Fast Ford - September 2022

S1BUYIT ESCORT TUNE IT
RS TURBO
MK2 RS
How to bag the best Series One FOCUS

1ST Tuning tips for the brute
FOR
FORDS SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE 451 £5.50

521THE UK’S NUMBER ONE FORD TUNING MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE 451 £5.50

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ISSUE 451 SEPTEMBER 2022

CONTENTS

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!
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Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL WELCOME

EDITORIAL ISSUE 451 - SEPTEMBER 2022
EDITOR Jamie King (jamie.king@kelsey.co.uk)
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
paul.thompson@talkmediasales.co.uk 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
fastford.ed@kelsey.co.uk
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Mk7 Fiesta ST; already we’ve seen over 400bhp
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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
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Postal address: Fast Ford Classifieds, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 7
The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL

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NEXT ISSUE ON SALE

2 September 2022

MK2 FOCUS ST

8 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

ASBO
LITE

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

F ord Fair is pleased to announce 13, where he will be running one of his driving hands on the awesome Ford GT too.
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

TRAX 2022

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 25 O ur favourite multi-marque
show returns to Silverstone on
SEPTEMBER 04 SQUIRES FORDMEET September 11. TRAX, powered

HAYNES BREAKFAST CLUB Squires Cafe, Newthorpe Lane, by Turbo Zentrum, promises to deliver
Newthorpe, South Milford, Leeds.
Haynes International Motor Museum, /www.squires-cafe.co.uk/whats-on fast-paced action throughout the day;
Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset
www.haynesmuseum.org/ SEPTEMBER 28 the legendary Silverstone National circuit
haynesbreakfastclub
CLASSIC & RETRO MEET will be in full swing, giving you the chance
SEPTEMBER 11
Dorman Long United Athletic Club, Oxford to really test your mettle (and metal) on
TRAX SILVERSTONE Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, UK
www.facebook.com/even the famous racetrack.
Silverstone Circuit, Northants ts/4954204278040618/4954204291373950
www.fastcar.co.uk/trax-Silverstone If spectating is more your thing, you’ll
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 13 not want to miss the Drift Kings demos.
OCTOBER 02
GAYDON GATHERING Elsewhere the TRAX Select sponsored
HAYNES BREAKFAST CLUB
British Motor Museum, Lighthorne Heath, by Auto Finesse will host some of
Warwick, UK Haynes International Motor Museum,
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset the most impressive cars on show,
www.haynesmuseum.org/
SEPTEMBER 14 haynesbreakfastclub all fighting to take home the coveted

FWDTHINKING OCTOBER 09 winner’s trophy, while the awesome club

Caffeine & Machine, Ettington, PRE-1998 CLASSIC CAR MEET displays and massive retail village will
Stratford-upon-Avon
https://caffeineandmachine.com/events Club Chesterfield, Chester Street, keep you busy throughout the day.
Chesterfield,
SEPTEMBER 25 www.facebook.com/aspartyevents/events To book your tickets, head to

SCOTTISH FORD LIVE OCTOBER 11 www.fastcar.co.uk/trax-silverstone

Knockhill Circuit, Dunfermline, Fife GAYDON GATHERING
www.knockhill.com/events/fixture-Scottish-
Ford-Live-id350 British Motor Museum, Lighthorne Heath,
Warwick, UK
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 Power website for full details.
hands of the driver. In addition to allowing
Perfect, then, for cleaning the volume and frequency of the unit to be www.burtonpower.com
your Ford on show-day; safely adjusted manually, you can use Kenwood’s
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 BOOK

NOW!YOUR 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

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Laird Performanc specialise in performance parts &
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Email: info@laird-performance.co.uk

Laird Performance I 1 Newton Brae I Cambuslang I G72 7UW

TRACK DAY PREP

HOW TO…

PREPARE 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

n many ways it’s never been a you’ve previously gone the long way around After a driving ban, he understandably took
building a feature car. Owner Mark Hindle a break from cars, but by 2014 was sharing a
I better time to be a fast Ford fan. certainly agrees, as this isn’t the first time he’s new Mk7 Fiesta ST with his partner. A chance
We’ve never had it so good appeared in this magazine, having been into visit to the local dealer made him realise he
when it comes to the standard Fords for many years. could upgrade to a Mk3 Focus ST for very little
of cars on offer, and the latest Mk4 Focus ST extra, and so began a pattern of regularly
Edition proves it in one neat package. He says, “My first Ford was a Mercury Grey chopping and changing his cars.
Finished in a shade of blue similar to an Series 2 RS Turbo that I restored. But it was
aftermarket wrap or respray, and fitted with ten years ago that I had a Fast Ford feature on Although he liked the Stealth Grey ST, a
adjustable coilover suspension, 19in wheels the Mk1 Fiesta I built, which was fitted with child came along and, with his sensible head
and Recaro seats as standard, it would seem a 2.1-litre Zetec turbo engine, roll cage and on, Mark changed to a Ford Edge Sport. But
half the job has been done for us already, plenty more.” when he bagged a job at the Ford dealer itself,
especially when there’s nearly 280bhp on tap. cars began to come and go at a faster rate.
But that hasn’t stopped people tweaking The Mk4 Focus might seem a far cry
the rare limited-edition model – of which from a stripped-out Fiesta with an engine Mark explains, “Since working for Ford I’ve
just 300 have been built – because a head conversion, but things have moved on for changed my car every year, and soon after
start to modifying comes in handy when 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 HEAD
feature car once START
before, this time
round Mark Hindle SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 31
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

FIESTA ST

NEW TR

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 £54.08 240 LTR/HR
210 LTR/HR @ 3BAR
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Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 909
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MOTORSPORT

OTP 018 £57.24 OTP 979 £72.20

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‘IN-TANK’ MOTORSPORT
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ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT @ 20%
Replaces: Bosch 0580 254 044
Tel: 01784 493 555 www.glencoeltd.co.uk
Email: sales@glencoeltd.co.uk

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
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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

sales@comp.co.uk
@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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FAST FORD p52
PROJECTS

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
enthusiasm rubbed off on me and must have
Introducing Dale Masterman and his crazy planted a seed all those years ago.
idea of turning a Ranger King Cab into the
ultimate show and performance pick-up I looked locally for a few weeks before word
got out and I was soon offered this King Cab
Allow me to introduce shows such as Trax in recent years, you may from an associate of Swallows Racing. It’s
myself: I’m Dale, and I work have seen me and my colleague Tom been used for transporting mountain bikes
at Meguiar’s UK doing all competing in the ‘Tom vs Dale’ build-offs. In about, so has a few battle scars but is a solid
kinds of marketing and social recent years we’ve built all kinds of things, base car. Besides, compared with what I have
media stuff. One of the perks including a wide-arch Renault 5 GT Turbo, a planned, a few minor bodywork repairs will
of my job is that I get to build customised Merc W115, a race-inspired Jaguar be a walk in the park.
really cool cars that we can S-Type, and an old-school Volvo Amazon.
show off at events throughout the year. If I wanted to combine my two previous
you’ve been on the Fast Car website (www. Well, now we’re back for our third builds, so Kustom Colours (which painted the
fastcar.co.uk) or attended multi-marque challenge, but this time it’s much more than Merc) and Swallows Racing (which did the
Tom vs Dale; this time it’s become VW vs Ford. 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