[McRib 1s Back]

The new 5-door progressively-wound springs from Mountune and the U.S. domestic market 5-door Ford Fiesta ST will be here soon!

Today, I had the lucky occasion to experience the new springs in my own FiST! These are a subtle change over the Euro-spec 3-door Ford Fiesta ST, and a nice change in the stance over our stock units! My FiST sits about 1" lower now.

In this case, we're looking at a modestly stiffer spring-set than the stocker. Here are some #s for comparison:

Front Stock: 30 NM
Mountune: 19-30 NM, progessive

Rear Stock: 24 NM
Mountune: 10-25 NM, progressive

Frankly, the ride isn't much different than stock. You'll notice a lot less body roll, and stock wheels and tires have no rubbing issues of any kind.

My extra-wide 225s barely rub the plastic liner on extreme cornering, but actually fit without issue for normal driving.

It should be noted that despite lowering the ride height about 1", we don't gain any noticeable negative camber. I haven't had the car aligned yet, but will do so soon. This is expected to give me another 1/2" or so clearance -- and allow even my 225s to clear!

Overall, these are a nice improvement to handling and big improvement in the appearance of the car's stance.

Here are a couple photos of the car from today:

On the way home in the tunnel below the Long Beach Airport:

 

[D1JL]

Looks good.

Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave

 

[[email protected]]

The car looks great. Thanks for testing! We are anxious to see how they work on the track as well.

 

[JP6]

Those look great . Love the stance .

 

[aborbs87]

I second the stance, looks perfect in my opinion


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_________________________
-Adam

 

[D1JL]

After seeing them up close I think the ride height is just perfect.

Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave

 

[COBB]

Car looks great!

Ian

 

[McRib 1s Back]

The car actually looks lower now. A bit more settling is totally possible, of course. After installing the camber bolts and getting it aligned, the negative camber is quite obvious and contributes to the lower look.

Predictably, the wheel/tire tucks in better and I've all but eliminated rubbing on the 225s.

-2.8 degrees of camber with me in the car. That means the driver side bolt is maxed out. The passenger side bolt is like 95% of max.

Also, and this is a big one -- 1/8" toe out helps combat torque steer! It wasn't bad before, but this is a noticeable improvement!

I would recommend this setup without reservation.

Edit: typo

 

[RodMoe]

duly noted thank you

 

[JP6]

Post some pics of the current look

 

[moshaholic2]

-2.8' up front :wideyed: This your daily driver too?

After my coilovers im at -1.5' and I want to lessen that just a little.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

-2.8' up front :wideyed: This your daily driver too?

After my coilovers im at -1.5' and I want to lessen that just a little.

It's not my DD. I'd probably go -1.5 in that case. This is my weekend toy!

 

[D1JL]

I wish I could afford a weekend toy again.
Hell, I can hardly afford the weekends anymore.

Entered using Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Dave

 

[McRib 1s Back]

I wish I could afford a weekend toy again.
Hell, I can hardly afford the weekends anymore.

Entered using Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Dave

That's because every day is like a weekend for you!

 

[stuntdoogie]

Looks good Ribs....what the drop in inches?

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[McRib 1s Back]

Looks good Ribs....what the drop in inches?

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It was listed as 1" but it feels a bit more than that now. I need to take a photo after the alignment. With -2.8, it gives the impression of being lower. With these tires, it's your requested "one finger" gap. Maybe a small finger. Call it a 1.25" drop.

 

[stuntdoogie]

Nice. Cant wait for my BC's

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[McRib 1s Back]

As an update, ride quality is hardly different than stock. I say hardly, but taking a look at the spring rates, I'd say it's the same. Consider that most of the progressive portion is consumed but it serves to ensure there isn't any spring rattle. That means there is only a slight overall increase in rate and overall stiffness (again pretty much indiscernible). No weird noises (I've experienced this plenty in the past with less well sorted kits!). I also haven't had any rubbing on my 225s since the alignment -- even with a passenger.

For anyone wanting a lower ride height without sacrificing ride quality, this is the set for you. The obvious stuff applies too, less body roll and improved handling. Even if you don't go as extreme as I did, dialing in some negative camber with a pair of bolts is the way to go.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

I originally posted torque values for the camber bolts incorrectly. While many OEM 12mm bolts for the struts are around 85-90 lb-ft, the SPC bolts are 88NM -- that is, 65 lb-ft. This is what they were torqued to as stated in the directions. I need to find that other thread and make the correction there too.

I'm still running -2.8 deg of camber with success.

 

[RodMoe]

I originally posted torque values for the camber bolts incorrectly. While many OEM 12mm bolts for the struts are around 85-90 lb-ft, the SPC bolts are 88NM -- that is, 65 lb-ft. This is what they were torqued to as stated in the directions. I need to find that other thread and make the correction there too.

I'm still running -2.8 deg of camber with success.

Any chance of a sidelong pic of your wheels to show the camber ? If you have them posted someplace just point my to them as I missed it somehow if you did .. TIA