Suspension and handling mods review for Fiesta ST

Here we have some quick thoughts on my suspension and handling mods for my 2015 Fiesta ST.
Federal 595 RS-R tires 215/40/17, $380.
Cobb rear motor mount, $155.
Pierce motorsports strut bar, $149.
Pierce motorsports 2 point traction bar, $79.
Pierce motorsports trunk brace, $89.
Pierce motorsports torsion bar, $134.
Hey, thanks for watching!

[@MrBoomie00]

Man, awesome vids. This has been the most helpful, straight forward breakdown of worthy mods. I'm willing to spend money, but I'm def never willing to waste it. These are fantastic, thank you.

[@gray25xt]

Sure thing, glad they are helpful.

[@matthewr1019]

thank you for saving us money and giving real feedback. I would have 100% wasted money without this

[@twinflag821]

Because of your channel I bought a fiesta last week haha thank you

[@Jimmy-ws9dm]

Hi mate came across your channel this week and your straight forward on good mod.And mods to not bother with. I'm from the UK and the 5 door fiesta st180 are rare just under 500 we're made.loads of 3 doors but not many 5 door ones.And I'm looking at a stock black one 17plate that I may buy. And seeing your car inspires me to modify mine just how you have done your. Little pocket rocket.

[@anonamos6086]

Best car ever made. I love my SFE (Mini ST).

[@FLPLASTICSURG1]

Just viewed all your posts. Great job! Very helpful. I purchased a used 2016 with 7,000 Miles. I plan to complete the lower front and rear suspension mods as well as the springs now, the tires when OE tires wear out. I am waiting for engine mods (tune, intercooler and hybrid turbo) until my Factory Warranty expires. Any thoughts regarding a lighter flywheel and the Torsen Differential? Several posts on KZbin from Focus ST owners indicate that there is less torque steer, better hook up and better handling in the corners. Thank you again for posting all of the info. These are the best condensed source regarding ST mods on the web.

[@gray25xt]

Hey there, glad they helped. Maybe I"ll do a vid on flywheel and LSD. I decided not to on my car though I have a local friend with nearly the same setup as me, his car has both. In my opinion those are only needed if you track the car. The lighter flywheel makes it rev so fast it's almost unenjoyable, you're shifting so much. Plus it accentuates the traction problem. The LSD definitely helps with cornering but in a straight line the wheels still spin everywhere, there's just too much power even with the LSD. At WOT the car spins tires from 2,500rpm to redline in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear somewhat. Of course we're talking a 300whp car, with stock turbo it would be different. Like I said the LSD does help in cornering but let's be honest that should not be needed ever on the street, it's not safe to drive that way.

[@BKJP1998]

Great review! Love the honest take on parts. Cant wait to get started on mine.

[@gray25xt]

Thanks BK! Since this video I've changed a good bit on the car and I'm really happy with my new setup. In terms of suspension/handling, I removed the front strut bar and added motor mount inserts (both sides) and solid shifter bracket bushings, and I also upgraded my RMM to a more solid one. The change is pretty amazing, in terms of driving feel/suspension feel the car is so much more solid. Oh also I swapped my front 2 point brace for a 6 point, again an amazing improvement. Anyhow keep that in mind when watching this review, my new setup is way better.

[@BKJP1998]

No clearance issues with the 6 point brace?

[@gray25xt]

It's low no doubt, if you're walking up to the car you can see it from afar. But as long as I'm careful I don't scrape on anything. Just have to be careful like with any lowered car.

[@neilchirico]

Can you go into more detail about what you did to get the red around the front grill opening? I really like it! I appreciate your honest opinion about those braces. Are you using the stock OEM struts and shocks with the Mountune springs?

[@gray25xt]

Sure thing, it's a product I found on Amazon, they don't sell it anymore but just search for "car red trim piping accent" and you'll see a bunch of options. I painted mine a deeper red to match. Yes stock struts/shocks...ride is wonderful.

[@FLPLASTICSURG1]

Thank you again for sharing all your experience and insight. I plan to complete all of your recommended Mods and will now hold off on the LSD and flywheel. Another question; Have you driven a FiST with the 8x17 Ken Brock wheels sold by Mountune with the Yokohama S-Line 225/35-R 17 Tires? If so, your thoughts compared to the standard 7x17 wheels and the Federal 959 Tires sized 215/40-R 17.

[@gray25xt]

Sure man. Do your research, e-mail me your number if you want to chat and we can, [e-mail]. In terms of power mods you might pick and choose, unless you're going hybrid or big turbo you don't need all the hardware I have, you can save alot of money. Haven't driven on the Brock wheels or those Yoko tires. I think the Federals are pretty much the best you're gonna get, they're the most track-like street tires out there, though not very long-lasting, but you have to compromise somewhere. Lighter wheels would definitely help in every way, but I like the stockers and wanted to save money there, plus it's my daily so I'm not trying to extract every little bit of performance out of the car.

[@OrganicToon]

Great channel, love your straight and to the point.

[@gray25xt]

Thank you sir.

[@DunkyThicc]

Best upgrade for handling you can buy, tires.

[@garrettsmith6549]

yep! I have some white turbomacs and firehawk indy 500's coming in!

[@robertrissmiller2530]

Awesome thank you! Do you have any rubbing with the mountune springs and 215/40r17s?

[@gray25xt]

I do not.

[@joshuavilain8806]

What kit did you get for the hood supports?

[@alainxps]

Very helpful as I want to improve mi handling.

[@mAtT47739]

How has the Fiesta ST treated you over the years? I'm planning on getting a used one by the end of the year to replace a 4 cylinder foxbody. Being in Iowa, I'll need a set of snow tires, so if you know where cheap rims for winter tires can be had, that would be appreciated.

[@gray25xt]

I've owned it from 4,000 miles until present (25,000). The A/C actuator broke (very common on these) and the A/C compressor broke (F.O.R.D.) both around 6,000 miles, both replaced under warranty, no problems since. So reliability isn't the best but other than that I absolutely love this car. They're pretty cheap used for sure.

[@agostini19]

Hi bro, I currently have eibach springs, I'm looking for springs that are a little higher in the front like yours (mountune) or swift I like how your car looks in the front seems taller than my eibach I look for them higher in front, if it is not bother you can send me a picture of the current height of your car ... thanks

[@deceptiveyeti5159]

Great Videos! Keep them coming!

[@X_iTrashPanda]

How good are these in rain? I’m in Maryland and out weather is weird. Debating on these and NeoGens. Might just get the Nittos to be in the safe side.

[@gray25xt]

They are great. I'm always super careful in rainy weather anyway but these tires are by no means bad in any way in wet conditions.

[@nirdvorkin135]

Hi , I'm a new owner of 2017 fist , and wondering about the mountune lowering springs and the only reason that I'm considering them its because you say that they are more comfortable than stock. It really improves the ride quality comfort wise?

[@gray25xt]

I really can't say, they are a bit more comfortable than stock but my car has so many other suspension/bracing mods I can't give an unbiased opinion on how they would feel on a mostly stock car.

[@nirdvorkin135]

@@gray25xt thank you for the quick response! Do you know a suspension setup that will make the car more livable on a daily basis that wont hurt the handling?

[@gray25xt]

@@nirdvorkin135 I would say the Mountune springs I have, that's what everyone says about them. Visit fiestastforum.com and there are tons of threads on this subject.

[@alexrex20]

this must be Jeff. I recognize the avatar! haha

[@gray25xt]

Yep it's me. What's up alex!!!

[@AzNightmare]

*You must be alexrex20. I recognize the username. ;)*

[@anglianxbcoy4572]

Nice honest review.

[@FLPLASTICSURG1]

Also, did you add a Mountune or Boomba Short Shift Kit, or the Mountune Rear Engine Mount?

[@gray25xt]

I have the Boomba quick shift adapter plate, short shift kid, and shifter bushings, and the Cobb rear mount. Check out my video on shifting mods for more info on those.

[@FLPLASTICSURG1]

Got it and thanks again. Everyone who buys a FiST and wants to Mod it needs to view your Vlogs!

[@silas85711]

Great video... thank you for showing your rad car

[@gray25xt]

Thanks Hank!

[@bobbyschultz9350]

Limited slip diff quaf will put the power down! How much of a bitch was the turbo install? I've got a gtx2867r gen2 ready to install

[@DrBleck35]

The bars that go on higher also increase the height of the center of gravity on the car.

[@josteinholen1312]

Have you scraped the frames under the car?

[@gray25xt]

About once a year the 6 point bar scrapes if I go over a weird driveway entry/speed hump the wrong way. Otherwise, never.

[@nomprenom9337]

Sounds stupid as a question but can you instal a traction bar on a regular ford fiesta ?

[@gray25xt]

I am now sure.

[@nomprenom9337]

@@gray25xt You mean not sure ?

[@gray25xt]

@@nomprenom9337 Yes I'm sorry, I am not sure. The stuff I have was made for the ST. Not sure if it would fit another car.

[@nomprenom9337]

@@gray25xt I just took a look under the car, you can do that the chassis is the same you have the two hole where you can put it

[@josephauler6165]

How does this help the suspension? Makes it less rough?

[@gray25xt]

Adds traction, reduces wheel hop and tire spin.

[@chacemyers1141]

All the mods dont effect your warranty?

[@gray25xt]

Mods always affect warranty, dealer can void warranty if they want. Take a chance.

[@Kreglord]

Where did you get those center caps!?

[@gray25xt]

Velossa Tech www.velossatechdesign.com/product/focusfiesta-st-2013-2016-premium-grade-center-caps/

[@jaseysmith5497]

Where did you buy your used parts?

[@gray25xt]

Tons of great used parts always popping up for sale over at www.fiestastforum.com. I actually have a CP-E intake for sale there right now, it's a sweet deal and a premium intake, check it out!!!

[@michaelmiller7507]

Where do you find the used fiesta st parts?

[@gray25xt]

Michael Miller fiestastforum.com

[@kdennes11]

Nice informative video

[@gray25xt]

Glad to hear!

[@dariancorlette4212]

Coil overs links?

[@bryant6251]

Any strut towr brace I have bought has been a waste. Yours does add to look of engine bay

[@gray25xt]

Yeah it was a waste. It was cheap though, it was a prototype and I got it used for like $80, then painted it. It does add some bling.

[@gray25xt]

Thanks man.

[@limpsworld]

You saved me money! Thank you sir! I just received my Pierce two point front traction bar today. Love all of your ST videos!

[@gray25xt]

Thanks Darrin!!!! You're gonna love that bar, really made a difference on my car!!!

[@gwagb27]

What size tires

[@gray25xt]

215/40/r27

[@jaredmcgahen92]

all that and then you picked terrible tires, smh

[@gray25xt]

If only your wisdom and greatness could be shared with more humans.