MartinT

I finally (today) removed the bumper and refitted it properly. Did I say it's an arse? You really have to guide each tab into its correct location and some just want to go the wrong way which causes gaps and much swearing. I still like the HKS intake, there doesn't appear to be any downside at all. It even sucks air at the same height as the stock intake so there is no greater risk of a water lock through deep water.

The story goes on. I took the car back to ProTyre with one stock wheel in the boot, as they had asked me to do. The first thing the chap at reception asked was "did I bring all four?" After some cold stares and mouthed responses, it seems that each sensor has its own code and the ECU needs to see all four. So next time I'll take all four with me. Good thing my MOT isn't until April so I have time to get this sorted, but it's a real pain.

I succumbed to the overwhelming advice both here and elsewhere and went for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres for my 17 x 8 wheels. So I replaced a rather good set of Falkens with same-size Michelins. Here are the exact tyres: Falken Azenis FK510 225/45R17 94Y XL (£75.10 each) Michelin Pilot Sport 4 225/45R17 94Y XL (£83.51 each) My impressions as follows (I don't track my car, it's my daily driver used in a 60-mile commute): Noise: the Michelins are definitely quieter with less tyre roar into the cabin. Dry cornering: I can't feel much in it although I haven't pushed the Michelins hard yet. Wet cornering: on this morning's greasy roads, cornering while applying some throttle made the rear just start to move sideways. The Falkens would have held fast doing that. Dry stopping: seems ok so far, no emergency stops yet for me to compare. Ride quality: there isn't a lot in it although I think the Michelins are just a bit firmer. Both tyres suit my H&R Super Sport springs well, the ride being firm but supple. Looks: meh, I don't really care how they look. I thought I'll add to this as time progresses and I get used to the Michelin's limits. The price difference is not huge so this doesn't feel like a criticism of the Michelins so much as praise for the little known but excellent Falkens. One parameter that will definitely have to wait a while is life. This may be where the Michelins win (the Falkens were on for a year or around 15,000 miles).

A couple of days ago I had cause to brake very hard on a damp road early in the morning. The PS4s had a very impressive level of grip with virtually no slip or chirps. Score one for the Michelins.

The Falken Azenis FK-510 have been my 'go-to' tyres for a while now, on the BRZ and previous cars. Great all-round performance and low price. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons are very good indeed in the snow. I now have Michelin PS4 which are good but not significantly better or worse than the Falkens. Oh, and the Primacies are crap!

Wow, I can see why you think it expensive. For me, the BMWs (especially the 540i and 335d M-Sport, both remapped) were expensive on services and frightening on tyres (£1000 for a set of 4). They were also too heavy to handle particularly well, but that's a different issue. I've just changed out a set of Falken Azenis that lasted a year on the BRZ. I don't expect the Michelin 225/45 PS4 I have now to be worse for wear. I do a 60 mile a day fast commute and don't hold back but my economy has settled at 35.7mpg. That's not bad at all. The TD manifold, full exhaust and remap make it much more fun, not close to the BMWs for brute force but far better handling. The service costs have been reasonable (my 30k is coming up) and nothing has gone wrong with it. I'm remarkably happy with my mid-life crisis 'Harley'!

After owning four BMWs, I can assure you that my 2017 BRZ requires a good deal less maintenance and is less expensive to keep on the road.

Thanks, Lauren. I'm still getting to know the PS4s so I shall keep reporting back if I find anything new.

I noticed today a slight vagueness at high speed on the motorway, requiring the odd correction that I don't recall with the Falkens. Otherwise, the Michelins are good in dry grip and handling.

Yes, but they're staying in my car Sent from my LG-Q6 using Tapatalk

I didn't say either of those things.

As a replacement for the horrible Primacies, the FK510 are far better in the dry and in the wet and inspire confidence in driving. The only thing they don't do well (and neither do the other summer tyres) is winter use and traction in snow. Then the Goodyear Vector 4seasons are king.

I tried some hard cornering early this morning. I like the feeling of the Michelins 'squatting down' and holding tight around the radius. It's the first real difference between them and the Falkens that I've felt.

I've just had new TPMS sensors fitted to my aftermarket wheels, 4 x i-SMARTSENSOR. ProTyre thought my ECU might 'learn' the new code after driving for a bit, but no such luck. I'll need to heave one of the stock wheels into the boot and go back there to have it cloned to the new sensors.

Another ridiculous bit of legislation targeting motorists. How would you defend yourself if there was a crack of thunder as you drove past one of these mics? My super-resonator has become quieter in the last couple of months, luckily. Sent from my LG-Q6 using Tapatalk

You can spong and jetwash it as long as you don't point straight into the vents. I had the Seibon bonnet painted the same colour as the car. It looked gorgeous.

The Sprintex definitely has the best whine, its sound is completely infectious. I had one on my CR-Z and it's an excellent linear unit and pretty bomb proof. There is no doubting that it gets hot, though. Once I got a vented bonnet then the problem went away, as plenty of cool air flowed over it and boost didn't drop even in the hot summer. Sent from my LG-Q6 using Tapatalk

I did the HKS a slight disservice. Further driving reveals a noticeable willingness to rev to the red line - my rev limit light (set to 7000) flashed twice in the last day, catching me out while accelerating onto the motorway. From that point of view, it's worth having as overtaking is a touch easier. Still no change in sound from before, which doesn't bother me as the exhaust is loud enough anyway.

Got it done. Refitting the bumper is a bit of a bastard. No change in sound that I can detect (so much for all those resonators), but it's a bit more willing in pickup and revs nicely. Not a lot in it, so marginal value. Sent from my LG-Q6 using Tapatalk

So a little more throttle response and a tiny bit more torque. What's not to like? The FA20 needs every bit it can get.

Agreed, but I read that on my search through the internet as to why the design changed. HKS only talk about "10x the opening" in their blurb. As for the Cosworth SC, surely forced induction gets around any restrictions in air flow, to a degree? It's NA that needs every assistance in getting more air into the cylinders.

I believe they redesigned it because the previous big scoop version restricted airflow to the radiator?

Looking at the standard snorkel, it does look restrictive. Ah well, it doesn't look too hard to replace so we'll see.

Can you feel any gains at high revs?

A visit to Akihabara is a must for giant electronic stores. For superb scenery, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Mount Fuji, which is gobsmacking. Japanese culture is different. Get used to sitting cross legged under low ceilings in traditional restaurants and eating unidentifiable food. The subway system in Tokyo is brilliant and fun getting around. Driving in Tokyo? Don't! Sent from my LG-Q6 using Tapatalk