David,
I understood your first message correctly, and yes the car does drive in a far more predictable manner which makes all the difference. At one point on Monday I got into a slide at about 80mph, and this is when the difference really shows, as it's possible to catch an 80mph slide, whereas previously I'd have spun.
I've just pilfered one of Ric H's pictures from Llandow to show the difference in cornering attitude between what my car would be like now if still on the Marlin geometry and spring rates, and how my car is now after extensive mods, and slighltly stiffer springs (300 - 350 lbs on the rear for instance).
There's no appreciable degradation in straight line bump absorption, yet the body control in is a different league to how it was.
I have no financial incentive to promote the people that worked on my car, but they definitely did a fine job.
Ric H's car (5exi-r with stock suspension) at Llandow, on stock road tyres (Goodyear GSD3s)
My car on R-rated tyres (888s):
limpabit wrote:
He probably went round a track quicker in the Fiesta than the 5exi (in original form). But no ordinary Fiesta!
It wasn't massively modified really, 166% of stock power, bigger brakes, eibach/koni suspension, racing puma suspension bushes, and the rest was totally stock, including the granny spec interior, air-con, dubious wood effect dash...... it's more that it again highlights how a predictable and confidence inspiring chassis is far easier to exploit than one that always has you on tenderhooks.
I really hope that the latest versions of the Marlin chassis are a giant improvement, and those opting for the higher power engines can really use and enjoy the power. A VAG 1.8t with a K04 running a reliable 270bhp in a fine handling light chassis would be an absolute riot, as many of the modified elise owners are all too keen to publicise.
, you can tell your much more confident in the car now the speed your carrying through some of the corners.