S1BUYIT ESCORT MK2 RSTUNE IT RS TURBO FOCUS How to bag the best Series One Tuning tips for the brute 1ST SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE 451 £5.50 FOR FORDS 521THE UK’S NUMBER ONE FORD TUNING MAGAZINE BHP FIESTA! TAKING ST TUNING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE 451 £5.50 370BHP 2WD TUNED FOCUS COSSIE SHOW CAR ST EDITION FAST-ROAD FOCUS ST RS COMBE SHOW REPORT FORD FAIR TRACK PREP TRACK GUIDE: SNETTERTON 300 SIERRA XR8 340BHP TWIN-TURBO V6 330BHP LAIRY DAILY DRIVER RS500 REP PLAYTHING TRIPLE-HEADER ONE MAN, THREE SORTED FAST FORDS, AND OVER 1000BHP!
For over 40 years Collins Performance has been the leading Fiesta Mk8 ST name for tuning Fords in the UK. Upgrade Packages CP1 240bhp- CP3 290bhp Using our extensive in house engineering workshops, Prices from £360.00 inc vat software development department and rolling road we continue to o er the best in bespoke tuning packages. Fiesta MK7/7.5 ST180 Upgrade Packages CP2 220bhp-CP5 340bhp Prices from £360.00 inc vat 1.0 Ecoboost Upgrade Packages CP1 145bhp-CP4 190bhp Prices from £300.00 inc vat Puma ST Upgrade Package CP1 240bhp Prices from £360.00 inc vat Focus MK2 ST225 Focus MK2 RS Upgrade Packages CP1 270bhp- CP3 Upgrade Packages CP1 340bhp- CP3 420bhp 340bhp Prices from £300.00 inc vat Prices from £300.00 inc vat Focus MK3 RS Focus MK3 ST Upgrade Packages CP1 370bhp- CP3 Upgrade Packages CP1 280 bhp- CP2 315bhp 490bhp Prices from £300.00 inc vat Prices from £300.00 inc vat collinsperformance.com Unit 6, Newman Close, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4TR
Mongoose Exhausts Systems All Mongoose Exhausts are are one of the most highly made in the UK from T304 regarded stainless steel exhaust aerospace grade stainless steel, manufacturers in the UK bent using the nest mandrel o ering an expanding range bending machines and welded by of exceptionally high quality experienced and enthusiastic sta performance enhancing sports to exacting standards. exhaust systems for many marques of cars. Every Mongoose Exhaust component, be it a down pipe, a With over 40 years extensive back box, or a full exhaust system experience of tuning cars our is designed on the car it is meant Mongoose brand of exhausts to t – that way we can guarantee system are designed, developed a perfect t every time. using our extensive in house facilities in Congleton including our 4wd rolling road. #TunersChoice Application Full Downpipe Decat Sport GPF Cat DPF/GPF Application Full Downpipe Decat Sport GPF Cat DPF/GPF System Pipe Cat Delete Back Back Sierra/Sapphire System Pipe Cat Delete Back Back Cosworth 2wd Sierra/Sapphire Focus MK2 RS Cosworth 4wd Escort Cosworth Focus MK3 ST250 Escort RS Turbo Focus MK1 RS Focus MK3 ST TDCi Focus Mk1 ST170 Focus MK2 ST225 Focus MK3 RS Fiesta MK7 1.6 Zetec S Fiesta MK7 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta MK7 ST180 Fiesta MK8 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta MK8 ST mongooseexhausts.com Unit 6, Newman Close, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4TR
CONTENTSI S S U E 4 51 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 REGULARS 58 30 40 15 NEWS 78 72 What's new in the Ford world? 80 18 FORD PRODUCTS Hot goodies for your Ford. 44 PRINT MY FORD Your Blue Ovals in full print glory. 50 PROJECT CARS There’s a new Fast Ford project this month: a Ranger pick-up. 54 REP TO RACE CAR The Mondeo keeps its cool with an Airtec intercooler upgrade. 94 SUBSCRIBE Fantastic deals on the mag. 97 FORGOTTEN FORDS The Shelby concept that Ford should have definitely built. 98 NEXT ISSUE What's coming up in Fast Ford... SHOWS & EVENTS 88 17 WHAT’S ON List of shows and meets coming up in the next few weeks. 20 RS COMBE 2022 Full report from the Bristol and Swindon RSOC’s annual show. 26 FORD FAIR TRACK PREP TIPS Top advice to ensure your Ford is ready for track action at Ford Fair. 16 4 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
CONTENTS 34 08 20 54 FEATURED CARS TECH MOTORSPORT 08 FOCUS ST 70 FACTS AND FIGURES 58 FORDS IN MOTORSPORT Subtly modified bright orange ST Swot up on your fast Ford’s vital is the best of all worlds. statistics with our guide. Latest updates from the BTCC, GT4, WRC and club 30 FOCUS ST EDITION 72 MODIFYING GUIDE: championships. MK2 FOCUS RS Tweaked version of the already 64 MOTORSPORT well-spec’d latest fast Focus. The car that reignited Ford tuning SPOTLIGHT wars, here’s how to get the most 34 521BHP FIESTA ST from the Mk2 RS. We catch up with Stephen Sawley and his Mk2 Escort rally car. This Fiesta has to be the most 78 OIL ADDITIVES powerful 1.6 EcoBoost in the UK. 72 TRACK GUIDE: We speak to LIQUI MOLY to find SNETTERTON 300 40 SIERRA XR8 out more about how additives can help keep your Ford healthy. Our guide to one of the most The only V8 Sierra Ford ever comprehensive tracks in the UK. built is rarer than an RS500 and 80 BUYING GUIDE: equally as desirable. S1 ESCORT RS TURBO 88 TRIPLE CAR GARAGE The iconic RST is almost better than money in the bank when it A modded Saph Cossie, an RS500 comes to investment potential. rep, and a sorted ST have all the Here’s how to buy the best. bases covered. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 5
Ignite your BLUE.
INTRO W W W.FA S T F O R D M AG.C O.U K SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL WELCOME EDITORIAL ISSUE 451 - SEPTEMBER 2022 EDITOR Jamie King ([email protected]) ART EDITOR Mark Field T he best thing I love about the about on page 32), but as he pioneers the way SUB EDITOR Dan Williamson Ford tuning scene is the for the future of ST tuning, we know that many CONTRIBUTORS Ade Brannan, Dan Williamson, Paul Lawrence, Simon relentless pursuit for constant of the unique and custom parts needed to Holmes, Motorbase Performance, M-Sport, Alex Nevill, Mike Rysiecki, reach these levels will soon be replicated and Leigh Jones, Jason Dodd, Jonathan Fletcher, Davy Lewis, Ben Birch development. We’ve seen with will feature time and again on future builds. It’s how things progress, and it’s fantastic! ADVERTISEMENT SALES it with Cossie YB tuning, then the Mk2 Focus It means we’ll be seeing more 500bhp-plus ADVERTISING SALES Paul Thompson, 01732 446757 Fiestas in the future for sure. And the same [email protected] RS/ST platform, and now we’re seeing it with tuning principals applied to other models too. PRODUCTION the modern range of EcoBoost engines too. If you want to see Craig’s car up close – along TALK MEDIA: 01732 447006 with many of the other fantastic feature cars While other car groups seem to plateau you’ve read about in recent issues – then make MANAGEMENT sure you come along to Ford Fair at Silverstone CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Phil Weeden when it comes to engine power and outright on August 14, and pop over to see us on the CHIEF EXECUTIVE Steve Wright Fast Ford stand. RETAIL DIRECTOR Steve Brown performance – apart from a handful of special AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Andy Cotton I hope to see some of you there, but before BRAND MARKETING MANAGERS Debra Hagger cars – fast Ford owners always continue to then, enjoy the mag! EVENTS MARKETING MANAGERS Kate Chamberlain EVENTS MANAGER Kat Chappell push the boundaries. And because of that, Jamie PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER Georgina Harris PRINT PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Kelly Orriss what’s custom and one-off today will be GET IN TOUCH! SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING DIRECTOR Gill Lambert SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING MANAGER Rochelle Gyer-Smith mainstream tomorrow, ready for fellow Ford EMAIL [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS fans to take full advantage of. 13 issues of Fast Ford are published per annum FACEBOOK UK annual subscription price: £64.87 The latest jewel in Ford’s engine line up has facebook.com/fastfordmag Europe annual subscription price: £78.00 USA annual subscription price: £78.00 to be the 1.6-litre EcoBoost as found in the INSTAGRAM Rest of World annual subscription price: £85.00 @fastfordmagazine Mk7 Fiesta ST; already we’ve seen over 400bhp Find current subscription offers and buy back issues on our website: shop.kelsey.co.uk/FTF from the feisty little four-pot, but that figure UK subscription and back issue orderline: 01959 543747 almost pales into insignificance with the latest Overseas subscription orderline: 0044 (0) 1959 543 747 Toll free USA subscription orderline: 1-888-777-0275 power outputs on offer. UK customer service team: 01959 543 747 Customer service: https://help.kelsey.co.uk/support/solutions On the cover of this issue we have what Customer service and subscription postal address: Fast Ford Customer Service Team, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, simply has to be the most powerful 1.6-litre The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL EcoBoost in the UK, producing a staggering Already a subscriber? Manage your subscription online: shop.kelsey.co.uk/site/loginForm 521bhp! CLASSIFIEDS Craig Howard’s ST boasts a formidable Tel: 0906 802 0279 (premium rate line, operated by Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Calls cost 65p per minute, plus your telephone spec list of tuning upgrades to achieve such companies access charge; other networks may vary. Lines open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) phenomenal numbers (which you can read all Email: [email protected] Postal address: Fast Ford Classifieds, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 7 The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL DISTRIBUTION IN GREAT BRITAIN MARKETFORCE (UK) LTD 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London, W2 6JR Tel: 0330 390 6555 DISTRIBUTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND NEWSPREAD Tel: +353 23 886 3850 PRINTING Acorn Web Offset LTD, Normanton, West Yorkshire, WF6 1TW Kelsey Media 2022 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and services offered by third parties. Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit https://www.kelsey. co.uk/privacy-policy/. If at any point you have any queries regarding Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection Officer at [email protected]. PART OF THE FAST CAR ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY WWW.FASTCAR.CO.UK NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 2 September 2022
MK2 FOCUS ST 8 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
ALSIBTOE The ST’s image has mellowed, but Andrew Weller’s Focus beats the modern world Words BEN BIRCH / Photos JASON DODD W hen Jeremy Clarkson first drove a bright orange Focus ST on the telly, he coined its infamous nickname ‘the Ford ASBO’, which inspired thousands of boy-racers to go out and buy one. Loud, brash and seriously fast, these no-nonsense hatches have had their share of street races and dubious mods over the past 17 years. But we’re now starting to see them, and their owners, mature and become almost – dare we say it – sensible. Andrew Weller is one such owner. Having smashed his way through a ton of French hot hatches in his youth, one day he found himself driving a Focus ST170 and, just like that, a love of Fords, and more specifically fast Focuses, was born. Andrew explains, “The ST170 handled well, it was refined and it looked great without being too over the top. I sold it to a friend so I could finance a BMW, but regretted the decision immediately.” The Focus bug had bitten hard, and a chance meeting with his bank gave him the opportunity to get back into the driver’s seat of a Blue Oval. He says, “They casually mentioned that I could have a loan if I wanted one. They didn’t have to tell me twice, and before I knew it I had the cash in my pocket for SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 9
MK2 FOCUS ST TECH SPEC car shopping.” “The Hypertune is the Nothing other than a Focus would do, but most aggressive. It MK2 FOCUS ST made 321bhp on the this time Andrew didn’t have his eyes set on dyno, which is getting ENGINE 2522cc Duratec turbocharged five- an ST170; he wanted to scratch the ASBO itch. close to the limits of the cylinder, original KKK-Warner turbo, Focus RS standard turbo” spark plugs, 440cc injectors, Airtec crossover Andrew says, “I’d always liked the Mk2 pipe, Auto Specialists inlet plenum, Turbosmart Focus ST, especially in Electric Orange. Even as and turbo may prevent me from making actuator and recirc valve, RamAir ProRam standard they have a real presence, and from big power, but the car has also been totally induction kit, block mod, Stage 4 intercooler the first time I put my foot down on the test reliable, and more than quick enough to get with big boost pipe, uprated hoses, Milltek drive, I was hooked.” me into trouble.” de-cat and Ultimate turbo-back exhaust, Stage 3 Nemesis map, custom RS ECU holder, all engine The jump from a naturally-aspirated A block mod is as complicated as the tech bay plastics carbon-dipped 170bhp four-pot to a turbocharged 225bhp spec gets, with the rest made up of strictly five-cylinder with waves of torque was quite a bolt-on parts, all topped off with a Stage 3 POWER 321bhp (owner’s estimate) shock. Andrew was more than happy driving Nemesis map by Hypertune. it completely standard, at least for a while. TRANSMISSION Original M66 six-speed Andrew says, “I’ve had Bluefin, gearbox, Focus RS clutch and flywheel upgrade He explains, “I’d joined the ST Owners’ Club, Dreamscience and now the Hypertune, and and later on the Electric Orange ST Owners’ the Hypertune is the most aggressive. It made SUSPENSION Original Focus ST gas-filled Club. You start reading about and becoming 321bhp on the dyno, which is getting close to dampers with Cobra lowering springs, front a bit obsessed by other owners’ experiences the limits of the standard turbo, so I’ll keep it strut brace and results from modifying.” there and just enjoy driving it.” BRAKES Front: original Focus ST callipers with A cheeky Stage 1 map opened the door to At these power levels the standard 320mm EBC discs and EBC Yellowstuff pads; two years of gradual modifying, and the result transmission and brakes are relatively rear: original Focus ST callipers with 280mm is a rather grown-up exercise in subtlety. unstressed, with no need for expensive EBC discs and EBC Yellowstuff pads clutches or big brake kits. Andrew has “Well, it’s as subtle as a bright orange Focus lowered the car with a set of Cobra springs, WHEELS & TYRES 8.5x18in Bola B1 alloys in can be,” Andrew laughs. “But I didn’t want to but far from being slammed into the weeds bronze, with 225/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres go too mad with it. My whole concept was to and scraping over speed-bumps it retains a build something that could have come out of useable ride height and doesn’t rattle EXTERIOR Facelift Mk2 Focus ST in Electric the factory that way.” Orange, RS Parts front splitter and lowline kit, colour-coded RS rear spoiler, Maxton Designs This OEM-plus approach was applied to rear diffuser, Zunsport upper and lower front every part of the car, including the engine grilles, Mondeo bonnet latch, Halo lights, because, although we’ve seen bonkers power sequence indicators outputs from the muscular powerplant, Andrew’s target was a sensible 300bhp. INTERIOR Focus ST-2, air vent-mounted boost gauge, short-shifter, three 12in subwoofers, He says, “Retaining the standard engine Focal door speakers, 6x6in speakers in custom parcel shelf, two small Bass Face amps, one large Bass Face amp, Pioneer head unit 10 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
Apart from the I.C.E upgrade, it’s all as Ford intended on the inside Boost gauage mounted in the air vent Well-placed mods see the five-pot producing a healthy 321bhp SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 11
MK2 FOCUS ST Three 12in subs DRIVER SPEC means this ST gets heard ANDREW WELLER AGE 38 JOB Lorry driver FIRST FORD Mk6 Escort 3 FORDS IN YOUR DREAM GARAGE? Escort RS Turbo, Mk1 Focus RS, F150 Raptor FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR FORD? The engine FAVOURITE FORD SHOW OR EVENT? Ford Show at Santa Pod TRACK DAY OR SHOW & SHINE? Show and shine SIERRA RS500 OR FOCUS RS500? Sierra RS500 WRC OR BTCC? BTCC LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS PROJECT? “Don’t add up what you have spent” WHAT’S NEXT Interior upgrades THANKS “Rick Gornall for helping me to fix things and for talking me out of bad ideas” your fillings out. to stop a fire after the oil breather sprayed oil Bronze Bolas complement the orange paintwork The chunky Mk2 arches hunker over Bola onto the hot exhaust manifold. Milltek turbo-back B1 wheels without any hints of rubbing or Andrew says, “Luckily, a fire was avoided, but lets the five-pot catching; being 8x18in with a factory 225/40 I swapped to the Mondeo latch immediately.” really growl tyre size they bolt straight on and just work. Inside, the standard seats are more than Andrew shrugs, “I now see a lot of Focuses good enough for all but the hardcore track- with these wheels, but they just look right on day nuts among us, while a boost gauge and the Focus, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” short-shift are the only hints to the extra performance passengers can expect. He coloured them bronze to make the wheels stand out a bit more and added some An upgraded stereo helps on those longer exterior styling parts to subtly accentuate the drives out to car shows, but again Andrew’s car’s lines rather than completely change the stopped there with no sign of a cage or ST225 silhouette. harnesses or auxiliary gauges lighting up like Heathrow at night. “Maybe when I was 17 I’d have gone a bit more Max Power-style, but not at my age. Indeed, the whole package can be summed Also, these cars are one of the last to have up as a tastefully enhanced fast-road car. The strong, boxy lines before all manufacturers noise, torque and rolling performance are started doing curvy jelly styling, and I wanted enough to rouse anyone on a spirited drive, to retain that look,” explains Andrew. and Andrew has now stopped using it daily, instead enjoying it at summer shows – partly We couldn’t agree more; a front splitter, due to the thirsty fuel consumption and partly rear diffuser and RS spoiler amp up the because he hates cleaning it. aggression without being too shouty, and Zunsport grilles clean up the front end nicely. He says, “I just can’t be bothered. And nice ones are becoming rarer; they may not reach And that’s it – no bonnet scoops, no vents classic status like the RS, but I think orange STs and certainly no big wings sticking out. The will get a bit of a cult following in time.” only other exterior mod is a Mondeo bonnet latch, fitted after Andrew fell foul of the The ASBO may have had a bad rep, but common Mk2 Focus bonnet latch not opening when sensibly enhanced like this, they’re a – only it happened while desperately trying seriously fun hatch to be proud of. 12 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
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WHAT'S NEW NEWS See what’s going down in the world of fast Fords... FORD GT AT FORD FAIR ord Fair is pleased to announce 13, where he will be running one of his driving hands on the awesome Ford GT too. F fan favourite Paul Swift will experience events (book your space at www. Expect to see the 650bhp Blue Oval return for 2022. And this year paulswift.com), and all the cars will then be prepped and ready for an action-packed show supercar skidding its way around the Live he’ll have a Ford GT supercar to at Ford Fair on Sunday, August 14. The fleet Action Arena as Paul does his best to destroy includes a Mustang GT, Fiesta ST, and Puma those expensive rear tyres! play with, as well as the full fleet of cars from ST, plus for 2022 Paul has managed to get his Book your tickets to the show at www. Paul’s driving experience days too. Paul and fastcar.co.uk/ford-fair his team will be on site from Saturday, August ROYAL RS AT AUCTION O ne of the most Before it goes under the famous fast hammer, we’ve been lucky Fords of all time is enough to get full access for a photoshoot, and we’ll have the set to hit the full feature on the car next issue, just before it goes on the headlines again in the coming block at Silverstone. ALFIE MOON’S CAPRI weeks, as the Series One RS The same auction also has a 19,000-mile Sierra Cosworth, Turbo once owned by Princess a tidy Mk1 Focus RS, and a 2016 sub-1000-mile Focus RS Diana is due to go under the already booked in; fast Fords P rincess Diana’s RS Turbo isn’t the only famous Ford are sure to feature heavily; we’ll going to auction in the coming weeks; EastEnders fans hammer at the Silverstone bring you updates in future will recognise this Capri 2.8-injection as that belonging issues of the mag. Auctions Classic Sale at the end of August. This is a one-of-a- to Alfie Moon, played by Shane Richie. The Capri was kind car that’s sure to attract used in the soap between 2010 and 2016, and will feature in Classic lots of interest from wealthy Car Auctions’ sale on September 24 with a guide price of £12,000-to- collectors, but how much it will £15,000. With Alfie Moon making a return to Albert Square in the sell for is anyone’s guess. autumn, perhaps he needs to swing by Warwickshire to get his wheels back first. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 15
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WHAT'S NEW SHOW DATES See what fantastic shows and events are coming up for Ford fans in the weeks ahead SEPTEMBER 25 TRAX 2022 SEPTEMBER SQUIRES FORDMEET O ur favourite multi-marque show returns to Silverstone on SEPTEMBER 04 Squires Cafe, Newthorpe Lane, September 11. TRAX, powered Newthorpe, South Milford, Leeds. HAYNES BREAKFAST CLUB /www.squires-cafe.co.uk/whats-on by Turbo Zentrum, promises to deliver Haynes International Motor Museum, SEPTEMBER 28 fast-paced action throughout the day; Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset www.haynesmuseum.org/ CLASSIC & RETRO MEET the legendary Silverstone National circuit haynesbreakfastclub Dorman Long United Athletic Club, Oxford will be in full swing, giving you the chance SEPTEMBER 11 Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, UK www.facebook.com/even to really test your mettle (and metal) on TRAX SILVERSTONE ts/4954204278040618/4954204291373950 the famous racetrack. Silverstone Circuit, Northants OCTOBER www.fastcar.co.uk/trax-Silverstone If spectating is more your thing, you’ll OCTOBER 02 SEPTEMBER 13 not want to miss the Drift Kings demos. HAYNES BREAKFAST CLUB GAYDON GATHERING Elsewhere the TRAX Select sponsored Haynes International Motor Museum, British Motor Museum, Lighthorne Heath, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset by Auto Finesse will host some of Warwick, UK www.haynesmuseum.org/ www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on haynesbreakfastclub the most impressive cars on show, SEPTEMBER 14 OCTOBER 09 all fighting to take home the coveted FWDTHINKING PRE-1998 CLASSIC CAR MEET winner’s trophy, while the awesome club Caffeine & Machine, Ettington, Club Chesterfield, Chester Street, displays and massive retail village will Stratford-upon-Avon Chesterfield, https://caffeineandmachine.com/events www.facebook.com/aspartyevents/events keep you busy throughout the day. SEPTEMBER 25 OCTOBER 11 To book your tickets, head to SCOTTISH FORD LIVE GAYDON GATHERING www.fastcar.co.uk/trax-silverstone Knockhill Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife British Motor Museum, Lighthorne Heath, www.knockhill.com/events/fixture-Scottish- Warwick, UK Ford-Live-id350 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on *CHECK BEFORE YOU GO! – While all dates and details were correct at the time of NEXT ISSUE ON SALE SEPTEMBER 2 going to press, we urge you to double check info with event organisers before heading off! Coming up in the October issue we’ve got one of the most talked-about fast Fords ever; HRH Princess Diana’s black Series One RS Turbo. We were granted special access to this Blue Oval unicorn to photograph it for its full feature next month. Also next month, we’ll have the full report from Ford Fair, a twin turbo’d Mustang V8 monster, a 641bhp Focus ST, and loads more fantastic Ford features. Pre-order now: https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/ issue/View/issue/FTF453 SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 17
FORD PRODUCTS A U T O G LY M KENWOOD BURTON POWER QUIKREFRESH UNDER-SEAT SUB ENGLISH AXLE CROWN WHEEL £14.99 £249.99 AND PINION For enthusiasts, cleaning our car can be a time- Under-seat subwoofers offer an easy and £300 consuming job; we’re not ones to just chuck a bucket cost-effective way to add some depth to of water at our Fords and leave it at that. But we your sound system without compromising Burton Power is always looking to keep Ford fans don’t always have time to spend hours giving the car the rest of the interior. What’s more, they supplied with any maintenance and performance a full clean, and we can’t leave it dirty as that nasty are a doddle to install at home by any parts they might need, and the company’s latest road grime will eat away at our precious paint. Fear competent enthusiast. venture is with crown wheel and pinion sets. not, Autoglym appears to have the perfect solution: Teaming up with a specialist manufacturer (that QuikRefresh is aimed at bridging the time between The KSC-PSW7EQ is Kenwood’s latest makes OEM components), Burton Power says full cleans to keep your Active Subwoofer, which Kenwood says the new crown wheel and pinion sets are made Ford gleaming. Faster than brings new levels of performance and from high-quality 8620 alloy steel forgings to a full shampoo, and more adjustability, drastically improving the Ford OE specification and quality standards. than a simple quick detailer, sound quality of even the humblest car The superior Gleason tooth forms on each gear Autoglym says QuikRefresh audio system by adding deeper bass tones. set are individually lapped together to ensure uses microemulsion Being an Active Subwoofer, it comes with optimum meshing quality. After an exacting technology to gently break an integral amplifier, and can even take hardening process, the gears are finally treated to down and lift light layers of a feed direct from the existing speaker a manganese phosphate surface coating, which traffic film, dust and water without the need to run wires to the RCA forms a long-lasting anti-corrosion shield, gives marks from all exterior outputs in the head unit, making installation enhanced lubricity, and protects against abrasion. surfaces. It then holds these even easier. contaminants safely in The gear sets are available in a wide range of suspension to minimise the The KSC-PSW7EQ features a wired ratios from 5.29:1 to 3.54:1. Check out the Burton risk of scratches and swirls. remote control, which puts power in the hands of the driver. In addition to allowing Power website for full details. Perfect, then, for cleaning the volume and frequency of the unit to be your Ford on show-day; safely adjusted manually, you can use Kenwood’s www.burtonpower.com removing dirt and grime ACTIVE EQ TECHNOLOGY to select from without the need to cart three types of bass sound characteristics your full arsenal of detailing to match various music genres [even kit around with you. For full Jamie’s David Hasselhoff CD? - DW]. details, check out the website. For full details and a list of stockists, www.autoglym.com head to the website. www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk FORD STUFF Useful gear for your beloved Blue Oval TOTAL FORD GAZ SHOCKS BOOKAZINES MK3 FOCUS COILOVERS £8.99 (single issues) £31.96 (12-month subscription) £1229.16 The team behind Fast Ford also produces a special Gaz Shocks has just launched its Gold coilover kit for the quarterly series of celebratory 100-page glossy Mk3 Focus ST, allowing 60mm of ride height adjustment bookazines to commemorate the Blue Ovals we plus adjustable damping rates too. Like all Gold range love and cherish. The latest issue pays homage to products, Gaz says this new kit comes with a gas cell in the Sapphire RS Cosworth, with insightful historical the reservoir filled with a high-viscosity index multi-grade stories, detailed tech and tuning advice, the latest oil to prevent cavitation and reduce fade under racing and buying tips, and plenty of fantastic feature cars too. track-day conditions, while the struts and damper units feature the new Gaz black zinc protective finish. All the Previous issues have covered models such as units are individually tested before leaving the factory and the Sierra Cosworth, Sporting Fiestas, Performance are covered by a two-year warranty. Focuses, and the Escort and Fiesta RS Turbo models. For more info, speak to Gaz Shocks. Single issues are available for £8.99 delivered, or a 12-month subscription (four issues) for £31.96. Head www.gazshocks.com to the Kelsey Shop to order yours now. shop.kelsey.co.uk/total-ford-magazine 18 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
EVENT REPORT RS COMBE 2022 Liam Miller’s Escort COMBE 2022 Cosworth looking gorgeous in the show-and-shine area RS WHERE CASTLE COMBE WHEN JULY 2022 The Blue Oval crew roll into Wiltshire for another instalment of RS Combe Words and photos DAVY LEWIS R S Combe has become a firm there was still a decent turnout and some it was wetter than an otter’s pocket. After fixture on the RS Owners’ Club cracking cars on show. As well as a great waiting to see if it would ease off, many events list. Run by the Swindon display by the organising Swindon and Bristol decided to call it a day and headed home. RSOC, lots of other clubs made the effort, and Bristol arms of the club, it including a very tidy showing from the Welsh The track drivers weren’t deterred, though, Ford crew (Cheers for the burger, Alex! - JK). and with headlights blazing and wipers at full takes place at one of our favourite tracks, chat, a small but hardcore bunch continued to With the threat of rain looming large, we enjoy their day. Castle Combe, near Chippenham. spent the morning running around seeing as much as possible. It was great to catch up with By mid-afternoon the rain had eased, so The show offers something for everyone, some old faces and check out the progress the drifters went out for some sideways fun made on various projects, as well as spotting to entertain what was left of the crowd. from a hotly-contested concours competition potential feature cars. The weather may have stopped play early, through to club displays and, of course, Although the morning rain didn’t but that couldn’t dampen the spirits of the RS materialise as expected, the clouds finally crew, who should be rightly proud of another a full day of track action. Add to this gathered after lunch, and by early afternoon successful event. Thanks for having us, and we’ll be back next year. charity passenger rides, drift displays plus entertainment for the kids, and it’s a great family day out. This year, the weather forecast was sketchy and the date clashed with the British GP, but 20 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
SHOW & SHINE From the outside, you’d never imagine this Focus Opposite the concours cars was twin-turbo V8-powered in the heart of the show, you’d find the show-and-shine It’s all homebuilt, contenders. Truth be told, but looks like a these are full-blown concours factory install condition cars too, but being an RS show, only RS models are eligible for the concours competition. Therefore, concours condition STs, XRs and other non-RS models enter the equally fierce show-and- shine competition. The RS models that did compete in the show-and-shine wouldn’t have looked out of place in the main concours display, but tended to be beginners who don’t feel ready for the main concours competitions just yet. Highlights this year included Jason Bennett’s recently restored Mk2 Fiesta XR2, Daniel Hill’s better-than-new Mk3 Focus RS, Steve and Liam Miller’s Capri Brooklands and Escort Cosworth, and Nathan Williams’s stunning Mk6 Fiesta ST. Like the concours crew, these guys don’t lack dedication, and the mirrors and carpet displays were in full swing despite the wet conditions. You don’t see many modded Mk5 Mondeos That V8 roar through a pair of side-exits – heaven! IN THE SPOTLIGHT JAMES PRICE FOCUS ST170 Jason Bennett’s XR2 was immaculate Taking pride of place on the Welsh shoehorned into the engine bay. It’s a He continues, “It’s currently Ford stand was this little beast. snug fit, for sure, but so well executed limited by the stock ECU, so At first glance, it appeared to be that it looks like it could’ve come like I’m going to fit standalone a modified Focus RS Mk1, but on that from the factory. management so that I can take it to closer inspection, it was clear that over 500bhp.” there was a lot more to it. “It’s taken a lot of work,” says James, who was busy finishing it the And with the Volvo S60 TD04 James’s Focus may have begun night before the show. With a Nissan turbos, he could easily see north of life as a tired ST170, but it’s now 350Z rear subframe and a BMW 700bhp from the V8. packing a twin-turbo 1UZ-FE 4.0- five-speed ‘box, this rear-wheel-drive litre Toyota/Lexus V8, somehow Focus has potential for big power. Look out for a full feature on this fierce Focus soon! QUICK SPEC Focus ST170, 1UZ-FE Toyota/Lexus 4.0-litre V8 engine, twin Volvo S60 TD04 turbos, BMW five-speed gearbox, 350Z rear subframe and limited-slip diff, Focus RS bodykit, custom side-exit exhausts, Focus ST Recaros, Rota wheels, Brembo brakes SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 21
EVENT REPORT RS COMBE 2022 FAST FORD STAND RS ELE always commands attention We always like to put on a good display at RS Combe, and this year we had another great selection of Blue Ovals to show off. At one end of the stand, we had Welsh lads Ceri Morgan and Andrew Johns in their brace of fast Focuses. Both have been featured in the past, but both had undergone significant further upgrades since they last appeared in print; Ceri’s RS is now producing 1000bhp and is cleaner and more meticulously presented than ever, while Andrew missed chunks of last year’s show season as his ST was in for a full colour change and various other performance and styling tweaks. At the other end of the stand, you’d find Mark Hudd’s famous 4x4-converted three- door Sierra Cosworth affectionately known as RS ELE, alongside Hannah Ward’s bright pink Cossie-powered Mk1 Focus track weapon. In between we had an eclectic blend of modified Focus STs and RSs, and even the Rep to Race Car Mondeo project build made a rare public appearance – looking fantastic with the much more menacing stance after its coilovers were recently fitted. There’s no missing Hannah Ward’s FoCos Paul Cox’s RS Turbo looking as spotless as ever Kev Murby’s Saph on the concours stand CONCOURS Steve Evans laying Mint RS2000 ‘bay down on the job The concours competition at RS Combe always attracts some of the very best fast Fords you’ll find anywhere in the country. The sheer level of attention to detail simply needs to be seen to be believed, and despite the iffy-looking weather, owners continued to polish and prep to ensure the cars were looking their immaculate best. Concours veterans Paul Cox, Kev Murby, and Steve and Kate Evans were displaying, but also on hand to offer tips and advice to newcomers and those attendees considering entering in the future. Even the afternoon downpour didn’t deter these dedicated Ford fans. 22 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
Ceri Morgan’s No need for RS now has slicks this year over 1000bhp! Tough ZS was on it all day The Rep to Race Car Mondeo The track was in full swing all day made an appearance TRACK TIME Castle Combe’s thrilling circuit may not be the longest in the UK, but it’s still one of the most challenging. From the seat-of-the-pants thrills of Avon Rise to the often-misjudged Quarry, it’s a fast and exciting track. As soon as the circuit opened, a steady stream of cars made their way under the Avon bridge, including several modified Fiestas and a hard-charging WRC-style EsCos that was hammering around the track, undeterred by the slippery conditions. Pumas and Fiestas still make cheap and fun track cars Brutal EsCos sounded amazing Oi, there’s only one Mondeo race car in this mag! SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 23
POWERED BY NOW!BOOKYOUR TICKETS SUNDSILAVYER1S1TtOhNSEECPIRTCU2IT022 WWWF.OTRRMAOXRESINHFOORWMAST.ICOON .VUISKIT Booking fee applies. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All attractions are subject to change. Advance public tickets sales close Midnight Friday 9th September 2022. Warning motorsport can be dangerous.
WE ARE LAIRD PERFORMANCE WE ARE THE WINNERS CHOICE SHOP NOW FORD FIESTA Laird Performanc specialise in performance parts & Tuning mainly in the Ford Ecoboost range FORD FOCUS OUTLAW INTERCOOLERS GET IN TOUCH FOR MUCH MORE FOLLOW US on our Socials 07540 607105 [email protected] Laird Performance I 1 Newton Brae I Cambuslang I G72 7UW
TRACK DAY PREP PH ORW TEO…PARE FOR A TRACK SESSION Fancy taking your car on track at Ford Fair? Here’s our top tips to make sure your car is ready to cope Words JAMIE SUSPENSION road use. A good set of polyurethane bushes reduces this unwanted movement and is At the very least you’ll want to fit a set of perfect for occasional track use, meanwhile uprated lowering springs. These will help staying fine for road use. lower the centre of gravity and reduce body roll, but a more common upgrade is to fit No matter what upgrades you’ve made, springs and dampers, usually of coilover type. the best money you’ll spend will be in getting These allow ride-height adjustment to get everything set up. Whether that’s a simple the car sitting just right, and many also offer alignment check or a full corner-weighting adjustable damping rates. session, getting a geometry check is one thing you should definitely do before heading It’s also worth looking at the bushes. Most out on track. standard bushes are rubber and are designed to have a bit of give in them for comfort during EXTERIOR splitter, smoothing the underside, and adding a diffuser and spoiler at Painting your car a bright colour or the rear can help direct the airflow to covering it in stickers may help it look create useful downforce. This is a bit like a race car, but it’s not going to make advanced for the occasional track day, any difference to your performance but the same principles will work for on track. But exterior upgrades that road use too. affect the car’s aerodynamics can help. Adding things like a proper front 26 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
INTERIOR BRAKES A better option is to upgrade the disc and calliper setup with A lighter car is a faster car. At a basic level, On track you are constantly using something more powerful, along just give the car a good clean out; you don’t your brakes, and you’re using with suitable pads. It doesn’t have need to be carting a boot full of stuff around them much harder than under to cost a fortune, and you may find the track, so make sure you take out the normal road conditions too. Most a budget-friendly option such as spare wheel and jack, and any other loose standard brakes won’t cope. As fitting the Focus ST170 300mm bits you might have kicking around in the a bare minimum you should look setup on a Fiesta or fitting the car. Not only will this improve performance, to upgrade to a performance Focus ST’s 320mm discs and it also makes things safer – the last thing compound brake pad, ideally with callipers to a Mondeo. But for the you want is a loose item flying around inside suitably upgraded discs at the ultimate in stopping power, you’ll the car. same time, and a swap to a decent- want to ditch the whole lot and fit quality brake fluid. At the same a complete performance brake If you are planning on doing track days time, an upgrade to braided brake kit. It will allow you to brake hard regularly you might want to think about lines will eliminate any vague and late, and more importantly, removing some of the heavier and unwanted pedal feel that can sometimes will allow you to do it lap after lap parts of the interior trim. This can range occur because of the standard without fade. from simply removing the back seats, to rubber hoses expanding under a complete strip down and installation of hard use. lightweight bucket seats and harnesses. TRANSMISSION Make sure the oil in the gearbox and diff(s) is of a good quality and not just the cheapest stuff you could buy online. Also check your clutch is in good health; any signs of slipping during road use will mean it will only last a few laps on track. If you’ve increased the power/torque output of the engine, an uprated clutch is worthwhile. A simple quick-shifter kit will help speed up gear changes and can make a notable difference on track. Upgrading stock differentials to limited-slip types will offer increased traction during cornering, and you can even choose the type of diff that will best suit your driving style to further enhance the experience. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 27
TRACK DAY PREP ENGINE No matter the state of tune, using your car on track is going to put extra stresses on the engine that are not usually experienced in everyday driving conditions. Therefore it’s vital that what you’ve got is running 100 per cent correctly before you even start to think about any upgrades, so a health check (and diagnostics if required) should be your first port of call. It’s good practice to change the oil and filter, and you should also check the condition of cam belts, auxiliary belts, the electrical system, hoses (coolant, boost, oil) and fuel lines, as well as topping up any fluid levels. Misfires are a common cause for concern on track, so make sure your ignition system is in top condition too. Thrashing the car around a track will cause fuel in the tank to get sloshed around all over the place, potentially resulting in the pick-up drawing in air rather than fuel. The easiest way to combat this is to make sure you’ve got at least half a tank of fuel before heading out on track – you don’t want a brimmed tank either, as the excess may spill out of the overflow and cause you to get black-flagged. Regular track-dayers may want to invest in a dedicated fuel tank with baffles and/or the use of a swirl pot and lift pump. Another area worth upgrading is the oil breather system. Sustained track use will cause increased crankcase pressure, and this pressure needs to be released safely, which is where a good breather system comes in. 28 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
COOLING additional ducting to the brakes will all help WHEELS keep temperatures under control while on track. On track everything will get hot. Very hot. Most factory wheels are heavy and Engine coolant, engine oil, exhaust systems, You should always complete a cool-down soft; two things you don’t want from transmission fluid, brakes and brake fluid all lap before you come back into the pits, too. a track wheel. You’ll need strength get much hotter during track use than normal This allows things to cool down gradually while for obvious reasons, while reducing road use. Check things like the radiator, coolant everything is still moving. When back in the unsprung weight will help with hoses, cooling fans and the coolant itself, and pits, don’t switch the engine off, and don’t put braking, turn-in, and generally make replace anything you are unsure of. the handbrake on. Instead use some chocks the car nicer to drive on track. to prevent the car from rolling (using the Once you are satisfied that the standard handbrake can cause the discs to warp) and A set of motorsport alloys will be cooling systems are working as they should you leave the engine running until you are satisfied a good upgrade. Cast alloy wheels can look to introduce extra cooling measures. everything has cooled down sufficiently. are the perfect entry-level wheel for Upgrades such as oil coolers, exhaust heat track-day use, but some can still be a wrap, bigger radiators and intercoolers, and bit on the heavy side. For something a little more advantageous, a set TYRES therefore this needs to be taken into account of forged alloy wheels will have when setting the pressures in the pits. Just increased strength and lighter The number one rule regarding tyres is make remember to reset them again if you are using weight. But you pay the price – which sure they are in good condition. You can use the same tyres to drive home later. is a hefty outlay. regular road tyres on track but remember that track use will wear them out rapidly, so make A better bet is to have a second set of ‘track’ Split-rims used to be very popular sure you’ve got enough tread left at the end of wheels and tyres that you bolt on at the circuit, for track use, but today are equally the day to drive home safely. Tyre pressures and then swap back to your ‘road’ wheels as popular in the show scene as will also need to be set lower than for regular before hitting the road home. This also allows they are in motorsport. They are still road use; when used on track the excessive you to fit rubber that is better suited to track perfectly adequate for track use but movement and heat build-up within the tyre use, such as semi-slicks. do require a fair bit of maintenance will cause the tyre pressure to increase, and tend to be expensive too. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 29
MK4 FOCUS ST I n many ways it’s never been a you’ve previously gone the long way around After a driving ban, he understandably took better time to be a fast Ford fan. building a feature car. Owner Mark Hindle a break from cars, but by 2014 was sharing a We’ve never had it so good certainly agrees, as this isn’t the first time he’s new Mk7 Fiesta ST with his partner. A chance when it comes to the standard appeared in this magazine, having been into visit to the local dealer made him realise he of cars on offer, and the latest Mk4 Focus ST Fords for many years. could upgrade to a Mk3 Focus ST for very little Edition proves it in one neat package. extra, and so began a pattern of regularly Finished in a shade of blue similar to an He says, “My first Ford was a Mercury Grey chopping and changing his cars. aftermarket wrap or respray, and fitted with Series 2 RS Turbo that I restored. But it was adjustable coilover suspension, 19in wheels ten years ago that I had a Fast Ford feature on Although he liked the Stealth Grey ST, a and Recaro seats as standard, it would seem the Mk1 Fiesta I built, which was fitted with child came along and, with his sensible head half the job has been done for us already, a 2.1-litre Zetec turbo engine, roll cage and on, Mark changed to a Ford Edge Sport. But especially when there’s nearly 280bhp on tap. plenty more.” when he bagged a job at the Ford dealer itself, But that hasn’t stopped people tweaking cars began to come and go at a faster rate. the rare limited-edition model – of which The Mk4 Focus might seem a far cry just 300 have been built – because a head from a stripped-out Fiesta with an engine Mark explains, “Since working for Ford I’ve start to modifying comes in handy when conversion, but things have moved on for changed my car every year, and soon after Mark since the last time we paid him a visit, I started there, I bought a Mk3 Focus ST in and the back-story is interesting. orange, which I had for a while. But then 30 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
Having built a SHTEAARDT feature car once SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 31 before, this time round Mark Hindle got a helping hand from Ford when he started modifying his rare ST Edition… Words SIMON HOLMES / Photos ADE BRANNAN
MK4 FOCUS ST ST’s 2.3 EcoBoost is gagging for more grunt TECH SPEC a Mk3 RS came in for part-exchange with just “The map made a 280 miles on the clock.” massive difference... MK4 FOCUS ST and you notice the The Frozen White RS was just 12 months improvement over a ENGINE 2261cc EcoBoost, Motorsport old and had been fitted with all the Mountune standard ST when it Developments Stage 1 map, SiCo- parts at the dealer but not been driven since, comes to handling” Developments induction kit and crossover pipe, so it seemed like an obvious step up. Sure Paintmodz Proform engine dress-up kit, SiCo- enough, Mark enjoyed the car for around a 2021 the car made way for the rare Edition Developments bonnet struts year before moving over to the latest Ford seen here. hot hatch at the time – the Mk8 Fiesta ST. That TRANSMISSION Six-speed manual, might sound like a strange swap, but after “I had no plans on swapping the car but hydraulically-activated electronic limited- experiencing one on the unlimited roads of couldn’t help myself when I saw one in the slip differential (eLSD), SiCo-Developments the Isle of Man, he was sold. flesh. And because used-car prices went quickshift through the roof, it cost the same to go for the He says, “It was simply more fun to drive. Edition model,” Mark beams. SUSPENSION Factory-fitted KW Automotive Two other guys at work who also drove Mk3 adjustable coilovers, SiCo-Developments 20mm Focus RSs thought I was bonkers, but after It’s easy to see why, as Ford’s special model spacers they drove one they both swapped to a Mk8 features unique Azura Blue paint, plus KW ST as well.” Automotive coilovers with 50 per cent stiffer BRAKES Front: standard ST callipers with spring rates compared to a standard ST. It’s 330mm discs; rear: standard ST callipers with As fun as it might have been, the decrease also 10mm lower, although it can be lowered 302mm discs in size was an issue for the family, but along further if required. The housings of the came the well-timed introduction of the new dampers are painted matching blue and the WHEELS & TYRES 19x8in Ford Performance Mk4 Focus ST, and Mark was quick to buy one wheels are lighter than the standard items, alloys and 235/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S of the first cars, selecting bright Orange Fury giving the suspension less unsprung weight tyres to stand out from the crowd. to deal with. Inside are half-leather and suede Recaros, and standard kit includes a B&O EXTERIOR FocusSoul Taiwan RS-style carbon Keen to modify it and being one of the first stereo, heated seats and a head-up display. spoiler and fog-light surround extensions, SiCo- cars in the country, Mark quickly found his Developments splitter, colour-coded Paintmodz new ST was in high demand. Even so, Mark had a few plans in mind. As Proform fog-light covers, Maxton Design soon as the car arrived, he did the obvious diffuser, Rally Art mud flaps He reveals; “I did some bits on the car, but a switch, as he explains: “I basically swapped couple of companies asked to use it a project over all the bits straight away, and the INTERIOR Factory Recaro seats with leather car to develop some parts on, such as the blue-and-orange theme from the last car and suede trim, head-up display crossover, intake and underbonnet detailing was simply reversed. I had the RS spoiler parts, which were all made on my car.” repainted gloss black to match the roof, as it 32 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 helped split the colours up and contrasted Mark tells us he took his inspiration from a can of Irn-Bru when he opted for a blue-and- orange theme, and carried on adding a series of improvements, including a rare RS-style rear spoiler. But despite doing plenty and leading the way for Mk4 ST modifications, in September
Inspired by Irn-Bru, not the Gulf theme well. Less is more, in my opinion, so that’s you’d imagine what I’ve gone for.” DRIVER SPEC RS-style wing A few further modifications were added, really suits the Mk4 such as wheel spacers, diffuser, splitter and MARK HINDLE extensions around the fog lights, which are the only set in the UK. Together with a AGE 37 specially-developed remap, it’s a package that makes the car look and feel better. JOB New car salesman at Ford Mark confirms, “The map made a massive difference. I’m not sure what kind of power it FIRST FORD Series Two is at the moment, as it was developed using Escort RS Turbo this car, but it drives well, and you notice the improvement over a standard ST when it BEST MODIFICATION comes to handling. It feels more planted, for RS spoiler sure. Its lower ride-height helps, and although you can lower it more, it’s low enough already, FAVOURITE FORD SHOW OR so doesn’t need to change.” EVENT? Ford Fair There are further plans in store for the TRACK DAY OR SHOW & Edition, as Mark would like to change the SHINE? “Tough one, as I like wheels, but that would all depend on how both” long he keeps the car and what hot hatch Ford releases next. Safe to say, any head start SIERRA RS500 OR FOCUS with the modifications will be welcomed… RS500? “Got to be Sierra” Mark has kept the WRC OR BTCC? WRC cabin standard LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS PROJECT? “Do your own thing and enjoy it” WHAT’S NEXT New wheels THANKS “Paul Cross from St Annes Bodywork Centre, Si from SiCo-Developments, Chris at Paintmodz Proform, Martin from FocusSoul Taiwan and Kenny at Motorsport Developments” ST Edition has a stance to match the previous RS SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 33
NEW TRFIESTAST W e’re eternally thankful there are bit further; with the help of Sitech Racing he’s car from the last feature back in April 2021. people who are willing to push turned his ST180 into the most powerful in To bring us up to speed, Craig bought the car boundaries when it comes to the UK. Boasting over 500bhp, this pocket in 2019 as a completely standard example rocket runs a setup unlike any other to ensure and wasted no time making relatively small tuning. It’s undoubtedly helped it’s equally at home on the road, race track or changes, such as an exhaust, induction kit and drag strip. a remap. But over the next two years it was support Ford’s legendary brand for many transformed into a monster, pushing over This isn’t the first time Craig has appeared 400bhp through the standard engine. years, and we’re glad to see it’s still occurring. in these pages, as you may remember his The owner of this Fiesta is Craig Howard, and he’s one of those people willing to go that 34 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
Built to push the limits of EcoBoost tuning, this 521bhp RICKS FiestaisnowtheUK’s most powerful ST180 Words SIMON HOLMES / Photos ADE BRANNAN Even then, Craig was chasing a 500bhp could literally see through it, and the metal Craig explains, “I was amazed so few figure using the same engine combo, but that pinging under the chassis sounded like I had modifications made such a big difference to didn’t quite go to plan. won the jackpot on a fruit machine.” the power and feel of the car that it made me think where I could get this to, and ultimately He groans, “Since my last feature the Pushing over 400bhp from relatively simple wanting to build the most powerful ST180 in 405bhp engine on the stock internals blew modifications was a hugely impressive feat the country.” up in spectacular fashion. The old engine let and highlighted there was much more to go after around 8000 miles, sending a rod come with stronger internals, which shaped With a clear goal in mind, the new engine through the front and back of the block. You the direction for the new build. would raise the bar for EcoBoost tuning, SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 35
FIESTA ST Huge Pulsar spools quick for such a massive unit Satan’s Transport: Craig’s devilish ST 36 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
Yes, you read that right: a 521bhp 1.6 EcoBoost So, what can a Turbosmart TECH SPEC catch can catch? external FIESTA ST wastegate ENGINE 1596cc EcoBoost, Ductile-linered block “It hits harder all the way to 8000rpm. I have had with Darton Sleeves liners, Sitech Racing block some mega-powered cars in my life, but this is girdle, Sitech Racing forged pistons, K1 steel like nothing else. You really must have your wits rods, King Bearings, lightened crankshaft, ARP about you when you stab the accelerator” head bolts, Sitech Racing ported and flowed cylinder head, Sitech Racing valves and titanium and boldly venturing where no one had been an insane 521bhp and 342lb.ft of torque, valve springs, Sitech Racing Insanity Race before meant it was important to approach meaning Craig firmly accomplished his aim. cams, Syvecs S8 GDI ECU, Pulsar PTX3071 the task in the right way. That meant carefully turbo, Levels Racing titanium turbo blanket, selecting the right specification, choosing the He beams, “It was a big target to aim for, sidewinder-style exhaust manifold, titanium best parts for the job and having a trusted and I wasn’t going to stop until we did it. We heat-wrapped, Turbosmart external wastegate, team on board. are really pushing the boundaries here and Funk Motorsport wastegate blanket, custom these are new limits, but Simon and Nik screamer pipe (titanium heat-wrapped), 4-bar Craig says, “Everything has been done by developed the car meticulously, looking at MAP sensor, Sitech Racing custom fuel pump, Sitech Racing. It’s down to them and their what did and didn’t work to ensure the car got Bosch injectors, 3in turbo hard pipe kit, braided direction that made it possible. I have full trust to this point without any problems.” oil lines, baffled sump, Pro Alloy competition in what they advised, and they developed and intercooler, Laird Performance Outlaw Yakuza fabricated various custom parts for the build. Since the old engine’s demise, it’s taken 3in exhaust, Laird Performance Outlaw de-cat, The development and hours they put into the just seven months to get it to where it is. Yet Auto Specialists oil catch can, JWR torque project, together with their knowledge and Craig reports there’s still more to come, as it’s mount, VibraTechnics engine mounts skill, are unreal.” constantly developing. That largely relates to the ECU calibration, as one of the biggest POWER 521bhp and 342lb.ft The new build centres around a 1.6-litre, changes to the car was the management. It linered block fitted with a girdle for improved now runs a Syvecs setup, which allows easier TRANSMISSION Fiesta ST Getrag Ford strength, along with custom pistons, steel control over the engine. Durashift B6 six-speed, dual-mass flywheel, rods and a heavily reworked head. With Competition Clutch Stage 3 organic clutch, SiCo a huge Pulsar PTX3071 turbo to deliver It was well worth it, according to Craig: “It’s Developments short-shift the boost, and plenty of tricks for cooling been a game changer as it’s customisable in and heat management, the result so far is every aspect. The anti-lag, launch control and SUSPENSION BC Racing BR Series coilovers flat shift are epic; it’s really unlocked the with uprated 10kg front and 8kg rear springs, fitted with polyurethane bushes throughout BRAKES Front: Fiesta ST callipers with 278x23mm discs, PBS Pro Race pads and Goodridge brake lines; rear: Fiesta ST callipers with 253x10mm discs, PBS Pro Race pads and Goodridge brake lines, Motul 660RBF Fluid WHEELS & TYRES Road: 7x15in Speedline 2118 wheels, 4x108, ET38 with 195/50/15 Nankang NS2-R tyres; track: 7x15in Team Dynamics 1.2, 4x108, ET35 with 195/50/15 Yokohama A048 tyres EXTERIOR Sitech Racing wrap by Evolution Customs, Zunsport grille, TRC splitter, side skirts and rear spats, Maxton Design diffuser, MGC rear wing, TRS tow strap INTERIOR OMP TRS-E bucket seats, TRS six- point harnesses, OMP detachable steering wheel, Syvecs Toucan display, M-Tech Engineering/Sitech Racing gearknob, BAF Motorsport K-Brace, Turbosmart vent boost gauge, JC Clubsport false floor SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 37
FIESTA ST car’s full potential. There is so much that you He says, “I managed to get a few track days This thing can do with it, but it takes time to get the very in at Knockhill and at Ford Fair last year, and it really shifts best results and the car has been built with goes great on track. The car has also changed obtaining a few records in mind.” a lot in the way it looks, as it’s now cared for Beats watching and sponsored by Sitech Racing.” Love Island... The ECU has also helped make the car more usable and is part of the reason why, There are only a few changes in mind for despite the large gains since the last build, it’s the current build, including a custom plenum still very driveable. to allow more flow, along with a larger throttle body from a Focus RS. There’s also talk of Craig confirms, “It’s night and day different adding water meth injection as a cooling aid, with the new setup. The response for such a but that’s all relatively minor considering the big turbo was a concern but it spools just as larger plans on the horizon for the next phase quick as the last setup and hits harder all the of the build. way to 8000rpm. I have had some mega- powered cars in my life, but this is like nothing “Now I have achieved what I wanted, I else. You really must have your wits about you have a really wild idea in mind for next year, when you stab the accelerator.” which includes a bigger displacement engine, four-wheel drive and a four-figure brake In his last feature Craig revealed his plans horsepower figure, but that’s all you are for the future, which included venturing out getting for now,” he reveals. on track days and improving the suspension, all of which he’s ticked off. Now fitted with a We know Craig is one of those people who set of coilovers, the exterior has also seen a likes to push boundaries, so when he tells us makeover, having gone from a simple sleeper something like that, we can be sure to see him to a bolder look, thanks largely to the wrap. again in Fast Ford. Braced and Big-power ST DRIVER SPEC subbed on home turf at Knockhill CRAIG HOWARD 38 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 AGE 40 JOB IT sales director INSTAGRAM SRFEZ_666 FIRST FORD Fiesta XR2 BEST MODIFICATION Turbo and Syvecs FAVOURITE FORD SHOW OR EVENT? Ford Fair TRACK DAY OR SHOW & SHINE? Track day SIERRA RS500 OR FOCUS RS500? Sierra RS500 WRC OR BTCC? BTCC LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS PROJECT? “That it has been worth every bit of it” WHAT’S NEXT “A few things have been discussed, but that’s all I am saying for now” THANKS “Simon Smail and Nik Beswick at Sitech Racing, Joey and Gav at Evolution Customs, Wendi Thorne at On it Design, Matt at MGC Modifications, Nathan at M-Tech Engineering, Stuart and Fiona at Knockhill Racing Circuit, Evolution Customs, Syvecs, the SSTO family and my wife Emma for all her support and putting up with the madness”
Competition MOTORSPORT PUMPS High quality, reliable, quiet OTP 020 £62.02 Used by professionals (P3020.1) OTP 017 240 LTR/HR 210 LTR/HR @ 3BAR (P3017.1) £54.08 Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 909 Replaces: Bosch 0580 464 070 MOTORSPORT OTP 018 £57.24 OTP 979 £72.20 (P3018.1) (P3979.1) Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 911 264 LTR/HR 228 LTR/HR @ 3BAR Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 979 OTP 019 ‘IN-TANK’ MOTORSPORT FUEL PUMPS (P3019.1) £62.05 OTP 044 £78.10 Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 910/941/942 (P3044.1) 378 LTR/HR 318 LTR/HR @ 3BAR ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT @ 20% Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 044 Tel: 01784 493 555 www.glencoeltd.co.uk Email: [email protected]
SIERRA XR8 MAGIC 8-BALL Keith Maricich pocketed a rare Ford South African V8 supercar – one of only 250 Sierra XR8s Words and photos IAIN CURRY B ack in the 1980s, cars didn’t get RS Cosworths of 1986, while the 1987 RS500 Long-time owner of this XR8 is Australian much more everyday than the version – built for Group A homologation resident Keith Maricich. As we know, Sierra. Families around the – was a road-going weapon that is today Australians are no strangers to V8 power in fetching daft prices among collectors. their local Fords, but they never received the world would tackle the daily Sierra down under, meaning the model is ever A mere 500 RS500s were built, but these scarcer in Australia than the UK. grind in their Sierra saloons, hatchbacks and motorsport-derived brutes can’t claim to be the rarest factory-made Sierras roaming the “I’m pretty sure mine is one of only two estates, and in Thatcherite Britain, seemingly planet. That honour goes to a South African- XR8s in Australia,” says Keith. Of the 250, only only special, the Sierra XR8, of which just 250 two were officially exported, albeit not to Aus. everyone’s dad was punting around in one. were created in 1984 and 1985. Keith adds, “There’s no definite number of Ford made sure there were halo Sierras, giving the popular model some much-needed street cred. There were the turbocharged 40 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
models that have survived; maybe only 30 left the Capri. Neither motor nor body shape To take the Sierra Group One touring in existence. And only about ten or 12 have was available in South Africa, and importing car racing locally, 200 five-door XR8s had remained original and not been modified.” the XR4i didn’t make financial sense. Instead, to be made to satisfy homologation rules. Ford South Africa put a 3.0-litre Essex V6 in a Impressively, these 200 were built before RANGE HERO five-door shell and called it the XR6. It was an the car ever hit a racetrack, and Ford made improvement, but hardly had the muscle to another 50 for good measure. So, what’s the story behind these fascinating get boy-racers excited. 5.0-litre five-door Fords out of Africa? Before Also, to Ford South Africa’s credit, the firm the Cosworths, the UK had the hot (for Ford South Africa had easy access to a didn’t go bonkers shouting about the special 1983) Sierra XR4i with three-door body and 5.0-litre (302cu.in) small-block V8 engine from nature of these road cars. All 250 came only in 2.8-litre Cologne V6 engine borrowed from the Mustang, though. Time to marry them up. white with the body’s lower trim painted SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 41
SIERRA XR8 Ford Motorsport blue (Keith’s has been weapon’ shouty. By all accounts, the XR8 was The gearbox was a Borg Warner T5 repainted white), while a subtle tri-blue strip something of a sleeper. five-speed manual, and Keith’s added a ran along the flanks and boot. Here was the Hurst short-shift kit and white gearknob to only XR8 badge, while above it was the only AMERICAN HEART his. Brakes are serious AP Racing four-pots real clue to the car’s performance nature — gripping 280mm discs up front. The standard the bi-plane rear spoiler from the XR4i. By modern standards it’s not an overly XR8 independent rear end remains, and powerful or quick car, but the XR8 is a well- is some 40 per cent stiffer than a normal Up front, the main visual clue to this being sorted high-specification road-and-track Sierra’s. Other goodies these XR8s received a special Sierra was a unique grille between tool flush with ability. The 5.0-litre Mustang on the South African production line included elongated boxy headlights. Normal Sierras pushrod engine is good for only 200bhp an 85mm deep Serck radiator, completely simply had a smooth front, but four cooling despite its displacement, but peak torque new front crossmember and half-shafts, plus slats were required to funnel more air in the of 243lb.ft at 3400rpm is a bit more grin- an uprated propshaft and differential. direction of the now-stuffed engine bay. inducing. It could hit 62mph in around 7.0 seconds (no disgrace in 1984) and power on to PATRIOTIC FAVOURITE In order to fit the Mustang V8 under the over 140mph. bonnet, the engine-driven fan had to be While the Sierra XR8 is a bit of an unknown replaced by two electrically-operated items, The bigger motor meant an increase in in the UK, Keith reckons in South Africa it and the slatted grille was extended further weight of only 30kg over the Sierra XR6 (XR8s commands a lot of respect, not least because forward to accommodate. The nose looked tip the scales at 1269 kg), while power was it’s the only V8-powered Sierra to run off any more purposeful than a standard Sierra as sent through small and skinny rear wheels: Ford production line globally. a result, but in no way ‘I’m a performance 6x15in Ronals shod in 195/60R15 tyres. So how did he manage to get hold of one of “These cars were incredible. My first impressions these desirables? were that it was just insane, and its roadholding, especially on the circuit, was unbelievable” Keith says, “Growing up, my mum had the Sierra XR6, but we were certainly a V8- orientated family. I went into partnership with my dad and a mate, Swanny, running a V8 shop retailing body parts, spares, engines and Scheel seats aside, interior is typical Mk1 Sierra. Keith added the Hurst shifter Bi-plane spoiler was Small-block V8 nicked from the XR4i made the XR8 ideal for South 42 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 African highways
Rear decal in the classic Sierra font is the only identifying badge on the XR8 XR8 owner the like. Swanny owned five Sierra XR8s, so I THE RIGHT STUFF Keith Maricich got to know the vehicle then. I’d owned a VW Beetle and Golf and was looking to get a V8 One of the most appealing elements is the along the lines of the work we were doing. It XR8’s (kind of) subtleness. The cabin looks had to be a daily driver but something I could very 1980s-dowdy with perforated grey track, too.” velour upholstery and two-spoke run-of-the- mill Ford steering wheel. In 2004 Swanny gave Keith a contact in Botswana who was selling one of his former By 2009 Keith had met an Australian girl, XR8s, and he snapped it up. got involved in the whole marriage thing, and was keen to move to the land of koalas. What He says, “I just loved it. The aerodynamics to do with the XR8? for the time were up there with the Porsche 911, and it really appealed, having the “I wasn’t going to give it up: this is my kids’ factory Mustang 302 motor. These cars car and it’s not for sale,” Keith reckons, clearly were incredible for off the production line in having lost none of his affection for this the 1980s. My first-drive impressions were special Sierra. that it was just insane, and its roadholding, especially on the circuit, was unbelievable. It appears this car won’t be leaving the Maricich family any time soon, such is its “I drove it to work every day and would rarity, its motorsport heritage, and the take it to the drag strip, gymkhana or Kyalami enduring affection shown for this little slice of racetrack on weekends.” South Africa that’s made a new home for itself in the Australian sunshine. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 43
#PRINTMYFORD See your very own fast Ford in full printed glory! Ever wanted to see your car appear in all its glory Alternatively, drop us an email with a couple all images are of print quality, show the whole in the printed pages of a Ford tuning magazine? of pics, a full spec list of any mods and upgrades, car, are free from watermarks, and you have Well, if so, all you need to do is ask! and a few details about your time with the car permission from the photographer to use them to [email protected] with the subject in the magazine (*by submitting an image, you Simply email us, or post a picture of your car heading ‘print my ford’ and we’ll pick our assume full liability and Fast Ford accepts no on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and favourites for a slightly more detailed review each responsibility for any copyright infringement). add the hashtag ‘#printmyford’, and each month month too. we’ll choose our favourites and print them in this Now go on, get posting! And don’t forget to add aptly named feature. In order for us to print your Ford please ensure the tag #printmyford. MICKEY MARSHALL CHRIS HAMES ROBERT WELLS GRAHAM HIVEY RAMBO D SHOULDER IN THE SPOTLIGHT BRIAN TAYLOR LEE SUTHERLAND FOCUS ST There’s no missing Lee’s gold Focus; the ST has been fully resprayed in Jaune Vermeer Gold with contrasting black highlights, and if that wasn’t enough to get noticed there’s a massive rear wing from MGC Modifications and RS-style bonnet vents from Nick Wiley too. A set of RS-style 18in alloys, also in black, complete the look. But this ST is much more than a styling exercise. Under the bonnet, Lee’s added a host of RS-inspired upgrades, including block mod, RS clutch and flywheel, Airtec intercooler and plenum, and more. Those hardware upgrades plus a revised map from Sitech Racing see this ST producing a respectable 322bhp, and it sounds like thunder thanks to a full KMS exhaust. 44 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
#PRINTMYFORD JOHN BALFOUR HENRI NOKKALA IN THE SPOTLIGHT MAIKEL VAN DER MEIJS HARRY HAYES KA It’s not often that a Ka appears in Fast Ford, but those that do always have an interesting tale to tell. Harry’s example is no different; he saved it from the scrapyard just over three years ago and has since turned it into a track project. Now boasting a stripped interior with full roll cage, Powerflex bushes throughout, Ram Air filter, Zetec alloys, race-style livery and various other mods, it’s a far cry from the humble shopping car it once was. Harry admits this isn’t a serious track weapon, and the idea was always simply to have some cheap fun, but he says the car is constantly evolving; one day Harry might even make it into a round of the EnduroKa championship, which will show just how far the project has come instead of being turned into baked bean tins. ARCHIE DAWSON LES GRIFFIN DWAYNE FRUEN PAUL DRINKWATER ERIC BEUMER JONNY HEATHCOTE SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 45
Enter the world of Compomotive Winning around the world since ’73 [email protected] @compomotive_wheels www.compomotive.com
#PRINTMYFORD NEIL HARRISON GRAHAM HIVEY LAURA HANSHAW DANNY BRANLEY JODIE BELLAMY DANNY RUSSELL LEWIS STEADMAN JENNIFER COULL IN THE SPOTLIGHT JAMES MITCHELL MARTYN LOWE MK6 FIESTA ST We’ve seen Martyn and his MR200-powered Mk6 Fiesta ST in the mag before… But not this one. He appeared as part of our six-car feature on the Mountune-special ST in the Jan 2022 issue, but back then he was driving a tidy red example. But now he’s behind the wheel of this even more extensively modified white version. Obviously, the same MR200 power upgrade can be found under the bonnet, but Martyn’s latest ST is bolstered by Mountune’s 318mm big brake kit, a 3J Driveline plated-type front diff, BC Racing coilovers, Recaro Sportster CS bucket seats, and a sprinkling of carbon fibre exterior highlights too. We knew it would need to be something special to make Martyn part ways with his previous ST, and this new acquisition is certainly very special. It’s one of the nicest Mk6 STs we’ve seen in recent years. SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 47
#PRINTMYFORD RHYS BRAND CHRIS ANDERTON DANIEL MASON ALEX GORDON RYAN JENNINGS CHLOE MORRIS NICK HUNT CHRIS EWENS IN THE SPOTLIGHT SARAH DAVIES MATTY RALPH MK7 FIESTA ST 48 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 Matty’s Mk7 Fiesta ST shows just why the hot hatch is so universally loved, as he has transformed his ST into a proper little tarmac tearaway. Externally, the styling has been kept low-key and subtle; only the multi-spoke RMD alloys show any real deviation from stock. But even that one change should hint at what lurks within, because rather than stick with the original 17in alloys, Matty has dropped to 15in diameter, which is a pointer to those in the know; 15s are much better suited to track work. That means under the arches you’ll find a set of MeisterR Pro Race coilovers, and PBS brake upgrades with Hel braided lines. Meanwhile, under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost has benefits from a Collins Performance CP2 map and Revo induction kit. On the inside, a carbon fibre steering wheel insert, VUDU gearknob and Mountune short shifter are all sensible and subtle improvements.
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PFARSOTJEFCOTRSD p52 See what fast Fords we’ve got in JAMIE DAN WILLIAMSON the garage, and what we’ve been EDITOR SUB-EDITOR up to with them MK3 FOCUS RS MK3 FOCUS ST ESTATE It’s MOT time for the RS, but first The Fondeo’s climate control has time for a show at RS Combe... decided to stop running cold again – Where it got drenched! just in time for a hot summer. As a social media That’s because Tom has decided to build a guru, Dale’s got the Mk2 Golf, while I’ve gone for a Ranger pick-up truck that I intend to turn into something that Insta-pose nailed will impress on the showground yet is still capable of doing a dirty big burnout. DALE MASTERMAN RANGER KING CAB Why a Ranger? Simply because my dad ULTIMATE loves American mini-trucks, and he used PICK-UP to buy all the mags to follow the scene; his Introducing Dale Masterman and his crazy enthusiasm rubbed off on me and must have idea of turning a Ranger King Cab into the planted a seed all those years ago. ultimate show and performance pick-up I looked locally for a few weeks before word Allow me to introduce shows such as Trax in recent years, you may got out and I was soon offered this King Cab myself: I’m Dale, and I work have seen me and my colleague Tom from an associate of Swallows Racing. It’s at Meguiar’s UK doing all competing in the ‘Tom vs Dale’ build-offs. In been used for transporting mountain bikes kinds of marketing and social recent years we’ve built all kinds of things, about, so has a few battle scars but is a solid media stuff. One of the perks including a wide-arch Renault 5 GT Turbo, a base car. Besides, compared with what I have of my job is that I get to build customised Merc W115, a race-inspired Jaguar planned, a few minor bodywork repairs will really cool cars that we can S-Type, and an old-school Volvo Amazon. be a walk in the park. show off at events throughout the year. If you’ve been on the Fast Car website (www. Well, now we’re back for our third I wanted to combine my two previous fastcar.co.uk) or attended multi-marque challenge, but this time it’s much more than builds, so Kustom Colours (which painted the Tom vs Dale; this time it’s become VW vs Ford. Merc) and Swallows Racing (which did the work on the Jag) are both getting involved once again. The paintwork will have a tribal show paint vibe, while the diesel engine will be ditched for a Jaguar AJ30, which is based on the Duratec V6 found in the Mondeo ST220. The biggest difference is Jag upgraded it to a VVT. We’re going to twin-turbo it; we know it can be done as the Noble M400 ran this engine and a twin-turbo setup from stock. Phil at the Install Company is also getting involved. He’ll be responsible for body dropping and tubbing it, then Car Audio Security are going to supply all the Air Lift goodies so we can get it rolling really, really low. There’ll also be an SQ sound system and loads more too. I’m hoping to have it ready for Autosport in January 2023, so we wasted no time in getting stuck in. The King Cab has now been shipped off to Swallows Racing, and with the help of Phil from The Install Company, we got to work stripping the Ranger down. As you can see from the photos, we didn’t mess about and the old oil burner and pick-up bed were removed in super-quick time. It would probably have been even quicker if I wasn’t there sticking my nose in, but you’ve got to show willing, and at least I was on hand to grab the biscuits when called upon. There’s an awful lot of work to do to get this thing show-worthy, and even our Multipurpose Cleaner won’t help that chassis. 50 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
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