The thinking behind buying the ST was that it would be a pretty fun everyday car complete with the benefit of a full warranty. But, mainly thanks to this site, I'm starting thinking about making a couple of choice modifications.

Although I've only put about 1,000 miles on the car and I appreciate it will loosen up a touch I'm a bit disappointed with its eagnerness to rev and having chanced across the induction kit test in Fast Ford last month I'm considering a K & N 57i which isn't bad value at around £80 for an alleged (in the FF group test) 10 or so BHP.

So far so relatively sensible- but then I looked at the Pumaspeed site and was thinking of a flexi-pipe to compliment the induction kit and then saw the stage one kit with the exhaust as well...

And then I started pondering on the benefits of some lowering springs as the car does seem to have a bit of an initial lean on turn-in.

So, should I just go with the K & N and be done with it or will splashing a bit of cash turn it into the car that it should have been when it left the factory and unleash a stack of untapped potential?

Thoughts please people!!

Oh, and one more thing- I can get Ford discount on parts and I understand that Ford can fit Magnex exhausts and Eibach lowering springs as dealer fit options, would I be best off to go with these makes or the full Pumaspeed K&N/Milltek pack. I have a Milltek on my M3 and I'm pretty happy with that although the centre section is angled a little low for my driveway!

Cheers in advance

if u got money on objection then buy full system with a kn induction kit! probably the best if u want extra bhp easy way! as for lower ur car it does improve the handling a lot! can drive through corner much faster than before! now I can slide through corner!! as for fitting or buying with ford dealer, the best is to ask ur local dealer if they can sell it or fit for u!

Cheers, in which case I guess the Pumaspeed stage One kit would be the best bet?

I totally get where you are coming from Aaron. I bought my ST with the same intentions, but after reading up about flexi pipes and induction kits I thought sod it. FYI an induction kit can easily be removed it you have any warrenty work to be done. For servicing.. as Pinkrinse has said on numerous occasions, you are PAYING them to service it, they can't be funny with you about it. When you lose out on mods is when something goes wrong with the car and they have something to blame it on (i.e. engine is getting to my air or some gem like that...). Flexi pipe is a stealth mod I can't see that a Ford garage would even notice that - the guy @ pumaspeed said pretty much the same thing to me when I was chatting to him about it.

I've had a Green Cotton induction kit (boxed and in the garage now) and a K&N57i. The K&N57i is a superior product.. doesn't sound as loud, but fit wise its much better (performance wise, can't say I noticed much difference). Let me just say, that the flexi pipe + the k&n57i is definately worth while imo. My car is a lot more eager to perform now, I don't notice that 5,000 rpm "im going to explode" feeling I did before with the car.

Theres no great increase in power from a cat back, so im keeping mine standard for the time being as I can't see the point of spending a few hundred quid at this time. As for the lowering springs, thats one I've also considered. Apparently *IF* my local Ford dealer fits them, it will keep my warrenty intact... but i need to confirm that, and also get a price.

I've read about people having their car lowered, and then having to pay out a few hundred quid for a CV joint because its gone and Ford say its down to the springs. I'm still undecided on this mod, and am leaning towards leaving the car standard ride height (but then i've never been one for lowered cars, im only interested if it makes the handling better).

Anyway, good luck with it - but from my own personal experience, get the K&N57i and a flexi pipe... Also I was very happy with Pumaspeed, he fit my flexi pipe ver quickly and was friendly and helpful. The K&N57i you should just do yourself its not a massive job (tbh you can do the flexi yourself, but you will need a ramp or axle stands).

agree with Cron, the 57i and flexi are a very good base to build on.

Just ordered the K & N from POTN- that should keep me amused for a while and is only a few quid.

I never knew ford dealers would fit a magnex exhaust!?!?!?

Anyone else heard this?