Quote:
Originally Posted by abraxis
The OP asked which FSTB to pick. Perrin or Grimspeed. |
That is correct. (I'm the OP.)
Now that the rain has finally stopped and the roads have dried out, I can make some preliminary comments on the GrimmSpeed bar. I took the FR-S down a very windy road west of Austin called "Old Spicewood Springs" which has quite a few tight curves, quick dips and equally quick rises. The quality of the pavement is not the best, but not horrible. A good test road, I think. I'm familiar with it too, having driven it a number of times.
My initial impression was that the front suspension and steering were more surefooted and under control. It was a noticeable, if not large difference. It simply felt like the car was better about going where I "pointed" it; no more, no less. The front tires seemed to me to be in better contact with the pavement especially when it was uneven than without the bar. I did NOT notice any difference concerning the rear of the car, which was still a bit tail-happy. Nor did I notice any reduction in sway when I ran it at a higher speed through a wide, long S curve on a limited access road nearby. (Very good pavement, no bumps.) Even there, though, the steering seemed more controlled.
Of course the car is quite surefooted on its own already. Tomorrow, I intend to take the car out again, run a "lap" on that road, then remove the bar and repeat the run. If there is any noticeable difference, it should show up when the bar is removed. It will then go back on again, etc., until I'm satisfied that I can discern and qualify any (or no) differences with and without the bar. After I'm done, I'll report back on the experience.
This will have to be an entirely subjective opinion, since I have no way to conduct time trial(s) on a dedicated track.
P.S. NVH is definitely decreased with the bar. I noticed that almost immediately.