Keeping a legend alive: Milltek Sport futureproofs the modifying of fast Fords with ECE approved performance exhaust systems

Milltek Sport is future-proofing the heart of the UK modified car scene by ensuring its performance stainless steel exhaust systems for popular fast Fords are fully ECE-compliant.

Ever since it was founded in the 1980s, Milltek Sport has had a soft spot for blue oval products. Whether they have worn an XR, RS or ST badge, fast Fords have always performed and sounded better at the hands of Milltek Sport.

It has been quick to launch its Ford applications, too. As well as its enthusiasm for the brand, Milltek Sport’s near unique position in being able to significantly invest in its own development fleet has accelerated the time to market of its performance products. For example, Milltek Sport bought its own Sierra RS Cosworth on the iconic three-door’s 1986 debut and, in the years since, has run everything from a Fiesta ST, Focus RS to the latest electrified Puma hybrid and Mustang Dark Horse.

While Milltek Sport’s portfolio has grown exponentially since its early days and now encompasses 100s of products for upwards of 40 brands, those for Fords continue to be among the most in-demand and comprehensive. Currently, Milltek Sport offers 370 products for 37 Ford applications, with the catalyst-back systems for the Mk8 Fiesta being one of the most popular.

Its most recent additions include systems for the full line-up of 2023 Mustang models and the very latest Puma ST, while a notable highlight of its Ford offering includes the only fully road legal, ECE-approved exhaust for the Mk3 Focus RS.

Amid tightening, emissions-based legislation, and a clampdown by the DVSA on modifications that infringe a car’s legality – in fact, a recent high-profile prosecution against a tuner involved the removal of factory emissions control parts on a Fiesta ST – Milltek Sport is taking steps to safeguard performance-enhanced Fords and their owners.

Every new Ford system is developed with ECE approval in mind, while its older, more established exhausts and associated componentry conform to legislation relevant to the age of the vehicle. This emphasis on legality also pays dividends for Ford owners in many EU countries, as while the current UK-based focus is on emissions and parts with catalysts or a particulate filter, in many other EU markets you cannot legally fit a ‘cat-back’ system with EC approval. This means that in some countries, a Milltek Sport exhaust can be the only fully road legal performance system available to Ford owners.

To make the legality of its Ford applications obvious, Milltek Sport is building on the clear markings that it has added to all its exhaust products since 2009. Since this time, all Milltek Sport products have been clearly stamped with their suitability for use on the street, with all exhausts designed for motorsport purposes stamped and clearly labelled with ‘not for road use’ markings, corresponding with additional information available on the company’s dealer portal.

Milltek Sport is also working closely with its international dealer network to ensure all associated tuning specialists understand the rules, as well as the risks involved for those who do not comply with legislation.

Steve Pound, Managing Director of Milltek Sport, said: “Fast Fords have long been a mainstay of the modified car scene, traditionally being very affordable and having plenty of tuning potential. It would be a huge loss if that was not to continue, and by ensuring all our current and future Ford-based products meet or exceed the relevant legislation, we are doing our best to keep the brand at the forefront of modifying culture. We will always have a strong focus on Ford applications, but it is pointless manufacturing and offering products for road use that are simply illegal – as we have seen, that will only harm the industry and could ultimately lead to people not being able to modify these cars.”

Underlining the impact of the company’s stance on legal and socially responsible tuning for Ford vehicles is its recent support of Devon & Cornwall Police with its innovative Focus RS ‘police car’. Used by the Force’s Sergeant Owen Messenger to engage with the modified car community and funded by Vision Zero South West, a road safety partnership aiming to reduce road deaths in the area, the Focus was recently fitted with a Milltek Sport, fully ECE-approved system at the company’s Derby HQ. It is the only system currently available for the Mk3 Focus RS that conforms to the stringent ECE requirements – every alternative performance system available in the UK for the model is not road legal.

For further information on the Milltek Sport Ford offering, visit: Milltek Sport