[sam_a156]

Thought of sharing my experiences after my first handling mod: swapped my Dunlop Sport 9000s (205/45/17) to Goodyear Eagle F1s (215/40/17).

Did they live up to the hype?

In short, yes...

Even if the tire profile is lower, the ride is much much better. Warsaw's roads are really rough, full of potholes and other hazards. Earlier I always had to slow down when riding over the roughest parts (e.g. tram tracks), but with these tyres I realized that there is simply no need.

The grip is also much better, the ASC light hardly comes on. Turn-in is perhaps a bit softer, but more than compensated by the additional grip.

If there is anything to complain about, it's these two small issues:

1) Due to the smaller diameter of the tire, the speedo is off some 5-6km/h when driving around 100km/h. I.e. when the speedo shows 100km/h, according to GPS you are in fact doing only 94-95km/h. This also - sort-of - changes the gearing - you will hit the rev limiter 5-6km/h sooner on 2nd gear than with the OEM size. Solution: rise the rev limiter...?

2) Due to the same reason as above, the car is also lowered by some 6mm (which is fine), but likewise the gap between the tyre and wheel arches is 6mm wider.

The gap could be fixed with lowering springs...but even with the current 6mm lowering I am struggling to clear the massive local speed bumps that seem to be designed for SUVs. Hesitating between JCW suspernsion (only 1cm drop, but an expensive option) and a set of 2mm Eibachs...

A couple of pics attached - wheels are 17" OZ Superturismos, ET40. Tempter to powder coat them to graphite grey color...

Sam

PS. Oh yeah, and I also have a GTT strut brace in order. Hoping that it will also live up to the hype. Reviews have been promising!

[roland2003]

....and I was just about to answer the title question by saying our GTT Aerobox Top Strutbrace
I might be putting a thread up soon on achieving the best handling(& grip) MCS .
IMHO it is possible to change many items and end up with worse handling. than stock! I still reckon my MCS handles better (by some margin) than any other Ive driven. Obviously there is an element of personal taste involved in the setup. I prefer a totally planted rear end. This is not ideal for say tarmac rallying where you want the rear to flick left & right through 1st 2nd gear chicanes ,but is very safe and allows very high speed cornering with just progressive 4 wheel slide (just like a 4 wheel drive realy) . More people crash through oversteer (spin) than washing out the front end (understeer).
Best Regards Roland GTT

[sam_a156]

Hi Roland,

That type of thread would be an interesting read - it is a bit hard to gather the bits and pieces of info here and there without really understanding how the mods would work together. As a result, a lot of trial and error would be needed to get it right.

Many have stated that the non-RF tyres are the most important handling mod and I can at least confirm that it totally transformed the car. While I do not expect anything as radical from the GTT strut brace, it seems that most of the folks really felt the difference...so when is mine going to be shipped again?

I have read quite a bit about sway bars that apparently tune in more oversteer. But like you also pointed out, I am somewhat concerned about the risk of spinning. Those few times I have been pushing the envelope in corners, I have mostly just been getting quite controllable 4 wheel slides even with standard MCS(W). I am not sure if I would like to change this characteristic of the car.

If I remember correctly, you had 5mm spacers in the front to give front a bit wider footprint? Ok, Ok...perhaps I will just wait until you find the time to post the new handling thread