1995 Ford Fiesta Si review from UK and Ireland
"The BEST Fiesta"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Before MA Developments Turbo Conversion:
Seats rattled since new.
Interior trim very cheap.
Poor paintwork.
Cam belt went at 27,000 miles.
Exhaust corrodes badly.
Rear windsreen wiper faulty.
Electical problems.
After Conversion:
When it was running at 180bhp...
Problems with boost pressure levels.
Slight carbon discharge problems.
Chargecool problems - required an extra oil separator.
Gear ratios didn't match very well for initial acceleration and top speed.
Now as it's running at 230bhp...
Clutch finally needed upratng at 4,4000 miles.
Chargecooler needed uprating to an intercooler - rally style.
15 inch wheels had to be upgraded to 17 inch - very difficult to do but well worth the effort.
General comments?
The 180bhp conversion was a big improvement over the standard Zetec engine. 180bhp did create problems with the gearing and pressure levels were a bit unsteady.
However the 230bhp upgrade along with a new clutch and new gearbox were well worth the money.
Once the wheels were done it was far more drivable and looked the business.
Having problems with the brakes at the moment, as they are only standard Probe units and require some hi-spec brakes esspecially with the new 17 inch wheels. I would love to do a rear disc conversion, but I don't know anywhere who will do it as it's never been done before. If anyone knows a place that do a rear disc conversion my number is 07989556693, my name is James.
The intercooler made a big difference to the overall performance. I originally wanted to stick with the charge cooler, but the intercooler is more efficent.
Here are the performance times if you're interested
Standard
0-60: 10.5
0-100: ages
Top Speed: 110
180bhp*
0-60: 8.1
0-100: 18
Top Speed: 128
230bhp**
0-60: 6.5
0-100: 15
Top Speed: 134
* on 15inch wheels, standard box
**on 17inch wheels, standard box
With my new escort RS Cosworth spec box I gained a top speed of 144mph and a 0-60 of 6.2 secs.
What I am going to do next????
Turbo timer and adjustable boost controller.
Traction control.
ICE.
Tinting.
Sideskirts.
Smooth tailgate.
Beesting aerial.
Search for New and Used Ford Fiestas available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| 1995 - Fiesta Azure 5 Door 1.1 cc petrol The Mk 3 Fiesta should be taken out and shot |
|
| A very cheap reliable run around |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 MA Development Turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 5000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2000 |