TUNERS RECOMEND…
We asked three leading tuners what modifications they would suggest to make the Fiesta RS Turbo even better – we gave them an imaginary budget of £2500.
Odd Kidd Creations
www.oddkidcreations.co.uk
“Most Fiestas have been molested, so unless you want a standard car to hold value, you’re better off with a premodified Fiesta that has been done properly – and that’s not easy to find.
For £2,500 we’d supply and fit full Cosworth Weber engine management, plus an oil breather and intercooler; you should expect around 230-to-240bhp on a good- condition standard engine with a T3 turbo.
At that point, restrictions will come from the camshaft and exhaust housing. Obviously, an uprated, ported head would be nice – and if you can get one before spending your budget, you’ll be able to push your Fiesta to somewhere around 250 or 260bhp.”
Sitech Racing
www.sitechracing.co.uk
“RS Turbos are sill good for us – we’ve got two in the workshop at the moment.
But we hate the EFi with a passion – most have wiring or sensor issues. So if you’re serious about tuning, spend your money on a standalone ECU, which sets the platform for more mods. With modern aftermarket management we can control the ignition and fuelling; fit a frontmounted intercooler and a decent air filter, and you’ll see 180-to-200bhp on a standard turbo.
With any money left over, a Newman cam and solid lifters will make more power still. A custom inlet manifold will be useful for above 300bhp.”
Devil Developments
www.devil- developments.co.uk
“For this budget, we recommend it’s best to focus on replacing and upgrading the simple parts that will make the car nicer to drive and more enjoyable. Most of the Fiesta RS Turbos we tend to see have already been mildly modified, but starting with a completely standard car we would first of all fit a set of poly bushes to replace the tired originals. To add some reliability we would then fit an alloy radiator and silicone hoses to help keep running temperatures at a good level. After that, a front mount intercooler, air filter and exhaust system will give a sensible boost in power and, together with a chip, 160-170bhp can be expected. Then we would fit a good Escort RS Turbo LSD gearbox and an uprated organic clutch kit to make the most of it. The cost for all of this would be under your budget ( at £2360) and would give a really good starting base to take the car to the next level – which would be a T3 turbo conversion that transforms the car.”