1.5d handling upgrade

1. pptom L-plater Joined: Nov 2007 northampton Posts: 67

   #1 22nd February 2008, 20:09

   Is there any way of improving the handling of a 1.5d on a budget? For example will some VTR / VTS / 106 rallye struts and springs slot straight in as a replacement. I've got this car as a workhorse really, because of its 65mpg magic, and it only cost me £500 so I don't want to shell out too much cash. Just want to have more and safer fun on the way to work!
2. Barry123 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2005 Aycliffe Posts: 32205 Saxo VTS

   #2 22nd February 2008, 20:12

   i found a great improvement just from going from standard tyres to 15 inch rims with 195/45/15's.
   
   provided you get good tyres you're laughing
3. jonny13_vtr Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2007 belfast Posts: 264 IMPREZA WRX

   #3 22nd February 2008, 20:17

   i had a 106 diesel and to tell you the truth the handling was shocking. loads of understeer.
   I put wheels on mine and it made a huge differnece but still got loads of body roll. I would lower it for a start and maybe invest in a better arb if itl fit
4. pptom L-plater Joined: Nov 2007 northampton Posts: 67

   #4 22nd February 2008, 20:27

   I kind of like the understeer, but the truth is that I drive it too fast for what it is and sometimes its a bit worrying. I managed to get the back end out today on the way to work while I was holding a cup of tea in one hand! Sh!t myself!
   Trouble is my other car is a modded 182 - approx 190bhp, and I'm a bit use to that. I can handle accelerating slow, but I'd like to retain my speed in the bends instead of understeering across the road!
   Like the 15" idea - keep them coming
5. pptom L-plater Joined: Nov 2007 northampton Posts: 67

   #5 23rd February 2008, 17:34

   any more advice?
6. user_10583 Frequent Poster Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 731

   #6 23rd February 2008, 18:02

   the only way is as mentioned already, changing for 15's with a bit of a wider tread (195 ideally) and lowering it but obviously would look daft without matching the torsion bar, but when your a mechanic like me its free cus u do it yourself, lol.
7. Mark51p Super Moderator Joined: Sep 2006 Wakefield Posts: 14427 Golf GT

   #7 23rd February 2008, 18:12

   lower strut bace mate £40 from demon tweeks, this is one of the best mods ive done. this stiffens the front end, helping to reduce roll
8. user_8040 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2005 MaDchester Posts: 8432 Vts

   #8 24th February 2008, 15:58

   think lowering it with 15" wheels is the best option, then things like lower brace etc can improve it further, lowering on just springs shud improve it alot with good tyres.
9. Sophia_Bush Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jan 2007 Shropshire Posts: 9994 Moonstone Blue 106 GTi

   #9 24th February 2008, 21:47

   upper, lower braces a suspension kit from spax, avo, koni will be ok. Bilsteins if you got cash
10. Barry123 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2005 Aycliffe Posts: 32205 Saxo VTS

    #10 24th February 2008, 22:12

    leave standard on the suspension. handles fine at standard ride height with lower profile tyres.
    
    Although I'd agree with mark's suggestion of the lower strut brace.
11. alextoffie Established Member Joined: Sep 2007 Bolton Posts: 1300 Mauritius blue VTR

    #11 24th February 2008, 23:46

    Lowering it will improve handling, though. Providing its not excessive.