I'm wavering between fitting a Bilstein B14 kit to my TA, or FSDs with the OE springs, as I don't really want to drop the ride height of my car at all. The standard dampers are just - well - crap.

Interestingly, if you view the Koni catalogue, they state the dampers won't fit the TA. Wondering why, I've asked the Koni distributor, and it appears the reason is that there's a brake hose bracket on the TA damper that the others don't have.

Does anyone have a pic of their car with the wheel off (either a TA, or non TA - or ideally both), so I can familiarise myself with the differences. I think a little bracket that clamps around the tube of the damper *could* be fabricated if needs be, and that'll satisfy my need for better damping but non reduced ride height..

A non twinair I am not sure if it is what you need but its the only one I have.

No, that's good: I have a TA, so can compare the two..

I suspect it's a tiny little bracket that is easily made..

I have been wondering the same thing.
Can't decide what to go for.
I think the B14 kit will give better handling overall though.
Springs on the TA feel firmer to me than our 1.2 but not sure how they compare to sport or Abarth springs.
I'm really interested which way you you go and also about the bracket mod too.
Can't wait to hear more.
Cheers,
Ian.

Interestingly, the 1.2 Pop loan car I have at the moment feels firmer (I suspect because it's lighter, but on the same springs and dampers). It's quite 'boingy' over speed humps and pitches fairly badly, but the front of the front arch shields don't clout the tarmac if you go too quickly, like they do on my TA.

My TA feels vastly under damped on 'bump', and then the damping on rebound is a bit high, so invariably the car will squash down onto the bumpstops during long sweeping bends, and behaves quite badly on bumpy roads.

I think the FSDs will be for me, as I really don't want to drop my car's ride height.

Bilstein also do B4's for the 500 which are a cheaper option

bgunn said:

Interestingly, the 1.2 Pop loan car I have at the moment feels firmer (I suspect because it's lighter, but on the same springs and dampers). It's quite 'boingy' over speed humps and pitches fairly badly, but the front of the front arch shields don't clout the tarmac if you go too quickly, like they do on my TA.

My TA feels vastly under damped on 'bump', and then the damping on rebound is a bit high, so invariably the car will squash down onto the bumpstops during long sweeping bends, and behaves quite badly on bumpy roads.

I think the FSDs will be for me, as I really don't want to drop my car's ride height.

Click to expand...

Our TA rides 10-15mm lower at the rear and 5-7mm at the front than the 1.2 and a quick call to the dealer confirmed that TA (TA model, not TA lounge etc) springs are specific to the TA. I have the same experience as you with handling of 1.2 vs TA but our 1.2 feels smoother over bumps.
Would love to see a review of TA on FSD's ; )

The Twins said:

Our TA rides 10-15mm lower at the rear and 5-7mm at the front than the 1.2 and a quick call to the dealer confirmed that TA (TA model, not TA lounge etc) springs are specific to the TA. I have the same experience as you with handling of 1.2 vs TA but our 1.2 feels smoother over bumps.
Would love to see a review of TA on FSD's ; )

Click to expand...

The dampers have a different part number also. The thing is, a fully specced lounge with all of the options is going to be a good 80-100Kgs heavier than the most basic pop (without a/c etc), so the spring rates won't be best suited to either.

The dampers really do suck though.

bgunn said:

The dampers have a different part number also. The thing is, a fully specced lounge with all of the options is going to be a good 80-100Kgs heavier than the most basic pop (without a/c etc), so the spring rates won't be best suited to either.

The dampers really do suck though.

Click to expand...

While obviously it would be good to get the springs exactly right, in this case near enough is good enough!

306maxi said:

While obviously it would be good to get the springs exactly right, in this case near enough is good enough!

Click to expand...

Of course. Without corner weighting the car, it's all a compromise. But then a car that's used as a daily drive doesn't need corner weighting, as that'll all be thrown out when you carry passengers!

Pleased that Koni have acknowledged that the damping isn't actually different for the TA, it's just a piddly bracket.

bgunn said:

The dampers have a different part number also. The thing is, a fully specced lounge with all of the options is going to be a good 80-100Kgs heavier than the most basic pop (without a/c etc), so the spring rates won't be best suited to either.

The dampers really do suck though.

Click to expand...

Although I'm silly - of course the dampers have a different part number! They've got this extra support bracket on them, durrr..

I suspect the valving is the same as the 1.2 ones.. Either way, turd.

bgunn said:

Of course. Without corner weighting the car, it's all a compromise. But then a car that's used as a daily drive doesn't need corner weighting, as that'll all be thrown out when you carry passengers!

Pleased that Koni have acknowledged that the damping isn't actually different for the TA, it's just a piddly bracket.

Click to expand...

Corner weighting, you can do that with the Bilstein's you know

306maxi said:

Corner weighting, you can do that with the Bilstein's you know

Click to expand...

Only on two of the corners though (the front)..

I reckon FSDs are going to be what works for me. It appears that Koni have fixed the rear damper knocking issue that afflicted the early ones by changing the valving slightly, as well as increasing the bush size (and eyelet) in the rear damper. I'm going to try them then with the OE springs and see how I get on..

bgunn said:

Only on two of the corners though (the front)..

I reckon FSDs are going to be what works for me. It appears that Koni have fixed the rear damper knocking issue that afflicted the early ones by changing the valving slightly, as well as increasing the bush size (and eyelet) in the rear damper. I'm going to try them then with the OE springs and see how I get on..

Click to expand...

You can corner weight the rear as well

306maxi said:

You can corner weight the rear as well

Click to expand...

I know you're against lowering and I am also, but you really should have a go in a B14 equipped car. Obviously it handles, but there is no discernible loss of ride quality. They're fantastic!

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/312392-306maxi-bought-those-bilsteins-yet.html

306maxi said:

You can corner weight the rear as well

Click to expand...

How? I thought the springs were just springs? There's no adjustment on the spring pan - unless you're talking about making spacers up..

bgunn said:

How? I thought the springs were just springs? There's no adjustment on the spring pan - unless you're talking about making spacers up..

Click to expand...

On the rear there are adjusters that sit in the spring pans

bgunn said:

How? I thought the springs were just springs? There's no adjustment on the spring pan - unless you're talking about making spacers up..

Click to expand...

You can just about see the rear adjuster poking out. The kit also comes with its own bumpstops

306maxi said:

On the rear there are adjusters that sit in the spring pans

Click to expand...

Oooh, shiny. I see - makes sense. I'm not sure I like the increase in unsprung weight by putting the bumpstop on the rear beam! (joking!)

Fair enough, that's allayed one of my fears then. (Setting the front quite high and having non adjustable rear end).

Just popped out and measured the 1.2 Pop I'm using; 360mm from wheel centre to top of arch at the front, and 370 at the rear. I know for a fact my TA sits lower, but I'm sure it's more than the figure The Twins quotes.

from a quality point of view i'd take the bilsteins every time, also ride quality of there stuff is top notch