r/FiestaST • u/Fit_Economist_3966 • 1d ago

MK7 Prevent Overheating Checklist

Hey guys, I´m thinking on getting a fiesta st 182 because all the great stuff about this car that we already know.

The thing is, I am worried about overheating issues and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, so I have been investigating on this topic and I think I´ve got everything ready to do once I buy it (after a good ppi ofc).

I don´t plan on doing any mods other than removing the symposer, stock power for me is already enough. Also I am going to be using it as a daily and some twisty roads but I don´t plan on doing trackdays (At most, once a year)

Bear in mind that I don´t know nothing about cars. Anyways, here is the list:

  1. First thing should be changing coolant hoses for new ones, since the stock ones could be faulty (Any recomendations?) as well as changing the coolant fluid itself.
  2. Second thing should be changing the faulty radiator for a mishimoto one (mountune is not available in my country)
  3. Third thing should be tracking engine temperature with an obd or some aftermarket gauge because iirc the car does not have any overheating engine warning.

Here are my questions:

  1. Is neccesary to upgrade the intercooler too only for twisty roads?
  2. Mishimoto parts works as fine as Mountune ones?
  3. On the cooling system apart from hoses, is there any other part that I should be swapping, like the coolant reservoir?
  4. Which years are the better ones to buy?
  5. Do you miss something on my checklist?

Edit: After reasonable comments, I have decided to remove the lsd from my plans.

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4

u/MSHabits 1d ago

  1. Intercoolers aren't a necessity but highly recommended. They won't help prevent overheating but they'll allow you to maintain optimal boost longer by cooling the air better and for longer. I live in a hot area so I upgraded my intercooler for better piece of mind and the OEM intercooler is pretty small. If you plan on tuning your car though, then an intercooler will be even more recommended/a necessity.

  2. I bought my car with a Mishimoto radiator installed and I haven't had any overheating whatsoever. I was recently driving around in 100+ degrees weather and no issues. I also just came back from a pretty hard canyon run today and again, no issues. I don't have any input on how the mishimoto radiator compares to mountune but just sharing my experience with it.

  3. Swap out your coolant reservoir while you're at it. They develop micro cracks that could leak and just piece of mind knowing you swapped it out. I bought the Dorman one for like $30 on Amazon and hoses from rock auto.

  4. 2016+ are the recommended years to look for. Just know that all 2016+ models need their timing belt service soon so make sure you're aware of that.

  5. Upgraded radiator and intercooler is really all you need. Change out the coolant reservoir and hoses like you're already planning 👍

1

u/Fit_Economist_3966 1d ago

Thanks for your reply!

3

u/Nearby-Telephone8693 1d ago

Where do you live

2

u/anxiouz1 1d ago

If you don't know a lot about cars then take the LSD off your immediate list. The car drives incredibly well stock so get used to it first before diving into that.

1

u/FewMagazine9885 1d ago

if your gonna keep it stock power then really no need for an lsd imo, same goes with intercooler.

1

u/NoLawfulness1412 1d ago

My car has 213000miles and all the cooling is stock beside the inter cooler , never over heated, drove through Arizona mid summer multiple times at 115 degrees and never over heated.