BLOG CATEGORIES

2014+ Ford Fiesta ST

  1. Downpipe for What - Fiesta ST Downpipe R&D, Part 3: Final Prototype

    Downpipe for What - Fiesta ST Downpipe R&D, Part 3: Final Prototype

    We are back with more on our Fiesta ST downpipe project. We know you are long overdue for an update, so we'll dive right in. After fabrication, we read that some other aftermarket downpipes for the Fiesta ST weren't as successful at making power as downpipes typically are on other applications. We still wanted to test our downpipe designs to see the data for ourselves, and decide if the downpipe was worth manufacturing for the Fiesta ST.

    After testing was completed, the data confirmed our suspicions that the Fiesta ST is pretty darn efficient on its own, and the addition of a downpipe did not show any gains in power. Even still, we have decided to kick this into production for those who want the sound benefit, and for those who have more modified Fiesta STs.

    A tune will be required to run this downpipe, and of course actual power gains will depend the tune itself and the supporting modifications to your ST.

    Continue Reading »
  2. Turn Up the Volume - Cat-Back Exhaust R&D, Part 4: Final Prototype

    Turn Up the Volume - Cat-Back Exhaust R&D, Part 4: Final Prototype

    It has been quite a while since our last update, and we are glad to be wrapping up this project! One of the reasons for this delay is that, based on your feedback, we have decided to add a few more options for this exhaust system.

    You might remember from a previous post, that our engineers enjoyed the louder sound of our non-resonated exhaust after having listened to both the resonated and non-resonated versions. Since there were no improvements in horsepower with either option, we based our decision to create the exhaust on sound only.

    To refresh your memory, here are some photos of the resonated and non-resonated sections of the exhaust. Aside from this small difference, the rest of the exhaust layout is the same.

    Fiesta ST parts testing
    Fiesta
    Continue Reading »
  3. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 5: Prototype Testing

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 5: Prototype Testing

    We are nearing the completion of this project. Our engineering team is ready for dyno testing that will verify any power gains made with our larger-diameter intercooler piping. Exactly how much larger is the piping we designed?


    Fiesta ST charge pipe volume comparison hot side

    The Mishimoto hot-side design provided the greater increase in volume between the two, coming in at a 51% increase over the stock pipe.

    Fiesta ST charge pipe volume comparison, cold side
    Fiesta ST charge
    Continue Reading »
  4. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 4: Prototype Test Fit

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 4: Prototype Test Fit

    A few weeks ago we completed our first set of prototype pipes. After a quick evaluation by our team, it was time for a vehicle test fit. Last week we set our Fiesta ST (FIST) up on a lift and began swapping the stock piping for our components.

    First, the hot-side pipe was bolted into place.

    Mishimoto Fiesta ST performance parts installed
    Mishimoto Fiesta ST performance parts installed

    The hot-side pipe slid into place perfectly. Our mounting bracket lined up, and the hardware properly secured the pipe into place.

    The cold-side pipe was a bit more challenging to install, but soon we had it in place as well.

    Continue Reading »
  5. Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank, Post 2: Final Prototype

    Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank, Post 2: Final Prototype

    It has been a while since we took a look at what is going on in the world of the Fiesta expansion tank. In our last post we test fitted our 3D-printed prototype on the Fiesta ST. After fitment was confirmed, we played the waiting game for our final prototype's arrival at our development facility. Our best efforts at being patient paid off when we had two packages arrive this morning!

    Fiesta ST expansion tank Fiesta ST expansion tank

    Fiesta ST expansion tank Fiesta ST expansion tank

    Each expansion tank comes with an overflow hose

    Continue Reading »
  6. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 3: First Prototype Evaluation

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 3: First Prototype Evaluation

    Good news! Our first prototype intercooler pipe kit is complete. We can now evaluate both fitment and functionality on our Fiesta. Let's take a look at each pipe we created.

    Prototype Cold-Side

    First we have the more complex pipe of the pair, the cold-side.

    Fiesta ST charge pipe prototype
    Fiesta ST charge pipe prototype

    Complexity comes in the way of multiple bends combined with numerous pipe-mounted features. To the right side of the pipe, you can see the flat flange that serves as a mounting point for the factory pressure sensor. This flange is CNC-machined to provide a proper seal.

    Continue Reading »
  7. Turn Up the Volume - Cat-Back Exhaust, Part 3: Final Prototype

    Turn Up the Volume - Cat-Back Exhaust, Part 3: Final Prototype

    It's been a while since our last update on the Fiesta ST cat-back exhaust and we are excited to let you in on the details of the final prototype! The last detail to square away was the exhaust tips. While the tips we had were decent, we found them a little on the plain side so we switched it up. Rather than the single-wall tips, we went with a dual-walled setup that we think look much better on the ST and will hold up better over time. Check out some photos below!

    Fiesta ST exhaust tips
    Fiesta ST exhaust tips

    Welding some Fiesta ST parts
    Continue Reading »
  8. 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.

    Continue Reading »
  9. Downpipe for What - Downpipe R&D, Part 2: Creating the Prototypes

    Downpipe for What - Downpipe R&D, Part 2: Creating the Prototypes

    In our last post we took a look at the stock Fiesta ST downpipe as well as our slotted flange design based on the stock flange. We are still planning to create both a catted downpipe and a non-catted downpipe for race applications, so let's take a look at the progress!

    Downpipe Design

    After fitting the flange to the turbo, we began to piece together the rest of the downpipe coming off the flange and meeting with the exhaust. Both our designs feature a slotted flange that bolts to the turbo, in addition to a flex pipe near where they meet with the exhaust. This is important because the entire exhaust system will move a bit, and we need a flex point to allow for this. Not allowing room for flex in the downpipe would most certainly harm your exhaust system and possibly the turbo itself.
    We began by laying out the components of our prototype next to the stock Fiesta ST downpipe for comparison. Check out some shots below!

    Continue Reading »
  10. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1: Factory Hot Side and Fabrication

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1: Factory Hot Side and Fabrication

    We have plans for an absolutely awesome intercooler for the Fiesta ST, so it only makes sense to pair it with an equally robust intercooler pipe setup. The stock piping is adequate at best but certainly deserves some attention, because we need to obtain as much airflow as possible from the Fiesta ST. This first portion of R&D will cover the fabrication of our hot-side pipe.

    Stock Hot-Side

    Before jumping into fabrication, let's first check out the stock hot-side piping assembly!

    Stock Fiesta ST hot-side charge pipe
    Stock Fiesta ST hot-side charge pipe

    What an interesting piece! The coupler on the end of the pipe mates with the turbocharger compressor outlet, which then runs into metal piping 1.5"

    Continue Reading »
Page