KevinA

I don't care 

I realise that for most of you this is going to be preaching to the choir, but after running the Tuning Developments NA package for 6 weeks or so and getting a few road miles and a track day under my belt, I thought I'd share my experiences for anyone that's considering having their car upgraded.
 
I had the install completed just before Christmas; I stayed in Runcorn at a very cheap hotel, and made my way over to Warrington at 9am.  The work took until about 2pm to complete, including TD's own catback and the MTEC shift springs/Powerflex gearbox insert combination.  I spent some time talking to @Mike@TD.co.uk whilst the work was being done and it's clear that he knows his stuff with GT86s.  He kept me updated with how the work was going, and also kindly took me for a passenger ride in the turbo GT86 
After a couple of post-install dyno runs and a road test, I took the keys back and prepared for the long journey down the M6/M5.  Just pulling out of the estate where TD are based it was obvious that the engine revved more freely.  Spending a bit more time with the package since then has only reinforced that initial impression.  Even keeping the revs below the old torque dip the engine response feels more immediate.  The real benefits become obvious once you get over 3500rpm though.  Plant your right foot at 30mph in 3rd gear, as you might do on a sliproad, and the car pulls effortlessly all the way to the national limit.  Whilst you'll see a ~10% gain in peak power over a standard car, the real improvements come at 4000rpm where you have 25% more torque, and the torque level is almost constant from 3000 - 6750rpm, rather than 4750 - 6750.  It practically doubles the width of the power band, and as you'd imagine the result is like driving a different car.  You can keep the engine in its sweet spot without running it to the redline in every gear
An added bonus of the flexibility is that it allows you even more potential to exploit the chassis balance and adjustability on the road.  The extra torque means that you have more options coming out of a corner.  I was always a fan of the way that you can neutralise understeer with the right amount of throttle input, and the flat torque curve and sharper throttle response really helps that characteristic shine.
On track the gains are less obvious but still there.  At track speeds you would normally have been above the dip anyway, but at Donington a couple of weeks back we had quite a wet morning.  I didn't know the circuit, and combined with the rain (and the need to drive home afterwards!) I was fairly cautious early on.  As well as taking less corner speed, I was shifting at lower revs.  The ability to upshift early without dropping into the dip meant that I didn't feel I was losing too much by doing that.  I'm looking forward to getting back to Castle Combe at some point too.  Last time out I was short-shifting to 5th before Folly to avoid an upshift through the corner, and the improved torque curve should mean that it's not so costly to do that.
As I mentioned after the installation, I also found that fitting the NA package didn't increase my insurance premium, which is through one of the brokers in the Insurance section.
 
As for the other changes to the car, the catback has given the exhaust note a nice throaty bass in day-to-day driving.  It was initially a little harsher and had a slight drone at motorway speeds, but has mellowed nicely over time and is now quite tuneful.  I can happily listen to music at a sensible volume, without the exhaust drowning it out.  On track it really sings with a lovely race car note.
The MTEC springs and Powerflex gearbox insert have made a surprisingly big difference for such an affordable modification.  Cold-start 2nd gear issues aside, I'd always thought the GT86 has a very good shift from the factory.  That the springs and insert have improved on it so noticeably is seriously impressive.  It has a really positive feel, and the weight and precision are nothing short of exceptional.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend both Tuning Developments and the NA package.  The install looks great quality, Mike and Nick know their stuff, and it really is excellent value.

TD make their own, and fit fine.

Lightweight pulleys are not worth it, or engine mounts IMO. Brake ducts yes and oil cooler yes.

Lightweight pulleys are not worth it, or engine mounts IMO. Brake ducts yes and oil cooler yes.

I see you all but I'm in my van 

Maybe Mike will give #can'tmakemymindup rates ;-)

On previous cars at 110 I would take a break, tge FA20 appears to run hot but 120 is still high. Having said that not heard of problems yet, driver discretion advised.

This is a sort of tricky one to place as I originally got it from @KevinA about 2 years ago but I sort of didn't know what to do back then in regards to the car and it sat about for ages. I thought I best sell it before it gets broken or scratched so then sold it to @Quball. 
I'm sure he must have been as indecisive as me as he never put it on either, so a year late I messaged him to see what he was doing with the spoiler and next thing I know I'm on route to go and pick it up  
This time I got it put on straight away from a local body shop that my family  know quite well and they made an exceptional job, they removed the stock spoiler, welded all the holes it left behind, painted the boot and then fitted the Aero spoiler. Originally I went there and asked them to fill it but they said if they did that after a year or so it would start to damage and crack so decided to get the job done properly and I am pleased I did!
At first I was a bit unsure if it was too big or not (at 21 surely I want to be as obnoxious and loud as possible?) but I love the look it gives, make's the hole car much more aggressive look

I can vouch for the stage 1 Turbo! Absolutely transformed the car. Plus who doesn't want a screamer pipe 😂 

Welcome from Bracknell (really not far from you at all).
Almost enough of us to do a Berkshire meet....

When did you notice the change, how did the car feel at Cadwell for instance?

Wonder if it's worth putting a set of different tyres on for a comparison, I have various types on wheels if you want to play around sometime.

Compensating costs you lap time, if the rear is out unnecessarily you are feathering the throttle to keep control. But heh it's your car :-)

Quite simply if the rear wheels point out your going drifting  point them in a bit and you get stability. 

I am fortunate that the guys just over the road do my alignment Very cheap as part of help for racing, but they only charge £75 for 86's and are now very familiar with them, I am fully adjustable front and rear but my settings don't vary much from above. Toe in on the rear is 0.16degrees ( per side ) but be careful as some laser rigs can show toe in as positive or negative value so best to physically look at the wheel movement. If you want to chat it over just PM me and i'll give you my number

Some good advice here, I tried 0 toe on the rear and it was way to lively and prevented me getting on the gas early. Adding some toe in soon gave a better balance, I don't mind a little understeer as you can use the throttle to balance your grip levels.
Not the easiest of problems to get right, after all we are playing with road cars on track 

No sympathy for you @Mike@TD.co.uk serves you right for producing a package that does everything you claim and so nice to drive, not to mention race results that prove it too 

Aww I want one now. One day I will treat myself, and like @spikyone probably book into a cheap hotel the night before. 

No sympathy for you @Mike@TD.co.uk serves you right for producing a package that does everything you claim and so nice to drive, not to mention race results that prove it too 

No sympathy for you @Mike@TD.co.uk serves you right for producing a package that does everything you claim and so nice to drive, not to mention race results that prove it too 

No sympathy for you @Mike@TD.co.uk serves you right for producing a package that does everything you claim and so nice to drive, not to mention race results that prove it too 

No sympathy for you @Mike@TD.co.uk serves you right for producing a package that does everything you claim and so nice to drive, not to mention race results that prove it too 

Glad you will be around @Lauren simply wouldn't be the same without you.

One thing to consider is any existing N1s folk can still do the TSS championship with the existing TSS structure,  just don't reister for JSS inclusion.
I am not advertising the new set up as not all of it suits me either, but there is options for everybody.