Best way to improve handling

[caribe]

I have a 2004 Cupra TDI that I may be selling...

But if i cant i will just keep it, however....

I have always found the handling of the car just awful.

Rolls into corners and just always feels numb.

Bushes and shocks etc are fine, and upon some reading it turns out it is a common theme with mk1 leons.

What is the best solution to the issue?

Is it braces or better supspension... on a limited budget what would you do?

Thanks

 

[Seal_LCR]

Well I'd make sure you have a decent set of tyres firstly and if you are on limited budget braces are the cheapest place to start. Then u need to start thinking shocks/arbs etc but thats when it gets more expensive

 

[caribe]

Its on Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tyres which are average to good.

Its just the bodyroll thats the issue with me.

I am used to very firm riding cars with quick turn in... where as the Leon and MK4 golfs that I have driven have a very sloppy turn in and pitch too much.

Was looking at braces....

Any recomendations on suspension set up?

 

[Seal_LCR]

I'm still on stock on my LCR ATM so can't comment. Try the search I'm sure there will be a few threads

 

[8bit]

upgrade front anti-roll bar and fit a rear one, that'll help the body roll. Also a small drop in ride height, maybe by around 40mm each end will help. The geometry at the rear of these cars is configured on the assumption that people will usually have a couple of passengers in the back and some stuff in the boot so if the car is empty apart from the driver then the rear tyres don't sit flat on the floor. Lowering the car a little bit will increase rear contact patch.

As Seal said though, some good tyres will help. Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas, Toyo T1-Rs or Uniroyal Rainsport 2s are all excellent.

 

[caribe]

Thanks for input.

I ran these tyres on an Astra VXR on the track and they were a good all round tyre so its not them thats causing the issue.

Will look to drop the car a little if funds become available

Apparantly its wedding first and car 1000000th in the list according to my other half!

 

[Slimy]

If funds are tight, go for the rear ARB first. Best bang per buck, and easy to fit.

 

[8bit]

If funds are tight, go for the rear ARB first. Best bang per buck, and easy to fit.

+1. The Whiteline ones available from DPM Performance are the cheapest ones I've seen too, plus they have three stiffness settings so can be set to match whatever you have installed on the front.

 

[gdjohny]

Hi
I drive cupra tdi and had the same feelings about handling like you. I have started with -40mm springs allround and front eibach 25mm ARB
The car handles great now.
I am still gonna install rear ARB maybe tommorow and front strut brace maybe

 

[andycupra]

ARBs are by far the best way to see an improvement.
Lighter wheels, - not something many people think of also help as it reduces unsprung weight.. in fact many people ADD weight with larger alloys/brakes which does not help handling. However lighter wheels are not cheap so ARBs and spring/dampers perhaps.

 

[Slimy]

in fact many people ADD weight with larger alloys/brakes which does not help handling.

Amen to that, my 16's feel about half the weight of my 17's. Although the 17's do drive a lot better despite the extra weight.

 

[caribe]

Would love to put lighter wheels on etc but out my budget. Will look at some ARB and some suspension.

Going off topic but does anyone know how long it takes for a sale ad to go up? I posted more than 3 days ago....

 

[ReDBull]

What are you selling?

 

[caribe]

What are you selling?

Was planning on selling this.

BUT........

Have decided to keep it.

Ordered a set of coilovers and a new rear ARB....

Getting them fitted on Thursday.

There is no other car IMO for the price that looks as good and is as economical.

 

[caribe]

What is the best drop for them to be set to?

I was planning 35 - 40 mm on the front so as to avoid damaging the sump on speed bumps.

Rear 40 - 45mm

What you think?

Rich

 

[MooRzy]

You won't damage your sump with a 40 mm drop, not even close.

 

[caribe]

My friend hit a high speed bump in his standard pd150 golf and holes his sump.

Would 40 at the front and 50 at the back be ok?

 

[Brettyboy]

My friend hit a high speed bump in his standard pd150 golf and holes his sump.

Would 40 at the front and 50 at the back be ok?

The joy of coilovers is you can make ur own mind up,u can adjust it as low or as high as you like its whatever suits you

 

[Muttley]

The lower you go the more you have to look out. I'm on the standard Sports suspension (15mm lower) and my undertray scrapes on some speed bumps that my standard TDI 110 would clear.

 

[caribe]

I will look for 35-40 at the front and 40 at the rear.

Should hopefully tighten the ride out and give it a better look.

Will post pics once it is done.