FIXING the Ride on my Focus RS + MOUNTUNE 100 Octane Test - One Take

[@TheSmokingTire]

WHOOPS! Hey guys obviously I left my little re-take there in the video. My bad. We all have some fuck-ups but I'm just gonna leave it as a little bit of a reality moment. Hope my Mustang goes to a new home!

[@HardwayLearning]

Holy guacamole you are a human?!

[@tucosalamanca171]

was very enjoyable dont worry

[@alvaro4k]

#twotakes

[@Bwillev]

Should post a blooper reel. We know you've got something kicking!

[@patrickarchibald6787]

I liked it, thought for a moment you did it on purpose. When are you coming to Australia? Would be cool to see you do something with the Mighty Car Mods boys.

[@TheHooniverse]

A TRUE ONE TAKE

[@jardim23]

technically it was a two take one take

[@StarAZ]

"I'm not racing" -> installs stage 3 100 octane tune.

[@shaunfleming5141]

Bought this car last February at Byer's Imports in Columbus, Ohio... Car is a total blast!!!

[@MarkFritscher]

The RS? I though Matt leased it, how did it end up there?

[@beins9124]

By the way you left in the re-take at the start there

[@quickhandcam8596]

"One Take"

[@roguetorino]

The beauty of one takes

[@STRGHTSXBNZ]

small glimpse of "behind the scenes"

[@YasumotoUS]

I'll take raw youtube Matt / Zack over yet another a highly edited and royalty-free music overlay YT production.

[@jeffe4432]

I've missed a proper 1 take. I hope things are going great for you Matt and the guys at smoking tire!

[@marchinton6299]

I, too had a Fiesta ST. Traded it in on an RS. It's my daily driver. I find it quite enjoyable on my daily commute. I like the seating position. Yeah, I'll swap out the suspension at some time, but I'm just adding a counterpoint that I don't mind the RS. In fact, I rather like it. (I understand the complaints, however.)

[@basithph8958]

Good to see your Focus RS back on this show! One of my favorite cars ever!

[@luminiferousaether6151]

Just a minute, everyone seems to have overlooked the fact that KW’s spring rates aren’t right either. The -1” solution was a work around for their ignorant mistake also, and even then it doesn’t sound ideal. The aftermarket has an opportunity here to sort this problem with ease and turn the RS into the ride it should always have been. At the very least I’d like the additional option of a reduced spring rate with any aftermarket coil over or spring because (not everyone’s roads are broken, of course).

[@HMHacki]

Smaller wheels often look better to me. I have no idea how people keep for example the 20" wheels on a e63 alive, there is basically no tyre to get me over low curbs at an angle..

[@exothermal.sprocket]

At a point, there is zero additional performance to be had going lower profile. The wheel assembly gains weight, the tire transmits more vibration and shock, there's no lateral stability gained, and everything is more expensive to replace, not to mention the risk of easy damage through imperfect roads. It's just ridiculous. I think 40-45 profile in any given performance wheel and tire are generally the lower limit for most uses on most vehicles. Wider tires also transmit more vibration and shock to the suspension, as the tire rolls over greater surface area which isn't smooth as glass.

[@OAK_MTN]

Always thought it was dumb to install 19'' wheels on every single car. 18''s look great on the RS tbh!

[@QuickQuips]

It's pretty crazy how wheel sizes are constantly one upping each other at the expense of affordable tires and ride quality. 18 still is pretty big; my parents D3 Audi A8 had 17s.

[@scottieray]

Sidewall is a good thing for streets. Especially for bumpy roads and ones with ripple bumps in the curves.

[@jeffk464]

I know I look at the tires on the Civic type R and think ouch.

[@jomaha9227]

Look at the newer 911 that run 20" front and 21" rear. It's crazy ...

[@DBGMLV]

I was shocked when I drove my dad's Mazda 6 with the stock 19s and then with the winter 17s. It was a night and day difference.

[@DDMSteveB]

I really liked all of the factory colors offered in the RS...but anyone that didn't choose Nitrous Blue picked the wrong color. Still looks good and looks really good on camera.

[@Pepegium]

feel ya, but reason i didnt go for that is because that is the most common.

[@TheDealer6373]

Paying extra for it is a joke that's why.

[@Wallstreetavarice]

@@Pepegium That is a terrible way to base your color choice.

[@CarsAndGadgetsAu]

Matt you need to bring back more One Takes! So refreshing to see you calving the canyons!

[@NoxiousPond]

hes calving them? so hes like... tending the herd? milking the cows? making burgers?

[@horsterer77]

That's a painful delivery ....

[@gray25xt]

Matt says toward the beginning that in hindsight he should have kept his Fiesta ST. Hmmm......

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I'd probably just get a Fiesta ST and spend money on that.

[@mattilinan]

the FiST is an amazing car. you’d have to drive it to know.

[@YasumotoUS]

So many automotive journalists rave about the FiST.... The spec looks decent enough, but golly do they look like small cars. With some mountune bits and an accessport hung off the ECU, that would still be an affordable affair considering the FiST list price.

[@93455Driver]

gray25xt Ashame we are not getting the new Fiesta ST, lots of positive reviews from across the pond.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend owns a red Fiesta ST. There must be something good about 'em.

[@jd71]

Thank you for uploading a video of one of your own cars, because I'm such a fan of the RS. I can't imagine how fast you take it now considering how fast I've seen it go before. Wheels are the best part of the build.

[@alexwignall1053]

My biggest problem with the car was the seat position. I'm 6'3" and I swear I could not find a position where I didnt feel like my ankle was cranked halfway back to use the clutch. I loved the sounds and the way the car drove but that by itself made me opt out.

[@jmarsiglia]

I got a DSC suspension controller for my RS. Stock struts for a fraction of the price of new active struts and the ride is night and day. Literally no need to buy $4000 struts.

[@shaggypeach]

I am going to test drive an rs thursday. Do you still own it? What are your thoughts? I have a Tundra and never had an issue for three years. Absolutely nothing. I am just not a truck guy but the reliability had me keep it. I am just super bored though enough is enough I want something fun. Focus RS is my childhood dream (Cosworth) but with all the complaints I am hearing I dont know if I want to make the switch. Regardless of all the complaints, everyone who owns them has a hug grin in their face.

[@blower1]

You are the first sensible person I've seen in an RS! - i'm a Golf R man, I spec'ed 18" wheels as I don't like the harshness of 19's. I got the dynamic chassis for extra comfort option when I want it, even though it rides pretty well without. I agree entirely that the RS in stock form rides horrible, just horrible - overdamped, over sprung as you say. So many RS owners say its fine but for a daily its just horrible - and you are the first RS owner I have seen to truly admit it, and then do something about it!. Yes 19's look better, but they are just too harsh!, and that stock RS suspension, great for track but that's it - people seem to forget this is a hatchback, its supposed to be a fast daily practical car not a track only sports car!

[@cebastienlarochelle8182]

Thoses wheels looks really good, it looks like a rally car. And that blue is astonishing! Really nice car Matt!

[@AJTalks]

Matt, there is a kit available online to fix the issue with the angle of the seat. I saw it installed on a youtube channel called Fezza if I am not mistaken. He installed it himself in the video and raved about it. Check it out.

[@axelarkin644]

if on a tight budget, is Focus RS best for that price range for me here in europe? As an second car only, not a daily. alternatives would be Civic type R, WRX STi, Audi S3, BRZ

[@DavidBoucher88]

New wheels look great, glad you still enjoy it.

[@arcthum]

Love the Fifteen52 Integrales 💕

[@mooper50]

Marcus Stefan Tañedo love the FiST! :)

[@arcthum]

mooper50 i love you too

[@rebeltake]

I have a focus RS and yes the ride quality sucks, but your getting a performance car, not a Lexus SUV there’s a reason why it came like this from the factory, it’s not a defect just how ford team decided to pump out the car. If you don’t like it then that’s why you change it, just like I changed the stock exhaust.

[@richardreed2688]

After reading your article on Road & Tracks's website, it seems I made the right decision in buying a Focus ST rather than the RS. After retiring, I wanted to get a "useful toy," that is, a practical car that's a hoot to drive and has room for my three grandsons so I can properly introduce them to Car Culture, and maybe take in a track day once or twice a year. I had test-sat in an ST at a car show and realized the Recaros were going to be painful, so I was disappointed when the RS came with ONLY the Recaros. I was kinda sorta leaning toward the GTi/Golf R or the WRX when the local Ford dealer helped make up my mind for me. They are the largest truck dealer in Washington state, and the sales staff were tired of tripping over the 4 ST's Ford made them take. They were advertising them for less than $20K. About the same time, Ford announced the end of Ford cars (except the Mustang). As a result I bought a 2018 Focus ST base ST1 package for 5 bucks shy of $24K out the door, including an extended warranty. Everything you said about the Fiesta ST seems to be, from my perspective, in the Focus ST. It is still well equipped with everything an old retired engineer needs, including seats that are comfy for my butt. Everything in the ST2 and ST3 packages just add weight, cost and complexity, things an aerospace engineer hates, and don't make the car any faster. Compared to the price of the RS, I have enough coin left over for a set of track-only wheels and tires. And lodging at Willow or Thunderhill, etc. Win-win. "Honey, the toothpaste is almost half gone. Maybe I'd better run into town to get some more....."

[@boston16wrx7]

Sitting here waiting on the Safari build video 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@igorp9970]

Hey TheSmokingTire you drive the best roads and routes for all your car overviews...by far. Great vid.

[@MrJOEYRULES2]

Man I love the pops and crackles from that thing haha looks and sounds beautiful, congrats on finally making the Focus great! BTW can't wait to see the Countach!!!!!!! I hope you are enjoying it so far

[@FronkG]

YES MATT IS BACK!

[@CRatcliffe]

Just out of curiosity. With only gaining 30 additional whp over the 91 tune but paying an extra 6$/gal aren't you better off going e85 since it's more readily available, and costs less? Or is the stock fueling system not setup to be able to run it? Only disadvantage I see is getting less mileage to a tank but paying 10.00/gal is meh on the other end of the spectrum.

[@ParagMathurmd]

I just want to say thank you for asking a real question.

[@BChan1991]

@@ParagMathurmd I SECOND THIS

[@deathcab4booty]

E85 isn't readily available in LA and Matt can burn through an entire tank of it up ACH in 20 minutes. So when you combine the scarcity of it with how thirsty E85 is it just doesn't make sense

[@frozenskipper]

The gain is more than 30whp. It went from 350 crank to 380 wheel

[@CRatcliffe]

@@frozenskipper he said on the stage 3 it was 350whp and the 100 oct was 380whp that's a 30whp gain

[@blower1]

I am soooo envious of that canyon route! - looks awesome! (i'm from the UK, best I get is some leafy b-roads)

[@oceanhome2023]

Very common here in So Cal

[@SamCarLegion]

My 2018 LE has a fine ride - not sure why the previous models have a bad one.

[@TheDealer6373]

Your struts are not the same.

[@kevindust2712]

I've read somewhere that Ford softened up the suspension in the 2017 and 2018 Focus RS and it really improves the ride. I'm not sure how much truth there is to that but I test drove a 2018 RS-LE and it was firm but certainly not unbearable.

[@SamCarLegion]

I test drove all models and the 2016-17 models are way stiffer, when i use the sport suspension button it becomes stiffer similar to the previous models. With my winter package I find it less stiff then my 19 inch sport wheel. I think they must have done some changes.

[@TheDealer6373]

@@SamCarLegion Your struts are different. Look up your struts online and the part numbers are different. They have 3 revisions with 5 struts total because the fronts and backs are valved differently. I actually swapped my fronts out for the new 17 ones and it rides way better. If I had more money I would change my rears out too.

[@DougalR]

I had the same on my Mk4 2003 R32 golf. I bought it with 19in wheels on it. Was horrid. I fitted 18in wheels. Made a huge difference.

[@benbennit]

My granny has a Focus. Really lovely hatchback you have, great for shopping.

[@captainkirks7600]

The double take opening was cool. Sweet car my guy.

[@OriginalOrigins]

Good to see u back at it

[@BrennanMcKissick]

Man, I think the 18s and fatter tires look better than the 19s anyways. That was a good addition on all fronts.

[@phatt180]

I hated the ride in my RS at first but have gotten used to it and has settled a bit over the last year or so. I love driving it! I do have a 03 Corolla as my daily so yeah that makes it bearable considering I drive it a few times a week.

[@phatt180]

Also have some Mountune springs to go in soon so hopefully should improve ride quality a bit.. I plan on tracking the car more regularly so want to keep the stiffness in check.

[@fadedgarage6423]

If your not 40 the suspension is fine coming from driving slammed cars it's like a Mercedes...

[@Average_Enthusiast_]

That Explorer II though! White dial on that is 🔥

[@WhenzLunch]

Awesome I was so close to getting those for my MK7 GTI but ended up with turbomacs and couldn't be happier

[@Peter_Valoczi]

Just drove an RS, absolutely no problem with the ride! My Saab 900 with sport springs and 3cm lowering kit is much worse! :)

[@bcranes1]

Matt.... have you tried the dsc unit to tame the ride? I really want to daily one of these but afraid the ride would really frustrate on dfw area roads.

[@hawkstringfellow]

IAM GLAD YOU ADDRESSED HOW IT RIDES STOCK AND HOW TO FIX IT THANKS A LOT MATT!!!

[@pelper1]

Love the rims brotha , nice delta integrale throwback 👍🏾

[@carsaregood911]

This is why the MK7 Golf R is a better hot hatch, the power of this RS is crazy though

[@DanJLeh]

The GTI/R can make 380-400 at stage 2. GTI needs the R turbo but they're still very capable.

[@carsaregood911]

Yeah GTIs with IS38s are wild!

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

I’m at 350 in my R, Focus RS power, with a simple JB4 piggyback tune. I love it. Plus I have my DCT which is awesome.

[@carsaregood911]

I've got JB4 on order too, was hoping it would be a bit more than 350 without any bolt-ons but I'm excited anyways

[@AlumarsX]

He just doesn't like the light inputs from the VWs.

[@Captfuntastic]

So you've done all these mods on a leased vehicle?

[@aaron5222]

Wheels are sick and 18s over 19s allll day

[@salikraees9690]

Great video and I’m sure it’s a great car. But I kept thinking damn “Mountune, what’s genius name for a tuning company”

[@JimJamDaMan]

Wait so your doing all this to a leased car? How does that work

[@SlingSalsa]

I love the sunoco 260GT 100 oct, I wish I could run it all the time.

[@poker_18rs92]

Matt, are you using the same tire that's on the ST? The 235/40R18? Will a set of ST factory wheels & tires fit onto an RS w/o a problem?

[@83FB7]

PokerRun388 ST wheels require a spacer to clear the caliper. I think it’s 10mm

[@Edward3jr]

This was so satisfying to watch... I’m not the only one who messes up the intro!!! 😂😂😂Lol

[@jollibee_racer]

What exhaust and down pipe you running, sounds awesome 👌🏼

[@DanMosqueda]

So Matt, when you do upgrades on a lease car, what do you do when your lease is up? Did you work something out with Galpin in advance?

[@ftnppg1272]

My ST never rode nicely either. I went through many setups before settling on one. My 87 944 turbo rides nicer in every way possible except steering directness.

[@Sigrafix]

Seems like an awesome setup.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I like those new wheels. The white goes with the blue very well. I've noticed in the last couple of months that there's a lot more RS' on the road. I wonder if people are picking them up on the used market...

[@2013BRZ]

Dealers finally started marking down the price to get em off the lot. I picked up my brand new left over '17 in May for $35k fully loaded(rs2, forged wheels, moonroof)

[@HolyFuzzyM.G]

Great looking Rs!! Love the wheels

[@jeremyknight8569]

Matt, Just curious, have you had any signs of the coolant loss/ head failure issues? I have the 2014 Fiesta st sitting in the driveway because of a bad input shaft bearing, and now I received a recall notice for the head issue. The recall involves putting a coolant level sensor in the overflow tank. Talk about a band aid on a broken arm.

[@kelvarnsen1749]

Someone needs to make a compilation of all the times Matt picks his ears in videos.

[@fourpipes]

Matt, I have a 17 FoRS and was wondering if you had tried or considered the DSC sport suspension control unit before you went for the KW’s?

[@dha588]

Hey Matt, what do you think about the discontinuation of the Focus RS?

[@stateniland]

2:40 put some HRE's on that bad boy.... Any problems with the KW's leaking?

[@kg_oner9215]

Matt that seating position looks really uncomfortable; I thought I saw you hit your head on the roof as you were flying over road dips.

[@oceanhome2023]

IDK there is a tremendous amount of headroom in the Focus , the car is tall I sometimes have to use a step to clean the roof (I am 5,9)

[@sethalton205]

Matt, what you recommended to someone looking to make an ST a bit more compliant? Im not interested at all in slamming it. Fortune Auto 500s?

[@eric_peachey193]

I would be interested to see if the DSC controller improves the ride in this car.

[@davect01]

Looks great, sounds great but all that extra $$$ just to get it to ride descent Matt, which of your cars is your daily driver?

[@benreifhardt4471]

I feel like you should have done one last video on your mustang to give it a proper send off today but in writing this I know realize maybe you are going to do one after it sells. 🤔

[@Slash621]

Hey Matt. How was the seating on the fiesta? I’m also 6’4” and I’m looking at the fiestas. Was it more comfortable than the RS? I assume the RS is like the focus ST and I’m mostly ok in that.

[@harunjudin]

Matt, have you checked out Shmee150’s RS mod video? Fixed the seat issue.

[@cliffordbradford8910]

Does an E85 tune with the same hardware make more power than the 100 octane tune? I see Ford has the 2019 Fiesta ST listed on their US webpage. How long's that going to last?

[@Silentwitness1978]

Seat kit for the shell seats sorts the seating position out. Pity you didnt get those in the US

[@alexbraunstein4944]

Will the car need to be reverted back to stock before the end of the lease?

[@ThomMurphy]

@TheSmokingTire Could you elaborate on what you mean by "dynamically controlled adaptive coilover", around 4:08? I don't see any claims from KW of this. It's "adaptive" in the sense that you can "adapt" to driving conditions by selecting a drive mode, which then sets the dampeners into a particular (not dynamic) setting, right? They don't "dynamically" adapt to BCM or ECU readings, correct? In what way are they dynamically controlled? Are you running these coilovers with the DSC Sport Controller to actually add "dynamically controlled adaptive" capability to this setup? Maybe I'm misunderstanding, or you misspoke. Could you please clarify....?

[@metalbyku]

You can fix seating position. Look what Shmee done to his seats

[@tracktimevideos5164]

A good video like the old ones. More like this please. Not tempted by the DSC controller to smooth the ride further.?

[@JBOsurf]

Its an absolute joke that ford performance have no clue how to make a performance car ride properly. I have a Fiesta ST and everything about it is great, except the stock ride, which is garbage. Installed mountune springs, HUGE difference, but it shouldn't be necessary. My previous Renaultsport Clio 172 had a magical ride, amazing handling and a lusty engine. Ford need to spend some time in Dieppe speaking with people who understand suspension.

[@ianm432]

I agree, gf has a '14 Fiesta St and it's pretty bad. Going to downsize the wheels to 16 inch and a slightly taller tire. If that doesn't go far enough I'll be after those springs.

[@dominick253]

It's all about the price point.

[@csechrist1]

With a lot of things in factory performance cars I wonder how much of it is Ford not being able to tune suspension well and how much of it is marketing. To the average buyer and the average journalist it seems like stiffer is better because racecar, so that's what sells. Add stupid big wheels into the mix and it's all that much worse.

[@luminiferousaether6151]

JBOsurf …and French

[@ZeeBri]

Have a Clio 182. Ruined it a bit with Cooksport springs, but what fantastic cars!

[@thereignofdando]

Hey Matt, I know you can't say in video, but in that foot flat pull at the top of fourth, is that around 11 or 12mph?

[@YasumotoUS]

Does the additional expense of the Focus lease and associated deduction reduce the tax bill enough to justify the up front cash outlay as compared to the Fiesta ST? Also, thank you for talking about the decrease in wheel diameter to address daily driver, non-track comfort. I'm assuming that performance with the '18s on normal roads is perfectly adequate. Edit: Phew. Would you estimate another $10 - 15k in all of the bolt-ons and freebies on the RS? It looks you've properly sorted out that ride, but dang, the total potential price. Yes, I have watched previous videos and understand that many components were donated towards the build. :)

[@Trusty_Steed]

Matt that's such a sick car. Saving up to get one after college. do you think with the suspension mods it would be a good fun commuter? I drive 30k miles a year to work and back.

[@headcas620]

No. Save your money and move closer to work.

[@conanmagruder]

Get a Fiesta ST

[@boostedonix3906]

@@conanmagruder agreed. Just spun the bearing on my 15 ST at 40k miles and the only complaint from me was the blow by into the oil. Given I drove the life outta that car, every 3k oil change reeked of gas in the oil. No mods no undocumented maintenance and ford wouldn't honor their power train warranty. Dealership worked out a great deal for a little se they had on the lot so no more st for now. Just got it and almost have it paid off, no joke only 7k for a brand new car. So I'll be trading it soon for an RS? Nope I'll save the 15k on the rs and buy another fiesta st for 20k outright. I know there's no comparison but 15k for 1.5sec faster 1/4 mile is a hard pill to swallow. Get the fiesta and the first time you raise a wheel while cornering is a magic moment you won't regret. Oh and the ride is terrible but you just won't care lol!

[@davect01]

Having to spend $10,000+ just to get a descent ride should tell you.

[@sebylala6441]

Get the 18. The suspension was greatly improved.

[@iantownsend500]

How much difference to the ride would it make just putting 18s on RS

[@potatochobit]

personally, I think 17" are the best size, even for racing. Tires are made out of rubber for a reason or we would all be riding around on metal plates, right?

[@stevedwong1346]

Did You install a seat lowering kit on? Thank's for the footage, Your an Ace Driver; Cheer's from East-Van B.C., Canada

[@asadkhan-qm1my]

Matt! I don't know if you get the chance to read this but it would a an honour if you show a review of your Aston Martin. Please

[@nateonfireball]

Matt are you getting old lol I know the ride is rough but going down a wheel size? No shit my grandpa was talking to us about how he’s upset the Escalade doesn’t come with 18’s anymore at the dealerships hahahaha just giving you a hard time I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

[@poker_18rs92]

After watching this video & listen to Matt talking about the ride quality from the factory, I've decided to pass on the Focus RS. Sure, I love the way it looks, but it's not going to be a good daily driver for me & it will nickel & dime me to death. I think a newer model Focus ST is the way to go & a low mileage ST sells for much less, around 16-18K vs. the 35K price tag of a used RS.

[@TMERUNNR]

Luv the channel Bro!👍

[@michaelgomez4994]

The current bid on the foxbody is 65,000.......dreams crushed

[@DeFreshS10]

I feel ya Matt, Ford ended up buying my Focus ST because it was a lemon... Sometimes these cars just suck.

[@bonggie1]

Have you had any reliability issues wtih the mountune extra power so far?

[@shahulhusman]

I'm near 40..have a 17 focus rs for about 5 months now.. I will say the ride is bad.. I use it for track and its awesome there.. Not sure I could daily drive it

[@johncrazy8756]

Sounds awesome!!!

[@i_Kalash]

Yes I got a bid in for the mustang

[@shahulusman3372]

The RS is amazing on track, not a great daily I think..Ive only had mine for 5 months.. maybe I will trade it for a Golf R or GLA45 AMG

[@jronayne88]

'oh wow that's a cool shirt' 'oh its for sale' lol

[@kennyagne2922]

im doing 355whp on my stage 2 golf r on 91oct seems like the rs is on par with tubing capabilities as the mk7s

[@keithherbert1980]

so you have to completely reengineer the suspension to get it to handle properly

[@TheCabell88]

What tire set up are you running? I have 18x8.5 tarmac wheels and my car sits too low in the front now.