YOUR PROJECTS: Mk1 Fiesta
Your projects: As if one out-there Mk1 Fiesta isn’t enough, Ben Gibbs is back with another rear-drive build — only this one’s Cosworth YB-powered...
Ben Gibbs is back with another outlandish Fiesta project — this time with YB power.
Many people find it hard to build a project car. Those that have accomplished it will know it’s often a long and difficult process that takes vast amounts of time, money and effort. Then there’s the issue of keeping enthusiasm going to plod along through the more challenging parts that often sees some give up.
However, there are some people out there who have clearly mastered the build process, one being Ben Gibbs. You may recall that name from the insane rear-wheel drive Mk1 Fiesta that was fitted with a 500 bhp ST170 turbo engine mounted in the boot. It formed part of the 2019 Great Unveiling and featured in the December 2019 issue.
Before completing that car, Ben was busy with a Mk2 Escort build that he fully rebuilt, repainted and fitted with a hot 2.1 Pinto and five-speed along with plenty of tasty bits. Impressive stuff, but it’s the time frames in which Ben manages to complete these projects to such a high standard that really leaves an impression.
“All these projects were done within the last two years,” says Ben. “I also modified my Transit with a full bodykit, 18 inch alloys and increased to 200 bhp. And now I’ve built this in 130 days.”
His latest project is just as unique as the others Ben has tackled, in that it’s YB-powered sleeper. We caught up with him to find out how, why and what he has in plan for his next project.
So how did this project come about?
It all started when I found a Mk1 Focus RS replica in full track car-spec that had been converted to rear-wheel drive with aYB Cosworth. I purchased it with sole intention of breaking it for the engine and running gear.
What did you have in mind for that?
I was going to use it in the next project and the plan at the time was to actually build a rear-wheeldrive Mk3 or Mk4 Escort Cabriolet. As soon as I got the Focus home, I used it for a week or so then started stripping it.
So what changed that plan?
I sold the Focus shell and wheels for more than I thought, so the running gear worked out pretty cheap to be honest. I then saw this special Mk1 Fiesta for sale at a good price and it was local, so I went and had a look and agreed to buy it.
It wasn’t a standard Fiesta then?
It was running and driving with a Kawasaki Ninja 900 ’bike engine and was already converted to a rear-wheel drive set-up. I thrashed it all the way home, as I knew I didn’t need the running gear that was in it anymore!
So what did you tackle first?
I cut the Fiesta bulkhead and floor out ready for the new bulkhead and tunnel, which I’ve had made up by Absolute Customs High Wycombe. I then fitted new chassis rails along both sides of the engine bay to mount the engine.
What about the steering set-up?
For that I mounted a Capri crossmember up front along with a pair of Mk2 Escort legs. I also used a Capri anti-roll bar and welded the brackets in place to the new chassis legs I had made. It all works together really well.
You make it sound easy!
To be honest, from start to finish building this Fiesta has been pretty easy, but I have done a few builds now and I’ve always worked out all of the problems myself. Since the photos, I’ve driven the car around the block and it drives great.
How long did it take to get it driving?
I bought the Fiesta in July 2020 and 130 days later it’s how you see it now! I’m so happy with all my builds, and people seem to love them as well, as I’ve had a lot of great comments
“THE YB SHOULD MAKE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 360 400 BHP”
So what spec is the engine? It’s a 200 block 4x4 engine from a Sapphire Cosworth, with aT3 turbo, grey injectors, wasted spark ignition and Level 6 ECU, so it’s making somewhere between 360-400 bhp. It’s also using the Pro Alloy cooling from the Focus donor car.
And the rest of the running gear?
I’m using the Sierra CosworthT5 gearbox and an English axle with a Quaife LSD. It’s also fitted with a Cosworth rear disc conversion and Wilwood four-pot front brakes with a CompBrake floor mounted pedal box and a hydraulic handbrake.
What will be the look for the interior and exterior? Inside will be finished with a pair of bucket seats and harnesses, the Mk1 Fiesta dash with a Stack display, an LCD display for boost and the roll cage; that’s it. Outside is staying as it is and I love the 13 inch Minilites it came on.
What’s the plan next for the car?
It was built for road use, though to be honest,
I’m already thinking about moving on to my next project soon. I’m not really sure what the next project will be, but it will be a classic Ford again — I love all old school Fords and not just Fiestas!
Anyone to say thanks to so far?
Yes, my Mrs for giving me the time to build it, Ricky Star for helping do the wiring and Absolute Customs (01494 716687, www.absolute-customs.co.uk) for the fabrication work.