So my Car went in Yesterday for a Stage 1 remap and new Bilstein B12 suspension. Took them most of the day but was all sorted with no drama's.

Although its too early to give a comprehensive review. I can say that the car is drastically improved just from the drive home last night and commute to work this morning. It would have been rude not to test it on the way home and luckily a suitably eager Subaru WRX decided to try and keep up with me. I pulled away initially, but he caught me up around a round about and pulled level, but once back on the straight I pulled a 3 car gap upto the next island. Then I let him go to avoid any tangling. It really was noticeably pulling better in every gear. The suspension is firm but compliant and progressive. It lets you put more power down earlier on corner exit due to the increased grip and less roll. Its hardly dropped the front any at all and the back has dropped perhaps 30mm. so its lost the rake angle it used to have. Once I have had a bit more of a play I will write a more detailed review but so far thumbs up Shark!

Edited 3 December, 201510 yr by Scribbler

Same mods I'm planning next year. Do you have the uprated rear ARB too?

Same mods I'm planning next year. Do you have the uprated rear ARB too?

 

No, if I get some spare disposable income I will probably do all the bushes and the ARB, but its not essential she feels quite tight and precise now.

Well Its been nearly 2 week with the car since the remap and its still putting a grin on my face, Well lets face it that's the reason most of us have a remap. The best gear by miles is 3rd which just pulls and although overtaking was never a problem in the VRS its a manoeuvre that's over even quicker with less drama and even if you get one of those drivers that puts their foot down mid overtake, they soon give in before they present any problem as they realise resistance is futile. Fuel Economy is up, nothing really to make a difference at the pump but im getting an indicated 30-32mpg to work which was 27-30mpg pre re-map. I haven't had a remap elsewhere so can't compare but this stage 1 ticks all the boxes for me. The Bilsteins are as impressive as I had expected and im glad I went down the B12's route rather than cheaper Koni's or similar. Shark and Briskoda community both said they were the best value package for the VRS and I have found no reason not to agree. Improved Grip level, corner stability steering feedback, and controlled predicatble handling at speed. If I was being ultra picky then its not great over poor quality tarmac holes and joints can be felt more than standard people with bad backs might find to harsh but it bothers me not.

Edited 14 December, 201510 yr by Scribbler

Any pics of it with the new suspension?

Any pics of it with the new suspension?

 

I went for the Eibach Pro Springs rather than the sport line which arguably is more for looks than performance. The pro don't lower the car much, nothing noticeable on a photo.

The fronts are about 10-15mm lower and the rear is about 25-30mm lower. I Will post a photo when I finally get around to cleaning it but like I said its hardly noticeable.

That makes it even more interesting for me. I'm considering eibach pros as I want a 20mm drop max.

That makes it even more interesting for me. I'm considering eibach pros as I want a 20mm drop max.

 

Then the B12 Pro Kit is just the ticket. 

nice write up - stage 1 with some simple chassis mods can really transform the car.  rear ARB is worth doing too btw.

I've done similar on the JPS but with the Bilstein B14 strut and spring set, rides so much better than the VMaxx I had

Edited 15 December, 201510 yr by Brimma