Ford Focus RS : day 500 : Mountune's Focus RS M400 + DSC Sport Controller

400 bhp and real-time active damper control makes the Focus RS a very capable and usable thing. Oh yes.
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[@ducky-o7y]

well its not my phone

[@richardjeffrey7785]

Great video Guys. I may have to invest in the DSC controller now!!.That was me in the Focus RS Edition coming the other way.

[@hockeytops]

I'd love to see you two have a dogfight on the track in a future video. How much difference does all that kit translate to on the track?

[@MarkCup70]

I'd imagine quite a bit!

[@jamstersmith4625]

Let's see you and him do some pulls...let's see the difference

[@neelv4313]

Would love to see you drive a mk8 ST and compare it to your old mk7 st!

[@fastfez2520]

Are you brothers?

[@MarkCup70]

Ha ha you're not the first to suggest that!

[@mutezone]

Great video. Doing suspension mods is the best in my opinion because it will improve the handling too. After that is sorted I would then consider engine mods. Royal Steering Wheels do excellent retrims. I had them do my steering rim for my home race simulation rig lol. I asked for a Leather Alcantara retrim & when I got it back it looked very professional. It will be interesting to see from here on if you keep your car stock or not. Cheers.

[@williamsmith-ob6kv]

U have been corrupted. Welcome to the dark side. :)

[@spagfoot]

DSC controller is the best mod for this car. Had mine fitted since Dec 17 and it's a fantastic bit of kit. Mine is currently FPM375 with stock springs and it makes such a difference. Going to fit the M400 bits towards the end of warranty period.

[@Finguz39]

Have to agree. Mine has been on for a couple of weeks now and it is a huge improvement!

[@jwb4bb]

@@Finguz39 Do you think this is a cost effective solution for fixing the harsh ride, compared to say, the KW suspension setup that Matt Farrah is running?

[@Finguz39]

@@jwb4bb No. This doesn't fix the harsh ride as such. It improves handling massively when you drive hard. A secondary effect is that it makes the ride slightly better at lower speeds. You would need to add the Tractive dampers in conjunction with the DSC to improve the ride, and the dampers were between £3500 and £4000 when I last looked about 6 months ago.

[@pr0jectSkyneT]

good video. I'd rather spend that money on a KW or Ohlins coilovers than that DSC controller though.

[@motor_head]

M400 was good but your torque drops off a cliff from 5500rpm. With the bigger NX2 mine pulls right through the redline and beyond

[@4pexPredator]

i wish i could know the maker of this brilliant gear knob ... probably after 4 years that video uploaded i m speaking alone in a dessert :( :(

[@gregmurnin4532]

Mark, thanks to you and the Car Focused video I got my DSC controller today. I can't enthuse enough about the difference. I live in a semi rural location and my local roads are quite bumpy. After fitting the controller I could comfortably drive in Race mode...astonishing! I completely disagree with Kevin that the DSG does nothing in a straight line.....nonsense! My car has been transformed and I would urge you to buy this piece of kit without any hesitation. Thanks for all of your info, advice and enthusiasm Mark...much appreciated!

[@Rob.Coleman]

👍 for Chris, easily the calmest I've ever seen anyone in the passenger seat on one of your drives 😁

[@C8UER]

Rob Coleman Thanks. I have every faith in Mark and glad he enjoyed the ride 😊

[@60viking]

Never noticed a driver more tuned in to the car and the experience.

[@kevin_fine]

Watched the whole thing to the end, I think it’s hard to separate one mod from another. Especially when it comes to suspension. What you are feeling is actually the mountune springs, the DSC controller does nothing in a straight line (I have one as well). The algorithms help manage the dampers around corners and that is why the car corners flatter, but in a straight line the only thing that you are feeling is the springs. I have mountune springs as well. The controller also makes the dampers variable so they can actually choose an inbetween setting (some percent between full hard and soft). I’ve tuned my controller myself by playing with keeping the front soft and the rear stiff to induce more oversteer (based on G forces) and it actually makes a big difference, but again this is only in the corners. Otherwise great video and great car! I do want to clarify, in track mode the dampers are setup only slightly stiffer than full soft when there are no G forces acting on the car (that is why in a straight line track mode feels stiffer). The other modes from DSC's stock settings just have the dampers in full soft when there are no G forces (which means it should feel identical to stock because it is the same as stock, except he had the springs fitted as well). Hope this clears things up as I know there is a lot of miscommunication about the controller. Let me know if you have more questions or if you friend would like to try my "tune" for the controller.

[@thedriverux]

What kind of changes did you make for the controller? Can you share I'd like to try it out.

[@kevin_fine]

drive.google.com/open?id=0Byp4kRpyRjOjLXlwZFg4ZEt4WTZKVXcyak5vTzZQb3ozR04w Just a note, I only changed the Sport mode suspension map. Normal, track, and drift are the standard DSC settings so you can compare. Plus I like normal mode better for daily driving.

[@Scott555ish]

Can you PM as i would like more info on the controller before I buy. The engineer in me likes to know how things work before the £££ leave my wallet.

[@MattHale121]

Scott Taylor Hi Scott, did you find out where these can be purchased in the UK? Thanks

[@kevin_fine]

What kind of info are you looking for? I'd recommend reading the focusrs.org forum on the suspension controller, there is some misinformation, but you can also go to DSC sport's website or watch their youtube videos.

[@btzemat210]

Love that exhaust! Sounds amazing mate

[@hdmk213]

Damn you Mark, my wallet may end up £1k lighter soon! Thanks for sharing your impressions

[@Finguz39]

You'll love track mode with the DSC. The faster you go, the better it feels ;)

[@blackwiddow20]

16:06 Watch that Range Rover disappear :D

[@mcampbell10777]

smooth bald heads

[@markshillinglaw3003]

Do mountune only do fords?

[@alexdb77]

Great Video. Substancial. It.s hard to convey how a car feels and you.ve done it! Thumbs up to the owner for allowing this review! Cheers

[@kevhulme8595]

Great video guys .

[@coolflame18]

Who's phone is it???

[@Gerslad99]

Great video. Mines currently M380 with Mountune intercooler, hardpipes, secondary Intake. Can’t make my mind up if I should go M400 or leave it as it is.

[@charliestevenson1400]

I know the m400 is around 3.5k but how much for all these mods? with the box as well got to up to 5k right?? Crazy

[@powellj27]

Great Video Mark, Have to say this is very very tempting to just go the full hog and pop the M400 package on and the dsc controller. I have recently decided to arrange a test drive in a V8 mustang before I consider doing any mods to the RS. I'm happy with the standard gear shift and steering wheel, Like fezza, if I had any issues I would just have it retrimmed.

[@ThomMurphy]

Have the unique DSC sport suspension settings for the Mountune springs been shared somewhere?

[@Scott555ish]

Great Video Mark. What a complete package that car is. If you do get the DSC I would love to pop along the coast from Hastings and give it a try around beachyhead/alfriston. The suspension jiggling is an area where I feel the focus is let down. On a good B road it just gets too choppy as the speed ramps up, whereas other less aggressive Hot Hatches (and even my previous SEAT Cupra K1) would just soak it up and enable you to push on, rather then back off.

[@nickdurward7906]

Great video pal . Mines in next month to go to m400 from fpm 375 . Can’t wait now after watching this !

Is the Mountune M375 Ford-endorsed? Cuz as far as I see it is not. Want to make the 375 upgrade but just getting confused a bit with the warranty.

[@SCYorks]

Fully endorsed by Ford and you still keep the full Ford warranty. I no this as own 2018 Focus RS edition in nitrous blue with the Mountune exhaust and FPM 375 kit.

[@michaelhesford5191]

Just popped up on my channel again 😳 mark I miss these videos 😎

[@jamest5149]

You should video drive the cars back to back on the same road at the same speeds so you can see the difference. It certainly looks like you are being joggled and bounced less. These DSC damper tuning systems have been around for a while, they make a big difference to ride and handling on Porsche GT3's and RS's.

[@jonscoupe]

Great video. Would like to see a comparison between a standard RS and the Mountune 400 around a race track, such as Castle Combe, just to see by how much the performance is improved. Cheers, Jon.

[@terryarthurs]

Great video but now I want M400 upgrade and DSC controller 💸💸💸

[@fordyford]

Loved the pull going by the cyclists. Your mate looked a bit worried every time you put your foot down. Seems like a well sorted road car.

[@kevcahill89]

That was one of your most enjoyable videos of recent times Mark. I was looking forward to seeing your reaction to a car that is the complete opposite to yours.

[@janbuker8722]

Great mods, but the sounds annoys me during the video.

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Great video Mark! Really think the mods make a huge difference.My TTs stock is a beast but the REVO tune turns into a fire breathing dragon.My dyno graph goes straight up then curves right at the end of peak power.Love it 🏁🍻

[@johnmclaughlin2845]

Come on treat yourself you know you want it Just get the full fat one With you doing track days it will make sense

[@Zadster]

Excellent video as usual Mark! Any chance of you somehow borrowing a DSC and trying it in your car? From comments below, it seems the lack of jitter and bounce may be more down to the replacement springs - which is totally counter-intuitive to me! Surely shorter harder springs would be more harsh. I could tell right from the off that the suspension was different, all RS Mk 3s have that characteristic jiggle even in normal mode, and it just wasn't there. A big quality of life thing, it changes things for the better 100% of the time, not the 1% you are on the track (although it does that too). TLDR from me: Hell Yes: Modified suspension (whether controller or springs), brake lines. Yes Probably: Front LSD. Not Sure: 400 bhp. 1980s style boost at 5000rpm. The 375 would be a better compromise for me I think. Probably not: Wheels. Short shifter, shell seats. Hell no: That Max Power gear knob, droning rear silencer box. Also the dark security film made the rear look like a dungeon, and not in a good way.

[@MarkCup70]

I'm hoping to get this done soon, I have a supplier willing to lend me one, it's just a matter of clearing some time and getting a trackday booked so I can do a road and track back to back comparison.

[@trunker007]

The best part of the kit is that exhaust noise, and your definitely not a fan of the Recaro shell seats lol

[@MotionPlays]

Remember to turn your phones off next time lol the buzzing!

[@roberts773]

I've got Mountune sport springs plus gone Goodyear F1 tyres much better ride and quieter with just as much grip not as many stones flicking up every time I park up and pull away!

[@markd5958]

Great vid . Can I ask.. what with all the known problems with the head gasgets on these cars are you not worried about Increasing more power out of this engine. Or have ford now rectified the problems now. Only is because I had a MK2 and really miss was going to buy the MK 3 but got put off because of the engine issues. Thanks

[@MarkCup70]

I've not heard of any recurring problems with the engines so long as the recall work has been done properly. There's the odd failure, just like you'd get from any car that's wound up a bit above standard power, but there's no pattern of failure I've seen, there's been very few!

[@slowinfastout3304]

Is this the mountune v2 or v2x exhaust?

[@terryarthurs]

How much has he spent on this car!!!!!

[@MrAndyS]

I would have loved this if you were both wearing Burberry baseball caps

[@MarkCup70]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dannyrobbo]

Must have shares in Mountune 🙈

[@dasilvacarvalhocarlos2485]

Salut trop belle le chrono de 100 à 200 merci

[@rsturbo6958]

What is your watch

[@vincesplc]

what a monster, and stunning!

[@wog008]

fell a sleep ...

[@k20aa]

Come on Mark You need those mods in your life

[@mrlv8126]

Nice video Mark..👍🏻👌🏻

[@keawechan7748]

How to disable the fake noise in the .uk version Please?

[@dannyrobbo]

Keawe Chan via the obd2 port. Your dealer can do it. Or there’s a wire in the back of the head unit you need to cut. I can’t remember which one though.

[@keawechan7748]

@@dannyrobbo really? Dealer are willing to disable them for us? Cutting wire in the head unit would be my least favour option.... don't like the fact that the trim will never go back together as factory and will be prone to those cracking noise.... Thank you for letting me know btw.

[@mohammedbostan9467]

all the right mods.

[@timberlinecline3667]

I love this review this guy should be a professional car reviewer

[@MarkCup70]

Ha ha, not a chance LOL

[@michaelhesford5191]

I want 400 bhp would my warranty be void

[@leors8628]

Michael Hesford yes it will...

[@michaelhesford5191]

Leo RS cheers mate 😞

[@Finguz39]

You can have 370+ bhp and keep the warranty with the FPM 375 upgrade from Mountune.

[@lenguini93]

yes and crack your paper thin cylinder walls

[@roberts773]

Is 400 kit Ford warranty approved ?

[@leors8628]

Robert S no it is not 👎 shame😩

[@SCYorks]

No but the 375 kit is.

[@leors8628]

Jason Holt yep , fpm375 is warranted by Ford, m375 is not!! Choose wisely....

[@SCYorks]

@@leors8628 luckily I have the FPM 375.

[@woodsy555]

Happiest ive seen Mark for a long time xD

[@60viking]

Wish you'd put the microphone in the trunk so we can really hear it for a couple WOT pulls. Great car. Oh he just said really rapid, I can dig it.

[@NocoPBMLS2]

I wish I lived in Europe

[@anonimous2451]

Blown Engine Day 200. KZbin that and see. Biggest POS engine design that cannot handle the pressure of Turbo, blows head. IF it was such a great car then WHY did FORD stop making them? Cause there may just be a class action lawsuit to force them to buy them all back, That's WHY.

[@60viking]

It really is a head gasket problem the engine is just fine. Actually the failures are on modified cars mostly I do believe. Boost is great as long as it doesn't get lean.

[@chrisbaxter5041]

It's serious money for so little power increase I understand mountune are Ford's approved provider but is it worth £4k fitted when a £300 map can produce upto 390 bhp. It's a lovely car and well modified but he must have spent £1000s which will be lost forever. It will be the standard FSH cars that will be sort after in the future

[@MarkCup70]

It was a lot of dollar! Will a standard one with FPM375 still be considered standard in the future?

[@chrisbaxter5041]

Think the 375 only would be a suitable upgrade on its own as the rest of the cars components will be within there tolerances and better value pound for pound

[@C8UER]

This is my car and last week it was converted to an FPM375 for this very reason. I think standard or FPM375 will command more on resale and I've had my fun with the M400 but now a time for a change 👍

[@chrisbaxter5041]

@@C8UER it's one amazing little car and was a great video would be good to see how it compares to Marks around Goodwood

[@holidaeyy674]

That interior is garbage cheap..

[@ashcosmo3854]

These engines are just waiting to explode, why anyone would buy one is beyond me. If your coolant doesn't leak into your engine you'll have a warped block before 100000k's, I bet you'll have to pay someone to take one of these off you second hand.

[@blinkinbadger6164]

Ash Cosmo ignore the hater 👎

[@ashcosmo3854]

@@blinkinbadger6164 Is someone hating if they're telling the truth ? These engines are already well known to be absolute garbage in the car scene and it's widely accepted Ford dropped the ball with the RS. Facts don't care about feelings.

[@60viking]

@@ashcosmo3854 how can a turbo engine be garbage? A head gasket for the non turbo ended up on the turbo engine at the factory .

[@ashcosmo3854]

@@60viking www.focusrs.org/threads/when-things-go-boom-the-engine-failure-thread.81026/ 12 pages of engine failures, it'll take more than a head gasket to fix weak rods and cracking blocks.

[@lenguini93]

This is why anybody serious about making power with one uses an ST block with forged internals, 2.3 block is garbage