Hey guys,
I'm looking for some handling improvement on my JTD 8v 3dr. However, I have a heavy boot build in the back and im always carrying passengers so im not interested in lowering. I've already fitted an OMP front strut brace and im soon to install some new B4 bilstein dampers. However, I want a better improvement to the handling of the car. So, im looking for some stiffer springs without lowering the car much (preferably not at all). Does anyone know if such things exist? Thanks
HH

Hmmm that's a difficult one as like you say most stiffer springs tend to be on lowering kits? You say you have a strut brace but you can compliment that with a lower chassis brace too? I have one fitted to mine and really helps with tightening the chassis up? Ive also got one for the rear axle too? There made by a company called ULTRA BRACE and typically cost about £160 for the front lower and about £100 for the lower rear (an upper rear is also avalible but I doubt you'ld get in in with a boot build).

Another idea to look into is maybe fitted the springs from a multiwagon as they maybe sturdier due to the estate being heavier? Other than that maybe a beefier anti roll bar from something like an Alfa 147 gta but that would require some serious modification to the subframe as it wont just bolt in?

Thanks for the reply,
I've been thinking about buying the lower strut braces but i just don't think it'll have enough of an effect for the amount of money i would be spending.
The MW springs sounds like a good idea, i just need one of our geniuses to come on here and tell me it will work!
Also does anyone know what upgraded anti roll bars will fit? Because im very interested in doing that. How much modification is there for the 147GTA one?~

Thanks
HH

I believe the 147 roll bar fits in no problem, not sure about the GTA mind you. The 147 bar has a thickness thats between 3 and 5mm thicker than the Stilo's so you would get a considerable benefit from that. Shadeyman once told me of someone he knew with a Multijet Stilo tuned to **** with the 147 ARB and praised it's effects on the Stilo Have a gander on eBay, also - DemonTweeks do custom springs from the likes of Tein so perhaps you could get in touch about a custom set of springs for your Stilo?

MarkThompson4 said:

I believe the 147 roll bar fits in no problem.......

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Unfortunately it's not that simple? I've looked into this myself a while back. The stilo ARB is 18mm thick and the 147 one is about 22mm so just as you say mark about 5mm thicker so would be much better however it has a different shape in the middle (the stilo is pretty much straight in the middle and the 147 has a bend in the middle to fit around its sub frame). The mounts are in a different place too HOWEVER the two bars are the same length and it wouldn't be too hard to drill/weld new mounts to the stilo subframe to accommodate the 147 ARB so yes I think it would work but you'ld probably have to have the engine out to do the mods needed?

Ah right...that wasn't made aware to me when I was told Still doesn't sound too much of a job to do, perhaps the mounts can be fitted from the wheelarch at either side? Depending on the engine in the Stilo, I reckon it could be done on mine in this manner

Hmmm not sure bud? New holes would need to drilled and that could only really be done without an engine in the way? But your right it's not a challenging task? The important thing is that the lengths are the same and the drop links look like they would line up ok? Would be interesting to feel the difference? It's something I'm thinking of doing if I ever rebuild my car

Yeah would no doubt tighten up the front end, wonder if the rear bar can be fitted?? I'd like to hear from the guy Shadeyman knows who's done this so he could fill us in on what's involved. What car are you rebuilding? Just realised, or I think you're gadgemyster?? I noticed your sig etc have changed in your posts on my thread lol

Looks like replacing the ARB with the 147 is more trouble than its worth. This is what i expect i remembered looking into it before and finding out they were different shapes. However, a rear bar upgrade is something i would like to hear more about if one of our fiat wizards can come here and tell me if it can even be done!
Thanks for the tips on the springs mark, does anyone else know of stiffer stilo springs being sold? Custom made is usually synonymous with expensive

HH

Halil said:

Custom made is usually synonymous with expensive
HH

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...unless you're somewhere like New Zealand, where a suspension shop can actually measure the rating of the current springs, and then make new springs to suit - and this will cost less than the $$$$ it would cost to import aftermarket springs. they can make a new anti roll bar too.

Meanwhile and although it's not the answer you want, I think you'd be better off with Eibach lowering springs - yes they will be lower, but they will also be a lot stiffer, so it won't bottom-out easily, and of course the looks will be improved too.

-Alex

That sounds great Alex i wish i could get hold of something like that!
I have been in touch with a company called coil springs ltd. They said they can make me custom springs doing exactly what i want them to do for the price of £175 which doesn't sound bad at all. Does anyone have any experience with these people?
Also, they have asked me to send them some specifics of what i want the springs to do, can anyone suggest what i should say for optimum handling without too much compromise to ride quality?
Thanks
HH