FORD’S hot hatches may not be rolling off assembly lines anymore, they’re still some of the most sought after cars on the market for manual enthusiasts in spite of one major flaw.
However, this issue can be fixed for a relatively inexpensive price, and takes the car one step closer to what many gearheads would call the perfect ride.
2018 Ford Fiesta ST-3 Performance Pack[/caption]
The distance between a gas and brake pedal, and the gas pedal’s distance to the carpet, can make or break rev-match attempts[/caption]
The sixth-generation Ford Fiesta was made even better by the introduction of the ST trim in 2013, giving the less-than 2,800 pound car an invigorating 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
This was paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, a decision which got gearheads giddy over how fun the car would be in corners.
However, the first-gen ST has a major issue thanks to the sixth-gen Fiesta’s design. Its gas pedal is too close to the floor, preventing drivers from rev-matching effectively.
Also known as heel-toe shifting, it comes into play when trying to downshift the car at high speeds by matching the engine’s RPM to the wheel speed while slowing the car down.
To rev-match, you first depress the clutch before pressing your right foot on the throttle and brake simultaneously, raising or “blipping” the RPMs while also slowing the car down.
While blipping the RPMs with the clutch depressed, you then shift into a lower gear for what will ultimately be a much smoother shift than you’d otherwise get without rev-matching.
This is also why it’s known as “heel-toe shifting,” since you’re often using your heel or right-side of your right foot to hit the throttle and blip the RPMs while your toes or the left side of your right foot hits the brakes.
While one can downshift at high speed without rev-matching, doing so adds more wear and tear to the transmission’s clutch disc than if the shift was rev-matched.
Rev-matching also provides benefits when pushing a car to its performance limits, since non-rev-matched downshifts can jerk the car and upset its balance.
When going into a corner and already at the edge of the tires’ grip, rev-matching can make the difference between losing control of the car mid-corner or getting through the turn with style and poise.
Hence, the problem in the Ford Fiesta ST becomes apparent: the inability to rev-match quite literally limits the performance peaks it can reach.
Thankfully, there is an easy solution in the form of a premium, American-made product that turns your Fiesta ST into a completely different car, and it only costs $47.
The part in question comes from Maryland-based company GarageLine, and is a simple metal throttle spacer meant to bolt right onto the throttle pedal.
It mounts to the firewall, going in between it and the throttle pedal, and is adjustable left to right which allows drivers to position it wherever is easiest for them to rev-match.
How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop
Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
- Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done.
- Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc.
- Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out.
- For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true.
- Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill.
- If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill.
- Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.
Source: Motorautocar, AARP
Being metal, GarageLine’s product is also much sturdier and more long lasting than other plastic versions would be, a key factor considering how disastrous the the spacer breaking mid-ride could be.
Installing the piece is also very simple, and does not require a trip to the mechanic assuming you have the tools needed to access the throttle mount in the garage already.
For current owners and anyone planning on purchasing one, this modification is a must-have which will completely change how you drive the Fiesta ST.
NO FIESTA FOR FORD
Unfortunately, both the Fiesta and the Focus hot hatches which were once some of Ford’s most beloved cars have been discontinued to make room for EVs which may never come, meaning the used market is the only way to get one.
However, Ford is lacking fiesta vibes in more ways than one amidst a record-breaking year for recalls with 113 reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.
While some of these recalls have been for mundane issues such as rearview camera glitches, others have disastrous potential and could fail to provide critical info to drivers or even cause them to lose control of the car.
