I just got around to installing them today. Mind you, the only other mod I have is the Blue Evolve engine mount. I haven't had a chance to push the car all that hard, as I spent most of the day running errands with the SO and I just got brand new Pirelli Neros put on as well. Also, I just got an alignment which was sorely needed and had all the bolts tightened like JRL suggested. The car definitely feels better but I'm not all too sure how much of that is attributed to the new tires, the alignment, the bolt-tightening, or the QBM strut bar mounts.
What I can say for certain is that there is increased engine vibration. Now before everyone freaks out, let me qualify that statement.
It's hard to describe because before when I started up the car, the vibration used to be pretty harsh and on shut down there was the infamous "death rattle". Now, the start up vibration and shut down "death rattle" are better damped and during idle, there isn't that much added vibration. Again I'm not sure if this may be due to the bolt tightening or a compound effect. Where there definitely is more vibration is during 1st gear or reverse engagement and not giving it enough gas. I can't just let off the clutch really slowly to get into first without getting some pretty significant car shuddering now. Now I need to give it some gas whenever I go into 1st or reverse. Also the engine sound has changed. It's a little louder and there's more deep bass to the engine sound in the cabin. I kind of like it, doesn't sound like a sewing machine anymore as others have described it. However, I may consider changing to the Black Evolve mount or IPD's upper engine mount if the vibration and noise gets too tiresome.
So in terms of how it affects handling, I can't really say so far but it feels like body roll is reduced a little and the steering is tighter and more responsive. Again, I'll need more time (alone time) with the car to push it a little and see the difference.
Initial impressions: In terms of function - mixed. In terms of buying experience from QBM, quality of product, and ease of installation - excellent.
What I can say for certain is that there is increased engine vibration. Now before everyone freaks out, let me qualify that statement.
It's hard to describe because before when I started up the car, the vibration used to be pretty harsh and on shut down there was the infamous "death rattle". Now, the start up vibration and shut down "death rattle" are better damped and during idle, there isn't that much added vibration. Again I'm not sure if this may be due to the bolt tightening or a compound effect. Where there definitely is more vibration is during 1st gear or reverse engagement and not giving it enough gas. I can't just let off the clutch really slowly to get into first without getting some pretty significant car shuddering now. Now I need to give it some gas whenever I go into 1st or reverse. Also the engine sound has changed. It's a little louder and there's more deep bass to the engine sound in the cabin. I kind of like it, doesn't sound like a sewing machine anymore as others have described it. However, I may consider changing to the Black Evolve mount or IPD's upper engine mount if the vibration and noise gets too tiresome.
So in terms of how it affects handling, I can't really say so far but it feels like body roll is reduced a little and the steering is tighter and more responsive. Again, I'll need more time (alone time) with the car to push it a little and see the difference.
Initial impressions: In terms of function - mixed. In terms of buying experience from QBM, quality of product, and ease of installation - excellent.
