Warranty worries may set the limit on Mountune modified Fords
Car tuning shops have been under increasing legislative pressure to meet Construction & Use regulations, states Iain Robertson, but, while ‘bolt-on’ goodies present loopholes, it is the buyer’s responsibility to avoid breaches of the law.
Epitomised by fat, sometimes flame belching exhausts, bigger alloy wheel and heftier tyre combinations and prodigious performance claims, the car tuning industry, which grew off the back of motorsport successes, is now a considerable period past its early-2000’s peak. Although such descriptions as ‘cat back’, which ensures that factory-fitted exhaust catalysers remain intact and are not removed (one of the key emissions issues), the independent tuning agent can still be remarkably inventive in trying to circumvent the rules. Yet, it is a case of caveat emptor (buyer beware) should the desire for an automotive power hike become compelling.
Naturally, personalisation of cars and light commercials is very much a right of the individual seeking to differentiate his vehicle from myriad unmodified examples. Most carmakers, some more expansively and expensively than others, pander to individual taste, with accessory catalogues packed with customising potential. It is not unknown for carmakers to charge exorbitant prices for the least costly of components, although they and their dealer networks seldom inform the end-user of a simple expedient that change for change’s sake on a vehicle optimised for regular road use does not always result in a more satisfying end-product.
Harking back to the heyday of the hyped-up segment, from the 1950s to the dawn of the popularised turbocharged engine in the ‘noughties’, shaved cylinder heads, multiple carburettors and significantly altered camshaft profiles were the order of the day. Carried out proficiently by skilled exponents, factory power outputs could be increased to motorsport standards, taking cooling, braking and handling requirements into account, with the only real restriction being financial.
Turbocharging opened fresh doors of opportunity, while encouraging a wide range of bolt-on specialists, some of which were not quite as honest as they may have stated. Yet, from the mid-1990s until fairly recently, while the numbers have thinned out enough to leave mostly professional expertise intact, the tuning scene was epitomised by two main protagonist brands, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Both had earned world acclaim for their motorsport successes and consumer access to moderately affordable road-going versions meant a plethora of race and rally replicas peppered local consciousness, with their discerningly different exhaust tones but largely similar performance expectations. Of course, Nissan, Toyota, BMW, Ford and several other brands lent their inherent talents to the tuning scene.
However, a smattering of them received useful endorsements that even extended into warranty inclusions for their modifications. For the ‘tunee’, it is always worth asking the tuner, or the brand representative, about any existing carmaker relationships and the implications arising from them. Whether with cars, or light vans, which is still a fast-growing element of the customising and leisure sectors, remaining within the law (that also relates to safety) is the most important consideration. In fact, MS-RT, the Welsh-based Ford van modifier, has made factory approval its stock-in-trade.
Brentwood Essex-established in 1980, by Dave Mountain, Mountune has been developing race engines and fast road performance parts for more than forty years, always in close cooperation with Ford Motor Company, for a long time its geographical neighbour. Having assisted the manufacturer through its Dunton advanced research centre, Mountune has worked hand-in-hand with Ford to produce both ST and RS variants. In fact, those tuning items in Mountune’s catalogue designated as ‘Mountune Performance’ have the manufacturer’s full blessing and inclusion in the original factory warranty, when installed.
Yet, there are limits, as the latest m235 (£575 inc VAT) and m260 (£675 inc VAT) upgrade kits for both Fiesta and Puma models highlight. While the ST versions of the standard cars provide an excellent spread of both power and torque that more than satisfies their customers, some people still want more and hikes of 33 and 57bhp respectively, along with improved torque curves, are believed to be acceptable.
The enhanced performance calibration also requires the recommended induction kit, charge pipe kit and intercooler to spice up the performance of the 197bhp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Interestingly, while using the mTune SMARTflash app, the calibration can revert easily from the m260 tune to the m235 power upgrade, or the original, standard power level, should it be needed.
The m260 upgrade kit is not restricted to the Puma ST and adds to the success of the Mk8 Fiesta’s m225 and m235 upgrades to bring hot-hatch fans an even peppier performance kit, all while retaining the factory-equipped GPF and catalyst assemblies. An easy-upgrade path is also available to existing Mountune m225 and m235 customers wanting to upgrade to the m260 calibration for a cost-effective £99 inc. VAT. All upgrades have undergone a rigorous testing and development programme (as Ford expects) to deliver performance expectations, while retaining an OEM+ feel, and include, as standard, a host of additional functionality, like enhanced exhaust note, more aggressive launch control, optimised no-lift gearshift and also an anti-theft mode.
Fortunately, on the Ford models in question, their braking, clutch and suspension set-ups possess enough leeway to avoid additional investments in those areas. It would seem and experience proves that the Mountune conversions are not merely uncomplicated to install but also easy to live with. Although the numerical power increases are not astronomical, the gains are tangible, with the only side-effect being a need to fill the petrol tank with premium unleaded fuel. To obtain a 60bhp improvement on most petrol engines might incur a final tuning bill well in excess of £3,000. The Mountune kits are not only affordable but also installer friendly. However, do check that your car’s warranty is unaffected by fitting the kit.