Cheers. Well, as with most things theres always a placebo effect. But I've taken a lot of time to get used to the car and installed the handling upgrades a few at a time so I could feel the difference as I went along.
The PowerFlex insert feels like the power is picking up quicker both off the line and between gears. I also used to spin the front wheels all the time... the traction control light was never off. But the antilift kit (regains traction quicker on uneven surfaces) and PowerFlex engine mount reduced that significantly.
However... it also felt like my car was shaking to pieces. Strangely, I actually quite liked it. But every passenger commented on it and it was so aggressive its shaken some of the trim and dash loose. The Vibratechnics mount feels identical to the powerflex performance wise. But... it hardly shakes at all. Just a gentle reassuring buzz so you know its there. But a massive price difference.
Thanks for all the information mate!
I think in the future when I come to get this done, I'll go straight to the Vibra-technics as I'd prefer as little engine shake as possible!
When I brake I can sometimes feel a shake, not sure if it's the engine or the steering, will have to get back on this one... I just know it bugs me when it does it haha!
I believe the poly bushes give more feeling to the car. Before upgrading, I could never really tell what the car was going to do cornering (even after 12 months). So I ended up driving it quite cautiously.
The lower stance and improved handling of the H&R springs is possibly one of the best upgrades I did. I'd say they are only a little more comfortable. But greatly improve the handling through corners. Added to the anti roll bars you can really work the car through corners and previously when your "pushed" away from a corner and have to let off. You can adjust the steering slightly and add more power.
So all in all, its cost me a fair bit. But I'm really pleased with the feel and the handling. And have a lot of confidence in the car now. I finish off the handling with Pilot Sport 3s / 4s. I found the Bridgestone Potenza (factory tyres?) really spongy and uncomfortable. But have found the Michelin really good in the wet.
I rarely see the traction control light on at all now... usually only if I hit a bump whilst accelerating which is always fun! But you can also better feel when you are starting to lose grip and act accordingly.
In the dry I'm confident with the car and it's aggressive nature, but in the wet I don't play about with it as it's too aggressive as it is and I'm not confident enough within myself to say I can happily handle it in a heated situation in the wet.
So caution is always the way for me with the wet!
I can tell straight off the bat that this FR is no where near as solid through corners and round-a-bouts like my last Leon was, that thing stuck to the floor and corners like it was melded to the ground haha!
After the work being doing to the car is done (Cambelt & Waterpump + Service and AirCon -- Will take a few months due to funding!) my first mod will most likely end up the suspension and ARB, from the reading of most people's RR and mods they have had a massive benefit just off them. I'm not reading for a Remap, want to enjoy the current power for a while before I hit that area!
You bought front and rear ARBs right? I can't quite remember but did you mention the FR has a rear ARB already? How would I tell if I have one on mine or not? That way it saves paying out for something I already have haha!
Question with the suspension though, what's the difference between getting H&R 40/40 over 30/50?
Tyres, not an area I'm great on, not sure what are currently on this but will check later on or tomorrow. What are the differences between Pilot Sport 3s / 4s and the Michelin tyres?
The traction light loves me in the wet haha, mostly from pulling off and going uphill, otherwise it's sleeping!
--Lee