Essential mods really are induction kit, exhaust flexi pipe, and lowering springs, all fairly easy to do but won't cost much if you did have to go to a garage. A full exhaust is a nice-to-have too.
I'm fairly nearby in the northwest, around gr Manchester often, wouldn't mind meeting up or having a drive around.
As always, get some pics of your car up!
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2005 Fiesta ST - wrote off
Newman fast road cams, Fusion Fabrications custom inlet manifold, custom exhaust