BTB Exhausts has launched a new manifold and system, including a free-flow catalytic converter, for the latest model Ford Fiesta ST - and liberated an extra 8bhp and 7lb/ft of torque in the process.
Like all BTB products, the system was developed on a rolling road, and as well as providing the ST with a performance edge it also saves 4 to 5 kilos in weight compared to the standard system, while also providing the option of one or two silencers.
"We're looking for specialist distributors who can supply and fit our system both as a stand-alone item and as part of a performance package for both road and track use," said Joe Ellis, Managing Director of Daventry-based BTB Exhausts.
"For the purposes of the rolling road test, our system was fitted to a car which already had an induction kit - a very popular modification in this market. On top of the improvement provided by enhanced induction, we saw further power and torque increases right through the rev range.
"Now some may believe that more power comes at the cost of more noise, but not necessarily. What noise there is, though, is of a sublime quality - and, crucially, the silencing costs little if anything in terms of performance, which is also good news for race drivers encountering stiffer noise regs in 2006.
"The extra power and torque is available across virtually the entire power range, and the car needs no other modifications - a simple solution to providing more grunt, and also available in either mild or stainless steel.
"Our systems are high quality - and in the case of the Fiesta ST, stainless steel only - and therefore slightly premium in price at £990 plus VAT. This does include free fitting at BTB for a limited introductory period. But perhaps the true measure of worth both as an enhancement and a commodity is the number of BTB systems which are pre-owned and sold on through online auctions and car magazines when owners sell their cars or move on to new projects".
The system will be available through BTB Exhausts product retailers and tuners, with further details available at www.btbexhausts.co.uk built by Racecar
BTB develops and manufacturers exhaust manifolds and systems in a variety of materials for a number of markets.
As well as OE development for car manufacturers, BTB manufacturers exhaust systems for a number of motor racing teams at various levels in the sport, plus limited production runs for specialist aftermarket distributors and bespoke systems to address one-off requirements.
