F**d Pumas

[Storm Warning 0]

The EVO team did think very highly of it, more so than the Corrado IIRC. I'm not at all surprise of the comments, it is a VAG orientated Forum. A great drivers car it maybe, that cannot be denied, but I personally would stuggle to over come the image. I consider myself to be a 'car' enthusiast and I like all sorts of cars, some which perhaps don't have a great image. If you think about it most cars have an image, and the image often is different things to different people, sometimes positive, sometimes neagtive.

 

For example some people think BMWs mean quality and classy, others see them as Uber Rep motors for C**ks... or perhaps Passats are just Taxi's? Eitherway its a matter of opinion.

 

So, the question was asked what the common problem is with a Puma and I think its been answered... its image, get over that and its a great car 8)

[bcstudent 0]

Tiff Needell likes them. That's enough acclain for me!

[skinnyman9000 0]

As much as some people dont like to admit it, Fords are generally very good cars. They all handle very well, unfortunately they let themselves down in the engine department 9/10 times.

 

Take a look at the Ford Focus, my mum has one and the handling is tip top, and its been reliable so far, in the handling stakes it dicks all over my rado. I was so impressed to the point where i was considering an ST170. However like i said, the engines are poop. My mum struggles to get 28mpg on the motorway, which is shite in a 3yr old car with 30k on the clock. And the ST170 runs the new Duratec engine, which is built in india, and Burton power suggest forged pistons if you tak it over 190bhp, which is rubbish! After a 20bhp increase the pistons start to give way?!?!? Take a look at a VAG 1.8T in comparison, increase the power by 200bhp and the standard pistons dont mind.

[tandino 0]

The Duratec engines are fantastically efficient units and are pretty much one of the up and coming favourites to be fitted to kit cars ala Westfields and the like.

Big power increaes are very easy with induction mods - ie throttle bodies etc.

Ive not heard of them needing new pistons until over the 230bhp mark which for a N/A engine leaves a reasonable % increase for tuning scope.

As for the 1.8t, well in general Forced induction engines are usally built with higher tolerances in mind and es the 1.8t is no exception.

Ford did the same with the Cosworth YB, remember that?possibly one of the greatest engines of recent years....

[Mave 0]

Thanks all. Like I said, people who won't drive a car because of image care way too much.

 

Going to stretch for a Racing Puma instead, as I know getting the 1.7 normal one will just not be enough and I'll just want the Racing one anyway :lol:.

[Sonicriot13 0]

Thanks all. Like I said, people who won't drive a car because of image care way too much.

 

Going to stretch for a Racing Puma instead, as I know getting the 1.7 normal one will just not be enough and I'll just want the Racing one anyway :lol:.

 

Nice one mate. If I was richer than I am now I'd buy one as a gift for my girlfriend. She's always wanted a racing puma. Plus it would mean I could drive it too! :D

[Ice White Socks 0]

Glad you decided to go for a Puma :D

 

The FRP's are lovely cars- but they are pretty harsh on UK roads and still aren't all that fast in a straight line (say in comparison to most performance cars/ hot hatches)

 

They are also a bit specialist- parts are rare and expensive (panels, seats, steering wheels etc) and things like the brakes need a lot of attention (they are racing Alcons- so no piston seals and need rebuilding every year).

 

I would love on but couldn't manage with two cars that needed a lot of attention- the standard Pumas are pretty much bombproof (once you find a rust-free one) and really have very few serious faults. I have done 17k in mine without missing a beat- and you need something like that in a daily driver. Plus you can have a lot of fun in it because its not the end of the world if you overcook it and end up in a hedge (I have a mental block thats stops me pushing the VR too hard because I would be suicidal if I pranged it- it might be the same with an FRP).

 

Post the pics up if you get one- and try to get one with an LSD (I think about 60-odd came with this as standard).

[vwdeviant 0]

And can be made to look soo good!

:lol:

 

Seriously need a good slapping to the ground though, just how Ford sell a car whose tyre/arch clearance is twice the sidewall profile defies me! Makes a late VR look like a mexican low-rider!

 

TBH the stilts and the "uber-hair-dresser" image kept me from looking too hard at them.

 

The 1.7 isn't that quick either, my 16v beats all bar the FRP every time, think I'd be quite dissapointed.

 

If image isn't your concern I'm sure there are cars that are as capable and quicker for the money.

 

Standard Focii are shocking good handling cars, and cheap, and generally not owned by Charvers if you pick the right model!

 

(Can't believe I praised a F**D!!!! I'm off to find some Carbollic soap to wash out my mouth!)

[skinnyman9000 0]

The Duratec engines are fantastically efficient units and are pretty much one of the up and coming favourites to be fitted to kit cars ala Westfields and the like.

Big power increaes are very easy with induction mods - ie throttle bodies etc.

Ive not heard of them needing new pistons until over the 230bhp mark which for a N/A engine leaves a reasonable % increase for tuning scope.

As for the 1.8t, well in general Forced induction engines are usally built with higher tolerances in mind and es the 1.8t is no exception.

Ford did the same with the Cosworth YB, remember that?possibly one of the greatest engines of recent years....

 

Didnt cosworth develop the Cosworth YB? :scratch:

[gavbs 0]

Going to stretch for a Racing Puma instead, as I know getting the 1.7 normal one will just not be enough and I'll just want the Racing one anyway :lol:.

 

Bring it on!

 

You'll love it! If you stumble across #351, let me know. I was the second owner of this. Really tempted to get one again myself, but am veerint towards an Integra Type-R next time.

 

Good luck in your search for an FRP.

[Andy665 0]

Can't remember the numbers of the two I had - f its a FRP you definitely go for look carefully for corrosion on and in the rear arches. The cars were converted by Tickford and I don't think much attention was paid to the quality - plus you have the problem of interation between the steel and alloy of the panels.

 

I'd suggest you give Pumabuild a call in Birmingham the real experts on FRPs - I bought my second one from them and would highly recommend them

 

http://www.pumabuild.co.uk/

[tandino 0]

The Duratec engines are fantastically efficient units and are pretty much one of the up and coming favourites to be fitted to kit cars ala Westfields and the like.

Big power increaes are very easy with induction mods - ie throttle bodies etc.

Ive not heard of them needing new pistons until over the 230bhp mark which for a N/A engine leaves a reasonable % increase for tuning scope.

As for the 1.8t, well in general Forced induction engines are usally built with higher tolerances in mind and es the 1.8t is no exception.

Ford did the same with the Cosworth YB, remember that?possibly one of the greatest engines of recent years....

 

Didnt cosworth develop the Cosworth YB? :scratch:

 

 

It was a collaboration between Cosworth and Ford,

Essentially Cosworth designed head and Ford Pinto'esque bottom end,this was the point i was making,Ford made a strong bottom end on their turbo cars too.......

[skinnyman9000 0]

The Duratec engines are fantastically efficient units and are pretty much one of the up and coming favourites to be fitted to kit cars ala Westfields and the like.

Big power increaes are very easy with induction mods - ie throttle bodies etc.

Ive not heard of them needing new pistons until over the 230bhp mark which for a N/A engine leaves a reasonable % increase for tuning scope.

As for the 1.8t, well in general Forced induction engines are usally built with higher tolerances in mind and es the 1.8t is no exception.

Ford did the same with the Cosworth YB, remember that?possibly one of the greatest engines of recent years....

 

Didnt cosworth develop the Cosworth YB? :scratch:

 

 

It was a collaboration between Cosworth and Ford,

Essentially Cosworth designed head and Ford Pinto'esque bottom end,this was the point i was making,Ford made a strong bottom end on their turbo cars too.......

 

Ah, i get ya.

 

Just that ive heard nothing but disappointment when people have test driven the new Focus ST170 and Fiesto ST. Everyone has said the chassis is really impressive and that the engine let it all down

[tandino 0]

I think thats more a case of not enough power for the chassis, in todays climate where the turbo derv's are putting out those sort of figures with colosal torque to boot 150/170bhp is nothing to write home about in something that weighs 1300+kg in the case of the Focus.

[Toad 0]

Completely O/T but my mate had a Focus ST170 when it first came out, and I thought that a 5 door golf 8v gti felt faster.

 

Agree with your commets about the amount of power available these days, it wasn't long ago that 150bhp was special, now it's a everyday figure. The escort cosworth was a god amongst cars, with 250bhp and 4wd, now you have a choice of several cars with these features.

 

Shame really...

[tandino 0]

The Escort Cosworth wasnt even 250bhp :lol:

224 from memory!

[bcstudent 0]

227bhp for the early cars and 224bhp for the later cars with modified turbo...I think.

[chubbybrown 0]

I nearly bought one for the mrs years and years ago.

I dont think you can put a tow bar on them.

 

I would go for a yellow aniversary one.

getting rare now. :camp:

[Toad 0]

The Escort Cosworth wasnt even 250bhp :lol:

224 from memory!

 

Just helps prove my point, most "GTi" spec cars are that power now....

[Mave 0]

Viewed one today and it's utterly perfect. Picking it up on Thurs :D

[Walesy 0]

:bonk:

[Mave 0]

You'd enjoy it Walesy, you would. :D

[Phil K 0]

Have you gone for a Racing?

[Mave 0]

Yep! :)

 

edit: \/ Will do Sonic, can't wait lol.

[Sonicriot13 0]

Yep! :)

 

Good lad! :D Get some pics up on Thursday!