Mk3 Focus RS - DSC sport controller installation / review!

We all know the suspension on the Mk3 RS is rock solid, but there is a solution. Chiron World Sports Cars send me a DSC Sport controller to try out, and I was impressed!
Contact the guys at Chiron WSC about purchasing the unit here;
www.chironworld.com/chiron_009...
Transform the handling of your Ford Focus RS with the DSC Sport V1 controller! The DSC Sport V1 controller is a Plug N Play active suspension controller that replaces the OEM suspension controller. With our revolutionary tuning strategy, DSC Sport provides your Ford Focus RS with better track handling and improved daily comfort. DSC Sport will improve the ride of your Ford Focus RS and remove the “pogo” effect, all while offering improved grip and reduced squat, dive, and roll on track!
By expanding the dynamic range and rate of response of your OEM controller, DSC Sport is able to utilize more sensory input data and provide real time damping solutions. By gathering g-force, wheel speed, throttle position, and brake pressure; DSC Sport adjusts each individual damper in real time to provide the most optimum damper performance both on and off the track.
Using the DSC Sport Tuning Software, users can custom tune their suspension to personal preference. Set maximum and minimum damper rates and tuning characteristics for various driving scenarios, vehicle setups, and personal preference. DSC Sport puts the power of a suspension engineer in the palm of your hand.
www.dscsport.com/product/v2-c...

[@chironworldsportscars1138]

We have a DSC controller for sale only used for about 1000miles. Please get in touch for a good price.

[@pedrodstc]

Because of your review I bought the dsc. Just tested and its really amazing! I couldn’t believe how good the handling is now! Cheers mate, and thanks a lot.

[@danielwilliam1534]

I'm so happy I can watch your videos and I own a MK3 RS now since Saturday gone. 😍

[@C8UER]

Hi Gary, we spoke at the Ford Fair about the DSC (I have it fitted to my car). Glad you got to test it 👍

[@georgeb2590]

Shout out to you and this review for motivating me to swap my stock DCC for DSC controller on my 15' Mk 7 Golf R with new B6 Bilstein Damptronic struts and Eibach lowering springs - 20mm. The ride before the DSC was jittery and borderline too stiff even in comfort. But I bit the bullet and am I glad I did. New car with the controller. Much smoother, takes the edge off each setting much like in your RS. Highly recommended, just released for VW with DCC. April 2021.

[@spagfoot]

I've got one of these and it is a great bit of kit. You can feel it working as you turn the car in and brake or accelerate hard. It makes the car much better to live with each day and on a track it gets rid of the nervous jittery feeling of the original setup when you are pushing it hard. Love it.

[@spagfoot]

@@CarFocused Right. Back to work so I can save 4k for the Tractive dampers by the time my warranty runs out 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasoncleland1492]

I pick up my RS on Friday. Can’t wait 😀

[@gregmurnin4532]

Cheers Gary...thanks to you and Mark I have purchased the DSC controller...…..it is astonishing! As I commented to Mark I can now use the car in track mode along my local bumpy roads......I still don't know how they do it!!!!Really appreciate your honest informative videos...keep up the great work and thanks mate!

[@gregmurnin4532]

No probs Gary....I got mine through the MK3 focus RS club. I contacted Steve Truswell who is the Director of 9Designs Tech Services Limited. He is a great guy to deal with. I e-mailed him On Saturday 6th October and I had the DSC controller by 9am this morning. his e-mail is [e-mail] His mobile is 07470351564. Steve was brilliant and he gave me a more aggressive map as My car has been widened, lowered, stiffer springs and Revo stage 2 tuned. You need to get this Gary!!!! Cheers!

[@gregmurnin4532]

Cheers Gary! My neighbour has an RS too....need to take them for a spin and see if they notice anything...won't say a word to them beforehand. Should be interesting!

[@sleepyheadhtx]

Thanks for the video. Just installed mine, and yes this thing is real and does what it says it'll do. Daily driving is going to be much more tolerable now.

[@mrfizeg8661]

Great review again. I have a mk 3.5 ST, but you’re making me wanna upgrade to the RS lol.

[@angeleternity]

Wow! I never could imagine this thing exist! I need it

[@MP422ownz]

I have one in my RS since last december. It's a very nice addition to the drive modes on the RS.... definitely takes that jarring out of the suspension.

[@andrewlee5237]

Another great video mate. My regret wasthat I was to late to purchase an RS as I wasn't financially in a position to buy one. Production came to an end in April and the new model doesn't come out for at least another year to 18 months. I've ordered the M140i which should arrive in mid October but I will continue having a soft spot for the RS, keep those videos coming!!

[@keawechan7748]

@@CarFocused I got mine three months ago (rs edition) and they are quite a difficult find in the south west if you want to buy from Ford dealer brand new. Only one out of three rs approved dealer got one left. Would like buy one of this module (when I can afford to spend on car addon again) as the shell seats are definitely to hard for my liking when compare to the standard bucket seats. Thanks for the review. Good job mate!!!

[@lynx7575]

Welcome back :-)

[@steve9designs615]

Nice review, pleased to see another owner enjoying the benefits of the DSC module. Your thoughts were correct, it does firm up just the rear on hard acceleration and the nose on hard braking. In track mode it also leaves the inside wheel "soft" for bumping over curbs. You'll see lots of feedback on the UK forums, Mk3FocusRS and FRSOC as well as the US. I've been selling these modules, which are in stock, and the soon to arrive Tractive dampers through the forums since the start of the year. Many happy customer. It works equally as well with stock springs, plus I'm able to supply my customers with a slightly revised sport map for uprated springs. The DSC module actually gives you 3 map settings now, Normal, Sport and Track. Ford has 2, "Normal" and "Sport" which are just static settings and not active. The system is unique as I understand, it also does away with the need to do various other mods like sway bars etc.

[@steve9designs615]

Correct, as you'll see in the software there are now 3 damper modes. Sport firms up slightly earlier than normal, where as track is a different profile. Pushing the button on the stalk gives you the track map. Loads more info on the forums, just look for me as 9Designs....

[@dannsmcshane1233]

Thanks mate like you vids i have a st with mr300 hope to have an rs some time

[@marklowing5559]

Great review, your going to need deep pockets for the next part of this review!! 4K for the Tractive Dampers 😀

[@1stWorldProblemsSolved]

6.2k now with the covid tax/inflation.

[@step0601]

Can't believe the solution to the bounce is just an ECU swap. The bad ride was one of the reasons why I sold my RS, I couldn't face swapping out the whole suspension which at the time seemed to be the only option. My other gripe was veering violently when overtaking, as you can imagine Ford found no fault. Never driven an AWD car before or since that torque steered so much, reminded me of an early 90's Fiesta RS Turbo. Having said all that, I still miss it ;)

[@step0601]

Hyundai i30N. Down on power compared to the RS but it's fantastic to drive. Feels every bit of its 275hp and has a great front end. In "N" mode its as stiff as the RS is in track, but in normal mode it's stiff but fairly compliant. There's also sport mode and N custom. It feels like a well judged balance of power and handling, sounds great too with similar pops to the RS. Overall its a great drivers car, impressive given that its Hyundai's 1st attempt.

[@steveallan3306]

Another very well explained real world review Gary - much appreciated! There is so much I like about my RS, but the two issues for me are the overly harsh set up and the veering steering. Looks like the DSC controller is a winner. What's your thoughts on VS though? Does your car have an issue? I have an Edition with the front Quaife LSD, but it still pulls randomly on full throttle. Ford don't seem interested so I guess the aftermarket needs to come up with a fix for that one...

[@slowinfastout3304]

Tremendous review as DT would say 🤭. Was on the fence but will be ordering one for my RS and GT4 due to watching your video. I have mountune springs which I don’t think is stiffer than oem. But it did reduce the bouncing. Do you think I’ll be fine with the ots map?

[@FezzaYT]

Good review mate and interesting product. It's probably not something I will buy as the roads in Spain are quite smooth so the ride issue isn't such an issue. I am in the UK at the moment and the roads here are definitely a lot bumpier!

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Fezza. Yes the DSC makes the focus better over the bumps. But it also turns the RS dampers into a fully active damping system which greatly improves the handling performance of the car. With your nice smooth roads you would love it just as much.

[@MichaelM-zk7lc]

I am surprised they didn't soften up normal mode to a point that everyone notices it "right away". Seems like it takes awhile to see the difference. Driving the typical commute in a straight line stoplight to stoplight the car is too firm. It handles amazing, but it needed a comfort mode or normal to be a softer setting, IMO. Thanks for video!!

[@felixolivo8785]

Car Focused I believe you mentioned that the controller helps smooth out the ride. The stock dampers are extremely limited so I don't believe the controller alone could make the dampers "softer" than stock but maybe just mitigate the pogo effect which would be great for daily driving. The video on the DSC site notes the limitations of the stock dampers and the controller gives you a "fake, nice riding car..." LOL. It's impossible to notice a difference through a video but I trust your reaction. I know how harsh the ride can be at times especially on some roads here in the northeastern US (NJ)...my wife hates the ride but I didn't buy the car for her HEHE! Would love to try this controller for a day...that's the only way I could really justify a purchase. Thanks for the video!

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Felix Olivo. Compared to say the Tractive Dampers yes the Ford dampers don't have the same amount of adjustment within them. But the Ford dampers do have a fair bit of adjustment and enough to make a big difference. The DSC controller uses more of the built in adjustment within standard dampers. The Ford controller does not and only uses a fraction of it.

[@Parallax62]

WOW! Looks like there's huge improvement from launching with minimal squating. And if it passes the wife test, it's well worth it. Oh snap! how much?! Okay I may have to sell my left kidney. Awesome video as always!

[@simontaylor3211]

Ah, the wife test. Wouldn't have been complete without the wife test 😊. Great video as always mate

[@MahyarJavadi]

Can they send me a free one? :( or half off? hahaha, love your reviews/videos mate, keep up the good work, excellent choice in car ;). Much love from Sydney.

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Looks like a good investment Gary.Yes you don’t look So shaken as a James Bonds cocktail 🍸 😂🏁🍻

[@haydynbarlow7021]

Great video once again. You’ve made me want this now like you made me buy the dreamscience handset lol. Do you think the price even if discounted is worth it though?

[@haydynbarlow7021]

Car Focused It’s my only car I use daily so guess it would be worth investing in. I got the mountune spring which are brilliant and help slightly. I’m in the same situation as you were my wife wouldn’t be a passenger at all because of the pogo effect and hated the car but then I insured her and since driving it she’s fallen in love with it too

[@corolla_wagon_]

Brilliant videos mate. Any plans to test Mercedes AMG models?

[@roberts773]

Ive changed springs and tyres which has transformed the rs already ,not sure on another grand ££! But great vid!!

[@rcfreak9]

Which springs and tires did you get?

[@hdmk213]

Thanks for the review Gary, good to hear your thoughts. I'm still going to go for the full KW v3 coilover set up though, although the total cost is £3000 vs. £1000 for the DSC box plus £400 for the springs. Lots of further discussion on the Owners Club forums

[@henrynickless6599]

What about Tractive setup? The absolute best you can buy for the RS. KW is just a passive system not reactive like DSC.

[@hdmk213]

Because the Tractive package (DSC controller plus Tractive shocks and springs) is $4150 in the US. That'll make it £4500 in the UK... plus it's not available yet (stock issues)

[@henrynickless6437]

Tractive with the DSC gives you an active suspension setup. Something that was banned in F1 because it was so good. The KW is just a passive system so not on the same level. But yes £4500 is a lot of money. If you went with the DSC initially and then wanted to upgrade to the Tractive setup you would not need to buy another controller.

[@steve9designs615]

re comments on cost. Same as Cat back exhaust, or less. One mod just makes a loud noise the other improves the ride and handling of the car. Pays ya money and takes your choice I guess. :D

[@fashley1987]

Hi Gary, How easy is it to put the carpet back after pulling it out to fit the DSC? That's the only thing stopping me from fitting mine at the moment 🤦‍♂️

[@leors8628]

I’d like one but for 1/2 that cost , its a bit to expensive imo, I’d rather save up & invest the money in a set of coil overs , good review 👍

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Leo. Understand it does seem a lot for a little plastic box of electronics. But it's the massive amount of testing and development work that has gone into the controller that has dictated the price and made it as good as it is. The DSC is the only active suspension controller on the market and can't really be compared to coilovers. This is better than any coilovers we have tried purely because its an active system not passive. The ultimate would be the Tractive coilover which comes with the DSC controller that really is the ultimate but again comes at a cost. If you are based anywhere near Worcester I would be happy for you to try our demo unit out.

[@stevefox6753]

Henry Nickless hi Henry I’m interested in this but would like to try beforehand, your have a demo unit that I can try?

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Steve. Yes we can sort something for you. If you go to www.chironworld.com website and send me an email. Thanks Henry

[@MrIcarebecauseyoudo]

Hi Garry, when you tested it did you already had the eibach springs on it? And did you needed other software for the DSC? Thanks in advance 🙂

[@CarFocused]

I was running KW springs but was assured it would still work with the setup I had, and to be fair it made a big difference!

[@midnightvelocity381]

I have a 2018 and I was expecting worse but the suspension isn’t really that harsh. Has anyone driven an 18 and a later modeI to compare? I wonder if Ford adjusted the dampening.

[@matheujew]

I have the 2018. Just got it last week. Was expecting the ride to be horrible but honestly its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. My weekender its a gt3rs. You wanna talk stiff. Ride one of those. My daily was an F250. Drives like a dump truck. The rs isnt all that bad really in my opinion. However, active suspension does sound kinda nice. I think i may look into one of these

[@MilesBMWhenebrey]

1200 dollars is insane to be honest. Well explained video, thanks

[@henrynickless6437]

A lot Less than a set of coilovers and better with the exception of the Tractive coilovers which use the DSC controller. If you live near Worcester we would be happy for you to try out our demo controller.

[@moonrider99]

2 questions: 1 with the shock absorbers being switched between soft and the hard mode on the fly every other second or so, is that possibly going to damage the solenoid or any other electronic components in the shock absorbers? and 2, if this was such a great idea why Ford did not program their module in a similar manner?

[@pmichaelhayes]

From the FAQ on their webpage "No, DSC Sport does not add any stress to the factory dampers or other suspension components. In fact, the factory control method sends a constant current to the dampers, while DSC Sport alters the current and utilizes a series of on/off commands. Under normal usage, DSC Sport will ultimately send less current to the dampers allowing for better cooling during usage."

[@chriselse515]

How much in % would you say it's improved it came across very quite in the video and looked smoother. Bit expensive but definitely a option if I was to buy a rs in the future.

[@philn8766]

What happened to the group buy?

[@Scott555ish]

Being an engineer I'm curious to know how it adapts. The stock unit just switches between two settings of hard and harder by varying the current supplied to the dampers. So interested to know where the new unit it getting all it's data from bearing in mind it's plug'n'play and how it can make the OE soft setting softer on the over damped dampers.

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Scott. Lets say the RS dampers have adjustment of 10 clicks. The Ford controller would change only 1 click either side of the base setting, The DSC controller uses the full available range so all 10 clicks. Not only to help over the bumps but also to make the system a fully active system which greatly improves the handling. Win win better ride and better handling not often that can be said for a suspension mod.

[@DeanCairnsHart]

I liked it when poodling around town. But when pushing the car, handling suffered. Not the solution for me! Perhaps with the Tractive dampers

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi Dean. That's the first time we have heard that from anyone. Lap times on track are greatly improved as is performance on the road from all the testing and customers feedback we have had so far.. Maybe you have an issue with the car if you want to have a chat please feel free to get in touch. We didn't supply the unit to you but happy to help out.

[@johnjackson12]

Would you say it makes the car easier to live with day to day? I've only passenger seated in a mk3 rs and was very firm I thought

[@johnjackson12]

@@CarFocused makes you wonder why ford didn't fit it from the factory. My guess is they wanted super stiff suspension for lap times rather than day to day living with it. After all they have the st as the daily version of the focus. Cool video tho very interesting

[@ralphpeiris5996]

Do they sell the DSC controller in the US? Thanks

[@riknroll7071]

Very curious if this makes the car much more livable with, I'm looking at getting a Focus RS but the ride whilst testing has made me really think twice as it will be my daily, especially driving home after a long day when I'm tired and would rather be allowed to be relaxed. What are the alternatives to this system, if any?

[@DR4WZ]

I think I must be odd because I love the bounciness of my Focus RS in sport mode. My wife and kids fall asleep within 10 minutes while riding as well...

[@riknroll7071]

Very good to know, just one question to be sure, are your shocks standard stock setup? (I may have missed that on the video)

[@Scott555ish]

On an out of town drive the RS is pretty comfortable (shell seats). It's when your back and around town you notice the firm ride. Reminds me very much of my RS1600i that I had I the early 90's.

[@arroncadman9421]

Is it worth the $1200 that's the real question that's a set of decent coilovers.great review though

[@harrisj2278]

I like the idea of the controller but I think a better more complete solution would be the Litchfield KW DCC system or Mountunes similar KW system which both retain the oem features but have a significant improvement in both the spring rates and valving of the shocks.

[@henrynickless6437]

Hi. You are comparing an active system DSC with a passive system KW. Yes the KW system does give a better ride and improvement in handling but that wasn't hard. The DSC sport controller takes it to the next level for a lot less money. If you want coilovers Tractive coilovers with the DSC controller would be the ultimate setup. The DSC controller could possibly be used with the KW dampers but we have not tried this and for the cost you might as well go for the best and go Tractive DSC.

[@forddriven8962]

gary mt8 been very busy at work, so know catching up all your vids i missed......as your know or can remember i had focus rs (white) from busseys norwich, which i sold to buy new house and then brought mk7 st3 in blue... i just ordered mk8 st3 fiesta , in silver fox , sunroof, led headlamps, performance pk...delivery is do october/noverber.... as i only live near kings lynn , would be ok if you wanted to test / review it for your channel is there any new plans for the RS, or even maybe a goodbye as i see you dipped into VW/AUDI ..... see you simon {flashHD}

[@forddriven8962]

Gary , that’s ok understand, but you would be very welcome to review mine, anyhow 2 weeks from your last vid, are you running out of content or just busy

[@dannyrobbo]

Running out of fuel at 9:56 or have you broke something? Also, I changed the map from DS2+ to DS2 and you loose that slight hesitation at 2-2500k.

[@dannyrobbo]

Car Focused yeah, very familiar sounds. Went on an RS stunt day and had the low fuel warning with still over 3/4 tank😂 No loss of power that I can notice, still pulls sting to the redline which I’ve set to 7075. I think the + really needs a Decat to be exploited.

[@haydynbarlow7021]

Danny Robbins mine still has the same flat spot on 2 as it does on 2+. Runs really well on ultima 1 though. Would like to hear from someone that has gone from ultima to ultima 2+ and put the decat and intercooler on also with it to get their opinion. Maybe a new video one day for car focused?

[@dannyrobbo]

Haydyn Barlow Ultima is the perfect every day map. I ran it for a while after not liking the flat spot in 2+. Put stock map on for a trip to ford (unneeded) but put 2 back on for a try. I don’t have the hesitation at all now. All cars will react different I guess with them not being bespoke maps

[@haydynbarlow7021]

Danny Robbins I plan on getting the milltek sports cat and Remus exhaust next year so I hope I’ll see some nice gains from that set up.

[@dannyrobbo]

Car Focused they are a bit of a machine though and with the DSG box, don’t slow down to change gear.

[@BrentRoberts11]

Since this is an active system wouldn't the components that are "actively" adjusting wear out quicker. If the components are normally passive and never really moving should we make them move constantly? Anyone have this that has also put 25k miles or more with it on?

[@shahulhusman]

Fixes pogo really? Only things I dislike my 2017 Focus rs (USA) is the boucy ride.. Seat position.. If I could fix pogo cheaply, I'd keep it.. Otherwise Im 50/50 on selling it for a golf R (just not as special) . I'm debating this.. $1200 is a lot.. But so is depreciation on trade in. Does it REALLY REALLY fix the pogo?

[@shahulhusman]

@@CarFocused thank you kindly for the reply. I'll have to try it sooner or later I guess then. If it doesn't work I guess I'll sell the car at the end of the summer.

[@leelewis4317]

Hi Shahul, The seat is much more comfortable if you raise it from the bottom by just a smidge. If you are driving it with the seat all the way down, it is hard on the back

[@shahulhusman]

@@leelewis4317 thanks Lee.. Honestly the seats aren't too bad anymore.. Just the pogo.. Which is annoying only sometimes when I think about it.. 1st gear pops out sometimes for some reason.. Otherwise I like it.. Still 50/50 on doing a golf R though dsg and just getting a s2000 as a second car

[@leelewis4317]

Yep. I am not convinced yet this unit is giving a smoother ride. I hope to have an answer tomorrow. If it is not working properly, i plan to send it back to the DSC.

[@leelewis4317]

I have done some swapping of the OEM unit with the DSC and I need to chat with DSC to verify ride quality. At this moment I am not content with the $1000 plus for the difference. Hopefully there is something missing in the unit I received.

[@SprintHillclimb]

I'd love to see the effect of it on lap times. That's the true test if it does something. Interesting product, just a shame it costs so much

[@SprintHillclimb]

@@CarFocused yeah this is my current gripe with the RS. It's so fun but too heavy and expensive for track. That's why I've done sprints in it but then it ate a set of soft tyres in 2 sprints lol

[@SprintHillclimb]

@@CarFocused I've got the Clio 182 but it just doesn't compare. It's fun but fwd is just nothing compared to rwd or the torque vectoring AWD. I'm trying to workout how I can have a Westfield or caterham in my life haha

[@SprintHillclimb]

Z4m coupe as a road car and a hayabusa Westfield as a track car is the current thinking. Probably for the price of the rs and Clio. It's tempting.

[@SprintHillclimb]

@@CarFocused we'll see next year. The RS will be a hard car to give up!

[@spagfoot]

So I was talking to Gary about lap times. The difference for me on track was with the stock controller, if you want to trailbrake into a corner, the back of the car feels too jittery/pogo effect to get real confidence when pushing it. With this controller the back of the car just loads up and sticks. I knew it was an expensive risk when I bought it but I am so glad I did. I'm keeping my RS long term and it's my favourite mod so far.

[@markjones338]

Be interested if anyone has this on standard suspension just curious

[@spagfoot]

I have it on stock suspension. Honestly it's the best mod I have done and in my view is worth the money if you are driving your RS every day like me!

[@s20ttv]

I realise you may have been given the item for the promotion of it from the company. In my opinion would influence your honest opinion on it slightly which is a shame. The most honest thing being the huge cost. I actually bought a mk6 Fiesta st for a daily/track car for £1.2 which if I’m finding the RS too harsh I can use this. Seems a far better option than a little box that ‘may’ maybe a very small difference. Good to see the review though and always love the pops and bangs 👍🏻

[@stevefox6753]

Car Focused so did you buy it afterwards then? Did I see you mention a group discount on this somewhere? I’m interested in getting one

[@stevefox6753]

Car Focused Car Focused so did you buy it afterwards then? Did I see you mention a group discount on this somewhere? I’m interested in getting one

[@MadHatter21]

Well youve convinced,now we need to convince the wife as she hates being in the car.CheeRS mate.

[@SprintHillclimb]

Did you get to keep it?

[@SP-ce3ok]

I’ll join the buy group. I’m in aus too but I’m keen

[@gianni2046]

not sure what it is, as there is no pre-install comparison. The camera itself is bouncing around in your car, and despite you saying the pogoing is less, we can see you totally bouncing up and down in the video.

[@jessejames1999]

how much is this mod ?

[@cpmaverick]

$1300 USD

[@TomTom-xh6cn]

its funny now i know who you are lol. You still have your CDJs? :D

[@TomTom-xh6cn]

Car Focused 9 years ago I was in the same competition as you...djaward bedroom. Now I have an RS edition and I’m on your channel again:) I also sold all of mine..still sad about it:(

[@TomTom-xh6cn]

Car Focused I do like and listen trance too but it’s all changed..everything changed :( So how many ppl on group buy so far? You can add me on the list too

[@tracktimevideos5164]

If its as good as you say I'd pay £500 for one. At £1200, no chance. The RS suspension is stiff but it's not unique in that respect. Try an fn2 on 19s if you want to feel bonecrunchingly unbearable.

[@ABeans07]

The suspension was the main reason i bought a golf over the focus. Ride is AWFUL stock.

[@LoveGod16]

First!

[@ianwalton5156]

That's pricey

[@ianwalton5156]

I wonder if some whizzkid could reprogram the original unit? On a different note, would this put more emphasis on the springs & reduce their working life?