What have you changed on your car that's really improved the handling/throttle response/power delivery etc. I have everything standard on my 225 Cup (suspension/brakes/steering/mounts etc.) other than engine which is 300bhp. Just looking for a few minor/cost effective upgrades to improve driveability round corners and in/out of roundabouts. I've been thinking along the lines of the following; Engine Dynamics short shift Powerflex engine mount inserts New shocks LSD is too pricey and I can't really lower it due to tons of speed humps where I live. Any other suggestions welcome.
I think you are stuck. LSD will be the biggie. Coilovers arent really going to help you get power down - the driven wheels are still going to spin. Sticky rubber is about all I can think of.
Its not soo much wheel spin, RS Tuning's map took care of most of that. I don't know just feels as though I get a lot of roll/sway in/out of corners as if the shocks are elasticated. Also quite a lot of delay from once I plant it to straight line accelerating and in between gear changes (engine roll). Probably driving it like a pansy! ha
It does sound like are driving a bit like a girl. Try cooksport springs. They are on my r26 and are a worthwhile upgrade over standard.
Its defiantly a firmer ride and corners flatter. You are always going to get some compromise in the perceived quality of the ride if you put on stiffer springs.
Uprated anti roll bars would help too. Tyres with a good side wall make a big difference iv found. On my old car I had normal Avon zv5 tyres, I got the extra load version the next time arround and it was alot better.
H&R springs do improve ride and not too low, or Eibachs springs, Bilstein B8 shocks specially made to lower car and better response in corner. throttle response is only done via Map as i understand
225 with 300hp is always going to be a tough ask.The megane evolved suspension wise several times to make it handle better,so you are a bit stuck really. Put on the best rubber you can..thats the best thing you can do for handling. Michelin supersport are about the best all round tyre you can buy without going to silly. What year is your car?..if you have a car later than a 2005,then i wouldnt put the engine dynamics shortshift on...its to light for the 2006- on linkage. If its a early car,then you will be fine.
Fun and personal preference mate. I don't always spank my car so it works easier for me in how I drive.
Its not necessarily the engines throttle response but the transfer of power from engine to wheels where I feel there is a delay . . .
Uprated gearbox torque mount. If yours flexes too much the engine will rorate slightly in the bay before it puts power down to the wheels.
Yes this is why I was considering the Powerflex inserts to strengthen these mounts . . . Or might just be that one of the standard ones is knackered, will take a look.
I've found the ebach springs on my cup packed version work fine. they must be a vast improvement to the non cup packed version. biggest improvement I've felt is replacing the tired engine mounts. if your running original shocks and have high-ish mileage then the shocks will be tired. just wish id gone for an LSD version..
Yeah and the ride height is pretty good, could do with being a tad lower but. Yeah I think checking (and replacing any knackered) engine mounts will be my first priority. Its still on original shocks as far as I know and the mileage is over 100k so . . . /-: Buddy I see your Essex based, do you carry out all the work yourself or can you recommend any good mechanics? The guy I use is getting a bit careless of late . . .
I'm no technician but try to do what I can around the car. i.e. service and pads, discs, mounts etc. but I have no garage just a drive. I'll have ago at most things just not the big things. I've had the car in at mark fish motorsport a couple of times. he's pedigree speaks for its self but there is a premium to pay for his work. you have Reno Tec in Chelmsford and airdrome near north weald. I'm lucky I've had nothing major to fail on her as yet so im not sure who to go to if I needed to. mark black up north seems to have some very keen prices on certain jobs so it might be worth the travel for anything biggish.. engine dynamics near Witham is another one. I may try them for an engine health check and pos remap soon to try and sort my petrol use out.. shame used to do all my work at mocom racing in halstead I know zak very well so had full use of his workshop but haven't been up there for some time now.
Yeah I'd rather have a go myself, just difficult on a drive with no proper tools! I might try Engine Dynamics since they've got a rollers as well, wouldn't mind getting it dyno'd since I put the standard exhaust back. For something major likewise I think Mark Black would be worth the trip rave reviews and value for money.
I've used engine dynamics a few years ago for my old Clio, Andy there certainly knows his stuff was very cheap back when I used him(travelled from Bristol to get cams and a map) and it was At least £500 cheaper than anywhere else at the time. Would definitely recommend engine dynamics!
Cool perhaps I will give them a phone . . . My lower mount bushes are definitely knackered so think I will fit the upgraded Powerflex bushes, anyone got a part number? I will also inquire about a short shift to make changes smoother.
