FordFiestaST

We are nearing the completion of this project. Our engineering team is ready for dyno testing that will verify any power gains made with our larger-diameter intercooler piping. Exactly how much larger is the piping we designed?

The Mishimoto hot-side design provided the greater increase in volume between the two, coming in at a 51% increase over the stock pipe.

Fiesta ST charge pipe

A few weeks ago we completed our first set of prototype pipes. After a quick evaluation by our team, it was time for a vehicle test fit. Last week we set our Fiesta ST (FIST) up on a lift and began swapping the stock piping for our components.

First, the hot-side pipe was bolted into place.

Mishimoto Fiesta ST performance parts installed

The hot-side pipe slid into place perfectly. Our mounting bracket lined up, and the hardware properly secured the pipe into place.

The cold-side pipe was a bit more challenging to install, but soon we had it in place as well.

It has been a while since we took a look at what is going on in the world of the Fiesta expansion tank. In our last post we test fitted our 3D-printed prototype on the Fiesta ST. After fitment was confirmed, we played the waiting game for our final prototype's arrival at our development facility. Our best efforts at being patient paid off when we had two packages arrive this morning!

Fiesta ST expansion tank

Fiesta ST expansion tank

Each expansion tank comes with an overflow hose and

Good news! Our first prototype intercooler pipe kit is complete. We can now evaluate both fitment and functionality on our Fiesta. Let's take a look at each pipe we created.

Prototype Cold-Side

First we have the more complex pipe of the pair, the cold-side.

Fiesta ST charge pipe prototype

Complexity comes in the way of multiple bends combined with numerous pipe-mounted features. To the right side of the pipe, you can see the flat flange that serves as a mounting point for the factory pressure sensor. This flange is CNC-machined to provide a proper seal.

Stock Cold-Side Features

We had it pretty easy during the design phase of our hot-side intercooler pipe. A simple design with relatively common features, not overly complicated. The cold-side is a different story.

Stock Fiesta ST charge pipe

As you can see, this pipe features a few complex pieces and also follows an unusual path. On the right side at the top of this image, you can see the end of the pipe that mates to the intercooler coupler and hose. This portion of the pipe also houses a pressure sensor, a mounting bracket, and a vacuum-line port.

Time to dive into yet another Fiesta ST project! This little Fiesta is getting the royal treatment at Mishimoto; over the last few months it has been fitted for numerous upgrades. If you are in the mood for a recap, you can check out some of the other Fiesta posts here on the Mishimoto blog. For now we'll dive right into our development of Mishimoto's expansion tank for the Fiesta ST.

Stock Expansion Tank

Here at Mishimoto we feel a certain type of way about plastic. It is not that we have a vendetta against plastic, but we see an area where we can improve upon some of the stock Fiesta ST parts. Plastic expansion tanks in general (or any plastic parts) are more prone to failure than an aluminum part would be. Plastic becomes brittle with age, exposure to elements, and the repeated heat cycles in the engine bay. Replacing the plastic tank with an aluminum one not only looks better, but it also would be less prone to bursting or cracking especially as the