What can I do to improve the handling?

[dann2707]

Hello.

Basically tonight I was going down some back roads and I really didn't feel comfortable throwing the car into the corners. I just had no faith in the car at all really and it didn't feel planted.

What sort of things can I do to improve the handling?

I've installed a powerflex dogbone mount and new standard lower wishbone rear bushes but should have really gone for solid cupra ones, do they make a massive difference?

What springs or coil overs do people recommend?

Arb polybushes available? What about an a rear Arb?

Thanks for any information!!

Daniel

 

[Badger]

I bought a Whiteline Adjustible RARB from here - http://www.awesomegti.com/car/seat/ibiza6l/whiteline-rear-arb-fab-ib4-a2-polo-9n-9n2-gti-lupo

Absolutely fantastic! Really stiffens up the back end, positive steering and great turn in. Had it installed now for a month and tried all three settings. Hardest is best and for £140 easily best handing mod followed by a 312mm brake upgrade which I've also got at £90 all in

 

[Lavery]

I would think they make a difference dan, i wouldn't consider myself a dare devil on the roads but it doesn't scare me to throw the cupra around the corners as it is in standard handling form.

I'm still going to be uprating the bushes and bars asap though

 

[Phil_JJ]

Good tyres first!

 

[Chino_UK]

I'm on coilovers, polybushed, rarb, front strut brace, dogbone mount bush, rear spacers...you get a lot more feedback but the car still doesn't feel amazing, these chassis just aren't amazing in all honesty.

 

[cupra.al]

I'm on coilovers, polybushed, rarb, front strut brace, dogbone mount bush, rear spacers...you get a lot more feedback but the car still doesn't feel amazing, these chassis just aren't amazing in all honesty.

i had all this on my old cupra with stage two and although it all made a nice difference i enjoyed the car just as much with all the above without the coilovers.
i think the rear arb and rear spacers are the best things to go for without other suspension upgrades.
i have read good things about the front lower strut brace might be worth considering.

 

[abbotsmike]

Although they aren't the most communicative chassis on the planet, and are definitely over sprung in FR spec, I've never felt mine wasn't planted, and will happily chuck it into corners at a reasonable lick, even on it's current winter tyres which can make the back end 'wake up' a tad under hard braking!

I've also only recently replaced my bushes with cupra ones, and while they make a difference it's not like it was a flobbery mess before!

Has it got decent tyres on and have you checked pressures recently?

Also, how cold was it? Lower temperaturs can make summer tyres feel very loose.

 

[Lowe]

First thing first - tyres. What are you running? The bigger limit is the rubber, you'll be wasting money on suspension and other stuff if you've got wing ping pong cheap ditch finders.

 

[Crumpyz]

Good tyres will defo make a massive difference, but running the same tyre all around can just be as important. I wouldnt bother with bushes if you commute a lot, maybe just the cupra rear tca ones. RARB is definately one of the best for money handling mods, that you will notice a difference on. Very easy to fit as well Also decent discs and pads can offer a lot of confidence when driving, I wont commit to a corner if the brakes feel like soft cheese before it.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

[hilton4942]

Ive got coilovers and polybushed and I also feel my ride is a bit crap compared to what ive driven in the past. (First time using coilovers) I feel the car is a bit bouncy at times then stiff at other times. And definitely don't have confidence in throwing into any corners at faster speeds.
Tempted to ditch the coilovers or maybe have a wee mess with them. But atm its far from comfortable.....ive only had the car a month though.

 

[DamianPM]

Coilovers and a rear ARB will make a big difference, as mentioned good tyres are a must as well.

Did you have a budget in mind?

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[Greavesy]

An S3 / TT front upper strut brace will make a bit of difference too.

Weitec lowering springs are next on my list along with spacers.

 

[Greavesy]

An S3 / TT front upper strut brace will make a bit of difference too.

Weitec lowering springs are next on my list along with spacers.

Sorry didn't realize this was in the Ibiza section. S3 / TT brace wont fit.

 

[dann2707]

These replies are amazing. Thanks so much.

Looks like it's going to be better tyres and a RARB asap then

my wallet doesn't thank you haha

 

[Badger]

my wallet doesn't thank you haha

Your confidence in the corners will

 

[Chino_UK]

Completely agree on tyres. I've got toyo proxes on mine, and whilst they're not bad I wouldn't get another set, I think if you're running good power it's worth shelling out the extra for premium rubber, think mine on a set of Eagle F1's or similar will be a different car.

 

[mk4 cupra]

I have 20mm rear spacers and welteic lowering springs in my Cupra with quite good tyre but I need a rarb becasue to be honest it does loose grip quite easy when cornering to behonest with you handling wise I have been very disappointed with the Cupra my company ford fiestas Eco matic specd in other words basic models and I can put them around corners faster and grip better than I can my Cupra

 

[gsijay]

buy a better car noddy !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dann2707]

eh???