New here and in the market for a FiST, (almost) no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited!

[BushManofSFrip]

Maybe a little more color to the recaro “issue.”

There are two problems. One is the seating position which plagues the focus and fiesta and several have spoken to so won’t elaborate further. The second is the width, which is more of a problem in the fiesta.

If you have normal sized legs, you’ll be fine in the fiesta recaros. If you’re a squatter, you’ll squish the family jewels between your quads trying to sit in them. I’m not huge by any means but 26” quads are a no-go for the fiesta recaros even if you don’t mind the seating position.

Got it. Well that seems like I might fit into the body width issue. I lift regularly and squat. I’m not huge but I have a wider frame than average for sure. Guess there’s only one way to find out at this point! Appreciate the insight!

 

[BushManofSFrip]

Some additional feedback. I swapped out the MBRP exhaust for a stock one yesterday. Now understand why so many people go aftermarket; it is VERY quiet, hard to believe it’s not restrictive and that there’s not power to be gained with an aftermarket exhaust on a stock car, although that seems to be the case.

When saying very quiet, for some wouldn’t that dull the experience of the car?

Plus there are some mods that just seem to make sense even on a relatively “stock” car. It being so hot where I live, I will definitely upgrade the intercooler which will allow for a very modest OTS tune for a nice small bump in power/torque. Since you need a Cobb APS or similar to do that, if you’re willing to spend the $ on one (which you can buy used for close to half price) you get the extra diagnostic capability plus up to six performance gauges to keep an eye on things.

The intercooler is something I’m already considering if I buy one they does have it as I live in the Sacramento area and 100+ F in the summer is very common and it can get upwards of 108-118 F on the hottest days. So that’s good to hear.

No mater what you do/do not do to the car, why not go with a short shift kit ? Likewise, why not go for a lighter set of wheels to reduce unsprung weight ? And go with upgraded brake pads (although I guess the originals were pretty awesome but it now appears Ford is substituting others). I will do all these changes to a car I was determined to keep “stock”.

Still so early, I’m learning what mods people like, don’t like, recommend, don’t recommend. I’m sure I’ll either buy one with mods, or stock and add some mods myself or somewhere in between.

Appreciate the feedback and input!

 

[BushManofSFrip]

So

A lot of these cars are modded.

So it would seem, but I’ve seen quite a few stock as well.