(G) New 18's - need to firm up the ride - Help!!

I dropped 40mm on 18" 8j rims with 225 40s on.. no probs thats on a 1.6

it would be fine mate, much better than standard, not as wayward in the bends. would be even better with the full kit (shorter dampers) but not everyone can afford it, i was lucky that they came standard on the schui

bit of advice though, if you plan on going lower than 30mm, seriously consider uprating the dampers, the standard ones wouldnt last long on anything above 35mm, they will nearly be full compressed and going over bumps would eventually kill em

Thanks Red, you're a star.

You hit the nail on the head there... I want to improve the handling and feel of the car as I feel it deserves it but at the same time, I don't want to spend shed loads on making it happen. The Eibach Pro 30mm springs are what I'm after as the drop isn't too much and the cost is acceptable for the improvements.

Dampers for the Abarth are few and far between and the Koni look like the weapon of choice but their cost is prohibitive for me. Being able to drop 30mm on the OEM dampers is my ideal choice... as long as it's actually worthwhile. From what you say, it sounds like it is

Cheers dude!

Red, it's not so much that the dampers will wear out quickly (but certainly agree that it wont do them any good) but is more to do with the energy imbalance in the suspension.

When you lower a car and hit a bump then the spring travel will be reduced compared to standard (but the same energy is absorbed by the suspension) Since you're using the same damper then it follows the damper absorbs less energy than in the standard setup and it's this excess energy remaining in the suspension which is the problem.

The damper is still working on the rebound but by then it's too late since if you hit another bump then the energy just continues to build. You can easily feel this effect driving a lowered car (with oem dampers) on a bumpy road. The car actually feels like it's jumping all over the place

The best way to prove this is to whip the car down to your local garage and get uprated dampers fitted (or inversely put standard springs back on as I did) and then immediately drive on the same bumpy road again. I guarantee you'll be amazed at the difference.

Your Prodrive dampers should be perfectly matched to your springs so your Schu should feel nicely glued to the tarmac

Importance of matching shocks to springs can't be overstretched enough

Greggers, Have you considered Eibach -30mm combined with a damper upgrade on the front only - shouldn't cost that much more

It's funny you mention that. I was chatting with one of my work colleagues today who used to race Alfa Sud's when he was younger. He built his from scratch and also recommended maybe doing all the springs and only the front dampers. if I was to go that route, then I'll go for the Eibachs Pro 30mm with the Koni Sports dampers as I've read good things about the combo. I like the idea of them being adjustable as well

there are some places doing the full pro kit, dampers and 30mm springs for around 300 notes, not bad

will go do some window shopping.

@argo - totally agree, with the post above this post


here you go eibach pro system 399 euros

http://fiat-sportiva.de/product_info...stem-30mm.html

Cheers for the effort Red, it's appreciated...Unfortunately it doesn't fit the 2.4 though

It's SO hard to find dampers that fit the 2.4. Koni seem to be about the only reputable make

yeah i noticed just after i posted it

i'll ke4ep looking

Cheers, matey... you're a legend

The koni adjustables are worth the money IMO

You really need to get a new picture mate, how many times have you used this, and it looks crap everytime! (the picture, not the car!)

What springs are you running on, Fiattech?

here mine, eibach sportlines 50mm front 45mm rear

That looks really sweet... but god it's low! Don't you have any issues with speed bumps?

yes, use them things called brakes and self control