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  1. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 5: Prototype Testing

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 5: Prototype Testing

    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?


    Fiesta ST charge pipe volume comparison hot side

    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 volume comparison, cold side
    Fiesta ST charge pipe
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  2. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 4: Prototype Test Fit

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 4: Prototype Test Fit

    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
    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.

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  3. Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank, Post 2: Final Prototype

    Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank, Post 2: Final Prototype

    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

    Fiesta ST expansion tank Fiesta ST expansion tank

    Each expansion tank comes with an overflow hose and

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  4. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 3: First Prototype Evaluation

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 3: First Prototype Evaluation

    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
    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.

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  5. Pipe Down. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2: Cold-Side Prototype Fabrication

    Pipe Down. Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2: Cold-Side Prototype Fabrication

    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
    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.

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  6. Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1: Factory Hot Side and Fabrication

    Pipe Down! Mishimoto Fiesta ST Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1: Factory Hot Side and Fabrication

    We have plans for an absolutely awesome intercooler for the Fiesta ST, so it only makes sense to pair it with an equally robust intercooler pipe setup. The stock piping is adequate at best but certainly deserves some attention, because we need to obtain as much airflow as possible from the Fiesta ST. This first portion of R&D will cover the fabrication of our hot-side pipe.

    Stock Hot-Side

    Before jumping into fabrication, let's first check out the stock hot-side piping assembly!

    Stock Fiesta ST hot-side charge pipe
    Stock Fiesta ST hot-side charge pipe

    What an interesting piece! The coupler on the end of the pipe mates with the turbocharger compressor outlet, which then runs into metal piping 1.5" in

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  7. Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank R&D, Part 1: Initial Design

    Say No to Plastic - Coolant Expansion Tank R&D, Part 1: Initial Design

    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

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