--- title: "This 1.6L EcoBoost-Swapped Ford Festiva Is Like an ’80s Fiesta ST" description: "This 1988 Ford Festiva has the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine from a Ford Fiesta ST, making far more power than it originally did." date: "2024-03-31" modified: "2024-03-31" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-1-6l-ecoboost-swapped-ford-festiva-is-like-an-80s-fiesta-st" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Fiesta" - "Ford" - "Hatchback" --- # This 1.6L EcoBoost-Swapped Ford Festiva Is Like an ’80s Fiesta ST ![]() *Engine Swap Depot* Ford never made a performance version of the Festiva in the '80s but if it did, it'd probably look a little something like this. Over at *[EngineSwapDepot]()*, you'll find a 1988 [Ford ]()Festiva that had its original engine swapped with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost from a modern-day Ford[ Fiesta ST](). Thankfully, its owner [Stephen ]()didn't stop there and made a proper hot-hatch out of one of the '80s most forgettable econoboxes. The original first-generation Festiva only came with one engine option in the United States market, a 1.3-liter four-cylinder [Mazda ]()engine, which made just 58 horsepower. Not only is this '88 Festiva's new EcoBoost engine more powerful from the get-go, it's also been modified. Thanks to a Turbo Technics S280 turbocharger, Turbosmart wastegate and blow-off valve, a TunePlus ECU tune, a Mishimoto radiator, and Whoosh Motorsports intercooler, the Festiva's EcoBoost engine makes 300 horsepower. While 300 horsepower might not sound like a lot anymore, this Festiva only weighs around 1,500 pounds. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Stephen / Pollie (@ineedcoin)]() To make sure it can handle its newfound performance, the bite-sized Ford now has adjustable coilovers, a widened wheel track, new camber plates, and Fiesta wheel hubs. Aside from its widened wheel track, LED headlights, and visible intercooler underneath its front bumper—which I hope doesn't get damaged—it looks like a stock Festiva. No one is going to expect the sort of performance it's capable of. Inside, it's still a work in progress, as Stephen claims to still be fine-tuning the build, but its spaceship-themed door inserts are great. The digital speedometer where the stereo used to be is also a funny touch, even if it doesn't seem to be entirely accurate in some of Stephen's videos. Ford Festivas were never sexy or thrilling. They were cheap, reliable, and fuel-efficient econoboxes. However, thanks to their incredibly low entry cost, ultra-low curb weight, and mechanical simplicity, they seem to make surprisingly good project cars. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()