A newbie's thoughts...

[Mr Whippy]

Welcome and just a few "experience speaking" kinda things.

Rattles and squeaks-these are tightly sprung sports cars, you're gonna get them. In return, you get a car that responds to every input with enthusiasm.

Tram-lining. RFTs DO NOT CAUSE IT. Yes, they exacerbate it, but the way to handle the car when it starts to tram line is don't fight it. The car will settle into the groove in the road. Fighting it makes it worse. Use a light hand and you'll be happier. My previous 325Ci with non-RFTs trammed as bad as my Z.

They cause something that means you get random lateral movement of 6 inches at higher speeds on rough roads, which goes away with non-rfts.

Whatever it is, the car is better without it

Dave

 

[Smokin]

Welcome and just a few "experience speaking" kinda things.

Rattles and squeaks-these are tightly sprung sports cars, you're gonna get them. In return, you get a car that responds to every input with enthusiasm.

Tram-lining. RFTs DO NOT CAUSE IT. Yes, they exacerbate it, but the way to handle the car when it starts to tram line is don't fight it. The car will settle into the groove in the road. Fighting it makes it worse. Use a light hand and you'll be happier. My previous 325Ci with non-RFTs trammed as bad as my Z.

Thanks for your comments. I honestly try not to fight it but it's hard not to when the car suddenly veers towards the kerb at high speed. I'm still learning about the car of course and will continue to do so, it's my first RWD. It doesn't help that the B roads around me are in pretty awful condition. On a smooth road, I've no complaints, even on the RFTs. Having owned several Type-Rs, the hard ride quality doesn't bother me, it's the fidgeting.

Yep, the first couple of times I panicked, too. Once you get used to the sensation, you'll know to keep light hands on the wheel. You'll also learn which roads do it and anticipate the sensation. If you do change to non-RFTs in the future, it will be a bit better, but on low-profile tires, there's no absolute cure.

For a RWD car, you've picked a good one as the first. With the 50/50 weight distribution and the nanny mode (DSC on--default) it really helps keep you out of trouble. These cars, when driven hard with nanny mode off, can definitely be put into understeer or oversteer in a hurry.