Just a thought on the noise from the rear.

You say the VCU tests are fine, is it possible the VCU has been replaced recently but the tyres were on when previous VCU failed? If so, they may have sawtooth wear on them which causes them to howl especially on corners.

That is the problem with my V6 at the moment. Just finished doing VCU and re-racing IRD, so tyres must wait a bit yet