Measuring sessions have begun
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Do you plan on tracking the car? If not, you may not need them. The brakes on this car are fantastic. Probably one of the standout features when I drove it. Even with occasional track day, if you're an advanced driver, you may look at upgrading the pads. And, if someone comes up with a clean way to integrate some brake cooling, that would make a killer setup.
During the shakedown phase, the test drivers lapped VIR repeatedly and the FiST is very resistant to brake fade. Even when they do start to overheat, one cool down lap and reportedly they were ready for more. This is in contrast to the FoST, which tends to crush the pad material a bit when overheated leading to the pedal never quite coming back 100% w/o bleeding. And the FoST is a great car, don't get me wrong. It's just that the FiST is the more true, driver-focused of the two IMO.
Now, for those that plan on doing extensive engine mods (i.e. carrying more speed on track) then larger brakes may be on the menu. But, I think even with some ECU tuning, and a few bolt-ons, the brakes are up to the task as is.
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1,459 Posts
I don't plan to buy any kit.
I was going to go to Wilwood and see what they can do for me.
I may just do my own big brakes using the OEM calipers.
Dave
That's the way the car comes.
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721 Posts
I have a great collection of underbody pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brgt350/sets/72157634224033500/
Fiesta ST chassis detail 057 by Bryan Redeker BRGT350, on Flickr
Dave, I put the PumaSpeed/SVT Focus 300mm brakes on my Fiesta and they can't even come close to the stopping power of the ST. Of course, I am running stock pads on my 2011 compared to the ST specific pads on the ST. The OE Fiesta pads started to fade almost right away on track, while the ST pads lasted many sessions with minor fade. The ST booster/master cylinder are also vastly better than the regular Fiesta. The ST acts more like the EU Fiesta in terms of braking, which means it kicks ass. Much like the EU Fiesta brakes, they make a lot of dust. Hawk HP+ kind of dust.
I am not sure of this, but the transmission mount seems to have much stiffer rubber bushings than the stock Fiesta has. I notice very little engine movement on shifts. I upgraded to the Steeda mount on my 2011 and the ST seems to have a mount stiffness that is about halfway between regular Fiesta and the softer option from Steeda. It is stiff, but doesn't shake the car at idle.
One thing I would like different on the ST is more sound from the wastegate when I let off the throttle. It makes more noise on the Fiesta ST than the Focus ST, but could use more. I am afraid of doing intake or exhaust and drowning out what little wastegate sound there is.
What does the Fiesta ST need badly? A shorter shifter with shorter throws.
Fiesta ST chassis detail 057 by Bryan Redeker BRGT350, on Flickr
Dave, I put the PumaSpeed/SVT Focus 300mm brakes on my Fiesta and they can't even come close to the stopping power of the ST. Of course, I am running stock pads on my 2011 compared to the ST specific pads on the ST. The OE Fiesta pads started to fade almost right away on track, while the ST pads lasted many sessions with minor fade. The ST booster/master cylinder are also vastly better than the regular Fiesta. The ST acts more like the EU Fiesta in terms of braking, which means it kicks ass. Much like the EU Fiesta brakes, they make a lot of dust. Hawk HP+ kind of dust.
I am not sure of this, but the transmission mount seems to have much stiffer rubber bushings than the stock Fiesta has. I notice very little engine movement on shifts. I upgraded to the Steeda mount on my 2011 and the ST seems to have a mount stiffness that is about halfway between regular Fiesta and the softer option from Steeda. It is stiff, but doesn't shake the car at idle.
One thing I would like different on the ST is more sound from the wastegate when I let off the throttle. It makes more noise on the Fiesta ST than the Focus ST, but could use more. I am afraid of doing intake or exhaust and drowning out what little wastegate sound there is.
What does the Fiesta ST need badly? A shorter shifter with shorter throws.
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146 Posts
Can't wait to start seeing upgrades for these cars
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