(S) GPS Handling

Right guys I think the handling on a standard GPS is ok but could be better some of you will probably say it CR*P other will say its suffice who knows??

I want to improve mine but don't want to lower it or if I do I literally only want no more than a 10 mm drop I don't mind having the Merc lowered but driving a lowered GPS would make me look like a 28yr old boy racer that forgot to grow up I think the car in standard format looks like it can be driven by any age group I think this probably applies to most hot hatches a lowered hot hatch only suits older people if they are using it for track days No offence to anyone on here its just my persy opinion

So anyway any ways of improving the handling without making me look like I deserve an ASBO?

I'm pretty impressed with the handling on mine to be honest. Best handling car ive owned (but thats not saying alot ). You could try better tyres but can't imagine it would make much difference. Some adjustable dampers might also help, should be able to get them to keep the car at the same ride height.

the GP sporting does sit very high in comparison to its rivals subtle lowering of 10mm ain't enough 20mm front 25-30 at the back.its centre of gravity needs put down eibach do a lowering kit for the GP it doesn't look boy racerish to me.if done properly with sufficient money it can increase the gp handling immensely something it fiat should attend to when they revise the car this year

Eibach pro kit springs seem to be the way to go...Might do mine when I've got rid of my Christmas overdraft!

Although now I'm used to it, even after having lighter, more nimble hot hatches, it's not too bad at all. You just can't throw it around as much in the twisties.

I hate the handling on the GPS, just wants to kick out all the time on long twists. You can feel it creeping out of line where other hatches wouldn't and needs to be put back in it's place. Too reliant on tyres aswell I feel (why do you think fiat give it decent bridgestone potenzas standard)

To be honest with you mate nobody will notice if you had the eibach pro kit. Just expect bounciness (Unless you are buying shocks to suit).

40mm isn't noticeable either. Bear in mind the GPS is 20mm lower than other GPs so whatever the aftermarket suspension manufacturer says, you can deduct 20mm from it.

Ie 35mm drop changes to 15mm drop

All my mates comment on the good handling for the high ride....and always say the suspension is hard

Guys does anyone know how to improve the handling of my GPS MJet its ok but not brilliant I don't really want to look like I deserve an ASBO so don't reallty want to lower it or if I did no more than 10mm are there any other ways to improve it?

Regards

Si

Hmmm... I was thinking along the same lines, I would like it a bit softer but not lose the ride firmness... I know that sounds kind of contradictory, but would maybe coilovers at the rear help? I would imagine it is possible but low profile 205/45/17's dont help the ride but they are not THAT low.... The GPS MJet is low enough in ride height IMO, I guess the question is :-
Would any type of front strut, rear shock/spring set up change the ride more than the handling characteristics?

Any tuners any ideas?

I think if you want to keep the ride height but want improved handling then the best thing to get is a front top strut bar. I had them on my fiesta, front upper and lower and a rear one too. It was like a go kart. I don't think front strut bars are available for the GP yet.

Wheres that pic of your car taken T-JET? One of the many Business Parks around Telford by any chance? The strut brace, doesnt that stop the suspension legs doing the pincer movement when cornering hard? I wont be cornering hard I'm looking for more compliance and less crash over uneven surfaces, but dont want it to become a roly-poly car!

lol yes you are correct Ffoxy, it is at Central park overlooking the town centre. good spot. I'm not too sure about the strut brace but all i know is that it was a good upgrade for my fez.

OMG its not the Orange GP I see evry day on Central Park at the Nursery is it T-JET?

I agree in principle that the strut braces would help just wondered if anyone sold uprated springs and shockers that don't lower it or if they did only buy a smidgen so you could'nt really notice

I was reading another thread where someone said that as GPS's were 20mm lower anyway any springs you would only lower it by half of what the manufacterer has qouted anyway ie a set of 40mm dropped springs would lower a standard GP by 40mm and a GPS by 20mm ?? is this true?

Also don't really want to lose the comfort too much as I do mega mileage and my back would be ruined

lol no its not mate, do you think i work at a nursery or something?

Heheh why not? Okies T-JET, maybe I'll clock ya about as I work on Central Park!