Wise investments

Keeping your RS Turbo in good shape is better than chasing faults when they occur. And although the Fiesta isn’t as prone to poor running as its Escort predecessor, its Ford EEC-IV engine management still has its fair share of troubles. Indeed, RS Turbo expert Odd Kidd Creations ( OKC) reckons 80 percent of Fiestas have issues that aren’t necessarily obvious; it’s not easy to plug diagnostic equipment into the ECU, but most cars feel much better when they’ve been properly sorted out.

Neglect is also a sure way to kill that CVH engine, so be sure to keep up with oil changes – Ford’s recommendation of 6,000 miles can be halved if you’re dedicated. Don’t leave it until the tappets are rattling, the cam’s growling and the crankshaft sounds like a diesel. Fitting a decent breather system will pay dividends too.

Swap the cam belt ( if it’s not been replaced recently), refresh the antifreeze, and spend some time checking the cooling system to ensure it’s flowing smoothly. Ensure the water pump, gasket and bearing are up to scratch ( genuine OE impellers with holes in the front face work best), and invest in an 82- degree thermostat. While you’re at it, add a rear-wheel drive Cosworth fan switch, which cuts in earlier. Ideally, a pair of Kenlowe fans will avoid future cooling catastrophes.

Talking of which, if you’re thinking of running more boost, you need to fit an uprated intercooler – the standard Fiesta part simply isn’t fit for hard work.