Focus RS Mountune MP350
Discussion
Had the Mountune upgrade fitted to my Focus today . Calibration, airbox, intercooler, downpipe and fuel pump, as fitted to the RS500. Still early days, but I'm very impressed. I'll just copy and paste the two posts I made on focusrsoc.com after my drives today.
Arun_D said:
It is definitely true what the press reports say, when you're just normally driving around, the car feels no different. No change in volume or tone, just your bog standard RS refinement. Perhaps the slightest bit more response to small throttle inputs, but that's about it.
Full-bore it in 3rd onwards though, and the effect of the power/torque hike is soon evident once the turbo is spooling. It definitely hauls through the revs a lot faster towards the redline than standard, and you find yourself snatching the next gear sooner than you think. 2nd gear at full throttle is over very quickly indeed.
Approaching top end, it has good pull with no real signs of faultering, meaning two hands on the wheel is very advisable, especially on uneven roads. I'm not sure if it's just me, but i'm sure the throttle map has been improved to allow a lot more response from a quick downchange jab for heel and toe. It's never been something Ford made easy, both with the pedal placement and the docile throttle, but I was having little trouble this afternoon.
I've not really had the chance to do too many dual carriageway miles, but I'm sure what is already an effortless car in lane three will only become even more impressive.
One thing I did notice after my run, when you rev the engine at a standstill..what used to be an opportunity to let off a nice burble now induces a few light pops out the tailpipes. Nice.
Future MP350 owners (and RS500), your money will be well spent.
More to come.
Full-bore it in 3rd onwards though, and the effect of the power/torque hike is soon evident once the turbo is spooling. It definitely hauls through the revs a lot faster towards the redline than standard, and you find yourself snatching the next gear sooner than you think. 2nd gear at full throttle is over very quickly indeed.
Approaching top end, it has good pull with no real signs of faultering, meaning two hands on the wheel is very advisable, especially on uneven roads. I'm not sure if it's just me, but i'm sure the throttle map has been improved to allow a lot more response from a quick downchange jab for heel and toe. It's never been something Ford made easy, both with the pedal placement and the docile throttle, but I was having little trouble this afternoon.
I've not really had the chance to do too many dual carriageway miles, but I'm sure what is already an effortless car in lane three will only become even more impressive.
One thing I did notice after my run, when you rev the engine at a standstill..what used to be an opportunity to let off a nice burble now induces a few light pops out the tailpipes. Nice.
Future MP350 owners (and RS500), your money will be well spent.
More to come.
Arun_D said:
I've spent another few hours in the car this evening, it's continuing to impress me. 5th on the motorway is particularly eye-opening. B-road blasts are quite intense now, you've really got to be awake when you're hooning about in an upgraded RS. Also for the first time, I'm finding the traction control to be a bit more intrusive as I power out of tight 2nd gear corners, holding things back till the wheels are almost straight and can afford more traction. Not something I've ever really had to contend with before.
The improved throttle response for heel and toe downchanges I have reported has also opened up a whole new level of confidence for me under braking. Not something the majority would need to worry about, but it definitely leads to a smoother, and ultimately faster drive if I can slow the car down and come down the gears in a controlled manner .Good stuff.
Motorway driving tomorrow, and a reset of the average mpg gauge.
So still early days, but overall I'm very happy with the upgrade, it really opens the car up to a very fun new level. The improved throttle response for heel and toe downchanges I have reported has also opened up a whole new level of confidence for me under braking. Not something the majority would need to worry about, but it definitely leads to a smoother, and ultimately faster drive if I can slow the car down and come down the gears in a controlled manner .Good stuff.
Motorway driving tomorrow, and a reset of the average mpg gauge.
Edited by Arun_D on Friday 2nd July 22:47
EssexST said:
It does seem a good upgrade, and the warranty is maintained which has sold it to me.
Yep, it's definitely the trump card of the upgrade. Averaged 29.9mpg on a motoryway run today, healthy average speed and periodic aircon use. HIghest during the jouney was 30.5mpg. I'm sure if I was making an effort for economy I could get higher, but for a journey where I was just driving as normal, it's pretty good.
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