All ... I'm looking for recommendations to perk up the handling of my soon-to-be-delivered JCW. The car is equipped with the Dynamic (Variable) Damper Control option, which I specified because of road conditions and over-the-road comfort. Also, it will have 17" wheels. However, I still would like to reduce understeer a bit and get a bit better initial turn-in.

I do not want to lower the car or do anything that eliminates the overall ride quality of DDC, so my initial thoughts are:
- Rear sway bar (NM 22mm or 25mm; or the MAXX-G bar from M7) ... any recommendations?
- Cravenspeed Big Pair ... does this really help?
- Strut tower brace ... any real function or just eye candy?
- Replace run-flat tires

Am I missing anything? Overall, I'm looking for a bit more edge without destroying ride quality. Appreciate your insights and recommendations.

Oh ... the car will probably be tracked a few times a year so stability is important too.

 

Not on your list
But 215/45/17 tyres when you need to replace, or sell the oem ones soon after delivery
I'm running BBS rc et43/7.5"
You can goggle the weight

 

I would go down this path: tires, alignment, braces, sway bars (front and rear)

A performance alignment will keep the tires in contact with the road, which will give better control. Bracing will make the suspension do its job better. A front sway bar should be considered in a front wheel drive car with strut suspension because it limits body roll and keeps the tires in better contact with the road. (Think camber changes during body roll) And a rear sway bar will help the car rotate.

 

these cars are so stiff I did not think the strut braces were anything more than eyecandy

 

Does anyone know the difference between the factory front sway bar that comes on the DDC-equipped car vs the Sports Suspension? It seems to me that a bigger front bar would make it oversteer more.

 

theory says that a bigger front bar will change vehicle dynamics towards understeer. However, with a MacPhearson strut front suspension, a big front sway bar can help limit changes in wheel camber due to vehicle roll and actually help with front end grip.

 

A thicker REAR bar reduces understeer. Thicker front bar does the opposite, which is why nobody changes the front only the rear. The 25mm hollow rear bar is what most people go with around here. And it's only about $300 installed, way cheaper than tires and stuff. I drove my friends' F56 MCS with stock suspension and it really needs a rear bar. Compared to my R58 JCW with the SS it understeers and leans up the wazoo. And don't even think about wasting your money on one of those strut braces. Those went out with the Ford Taurus lol.

 

Thanks all ... here's my thoughts on proceeding:
1 - Tires (Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - 215/45-17
2- NM 25 mm sway bar and end links

 

You might contact Way Motor Works about the sway bar. I recall him saying the end links were not really needed and almost doubled the cost of the addition and they tended to make unwanted clunky noises in many cases. I had Way add a rear bar to my 2007 MCS for $300 back in 2008 and no end links and it was great. Mine was a 19mm solid bar I think 25mm hollow bars are what people get on the F56 now.

 

Good advice. I will check first, but looks like they are selling the NM products and are recommending the links. I will call before ordering. Thanks!

 

I went with the 22mm bar and the end links. If needed in the future, with the end links I have more adjustment available and they replace the plastic OEM parts. No noise from mine. As a matter of fact after installing the CravenSpeed Big Pair, NM Strut Bar, 4 point roll bar, NM springs, and adjustable rear control arms I have noticed the absence of the few squeaks and rattles I had before installing the suspension upgrades.

 

I think they do in certain situations. I recall one thread Way talked a guy out of them because he wasn't gonna really big time race the car. He did for another guy who was going to "corner balance" his.

 

Ordered the NM 25mm bar with end links ... need to get the parts in before the car arrives.

 

So far, NM 25mm rear sway bar and CravenSpeed Big Pair. Should I consider strut tower brace or is that overkill?