August build - MS Plaid, w/ FSD and 19s (First Driving Impressions vs. my traded M3+)

[jebinc]

Hello all,

As many of you know, I have posted quite a bit about my new Plaid experience, and mods, in the various Refresh LR/Plaid delivery threads. As requested by some, this thread is to capture "initial driving impressions," as compared to my very nice June 2019 build Model 3 DM LR with Acceleration boost (my trade).

In summary:

1. I was expecting the Plaid to feel like a boat, as compared to the M3+. While you know it's heavier, it feels just as sporty and nimble to me so far. "Pleasantly surprised," would be how I would sum it up. Turning radius on the Plaid is greater than the 3, however.
2. I love being able to tune the suspension to suit my preferences at the time. Can't do this with the 3; what you get is what you have. A big plus for the Plaid/LR
3. The Plaid is a much more comfortable ride, especially if going on a long trip.
4. M3+ was fast and more than enough at 3.9s to 60. The Plaid is too much (if that's possible), really (not). The word I use to describe Plaid acceleration is, "VIOLENT"!
5. Noise level is lower in the Plaid, and should be even lower when Tesla activates the Active Noise Canceling (ANC) functionality, via OtA update
6. The 3 is very tossable (back and forth, back and forth)
7. Driving FSD feels better in the Plaid as the visualizations are in front of you, and not on the screen to the right (North America).
8. FSD takes a while to calibrate on Plaid. Initially drives a bit drunk-like. The auto gear selection mode takes about a hundred miles of various road driving and parking lots before the function is not grayed out (active)
9. As mentioned above, the Plaid feels surprising smaller than it is, and what I expected from driving older loaner generations model S's (e.g., P85)

What have your, "going from a 3 to LR/Plaid" experiences been like?

William? @WilliamG

 

[jbcarioca]

I shall do the same next week, if I'm lucky. Your observations are valuable.

Thanks.

 

[MarcG]

Thanks for starting this thread - subscribed!

I went from a Model S P85D+ (with the stiffer Plus suspension) to a Model 3 Performance with modified suspension from Unplugged Performance (coilovers and sway bars), as well as upgraded brakes, so I will have a lot to write about the Plaid’s handling once I receive it.

I’ve already driven Omar’s Plaid but definitely did not push it. Can’t wait to get mine!

 

[jebinc]

Others?

 

[brianman]

I love being able to tune the suspension to suit my preferences at the time.

Details?

 

[dropgems]

Hopefully I’ll be able to chime in in a few weeks. How do you like the 19’s and the pirellis? How do the wheels look in person? I also ordered msm and 19”s.

 

[jebinc]

Hopefully I’ll be able to chime in in a few weeks. How do you like the 19’s and the pirellis? How do the wheels look in person? I also ordered msm and 19”s.

@dripgems Looking forward to others thought. Re the z19s…. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. Good grip, same 0-60 stats, quiet and 396mi at 100%. What’s not to like? Here are some snapshots taken for another member, while I was doing my flaps.

 

[KingsT910]

@dripgems Looking forward to others thought. Re the z19s…. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. Good grip, same 0-60 stats, quiet and 396mi at 100%. What’s not to like? Here are some snapshots taken for another member, while I was doing my flaps.View attachment 697590

Same 0-60 time? I wonder if they can be faster down the 1/4 mile also

 

[dropgems]

@dripgems Looking forward to others thought. Re the z19s…. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. Good grip, same 0-60 stats, quiet and 396mi at 100%. What’s not to like? Here are some snapshots taken for another member, while I was doing my flaps.

Yea they don’t look as bad as I thought they would. They look pretty good. I love the archanids on msm but hate potholes so they were the logical choice. And yea, you can’t beat the extra efficiency.

 

[Luisito]

@dripgems Looking forward to others thought. Re the z19s…. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. Good grip, same 0-60 stats, quiet and 396mi at 100%. What’s not to like? Here are some snapshots taken for another member, while I was doing my flaps.

@jebinc: So are those summer tires on the 19” wheels? Also, any chance you weighed the wheels and tires? Curious on how heavy these wheels are since I’m looking for 19” wheels to replace the 21”s during winter and or long trips.

 

[jebinc]

@jebinc: So are those summer tires on the 19” wheels?

@Luisito Yep, summer tires.

 

[EV JB]

@dripgems Looking forward to others thought. Re the z19s…. Surprisingly, I like them a lot. Good grip, same 0-60 stats, quiet and 396mi at 100%. What’s not to like? Here are some snapshots taken for another member, while I was doing my flaps.

Beautiful! I ordered the same combo, but LR. Great to see some real life pics of the build!

 

[jebinc]

Beautiful! I ordered the same combo, but LR. Great to see some real life pics of the build!

@EV JB

Here’s some more, after ceramic coating and addition of Tesla center cap and lug nut cap kit! Taken today.

 

[SilverGS]

@EV JB View attachment 699672Here’s some more, after ceramic coating and addition of Tesla center cap and lug nut cap kit! Taken today.

These are the stock 19's without the cover??!

 

[jebinc]

These are the stock 19's without the cover??!

@SilverGS Yes, cleaned up with center and lug caps installed.

 

[EV JB]

@EV JB Here’s some more, after ceramic coating and addition of Tesla center cap and lug nut cap kit! Taken today.

Wonderful! Thanks so much. Now just the wait… until Feb…

 

[rkozy]

Turning radius on the Plaid is greater than the 3, however.

Really? I heard it was worse.

 

[Issaction]

Really? I heard it was worse.

He means the size is greater meaning larger. Definitely worse.

 

[Bonelaw]

which wheel cap kit is that? looks great!

 

[jebinc]

which wheel cap kit is that? looks great!

@Bonelaw It's the $50 Tesla Model 3 kit. No experience with cheap imitation versions sold on Amazon.