Hi guys and gals, I emailed Apex direct to find out if my lowering springs from my old 1.4 fiesta silver would be ok to be put on my ST and they said the ST is not classed as a normal fiesta because of the 2.0ltr engine makes the car heavier. therefore they would not suggest putting the springs on! does anyone know if this is the case, or how much weight difference there is between the cars?

I don't know about the actual weight difference between the two cars but I'd be inclined to only use springs which they have approved as being suitable for the ST. That said, the approved Eibach springs for the ST are the same ones that they sell for the Mk6 diesel Fiestas...

I didn't think much of the Apex springs and shocks I had on my old 206, the ride quality was bloody awful.

Just a quick question on the subject of springs - is the ride quality any different with Eibach springs? I really would like to drop the ST by about 30mm, although I think the ride is firm enough in standard form. I'm worried that dropping the height will make it even more harder!

I wondered the same.... if it makes the ride more harsh it'll probably be a bone braker.

It is a right bone shaker. If you live somewhere with even a few pots holes, speed bumps etc then you'll notice it. I'm not getting mine done. Have been out in st_owner100's car and I just couldnt do it.

The 40 profile tyres certainly don't help the ride...I would of been happier with 16" wheels adn 45 profile tyres and a slightly lower ride height from stock...

The car as it is looks like its too tall

Taller than normal fiestas as well!!

Odd for a sports model.... lower cetnre of gravity blah blah blah.

I agree with Pinky, on Eibach springs alone I think the ride quality is too compromised. I've also been out in st_owner100's car (you were there too Pinky!) along one of the most rutted and bumpy roads I know in Winchester and it was a bit too much for me. I'm sure on a track the handling would be even more sublime, but I think in day to day driving it was just be too harsh. Its not to say I won't get it done though, I'd rather just wait and see what spring and damper packages become available in the near future. If you've got a properly matched spring and damper then then the loss in ride quality shouldn't be as severe.

I'm also with Raffe here, the ride of the car would be so much better had they gone with a 16" rim and a 45 profile tyre. Of course though, a 16" alloy is nowhere near big enough to satisfy the Max Power (but no common sense) generation, who this car was clearly designed with in mind...

I'm not a fan of the style of the 16" wheel on the ZS but I agree that the ST would look far more purposeful on a smaller wheel, and I reckon the handling would be all the better for it too (see Clio 182...).

Its a shame that Ford felt the need to go with a 17" wheel just to satisfy a certain proportion of buyers, they could've at least given us the choice of wheel like you get on the continent.

Hello darkhayz,
Since i've been mentioned a couple of times i thought i'd better make my comment. Don't be any means fit the fiesta 1.4 springs to the ST, people have done it, and the higher front axle load (860kg versus 820kg)results in a drop of around 50mm. The Eibach springs i have fitted are approved for use on the ST and are the same springs used for the diesel fiestas (part no 10-35-010-02-22). This results in an acceptable drop of 35mm, which looks perfect and sharpens up the handling no end. However, as you've read, the ride does firm up a tad, although i wouldn't say it's as bad as Parksey and Pinkrinse may have you beleive.

I'm with ST Owner 100 on that, have the Eibachs and of course the ride is a little bit harder, but only by say 10% or 20%. It makes the car fantastic to throw about and the main reason I did it was for the looks - it doesn’t look like an offroader now!!.

Thanx for you opinions, well I think the springs are going to go up for sale on ebay or something? and I'll leave the car standard for now, but who knows might get a full kit in the future?

Ask your Ford dealer about the WOLF lowering kit. When i had my ST lowered I was offered the WOLF kit at £580 + vat (i stuck with the cheaper Eibach springs)
The kit isn't out on the market yet, but it was available through the Ford Bodyshop.
When pennies are better i'll be getting it.
On Eibach springs, the ride is most certainly firmer, but the handling of the car is increased soooo much and the lowered look, is a plus