Well! How gob-smacked am I?
1) 255/30 91Y Continentals on 8.5J rims on the front are quite amazing and not at all what I was expecting; the front-end ride/feel is oh so much improved, as is the turn-in grip. Steering weight unchanged, just as light as before. Note: I have driven several other RS3's and they've all had heavier steering than mine! Don't know why, but I do like mine.
The improved turn-in/bite I expected but not the improvement in ride! Wow! I just don't get that at all, but really am impressed.
Tyre pressures at 41psi and 39psi rear - as spec.
Cost: £1865.40 delivered. Value for money (for me) 100%
2) Milltek Cat By-pass pipes fitted. Ok, but I do not want to get into which is better, Milltek or Scorpion: both are lengths of stainless steel tube with three-pin flanges at one end, period. However, on the road, it feels as though the car has a new set of lungs - or has just gotten over a bad cold - whichever it's one hell of an improvement: a light pedal and she's away - I/we/BLUEY likes it... And the exhaust noise is not excessively loud, just a little more throaty.
Cost: £190 delivered. Value for money (for me) 100%
Cannot fault either mod guys, I really do like both! All original parts have been stored carefully so can be re-fitted. But BLUEY is here with me for a long time and both mods are staying ON the car...