Perrin Steering Rack Lockdown Install and Review
 

Ok, so I had been reading about these for a while now, and decided to just pull the trigger and pick up a set. I hadn't seen any reviews on them yet, so I thought I'd post my thoughts.

So far, I'll really only be covering the install, as I live in ND, and its basically still winter here, so we have no track events. Will be reviewing the performance of the part later this summer after some track time.

On with the Install / photos:

Arrived:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...ps318f1aa5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...ps03536603.jpg


Installed!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...ps793b2666.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...psb2ff9cda.jpg

Hard to take pics under the car on jackstands

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...pse24d4b9c.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...psf8fb2f21.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...psc206e4b5.jpg


Street Driving impressions:

So far, only light street use, nothing crazy. But, I say I don't even notice any NVH at all. Maybe it's just hard to tell since I also have the Perrin 3.0 exhaust, but - well good. Then it's not a problem :)

Installation notes:
Now, this is a really, really straight forward install. Like, really easy. BUT one thing that is very important to note BEFORE you crank down the bolt and secure these in place - Make sure your Allen screws in the Lockdown are screwed OUT far enough that they will not make contact with the rack. I accidentally started bolting one down, and the screw sheared off the inside and had to be replaced. No big deal, but a headache. (sorry, no pics of the f up, but you can see it in the 2nd arrived photo that it's screwed in too far for install)

More thoughts to come as track season begins.

I've had them on for more than a month, so here is my take on them.

I've done AutoX and I found that I really like the steering feel after the Perrin lockdowns.

HOWEVER, my hands literally go numb about 50-60 minutes into any road trip from the extra NVH. It is nothing severe, but I'll suddenly realise that my hands are kinda numb and the wheel has been vibrating. For spirited driving where you are actually holding the wheel and turning it and DRIVING the car, they are flat out amazing.


If you DD the car long distances, maybe look past these and focus on tires and coilover first.

If you DRIVE the car and do any sort of track and AutoX, I would never tell anyone to not buy them. I'm impressed.


EDIT: For comparison, I also have the Perrin 3.0" exhaust.

Hmm. Interesting that you notice the NVH. To fair, my car is an in-town vehicle primarily. Never really drive more than a few minutes over 55mph on average, so maybe I just haven't really experienced it yet.

Or, perhaps it has to do with our Tire / Wheel combos too? I have Enkei RP03 17" With Dunlop ZII's 245/40.

Bone stock here.

Like I said, it only become apparent about an hour or more into a 70-80 MPH cruise down the interstate. I also noticed it when I had my squishy winter tires on too, but maybe less so.

It's a con if you drive 2-3 hours at a time for a commute. Otherwise, the feel outweighs the NVH.

I too was trying to find reviews on these. Thank you for the info guys!

Thanks for the review. I might get the same lockdown. Did you have a chance to test it in track setting?

I did actually. It's nothing short of Magical. Seriously. Steering is so direct and crisp. So very happy with it.

Thanks. Ordered mine :) Can't wait to testing it myself!

ill definitely be getting a set of these after i get coils

Is there any reason to replace the bushings in addition to these?

It seems like these obviate the need for bushing at all.

correct, choose either bushings or perrin lockdowns!

Both do the same thing, just in different ways.

I feel like there really isn't on a car with low miles. If the car has more on it or when they get older, i can see the compound getting softer/weaker and then it may still make sense to do it.

But I would have no interest in doing it now.

I have nearly 70k on mine!

Holy crap.

I think I have just over 9k. 2013 that sleeps from November - April in Fargo, ND lol.