Get educated! Before commenting about the "Engine issue" with the Focus RS, please read this article discussing what the issue is, how many cars it actually affects, and how an incorrect part installed at the factory is wildly different from a flaw in design. www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a14510137/ford-focus-rs-head-gasket-issues/
Very interesting, all the articles I had read on the issue where months ago, probably before this was found out. This makes me far more interested in getting an RS as my next car instead of being scared away like I was!
You mean "let it slide" like every recall on every car ever? If history has shown us anything it is recalls will be issued when absolutely necessary and the manufacturer is either being forced to by the NHTSA or they risk a MASSIVE lawsuit. The first batch of a car possibly having the wrong part installed that has effected a small handful of vehicles does not a recall make.
The RS is a brand new platform. Its also an American Hot Hatch. That means its riding a thin line because Americans are hugely import biased. The Toyota Prius killed over 200 people with its drive by wire throttle/steering yet people will swear up and down Toyota is the most reliable brand. Unfortunately the RS will now be plagued by mouth breathers who run with their shallow knowledge of engineering and will ruin the RS's street credit. Hell, just look at my Focus ST. Its been around for 5 years and yet there is little mod support for the car. Its a sad reality that domestic tuners have to live with.
I think when you want more power just get the head flowed maybe cams, valve springs, throw in a better gasket and head bolts. Then you can get a bigger turbo down the line and the engine should be able to put out quite a bit of power. It's not like you dont have money and I for one would absolutely watch a few videos on it.
robert335ijb4 yeah, go back about 2 months in his videos to one called thanksgiving break and the future of one takes. Can also listen to some podcasts from around then too for more info. Idk what his plan is exactly but he's been clear he's not done reviewing cars just one takes with viewer cars
It's crazy to see Farah drive his own car, because you can actually see his skill level shine past the fear of wrecking someone else's car. 3:50 gave me the chills, clean line in one lane.
Matt-Just ordered this suspension from Mountune and they will be installing 2/13/18. Hope you are not upselling this since you got your setup for free. I am paying $$$! Looking at their ECU tuning states not legal to use on public streets but only off road. Edit: Matt, while pricey the suspension change is immediately noticeable for the better. Like you stated the car feels more planted to the road and this is confidence inspiring. Agree with you feels like a different car in ride and handling.
@@RB-ny5lh It definitely improved the ride over stock without degradation in handling. It is pricey to be sure but this is what the car should have been from Ford. After install also necessary to do alignment as well. If keeping the car long term is worthwhile investment and will likely improve value to sell the car.
@@doctorrobert60 yeah I've been tempted to sell the car and the ridiculously stiff ride is one of the main reasons. Just trying to gauge if the improvement is worth the investment or if I should just get something else. I appreciate your input
Mountune don’t yet offer the KW DDC set up here in the UK however Litchfield have tweaked the KW DDC for our roads and I hear good things about so definitely something I’m looking into as next mod for my M400 spec RS. Cheers as ever for the informative RS content and glad you’re enjoying the new parts :)
I've read that even just dropping in the Mountune springs makes a world of difference, which is the route I think I'm going to take, mainly for cost reasons. I blew a fad wad on wrapping the car in Xpel Stealth.
Nice video Matt. some good consumer advice too. I've put KW clubsports on my Ford GT and some V3 on an NSX and both of them went from street racer to GT levels of comfort ..and yeah, a little less body roll on the NSX, but really the ride quality is the name of the game here. I have about 5 other cars that will be getting KW suspension. really good stuff. KW has really become one of the top damper makers along with Ohlins, Penske, Showa, Kayaba, Bilstein, Sachs, and Reiger.
this video is really informative. Knowing there will be adaptive suspension for the RS in the future makes me want to get one. Thanks Matt for showing us this.
They make car suspensions stiff because idiots think that's sporty. In reality, to a degree, softness = mechanical grip. This is why the roly poly ND Miata can grip 0.9g without bricks for springs. Maybe Ford will get it right next time
Not really true. Rode in a 918, stiffness is good as long as the weight is spread the right way. It then feels like you’re literally on a track or rails and just gives an indescribable feel
Dude Shark softer suspension means more mechanical grip, stiffer suspension means more precise and agile, but can be made to grip with good tires. Also as alot to do with geometry of suspension though.
Soft springs make for mechanical grip (up to a point). 1963 F1 Championship- Jim Clark wins 7 out of 10 races in the Lotus 25 and changes race cars design for ever. Colin Chapman you were a true genius.
Love the video, glad that you finally got the setup you wanted. It be really interesting to see your car go against the stock suspension RS on a bumpy race track ( someplace like big willow )
RS Owner here. My car was built within the range of dates possibly effected, so yes, I got the letter from Ford titled "Customer Satisfaction Program 17B32." Ford is asking the owners to bring the cars in for a cylinder pressure test. Cars that pass the test get a new head gasket. Cars that fail get a new gasket and a cylinder head assembly. Took my car to the dealer, they checked it, it passed; my dealer has not yet found a single car that needs a head. So next week i'm getting a new head gasket and i'm perfectly content and comfortable with that, a great insurance policy actually. So for those of you that think Ford is messed up about this head gasket issue, it's your problem, not us RS owner's problem.
Love the New Zealand plug :) , My 2017 Focus RS arrives next week very exciting :) , while my 2016 Stage 2+ Mustang GT goes to a new home :( , looks like i won't miss it much after watching your review. The overwhelming comment is the ride quality so thanks for the tip and this will be the first thing i'll try to address, Great videos Matt.
If KW wants more R&D on this suspension set up, have them hit me up. I have a 16 RS that I hate driving on long trips because of the stock suspension. Otherwise, great review of the improved RS you got.
Chris Dooley Mic doesn't do justice. Plus he out it super close to the exhaust so it's just distorting the noise. Shmee150 has the same exhaust on his RS. Heard irl before, super nice.
Very glad to hear this update on your RS. It is now higher on my list of priorities I really agree with your thoughts on ride and handling. My ep3 handles really nice on 17s but the ride quality on 15 inch snow tires is almost perfect. Just doesn't turn nearly as well
It's sucks that the Singer Review never happened a year and a half later. I know they are impossible to get, but I would've loved to see Matt review it.
I always think you go too slow when reviewing cars but now I see you can go as fast as hell if you actually want to :D And going with aftermarket suspensiion that is softer than OEM is pretty cool, makes me think you know what you are doing. You just gained lot of respect in my eyes
Since you get to drive so many types of cars, some being high end super cars, do you still enjoy getting in your Focus RS? Does it still bring a smile to your face? That's what it's really all about, just finding joy in your own vehicle, not comparing your car to other vehicles or if it's faster or slower than others.
i love listening to your comments, and i know you got a concept going on here. but lots of people and i wish that you do your videos in pov style in car cam. and i know it will boost your channel for lot better. greetings from turkey!!
Thanks Matt for the awesome video! You have a great perspective on the RS and I am very interested in those coil-overs for my car. Can't wait for the singer video!
Matt, you need to make a trip to northern Michigan for Rally America's SnoDrift Rally. It's the last weekend in January. It's a blast. Since studs are not allowed, it makes it really interesting. We are always looking for volunteers. You could work a stage. Have a place for you to stay.
Great comment about ride & handling! A stiff, rough, "sporty" ride creates the perception of speed but may not actually be fast. In the bicycling world, road cyclists really drive this point home: a narrow tire at 120 psi feels fast because you feel the road and the bike is active, but a wider tire running 80-90 psi is actually faster. Unfortunate it takes an expensive dynamic coilover kit to make it right on this car.
Mountune springs on my Fiesta ST absolutely TRANSFORMED the ride, but it's still a bit bouncy. Unsure why Ford performance got everything else perfect but don't know how to tune suspension for everyday roads. I see Mountune now have Bilstein dampers for the ST, so I might pair those with the springs and see how I go. I like this active KW system but at $4k USD...it ain't cheap...and as far as I am aware not available for my ST anyway.
the ride looks much more comfortable then stock, and its just as fast in the corners. thats great.. for people who want a more comfortable ride out of their RS. should buy these KW'S, if they get released
Ivs worked at Ford and I know that EVERY piece of the car is barcode marked and cannot be missed or misplaced otherwise the system automatically stops and you get an alarm so theyre lying. I dont need to own one to know thats a lie and I dont think owning one entitles you to know the truth
I'm surprised DSC Sport didn't try to hook you up with a V1 controller since you praised them so much at Summit Point. Glad you got the hook-ups with the KW's though they seem sweet.
Matt. You should get some 18" 40-series on there if you're still running stock. Big, big difference the slightly taller side wall makes, and since I went with Pilot 4S I didn't lose turn in, and there's not really a noticeable tire squarm.
What you want is, stiff chassis, adjustable sway bars / end links, to prevent body roll and reasonably compliant suspension, so that the rest of the suspension can do its work without skipping over bumps, failing to absorb the bump which results in upsetting the cars balance and beating the hell out of the driver
TheSmokingTire, Glad you are so confident in Ford reasons for the coolant/ head gasket issues. So why did it take them more than 15months to find the error/ fuck up in the factory. Are you really sure the fix on recall is the answer??
I have the KW Variant 3 for the RS and love them; very stiff, no roll or nose dive. I feel every nook and cranny and the car is very darty, like a race car :) California roads are undriveable but its a 6 miles round trip daily and track car.
Matt, I think you’ll really enjoy the car even more if you switch from the PSS to the sport cup 2’s! They’re so sticky and i speculate that you’ll enjoy the suspension even more!
LMAO. Love how you said "JUST UNDER $4,000." I am a previous Evo 8 owner and miss the awd turbo 4 cylinder. I am thinking the RS will be my next vehicle. Nice car by the way.
Spectacular video Matt! I mean first off it’s always a treat when you’re driving something you know well because speed, but we even got to see the press car magic happen! I had like two more high points I forgot lol. Curious about that popping sound in corners, my buddy just replaced his front strut mounts and is getting the same thing.
I was told it is highly recommended that a dual catch can system be put on very early on to cut back the blow by and build up. What are your thoughts on that?
Oh the head gasket talk...This has officially replaced the 996-era Porsche IMS bearing issue as the most brought up conversation topic induced by overblown mass hysteria on the interwebz...
Matt, at 13:38, that sound I'm hearing is that the exhaust popping OR is that something in the chassis or on the body making that sound? The GoPro makes it sound like something is rattling.
The Church Of Speed are you suggesting id actually be driving a car fast down a road with a shock sounding like it’s about to fall out? It’s the exhaust popping.
TheSmokingTire good to know. Not staying that you don’t know your car, or that you would intentionally drive with bad suspension. Just being a prototype suspension, you always worry about small sounds that might be very hard to hear. Very loud metallic sounding exhaust “pop”. Car looks great, exhaust sounds good to me, and awesome to see that the suspension is perfection! Hope to see you again at Gridlife
Having ridden in a Focus ST with a loud popping exhaust, can confirm it translates exactly the same way IRL. Sounds like creaking body / clunking suspension when it's just exhaust pops. Must be something about the interior that makes it sound that way
Well its probably around $1.5 - 2k to convert a stock block to closed deck if you bring the tuner an engine with the head off. If somebody is buying one of these, they have that kind of money.
They went with an open deck block for cooling and weight reduction. Like Dugg said, with the correct head and gasket there shouldn't be a problem. Although I prefer closed decks for strength. Especially an Iron block like an SRT4. There is zero chance of busting an SRT4 block lol.
how does this ride compared to the Golf R? I rented a base model, 18" R 6spd with non adaptive suspension and it rode really well and was comfortable and simple.
Do you have a video of the your personal collection o to cars and what's done? I would Love to see them all. Your foxbody is still my favorite of what I have seen so far.
Thanks for the video! I feel the same way about my RS' suspension as you did, so this review helped a lot. I'd really like to see you take it on the track and hear your thoughts.
@@RB-ny5lh I never did. I ended up selling my RS for something I could beat on on a race track during HPDE but wouldn't beat me up while daily driving it. I loved the RS, but it had too many compromises for my taste.
How do you think it'll be on a smooth track? Road quality is more important to me because that's where cars go but I'd be interested in track times when you get around to it.
Matts idea of a good canyon car is similar to a tarmac rally setup. I tend to agree with him stiffness is overrated unless its a time attack car with downforce and stuff
Hey Matt, I scanned the comments and didn't find any regarding how your new suspension affects drift mode. Can it still drift or has the new suspension changed the way it drifts in any way? I suspect the new suspension probably stabilized it more and makes sifting more difficult?
King Flippin Ryan don't hold back on that RS! I had a mustang ecoboost making around 380/405 wheel from 500 miles to 27,000 miles and I beat the piss out of that car. Never once did I have a single issue with it and that is the "weaker" 2.3 engine.
love that drive. It used to be part of my daily commute between Lancaster and Glendale. Car's not bad either. Seems to be nicely planted around the corners. Don't like the intermittent knocking noise/rattle that can be heard. Is that the new suspension?
Get educated! Before commenting about the "Engine issue" with the Focus RS, please read this article discussing what the issue is, how many cars it actually affects, and how an incorrect part installed at the factory is wildly different from a flaw in design.
www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a14510137/ford-focus-rs-head-gasket-issues/
TheSmokingTire yeah we all saw this months ago. The concerning thing is that Ford let it slide in the first place
Very interesting, all the articles I had read on the issue where months ago, probably before this was found out. This makes me far more interested in getting an RS as my next car instead of being scared away like I was!
You mean "let it slide" like every recall on every car ever? If history has shown us anything it is recalls will be issued when absolutely necessary and the manufacturer is either being forced to by the NHTSA or they risk a MASSIVE lawsuit. The first batch of a car possibly having the wrong part installed that has effected a small handful of vehicles does not a recall make.
The RS is a brand new platform. Its also an American Hot Hatch. That means its riding a thin line because Americans are hugely import biased. The Toyota Prius killed over 200 people with its drive by wire throttle/steering yet people will swear up and down Toyota is the most reliable brand. Unfortunately the RS will now be plagued by mouth breathers who run with their shallow knowledge of engineering and will ruin the RS's street credit. Hell, just look at my Focus ST. Its been around for 5 years and yet there is little mod support for the car. Its a sad reality that domestic tuners have to live with.
I think when you want more power just get the head flowed maybe cams, valve springs, throw in a better gasket and head bolts. Then you can get a bigger turbo down the line and the engine should be able to put out quite a bit of power. It's not like you dont have money and I for one would absolutely watch a few videos on it.
I can't wait to see the Singer review!!
It's the finest restomod Porsche that money can buy.
But that's not a Singer, that's the new Guntherwerks 400R. He already has 2 videos of it posted.
Singers are still the finest. The Guntherworks is the fastest and most riced.
Mario Funk Maybe watch the video before trying to correct someone next time.
It's definitely not a Guntherworks 400R, that was 100% a singer
guess it never happened.
When it's the best Porsche aftermarket in the game you stop and say hello!
Absolutely dreading the end of these.
He won't be done with cars, just one takes with viewer cars
James Fonda wait....... did I miss something? He’s not going to do “One Takes” anymore?
robert335ijb4 yeah, go back about 2 months in his videos to one called thanksgiving break and the future of one takes. Can also listen to some podcasts from around then too for more info. Idk what his plan is exactly but he's been clear he's not done reviewing cars just one takes with viewer cars
He said in a podcast ages ago he will stop at 500
SenszR 500 ? but he's done more.
It's crazy to see Farah drive his own car, because you can actually see his skill level shine past the fear of wrecking someone else's car. 3:50 gave me the chills, clean line in one lane.
Yes! Farah is one of the few journalists that understands stiff doesn’t equal fast.
Matt-Just ordered this suspension from Mountune and they will be installing 2/13/18. Hope you are not upselling this since you got your setup for free. I am paying $$$! Looking at their ECU tuning states not legal to use on public streets but only off road. Edit: Matt, while pricey the suspension change is immediately noticeable for the better. Like you stated the car feels more planted to the road and this is confidence inspiring. Agree with you feels like a different car in ride and handling.
Still worth it? I'm tempted but not sure if I want to spend the money.
@@RB-ny5lh It definitely improved the ride over stock without degradation in handling. It is pricey to be sure but this is what the car should have been from Ford. After install also necessary to do alignment as well. If keeping the car long term is worthwhile investment and will likely improve value to sell the car.
@@doctorrobert60 yeah I've been tempted to sell the car and the ridiculously stiff ride is one of the main reasons. Just trying to gauge if the improvement is worth the investment or if I should just get something else. I appreciate your input
Mountune don’t yet offer the KW DDC set up here in the UK however Litchfield have tweaked the KW DDC for our roads and I hear good things about so definitely something I’m looking into as next mod for my M400 spec RS. Cheers as ever for the informative RS content and glad you’re enjoying the new parts :)
Those coilovers cost more than my whole car lol
First day of classes for the spring semester and I’m sitting in chem watching the smoking tire, I’m off to a great start 😂
I've read that even just dropping in the Mountune springs makes a world of difference, which is the route I think I'm going to take, mainly for cost reasons. I blew a fad wad on wrapping the car in Xpel Stealth.
Nice video Matt. some good consumer advice too.
I've put KW clubsports on my Ford GT and some V3 on an NSX and both of them went from street racer to GT levels of comfort ..and yeah, a little less body roll on the NSX, but really the ride quality is the name of the game here. I have about 5 other cars that will be getting KW suspension. really good stuff. KW has really become one of the top damper makers along with Ohlins, Penske, Showa, Kayaba, Bilstein, Sachs, and Reiger.
Bought a fiesta st and did Cobb stage3 because of you and now bought a 2018 rs final edition because of you
this video is really informative. Knowing there will be adaptive suspension for the RS in the future makes me want to get one. Thanks Matt for showing us this.
You know your car is sweet when Matt interrupts a One-Take to check it out!
They make car suspensions stiff because idiots think that's sporty. In reality, to a degree, softness = mechanical grip. This is why the roly poly ND Miata can grip 0.9g without bricks for springs. Maybe Ford will get it right next time
future62 totally agree
Not really true. Rode in a 918, stiffness is good as long as the weight is spread the right way. It then feels like you’re literally on a track or rails and just gives an indescribable feel
Dude Shark softer suspension means more mechanical grip, stiffer suspension means more precise and agile, but can be made to grip with good tires. Also as alot to do with geometry of suspension though.
jacob portillo right, but like you said, it comes down to geometry of the suspension, which is affected by how it carries its weight.
Soften until you bottom out/rub then, stiffen up a notch.
That's awesome about Singer; I can't wait for that test drive, Matt!
Soft springs make for mechanical grip (up to a point).
1963 F1 Championship- Jim Clark wins 7 out of 10 races in the Lotus 25 and changes race cars design for ever.
Colin Chapman you were a true genius.
Love the video, glad that you finally got the setup you wanted. It be really interesting to see your car go against the stock suspension RS on a bumpy race track ( someplace like big willow )
Glad to see the RS. Thought it was long gone!
RS Owner here. My car was built within the range of dates possibly effected, so yes, I got the letter from Ford titled "Customer Satisfaction Program 17B32." Ford is asking the owners to bring the cars in for a cylinder pressure test. Cars that pass the test get a new head gasket. Cars that fail get a new gasket and a cylinder head assembly. Took my car to the dealer, they checked it, it passed; my dealer has not yet found a single car that needs a head. So next week i'm getting a new head gasket and i'm perfectly content and comfortable with that, a great insurance policy actually. So for those of you that think Ford is messed up about this head gasket issue, it's your problem, not us RS owner's problem.
You're so thinking about the Singer! I don't really blame you, it's the holy grail of Porsches. You need a Singer shaped beacon on your house.
Love the New Zealand plug :) , My 2017 Focus RS arrives next week very exciting :) , while my 2016 Stage 2+ Mustang GT goes to a new home :( , looks like i won't miss it much after watching your review. The overwhelming comment is the ride quality so thanks for the tip and this will be the first thing i'll try to address, Great videos Matt.
You end up buying the coilover kit?
If KW wants more R&D on this suspension set up, have them hit me up. I have a 16 RS that I hate driving on long trips because of the stock suspension. Otherwise, great review of the improved RS you got.
Exhaust still sounds like shite but I’m glad the handling/ride is better
Chris Dooley Mic doesn't do justice. Plus he out it super close to the exhaust so it's just distorting the noise. Shmee150 has the same exhaust on his RS. Heard irl before, super nice.
Ali Khan so why does it still sound Shite in the flyby?
It doesn't sound good. Cuz it doesn't have a so called big v8 or v12 right kids
Sounds WAY better in person, trust me.
Muinaiset no need to explain to kids
Very glad to hear this update on your RS. It is now higher on my list of priorities
I really agree with your thoughts on ride and handling. My ep3 handles really nice on 17s but the ride quality on 15 inch snow tires is almost perfect. Just doesn't turn nearly as well
It's sucks that the Singer Review never happened a year and a half later. I know they are impossible to get, but I would've loved to see Matt review it.
I always think you go too slow when reviewing cars but now I see you can go as fast as hell if you actually want to :D And going with aftermarket suspensiion that is softer than OEM is pretty cool, makes me think you know what you are doing. You just gained lot of respect in my eyes
Awesome! I thought he stopped doing one takes. Please keep them coming.
Since you get to drive so many types of cars, some being high end super cars, do you still enjoy getting in your Focus RS? Does it still bring a smile to your face? That's what it's really all about, just finding joy in your own vehicle, not comparing your car to other vehicles or if it's faster or slower than others.
Glad you got it sorted and you can enjoy your car again!
i love listening to your comments, and i know you got a concept going on here. but lots of people and i wish that you do your videos in pov style in car cam. and i know it will boost your channel for lot better. greetings from turkey!!
awesome stuff. i've been waiting for this update video and glad everything turned out for you!
Thanks Matt for the awesome video! You have a great perspective on the RS and I am very interested in those coil-overs for my car. Can't wait for the singer video!
You get the coilovers?
@@RB-ny5lh Nope. I haven't mined the ride quality.
Damn Matt you are really moving on this video.
Damn Matt was going full send with this one. Looks really quick.
Singer. Yes.
Guntherwerks 400R, not Singer.
My error, I just saw the Singer.
Thnx for the article now I’m considering getting one again.
Matt, you need to make a trip to northern Michigan for Rally America's SnoDrift Rally. It's the last weekend in January. It's a blast. Since studs are not allowed, it makes it really interesting. We are always looking for volunteers. You could work a stage. Have a place for you to stay.
I heard one thats fitted with a downpipe to a stock exhaust. Sounded perfect!
I only came for the Dillon Optics and to see what watch you were wearing. Glad to see the RS back in the fleet.
So by getting this suspension set up, it makes it as comfortable as a Golf R?
Imad S yes, but much sharper handling at the front.
Of course, even stock the RS handles much better
Nice looks like you hit the sweet spot for ride quality and for the exhaust
Great comment about ride & handling! A stiff, rough, "sporty" ride creates the perception of speed but may not actually be fast. In the bicycling world, road cyclists really drive this point home: a narrow tire at 120 psi feels fast because you feel the road and the bike is active, but a wider tire running 80-90 psi is actually faster. Unfortunate it takes an expensive dynamic coilover kit to make it right on this car.
It will never, ever, sound as good as the old 5-CYLINDER RS
Mountune springs on my Fiesta ST absolutely TRANSFORMED the ride, but it's still a bit bouncy. Unsure why Ford performance got everything else perfect but don't know how to tune suspension for everyday roads. I see Mountune now have Bilstein dampers for the ST, so I might pair those with the springs and see how I go. I like this active KW system but at $4k USD...it ain't cheap...and as far as I am aware not available for my ST anyway.
I had a 2018 st, some performance mods including a tune and just a stiffer rear sway bar, and my god was that car a blast to drive on and off track.
the ride looks much more comfortable then stock, and its just as fast in the corners. thats great.. for people who want a more comfortable ride out of their RS. should buy these KW'S, if they get released
We built since 2011 our DDC kit and for Focus RS (DYB-RS) you get the DDC plug&play since Summer 2017 ...
Hey Matt so thanks for teaching us public road speed limits don't matter...I'm heading out now...!
14:33 He talks about the head gasket issue.
He *lies* about the head gasket issue.
Fixed it for you.
Bring us the truth, guy who doesn't own one.
Ivs worked at Ford and I know that EVERY piece of the car is barcode marked and cannot be missed or misplaced otherwise the system automatically stops and you get an alarm so theyre lying.
I dont need to own one to know thats a lie and I dont think owning one entitles you to know the truth
Used to work there. great story.
Those mountains look so wicked and to have a road going thru them 👌👌
I'm surprised DSC Sport didn't try to hook you up with a V1 controller since you praised them so much at Summit Point. Glad you got the hook-ups with the KW's though they seem sweet.
DSC Sport has a controller for the stock shocks. We wanted to start with these shocks, see how they improved it, and then maybe add DSC down the road.
I plan on buying an RS this year! Love them!
I had no idea you could find RS' in the low 30s, that's some sweet sweet depreciation
Kenny Lopez Brand new they start at $35K so low $30K range isn’t that much in depreciation
83FB7 2018 RS starts at $41,120 USD that's from the Ford official website
Kenny Lopez 2018 is a Limited Edition model. The 2017s base price is $35K
83FB7 why is the 18 a limited edition?
Kenny Lopez RS models are generally only two model years and then there’s a final limited edition before it ends production.
God I wish we had roads like this up in WA
god! your videos make me want to move to LA just to do some canyon runs.
Matt. You should get some 18" 40-series on there if you're still running stock. Big, big difference the slightly taller side wall makes, and since I went with Pilot 4S I didn't lose turn in, and there's not really a noticeable tire squarm.
As someone with a Magnaflow exhaust, i would have to strongly disagree with the Magnaflow comment. Love the vids
What you want is, stiff chassis, adjustable sway bars / end links, to prevent body roll and reasonably compliant suspension, so that the rest of the suspension can do its work without skipping over bumps, failing to absorb the bump which results in upsetting the cars balance and beating the hell out of the driver
Pretty sure that was a stunt jump opportunity at 2:50. Too much GTA V perhaps?
The Mustang is made in the US. The Focus RS is made in Germany. How did the wrong gaskets make it to Germany? Perhaps it was a mistake at the dock?
TheSmokingTire,
Glad you are so confident in Ford reasons for the coolant/ head gasket issues.
So why did it take them more than 15months to find the error/ fuck up in the factory.
Are you really sure the fix on recall is the answer??
I have the KW Variant 3 for the RS and love them; very stiff, no roll or nose dive. I feel every nook and cranny and the car is very darty, like a race car :) California roads are undriveable but its a 6 miles round trip daily and track car.
Matt, I think you’ll really enjoy the car even more if you switch from the PSS to the sport cup 2’s! They’re so sticky and i speculate that you’ll enjoy the suspension even more!
LMAO. Love how you said "JUST UNDER $4,000." I am a previous Evo 8 owner and miss the awd turbo 4 cylinder. I am thinking the RS will be my next vehicle. Nice car by the way.
Was an awesome video... minus those sound issues.
Spectacular video Matt! I mean first off it’s always a treat when you’re driving something you know well because speed, but we even got to see the press car magic happen! I had like two more high points I forgot lol. Curious about that popping sound in corners, my buddy just replaced his front strut mounts and is getting the same thing.
Nice networking Matt!!
Would you say that this system would be an improvement over the magnaride fitted (when new) to a 2009 Audi TTs Coupe?
I was told it is highly recommended that a dual catch can system be put on very early on to cut back the blow by and build up. What are your thoughts on that?
Can’t wait to see the Singer video!
This video is all about running into the boys from Singer!
Oh the head gasket talk...This has officially replaced the 996-era Porsche IMS bearing issue as the most brought up conversation topic induced by overblown mass hysteria on the interwebz...
Why so many welds on that charge pipe? They don't have a mandrel pipe bender? Looks like something made in a home garage.
Matt, at 13:38, that sound I'm hearing is that the exhaust popping OR is that something in the chassis or on the body making that sound? The GoPro makes it sound like something is rattling.
TacticalTurtle sounds like suspension. Like a loose strut mount.
That’s exhaust popping.
The Church Of Speed are you suggesting id actually be driving a car fast down a road with a shock sounding like it’s about to fall out? It’s the exhaust popping.
TheSmokingTire good to know. Not staying that you don’t know your car, or that you would intentionally drive with bad suspension. Just being a prototype suspension, you always worry about small sounds that might be very hard to hear.
Very loud metallic sounding exhaust “pop”.
Car looks great, exhaust sounds good to me, and awesome to see that the suspension is perfection!
Hope to see you again at Gridlife
Having ridden in a Focus ST with a loud popping exhaust, can confirm it translates exactly the same way IRL. Sounds like creaking body / clunking suspension when it's just exhaust pops. Must be something about the interior that makes it sound that way
This car is awesome. But I wonder why they went with an open deck block.
Maybe because its cheaper
Well its probably around $1.5 - 2k to convert a stock block to closed deck if you bring the tuner an engine with the head off. If somebody is buying one of these, they have that kind of money.
Wannabe Tuners because fail
Because if they put the correct head gasket on, it isn't a problem.
They went with an open deck block for cooling and weight reduction. Like Dugg said, with the correct head and gasket there shouldn't be a problem. Although I prefer closed decks for strength. Especially an Iron block like an SRT4. There is zero chance of busting an SRT4 block lol.
So you can get these with just a half inch lower than stock? If so that changes things. On the website it says minimum is 1" front and 1.25" rear.
Awesome review of the suspension. Amd appreciate the head gasket update as well.
Did you tell the singer guys about the gunterwerks sitting up the road? I wonder what they make of it
Joe Cribben I did they were interested and I said I liked it.
how does this ride compared to the Golf R? I rented a base model, 18" R 6spd with non adaptive suspension and it rode really well and was comfortable and simple.
Love your Focus Matt. I hope to get one, one day.
Do you have a video of the your personal collection o to cars and what's done? I would Love to see them all. Your foxbody is still my favorite of what I have seen so far.
Why does the camera moves a bit in all your videos? Is it loose or am I missing something?
Thanks for the video! I feel the same way about my RS' suspension as you did, so this review helped a lot. I'd really like to see you take it on the track and hear your thoughts.
You ever buy the kit for your RS?
@@RB-ny5lh I never did. I ended up selling my RS for something I could beat on on a race track during HPDE but wouldn't beat me up while daily driving it. I loved the RS, but it had too many compromises for my taste.
@@ApexMissingApe Zima Zima, who got da keys to ma beema
@@RB-ny5lh haha, nah I had the M3 before the RS. It's gone, too. I have a short attention span. I guess I should update my profile pic.
Seems to ride smoother. Have you got spring specs...my mates in the UK would love to get rid of their kidney belts..
Is the Mountune exhaust flap controlled through the OEM infotainment system with the different drive modes?
any problems with leaks in those KW's in 2 years?
I'm thinking of putting the KW V3 in my 06 BMW..
How do you think it'll be on a smooth track? Road quality is more important to me because that's where cars go but I'd be interested in track times when you get around to it.
CAnt wait to see the one take of the rwb in the parking lot.
Matts idea of a good canyon car is similar to a tarmac rally setup. I tend to agree with him stiffness is overrated unless its a time attack car with downforce and stuff
Hey Matt, I scanned the comments and didn't find any regarding how your new suspension affects drift mode. Can it still drift or has the new suspension changed the way it drifts in any way? I suspect the new suspension probably stabilized it more and makes sifting more difficult?
Hey Mr Matt, I sent you a message on your website but never received a response: where did you get those matte black sunglasses? Please?
Thanks for mentioning the head gasket, the one thing holding me back from the RS
King Flippin Ryan don't hold back on that RS! I had a mustang ecoboost making around 380/405 wheel from 500 miles to 27,000 miles and I beat the piss out of that car. Never once did I have a single issue with it and that is the "weaker" 2.3 engine.
Great car, Great color we would like to see you back more doing the one takes but I know you got you other stuff going on
love that drive. It used to be part of my daily commute between Lancaster and Glendale. Car's not bad either. Seems to be nicely planted around the corners. Don't like the intermittent knocking noise/rattle that can be heard. Is that the new suspension?
Matt, how many hours' labor would you estimate, for the KW coil over suspension kit install?
Hi, do you ever actually use the drift mode? Or is that something that you try twice and never use again? Thanks
All these people complaining about the exhaust note are obviously audio/video equipment experts...
K.
knowledge
idiot. you can tell a good exhaust note recorded through a speak and spell. Equally you can tell a garbage one. as heard here.
they just have ears..
This what it should’ve been! What a great car!
How much stiffer is a factory RS over an ST? My '16 Focus ST rides like garbage so I can't imagine what an RS would be like.