From childhood dreams of Cosworths to a 315HP hybrid-turbo track beast, Jake’s ST180 is proof that grit, time, and passion forge the fastest builds. With 400HP in his sights, he's not slowing down—just lining up for the next lap.
📍 Location: UK
📸 Instagram: @ST03_JHA
🚗 Model: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST180
🛠️ Build Type: Track
From Dreaming of Fast Fords to Building One
Jake’s love for Fords didn’t start with his own car—it started with a dream. Growing up surrounded by iconic motors like Cosworths and RS Turbos, his childhood was steeped in the rich culture of fast Fords. It wasn’t until later that he made the leap himself, diving into the scene with his very own ST180. Now, the British Army soldier spends his spare time wrenching on a weaponized Fiesta and chasing down lap times.
“Cars are my life, my hobby, my passion—and most of all, my getaway.”
Track-Built, Not Just Track-Looked
Jake’s 2014 Fiesta ST180 is far from stock. It’s a fully loaded, stage 3 beast purpose-built for the track with 315 horsepower and 435Nm of torque. This isn’t a “show and shine” build—it’s forged for speed and resilience, proven by a 12.9-second quarter-mile at 109mph.
🔧 Performance Highlights:
- X48R Hybrid Turbo
- Stage 3 Intercooler & ITG Intake
- Mapped by Piranah Racing Developments
- Airtec Boost Pipes + Catch Can
- Cobra Cat-Back + Vudu Decat
- Coolerworx Shifter + Engine Dress-Up Kit
🛞 Handling & Stance:
- Stance+ Coilovers, Powerflex Bushes
- JR11 Alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 3s
- Collins Performance Torque Mount
🛑 Braking Setup:
- Drilled & Grooved Discs
- EBC RPX Pads
- Built to stop as hard as it accelerates.
“Like with any power build, getting it all to work takes time. The hardest part? Not giving up when it doesn’t go your way.”
Community, Legacy, and the Love for the Drive
Jake’s journey is one of family legacy and personal pride. Inspired by his dad’s past builds (shoutout to the Clio Williams and Subaru GC8), Jake’s found a new bond with his father—both now owning ST180s.
He’s active in Fuelled Collective and South Fez Motorsport, and while he’s modest about meet-ups, his advice for new builders is anything but quiet:
“Do it. They get a lot of stick on social media, but once you’ve driven one—you’ll never look back.”
Future Plans: Full Send
While Jake’s car is already an impressive package, he’s far from done.
🛠️ What’s Next:
- Build a stronger motor
- Push past 400 horsepower
- More track time, more refinement
Shoutouts go to Piranah Racing Developments for the perfect map and Shane Moore for wrenching through the tough stuff.
“The best part? Seeing the look on people’s faces when they realise it’s reliably over 300 horsepower.”
Final Word to the Ford Fam
“Never give up on a build—regardless of what people think. It’s your car and your personality.”
Jake’s story is a reminder that behind every track-ready hatch is someone who refused to settle. It’s not just the power or the lap times—it’s the passion and persistence that makes the build truly stand out.
Follow the Build:
📸 Instagram: @ST03_JHA
🔧 Build Specs: 315HP | X48R Turbo | Track-Focused
🎯 Goals: 400HP | Stronger Engine | More Track Days
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