Richard's idea is great and easily replaceable when or if needed but I fitted the rub plate to mine as in the end the nylon block sits 6mm lower than the actual cross member and the plate sits exactly on the cross member and is the same 6mm deep. What I liked about the rub plate was that it gave a lead in face and a similar taper to the rear. If you were to hit something like a metal gate stop or a shear faced obstruction the car has, in my opinion a better chance of pushing over it without a total face to face impact area.
Thankfully I haven't needed to try this out for real but should the worst sort of scenario occur then I hope to limit somewhat the damage done. I bought my plate from Williams racing.... and guess what it wouldn't fit my car. Despite the many conversations and photo's sent I was assured it would fit by Williams, well it didn't, so I profiled it to clear the gearbox front and rear, this allowed it to sit correctly in the channel.
After some discussions on here with others having the same model as me, a plus 4 with duratec engine and MT-75 Ford gearbox, a conclusion was reached that the bends made on my plate were more acute than was normal or should I say should have been made. Wish I had known that as William's would have had it back!
Re. the gearbox rear mount. Look at Monty's posts, he raised his hugely and posted it here, I'm sure Dave will link it if he picks this up.
I too changed out my 60 profile yokohama tyres for 65 profile. This puts you in the VW polo tyre size and you can buy premium tyres for a lot less than the original fitment. For me it has transformed the ride quality and although gained what only seems to be a small amount of ground clearance you can visually see it! It seems impossible, but to say it felt like a different car is not just wishful thinking and has allowed me to sit behind the wheel for much longer periods. I also can't find any difference in the steering or handling and have pushed the car quite hard although I don't track the car where perhaps you might have some slight gain with a lower profile tyre.
Last edited by sewin; 10/08/26 01:42 PM.
