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2015 SE HB Build

scotman

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2011 Fiesta SE hbk Blue
#83
It would be so great to be able to get another 12 or 15 horsepower in bolt ons for our fiestas. Then we could run the larger diameter wheels without as much performance sacrifice.
I run a couple of different brands of 15 inch wheels. OZ and Rota. They don't have much street credibility, but being much lighter than stock they feel really good in a way that matters. The lower cost of high quality tires is an added bonus too.
I love the look of a tight set of 17's on a fiesta. But my experience with them is unsatisfying once i get behind the steering wheel. The very short sidewalls is another love/hate thing for me as well. I have two sets of 17 inch SVT Focus wheels. Every time I throw them on it reminds me why I have the 15's. The effects are that profoundly great.
20210419_092659.jpg
 
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City
Saint peters
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MO
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United States
What I Drive
2014 fiesta s hatchback
#85
I have 16inch wheels not expensive but the feel is way better over the stock hub capped wheels and probably lighter too. In a performance wise way the smaller with wider and better tread is the way to go. On another note any wheel color that will match your trim or paint will look good hence why all the sport cars from factory are looking like that anyway.
 
Messages
85
Likes
70
City
Saint peters
State
MO
Country
United States
What I Drive
2014 fiesta s hatchback
#86
It would be so great to be able to get another 12 or 15 horsepower in bolt ons for our fiestas. Then we could run the larger diameter wheels without as much performance sacrifice.
I run a couple of different brands of 15 inch wheels. OZ and Rota. They don't have much street credibility, but being much lighter than stock they feel really good in a way that matters. The lower cost of high quality tires is an added bonus too.
I love the look of a tight set of 17's on a fiesta. But my experience with them is unsatisfying once i get behind the steering wheel. The very short sidewalls is another love/hate thing for me as well. I have two sets of 17 inch SVT Focus wheels. Every time I throw them on it reminds me why I have the 15's. The effects are that profoundly great.
View attachment 5050
I really like the 5 star and the color awsome
 

scotman

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Grass Lake
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2011 Fiesta SE hbk Blue
#87
The Rota Slipstream wheels are painted a 2015 Kia color called Satin metal. It is so close to the Ford Rado Grey that it can be used to make touch ups on the Ford wheels!
I didn't care much for the original flat black color these were purchased in. The tires are 205- 50 R15 Dunlop Direzza star spec.
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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2015 Fiesta SE HB Magnetic
Thread Starter #88
And got my hitch installed & basket 90% done. Went pretty easy except ya don't want to wind on the bolt holder/spring thingys too far. They don't want to come off. So, I wasted one having to mangle it to get it off. After that, I only used about 3 turns and a bit of WD-40 on the threads. Need to install the anti-rattle u-bolts and then obtain a cable and lock to secure it all to the car when on the road.

20210424_181756.jpg
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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Thread Starter #90
20210508_081735-01.jpeg
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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Thread Starter #91
Considering this for the rear valance....thoughts?

Screenshot 2021-05-11 175610.jpg
 

Handy Andy

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Grand Rapids
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2018 Ford Fiesta SE HB
#94
Your bottom skirt valence "vents" raise a good question about "ground effects"

Louvered vents would kinda be a throwback to Volkswagen Beetle - Corvair / Mid-Engine mount car days.
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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Thread Starter #95
Your bottom skirt valence "vents" raise a good question about "ground effects" Louvered vents would kinda be a throwback to Volkswagen Beetle - Corvair / Mid-Engine mount car days.
I have considered removing the valance and creating a diffuser to fit the hole left behind, but that will have to a project for later...much later; of course, it would be just for looks...no way to functionally test it. For now, just thinking about getting some of the air out of the giant parachute under there. I hate louvers, but some simple '70s style SCCA hole-saw holes with stainless mesh would do the trick, I think.
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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Thread Starter #97
In reference to a post in another area regarding the Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor in the front grill area. (part AU5Z-12A647-B, mine is AU5T-12A647-A, etc.)

I was able to find a drawing in my shop manual that pointed me to the location of the sensor. It's under the front corner of the left headlamp assembly. I pulled that lamp, unplugged the senor, and used a trim tool to pry it out of the holes. Easy peezy!!!! Did not have to remove the entire girl and front bumper assembly!!! I get the new part in a couple of days so maybe my AC will work better, then. It is the first signal of a long series of events that make the AC work properly so...here's hoping it fixes the issue. One thing I read in a couple of places was the sensor can get gunged up or dirty and not work. Not sure how that would happen as it's a little sealed box. Fingers crossed...stay tuned. Nice to also find out my car is wired for foglamps; just need the units and a new switch for the dash.
1620839870931.png
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And I saw this on my morning bike ride. My very first autocross car & FV tow car was a '76 Rabbit, so this was a trip done amnesia lane for me.
20210512_085120.jpg

UPDATED: AC seems better at low speed which is where it was lacking...AAT sensor now reading correctly. I guess disconnecting/reconnecting might have fixed the sensor? It is now reading pretty close to what the dash & my phone read (93F). Still like to fab up the cool air intake tube to see if I can get the intake temp down.

Screenshot_20210512-130316.jpg
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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Messages
735
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City
Northern
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CA
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What I Drive
2015 Fiesta SE HB Magnetic
Thread Starter #98
In reference to a post in another area regarding the Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor in the front grill area. (part AU5Z-12A647-B, mine is AU5T-12A647-A, etc.)

I was able to find a drawing in my shop manual that pointed me to the location of the sensor. It's under the front corner of the left headlamp assembly. I pulled that lamp, unplugged the senor, and used a trim tool to pry it out of the holes. Easy peezy!!!! Did not have to remove the entire girl and front bumper assembly!!! I get the new part in a couple of days so maybe my AC will work better, then. It is the first signal of a long series of events that make the AC work properly so...here's hoping it fixes the issue. One thing I read in a couple of places was the sensor can get gunged up or dirty and not work. Not sure how that would happen as it's a little sealed box. Fingers crossed...stay tuned. Nice to also find out my car is wired for foglamps; just need the units and a new switch for the dash.

UPDATED: AC seems better at low speed which is where it was lacking...AAT sensor now reading correctly. I guess disconnecting/reconnecting might have fixed the sensor? It is now reading pretty close to what the dash & my phone read (93F). Still like to fab up the cool air intake tube to see if I can get the intake temp down.

View attachment 5232
UPDATED: Within about 10 miles, the old AAT sensor went back to reading way below ambient temp. Changing it out, today.
 
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LionsTooth

LionsTooth

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2015 Fiesta SE HB Magnetic
Thread Starter #99
UPDATED: Within about 10 miles, the old AAT sensor went back to reading way below ambient temp. Changing it out, today.
UPDATED: New sensor installed.....seems fine after 5 miles...more miles later today.
 


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