatch arsenal, and the company is staying competitive. Most car enthusiasts elect to remove the stock intake system first so they can  free up some contained power potential. The story here is no different with our development of an upgraded Ford Focus ST intake.

    The Stock System

    Our garage was graced with the presence of a nice 2013 Performance Blue Focus ST. Per the usual routine, we began taking apart the stock intake system to familiarize ourselves with and understand Ford's design. One unique element of this Focus ST intake is how air is drawn into the box. As you can see below, the air duct is split into two and the airflow gets routed to both the top and bottom of the system.

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  6. Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 3: Final Product

    Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 3: Final Product

    Interested in purchasing our 6.0L intake elbow?

    We have quite a bit going on with this project! Our discounted pre-sale has launched, and we are currently accepting orders. In addition, our final prototype elbows arrived and have been test fitted to ensure appropriate fitment. Without further delay, let's take a look at our finished intake elbows.

    Final Product Images

    First, a lineup of the stock elbow next to our three finish options.

    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and three Mishimoto intake elbows, final prototypes
    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and three Mishimoto intake elbows, final prototypes

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  7. BMW 3-Series E46 Electric Fan R&D, Part 1: Stock Components and Initial Design

    BMW 3-Series E46 Electric Fan R&D, Part 1: Stock Components and Initial Design

    Interested in picking up this awesome E46 fan setup? Check out our discounted pre-sale linked below!

    Mishimoto BMW E46 Non-M Performance Fan Shroud Kit Pre-Sale

    Our E46 product line continues to grow. This series of articles aims to tack another offering on our list of performance cooling components. We've covered the radiator, expansion tank, and coolant hoses. The only radiator-related item left to tackle is a cooling fan solution.

    The stock 3-Series E46 offers two different fan options. Automatic models are equipped with an antiquated mechanical fan, while those who row their own gears get an electric fan.

    Our goal with this project is to produce a BMW E46 fan shroud solution that will function with either a manual or automatic model. We will be following our trend of successfully producing exo-style shrouds for the E46 M3 and E36 chasses. The idea behind this fan mount style is

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  8. Beat The Heat. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Intercooler R&D, Part 2: First Prototype 3D Models

    Beat The Heat. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Intercooler R&D, Part 2: First Prototype 3D Models

    Time for another update on our intercooler project! Last time we left off with a foam intercooler core and some cool 3D-printed end tanks. This update is a bit more exciting!

    Mock Up Prototype

    With both the tanks printed and our core cut to shape, we could mate these pieces to check fitment of our existing design.

    Prototype Ford Fiesta ST intercooler assembled
    Prototype Ford Fiesta ST intercooler assembled

    The tanks feature the mounting pegs and brackets to attach the cooler to the radiator and support.

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  9. Mazda Miata (NB) Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3: Oil Warm-Up Testing

    Mazda Miata (NB) Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3: Oil Warm-Up Testing

    Interested in picking up our NB Miata oil cooler kit? Check out our discounted pre-sale linked below.

    Mishimoto 1999-2005 Mazda Miata Oil Cooler Kit Pre-Sale!

    During the previous articles we mentioned that we would be conducting experiments for the stock oil cooler/warmer. Myths and claims exist regarding its impact on the heating of engine oil as well as its impact on cooling. We decided to check out both sides of the spectrum and support them with some actual data. First up, warm-up speed both with and without the stock heat exchanger.

    Testing Setup

    Setting up the sensors and equipment for this test was relatively simple. For testing the system with the stock heat exchanger in place, we simply installed our oil sensor adapter below the filter and then installed our temperature sensor. Below is a look at the sensor adapter.

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  10. Stiffen Your 'Stang! 2015 Mustang Strut Tower Brace R&D, Part 1: Initial Fabrication

    Stiffen Your 'Stang! 2015 Mustang Strut Tower Brace R&D, Part 1: Initial Fabrication

    Nothing beats taking a tight, responsive vehicle over some curvy roads on a beautiful fall day. The S550 is a nice chassis, track-applicable right out of the box, especially if "Performance Package" is on the build sheet. We've been pleased with our shop car, but we are always seeking improvements. We've completed our product development of cooling components and performance products, and now we are turning our attention to the suspension on this fantastic chassis. To further enhance the stiffness of the suspension and improve response, we decided that an appropriate front strut brace would be a wise addition.

    Stock Bracing and Strut Tower

    Under the hood of your Mustang you might find (or not) a stock strut brace. For GT and PP EcoBoost owners, a K-shaped brace links both strut towers to the cowl of the vehicle. Below is a look at this stock piece equipped on our shop EcoBoost Mustang.

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