Ford Fiesta ST Mk8 Performance Parts & Tuning Mods

Top Brands For Ford Fiesta ST Mk8

The Ford Fiesta ST Mk8 is backed by a huge range of performance brands, covering everything from intake and exhaust upgrades to suspension, brakes and styling. Below you will find top manufacturers known for proven, high quality tuning parts.

Exterior Styling Upgrades for Ford Fiesta ST Mk8

The Fiesta ST Mk8 already looks punchy from the factory, but our exterior styling upgrades let you turn it into something properly special. From body kits, spoilers, splitters and diffusers to custom grilles and other visual mods, you can dial in a more aggressive, track-inspired or unique look to suit your build.

Suspension & Handling Upgrades

The Fiesta ST Mk8 is already a sharp little hot hatch, but there is plenty of room to tighten it up. Start with quality performance tyres and uprated brake pads, as these instantly boost grip, braking confidence and consistency on fast road or track days. Many owners find the stock brakes fade when pushed hard, so performance pads, grooved discs and fresh fluid are a sensible first stage that keeps the car feeling strong lap after lap. From there, suspension tuning really transforms agility. Lowering springs or height adjustable coilovers reduce body roll and the slightly bouncy factory feel, giving a flatter, more planted stance without ruining everyday comfort if you choose sensibly. Matched dampers, stiffer anti roll bars and chassis braces help calm the lively rear end and improve stability through quick direction changes. Add uprated bushes and a good geometry setup, and the Fiesta ST Mk8 feels more precise, responsive and playful in every corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best first performance mods for a Ford Fiesta ST Mk8?

If you are just getting started with tuning your Fiesta ST Mk8, a good first step is a high flow panel filter or intake kit, paired with a decent cat back exhaust. These upgrades help the 1.5 EcoBoost breathe better and sharpen throttle response without going too wild or affecting day to day drivability.

Many owners then add lowering springs or coilovers. Even a sensible drop with quality suspension parts can make the car feel more planted, improve cornering grip and tidy up the arch gap, while still being comfortable for road use.

How much power can a Fiesta ST Mk8 gain from a remap or ECU tune?

A well written ECU remap on the stock turbo usually gives a noticeable bump in horsepower and torque on the Fiesta ST Mk8, especially through the mid range. You will feel stronger pull in-gear and quicker response when overtaking or exiting corners.

For the best results, most tuners recommend pairing the map with supporting mods such as an upgraded intercooler, intake and exhaust system. This helps keep intake temps under control and lets the turbo work more efficiently, which is better for both performance and reliability.

Will tuning my Fiesta ST Mk8 affect reliability?

Light to moderate tuning on the Fiesta ST Mk8, such as an intake, cat back exhaust and a sensible stage 1 ECU map, is generally reliable if the car is well maintained and the work is carried out by reputable specialists. Regular oil changes, quality fuel and keeping on top of servicing are key.

Once you go to higher boost levels, hybrid turbos or track focused mods, it becomes more important to upgrade cooling, clutch and sometimes engine internals over time. We always advise building a balanced package, not just chasing peak dyno figures.

What wheel and tyre sizes work best on a Fiesta ST Mk8?

The Fiesta ST Mk8 comes with sporty alloys from the factory, but many owners move to lightweight 17 inch wheels or similar sizes to cut unsprung weight and sharpen handling. A common setup is a 17x7.5 or 17x8 rim with an appropriate offset for good arch clearance.

Tyre wise, a quality 205 or 215 section performance tyre offers a nice blend of grip and comfort for fast road use. If you go much wider or lower in profile, you may need to consider arch clearance, rubbing on full lock and the impact on ride quality, especially if the car is lowered.

Will performance upgrades on my Fiesta ST Mk8 pass MOT and affect warranty?

Most bolt on mods such as cat back exhausts, panel filters, springs and wheels are usually fine for MOT, as long as the car remains road legal, has no exhaust leaks and the emissions system is intact. Sports cats and decats are more sensitive, so always check current UK MOT rules before fitting.

Any tuning or remap has the potential to affect manufacturer warranty, since you are altering how the ECU controls the engine. Dealers can often see that the software has been changed, even if it is returned to stock. If warranty is important, consider this carefully before you start modifying.

What supporting mods are recommended before going for a higher stage tune?

Before moving from a basic stage 1 map to a more aggressive tune on your Fiesta ST Mk8, it is wise to upgrade the intercooler, intake system and exhaust. Better cooling and flow help keep power consistent on spirited drives, not just on one dyno pull.

For harder use or track days, uprated brake pads, fluid and possibly bigger discs will handle the extra speed more safely. Many owners also add adjustable suspension and better engine mounts to make the car feel more stable when you really start pushing it.

How much should I budget for a sensible tuning package on a Fiesta ST Mk8?

For a solid fast road setup on the Fiesta ST Mk8, a typical shopping list might include an intake, cat back exhaust, intercooler, ECU remap, lowering springs and uprated pads. Depending on the brands you choose, this is often in the region of a few thousand pounds including fitting and mapping.

You can spread this out in stages. Many owners start with suspension and brakes, then add the power mods and remap later. This staged approach keeps the car usable and lets you feel each upgrade, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Final Thoughts On The Ford Fiesta ST Mk8

The Ford Fiesta ST Mk8 is a cracking little hot hatch straight out of the box, with a punchy turbo engine, sharp chassis and that playful front end everyone loves. It is a seriously capable base for tuning, whether you are chasing quicker B-road pace or setting the car up for track days. The character is already there, you are simply refining it with the right performance parts and motorsport grade upgrades. From a power point of view, the stock car can feel a bit choked at the top end and intake temps can creep up when pushed hard. That is why many owners start with a remap, freer flowing exhaust system, upgraded intercooler and intake kit to unlock usable gains without spoiling drivability. Heat management is a big one on these, so better cooling, quality oil and sensible service intervals keep the Fiesta ST Mk8 strong and reliable even when tuned. On the handling side, the OE suspension is decent but a bit soft and floaty when you really lean on it, and the standard brakes can fade with repeated hard stops. Coilovers or uprated springs, thicker anti-roll bars and proper performance pads and discs transform confidence without ruining daily comfort. Add lighter wheels, alloys or motorsport rims, grippier tyres and a slightly more assertive alignment and the whole car feels more keyed in and precise. Tie that together with a few subtle styling tweaks, maybe a more motorsport inspired wheel and tyre package, aero touches and interior upgrades, and your Fiesta ST Mk8 feels like a properly sorted driver’s car. The key is choosing a balanced package of mods so you get stronger performance, better control and improved consistency, without beating up the clutch or sacrificing everyday use. With the right combination of upgrades, you can build a Fiesta ST that suits your roads, your driving style and your personality, and that is where the real fun starts.