Best way to improve handling

[traumapat]

Interesting info! It seems like the first things people do when modifying is fit bigger wheels and lower the car, usually for looks, which not only messes up the ride quality but possibly also the handling, requiring stiffer springs to maintain the same degree of body roll. I guess uprated ARBs would be a way to improve the handling without the same effect on ride or cround clearance, but the bars on the FR are already pretty large (23 or 25mm front - unsure about rear).

I'd wondered if the standard suspension would be much more comfortable than the sports version, but even my FR doesn't handle that well and rolls and understeers quite a lot in corners, so I guess the S/SE suspension would just be worse. Also I agree with you that the steering is too light - much more so than my old Focus Mk 1 so little feel...

Have you actually got a rear ARB? Cupras only have the front arb and no rear one.

 

[Muttley]

Pat, I hesitate to question you, but are you sure there is no rear anti-roll in the Cupra? The torsion beam axle itself has an inbuilt anti-roll tendency, and there is an anti-roll bar encased in the rear beam on most cars - where it can't be got at or changed, hence the external fit shenanigens when adding aftermarket rear ARB's.

 

[traumapat]

Pat, I hesitate to question you, but are you sure there is no rear anti-roll in the Cupra? The torsion beam axle itself has an inbuilt anti-roll tendency, and there is an anti-roll bar encased in the rear beam on most cars - where it can't be got at or changed, hence the external fit shenanigens when adding aftermarket rear ARB's.

You could be right... ive seen you mention before a built in ARB, and assumed it could be a tdi thing. Id guess tdi engine is heavier than the 20vt?
I was told there wasnt one but perhaps jabba were talking about an external one.
If there is something built in its not very effective in terms of car balance.

Id bet Graham would have come across this during his 4x4 build..

Edit : a good explanation, although it doesnt specifically answer the question.
http://www.balancemotorsport.co.uk/products.asp?category=Suspension&subcategory=Anti-Roll+Bars

 

[Muttley]

Here's the picture from Elsawin. It shows the bar inside the rear beam but doesn't number it separately as it is built in, not removable.

And a picture from eBay where you can just about make out the bar inside the rear beam

 

[traumapat]

Looking at the bottom pic I should be able to see the ends of any bar within the beam, will look at next oppertunity... every days a school day

 

[caribe]

The front drop links seem to be causing an issue due to tv e heavy drop at the front I am gettin some rubbing .

It's back in the garage now getting the front raised a bit.

Also is it advisable to use spacers as well?

 

[Brettyboy]

Must be costing u a fortune,fronts are easy to adjust

Spacers are a good idea,i reckon 15mm rear 10mm front would look good

 

[caribe]

After a good clean/wax

New ride height at the front since it was raised is more comfortable now over bumps.