View Full Version : Upsolute or 16" alloys ?
Hi !
I've got about 300 quid to lash out om my currently std Tdi SE
Which should I opt for - 16" alloys to try and stop the wallowing thro' corners - or Upsolute for more bhp ?
Ideally both I know but .......
The car is kinda unsure around corners currently so I'm reluctant to add more bhp.....
what do you think ?
Tim
Vote here for 16"s.
Like u said ~ don't really want a wad more oomph 'til you remove some "sproing".
Does the SE have the Sport chassis? If not-->
Remember: 16" allyos will add even more unsuspended weight to your chassis. I would go for a suspension makeover (just replace the springs) to cool down the chassis before adding bigger wheels.
I used to have a Toledo 110 (140) TDI Stella 1999 (a whoopsy car with a lot of power, much like one of your options), a few weeks ago I got my new Toledo TDI 110 Sport (mit Sportfahrwerk). I just love the suspension setup on this car, I feel much more confident doing quick cornering now. I have also opted for the O.Z. Racing Superleggera (very light, less unsuspended weight) 17" with Michelin Pilot Sport to add further pleasure to the driving experience.
If --> Forget all of this and get the 16"
- Torben
johnny_M
17-04-2002, 11:08
Torben,
The se has the sports suspension, but dont know about the chassis. Arn't all the leons the same ?
Get the 16's before the chip !! You'll find that the car will handel better with the wider rims, and once you get the chip it will have better traction when accellerating.
Excuse the spelling !
I don't think the different versions share all the same chassis components. But I am not familiar with all the country specific details. Is the SE a UK versjon of the Sport?
My old Toledo Stella one felt like a tug boat at rough sea compared to the new Sport edition.
On the other hand nice looking wheels does a lot to the cars look, so that's a point to consider too.
-- tORBen
UK "SE" is same as Euro "Sport" ~ so moving to 16" wheels should make it identical to 20VT Sport.
Agree with JohnnyM ~ I felt it made a big difference.
I got the UPsolute chip while still on 15" rims (with 205/60 15's), ok, so they were crappy Falken, but grip was very bad, wheel spin in 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the wet.
I have now got Cupra 16's with std P6000's, and to be honest handling has not changed....grip is alot better though......which is another point, "Grip" & "Handling" are 2 different things!!!
I wouldn't suggest changing the springs without changing the shocks. The TDi already has a tendency to ground out on the plastic sump cover. Its NOT the springs that are a problem on the TDi as it already has harder springs than the Cupra due to the extra weight of the TDi engine, the shocks however are bad as they are not matched to the springs, hence why at 40k miles my Shocks are buggered.
I would suggest set of quality shocks (bilstein, Koni etc) on std springs, this will stop the bouncing, and make the car taughter and handle better. As to whether you go for the 16's, UPsolute or shocks first is up to you, but as soon as i have some spare cash i shall be getting some decent shocks and an uprated anti-roll bar to stop it feeling like a boat.