3.3TT Eibach Sway Bars vs. Mando ECS suspension tune

[PantheraMetal]

Ive been looking at some options for improving cornering and was pretty much ready to order Eibach Front and Rears for when Im back home.

However Ive been reading up a lot on them and am somewhat spooked by the creaking issues I hear about, particularly with the front sways. Creaks are a huge pet peeve and while I can deal with sporadic noises every now and then, im really turned off by the possibility of consistent creaking from the front. (Maybe if anyone has a recording of the noises i would be more certain)

Im considering the Mando ECS tuner (which should be compatible with my 19GT1 RWD) as an alternative (maybe with eibach springs as well) as ive heard really good things about the customizability and the lower price + ease of installation.

was hoping to get some thoughts on this from some of the more experienced users, im pretty fresh to modding in general but after driving my gfs GTI (which has incredible ECS) in the stiffer sport setting im thinking the Mando tuner could do the job. On the GTI the change in responsiveness from comfort to sport feels like going 50% to 100% but in my stinger the difference feels more like 50% to 60%.

Im not racing or anything so the sways may just be overkill, plus its not like I can easily change modes and change the sway settings like I can with the Mando.

any thoughts or advice is appreciated!

 

[NS_Stinger]

The creaking is easily remedied with a grease gun and some good grease once a year on each of the bushing zerk fittings. I've never had to regrease my rear bar after 2 years and have had to grease my front bar once after a year which took all of 10mins. Its nothing to worry about, but you'll need to go get a grease gun and a tube of grease if you dont already have one.

You can also request that your dealer or mechanic grease the bushings at each service and that will eliminate any chance of sounds ever turning up.

 

[RedCal]

^^^^This^^^^

 

[PantheraMetal]

Thanks guys,

i looked it up and it seems like an easy task so thats good to know as long as I can find the zerk fitting.

still, if anyones got any experience with the Mando tuner Id like to hear some more about it. I really like the idea of ‘extra’ comfort mode with ‘extra’ sport mode.

 

[nhcowboy28]

The mando unit was enough for me. But understand, it will be an “override” of the knob selection for suspension. There are thousands of posts going back and forth, talking about the voltage values and how it multiplies this and that.
I can tell you, it is an absolute override (and absolutely noticeable) on mine.

meaning... if I set max firm in the app, it is max firm on any dial selection. Same for max soft (oxymoron).

so you always have to use the app to change suspension settings.

I don’t care. I either leave it for weeks firm. Or soft (cruisin). Takes a whopping 30 seconds to change via app.
Does it fully resolve the rear end twitchiness on turns if there is a bump. Not like the sways would. But good enough for me.

I really did the mando so I can have a very cushy ride (even in sport mode where I want acceleration and throttle response).

great purchase (I got mine used for $200).

 

[PantheraMetal]

Goddam 200 is a pretty good deal for all that. I might get it before sways just for the value if i can find a decent price like that.

 

[PantheraMetal]

The mando unit was enough for me. But understand, it will be an “override” of the knob selection for suspension. There are thousands of posts going back and forth, talking about the voltage values and how it multiplies this and that.
I can tell you, it is an absolute override (and absolutely noticeable) on mine.

meaning... if I set max firm in the app, it is max firm on any dial selection. Same for max soft (oxymoron).

so you always have to use the app to change suspension settings.

I don’t care. I either leave it for weeks firm. Or soft (cruisin). Takes a whopping 30 seconds to change via app.
Does it fully resolve the rear end twitchiness on turns if there is a bump. Not like the sways would. But good enough for me.

I really did the mando so I can have a very cushy ride (even in sport mode where I want acceleration and throttle response).

great purchase (I got mine used for $200).

Also is it something that you just leave plugged in or more like a ‘download’

 

[nhcowboy28]

Also is it something that you just leave plugged in or more like a ‘download’

The module is plugged in under the steering column. Powered by a fuse splice. This isn’t OBDII. The app connects via Bluetooth (only if you want to change settings... not required after you set the suspension setting and apply)

 

[PantheraMetal]

Thanks for the info

The module is plugged in under the steering column. Powered by a fuse splice. This isn’t OBDII. The app connects via Bluetooth (only if you want to change settings... not required after you set the suspension setting and apply)

 

[Stock_stinger]

Mando is good for stiffening rebound but it won't atiffen the car. Just slow its bounce. Sway bar will have a better end result by keeping the car flatter. Mando will still allow body roll as it is now

 

[nhcowboy28]

Mando is good for stiffening rebound but it won't atiffen the car. Just slow its bounce. Sway bar will have a better end result by keeping the car flatter. Mando will still allow body roll as it is now

While it still allows body role, it is significantly reduced on the custom max firm setting on the mando. It does have an impact.

 

[Stock_stinger]

While it still allows body role, it is significantly reduced on the custom max firm setting on the mando. It does have an impact.

An impact yes but it's 100% not changing the spring rate which would reduce body roll. All it does is change the actuator for the hydraulic valve in the strut. There is no lock out ability so untimely it will eventually roll just like stock did. Quick moves ya you'll feel that.

 

[MerlintheMad]

(Maybe if anyone has a recording of the noises i would be more certain)

There wouldn't be anything to hear, since at driving speed the creaking is inaudible.

 

[nhcowboy28]

An impact yes but it's 100% not changing the spring rate which would reduce body roll. All it does is change the actuator for the hydraulic valve in the strut. There is no lock out ability so untimely it will eventually roll just like stock did. Quick moves ya you'll feel that.

May I ask if you have the mondo?

 

[Stock_stinger]

I have coilovers. Mando is the same company that made the hecu on the car and the strut controls

 

[nhcowboy28]

I have coilovers. Mando is the same company that made the hecu on the car and the strut controls

My point is you are discounting something without first hand experience (the aftermarket mando module).

I’m telling you... the body roll is S I G N I F I C A N T L Y reduced with the mando set to max setting. Yes. It isn’t eliminated. But don’t imply there isn’t an impact.

And as stated, it’s a known thing to that sways make a huge impact on both body roll and the rear end twitchiness.

I would certainly get sways if I plan on more aggressive driving.

I’m pleased that you enjoy your coil overs / sways.

good to have options. And good to have accurate impact statements of those options.

 

[Stock_stinger]

You're right. Mando is the new spring stiffner for sure. Get one.

 

[NS_Stinger]

Thanks guys,

i looked it up and it seems like an easy task so thats good to know as long as I can find the zerk fitting.

still, if anyones got any experience with the Mando tuner Id like to hear some more about it. I really like the idea of ‘extra’ comfort mode with ‘extra’ sport mode.

You dont need to track down the zerk fittings if you get the Eibach sway bars, they're included. They're part of the install and face downwards so they're easy to access just by sliding under the car.

 

[boosted1g]

You dont need to track down the zerk fittings if you get the Eibach sway bars, they're included. They're part of the install and face downwards so they're easy to access just by sliding under the car.

On top of that, there is some vent holes in the front engine cover, so you can actually access the front zerc fittings by simply lifting the car.

Have yet to have to service mine, so not sure if you can get to the back ones without having to remove the rear tires.

 

[PantheraMetal]

On top of that, there is some vent holes in the front engine cover, so you can actually access the front zerc fittings by simply lifting the car.

Have yet to have to service mine, so not sure if you can get to the back ones without having to remove the rear tires.

And whats your experience been with creaking? Ive been seeing mixed reviews from ‘totally silent with a greasing’ to ‘continuous creaking after greasing and teflon wrap application’