Ford covers everything from the school-run hatchback to the cult hot hatch, and as a Ford mechanic for Málaga we deal with both. For your everyday Fiesta's service, a garage near home will do just as well. For an ST, an RS or a Mustang, there's rather more to get stuck into here.
The Mk2 Focus ST runs a Volvo-derived 2.5 turbo five-cylinder with a sound that begs for a proper exhaust; the Mk3 and Mk4 moved to 2.0 and 2.3 EcoBoost engines. The Mk3 Focus RS, with the 2.3 EcoBoost, is known for head gasket trouble on some cars, which needs ruling out before you ask it for more with a remap. The Fiesta ST, whether the 1.6 or the 1.5 three-cylinder, is one of the cars that transforms most with a good map and intake.
And there's a job that affects a lot of ordinary Fords: the 1.0 EcoBoost uses a timing belt that runs in oil, and it's known to degrade earlier than expected and can block the oil pump pickup. Timing belts and clutches are bread-and-butter work in the workshop.
With the Mustang, V8 5.0 or 2.3 EcoBoost, the most common request is a custom exhaust, often with valves so it stays civil around Málaga.
≈ 98 min
by car
≈ 129 km
Driving route to the workshop
Getting here from Málaga
About 130 km along the coast, roughly an hour and 40 minutes by car. From Churriana the motorway is right there; from El Palo or the centre, it's the ring road first. Then the AP-7 or A-7 to San Roque and the turn-off for La Línea. If you'd rather not make the trip, collection and delivery is possible, priced on request depending on where you are.
Regular Ford jobs
1.0 EcoBoost wet belt
Replacing the oil-bathed timing belt on the Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport and Puma.
ST and RS remaps
Maps for the Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS, always after an engine check.
Mustang and Focus ST exhausts
Custom stainless systems, with valves if you want to choose the volume.
Uprated clutches
Clutch replacements on STs and RSs, especially once the torque has gone up.
Mk3 Focus RS head gasket
Checking the 2.3 EcoBoost for coolant loss and replacing the head gasket.
Models we see
- Ford Focus ST
- Ford Focus RS
- Ford Fiesta ST
- Ford Puma ST
- Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
- Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost
Frequently asked questions
When should the 1.0 EcoBoost belt be changed?
Ford sets an interval, but these wet belts are known to wear sooner, especially with the wrong oil. If your car has some age and miles on it, it's worth checking.
Is it a good idea to remap a Mk3 Focus RS?
It can be, but coolant loss has to be ruled out first, as head gasket failure is a known issue on some cars. We check before touching the software.
Will a Mustang exhaust pass the ITV or MOT?
Any exhaust modification can affect the ITV, the MOT and noise rules. We build to your request, but keeping the car road legal is the owner's responsibility.
Do you work on the Ranger and Transit?
Yes, for general mechanical work, clutches and timing belts. If it's just a service, there are closer options in Málaga.