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coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD #701109
01/11/2008 22:22
01/11/2008 22:22
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,289
spain
crgracing Offline OP
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spain
well after months weighting for my new set of team dynamics rims , falken tyres , set of shocks and front bearings ive finally fitted everything and i cant belive the grip the car had, i now once i mentioned that the coop didnt have much grip but all the bits i had where broken so now i understand why all you guys tolled me that the coop was excelent.
now im weighting for the lowered springs and hope that will giveme better steering wich will probly do, and rear bearings.

i now its a fiat but.....i love it.

Last edited by crgracing; 01/11/2008 22:23.
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: crgracing] #701117
01/11/2008 22:35
01/11/2008 22:35
Joined: Dec 2005
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Staffordshire
Nigel Offline
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Nigel  Offline
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told you so....... ;\)

A well-sorted Coupe is up there with the very best FWD chassis - all it takes is a few choice mods to bring the 15+ year old design up to modern(ish) standards.


[Linked Image]
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: Nigel] #701120
01/11/2008 22:41
01/11/2008 22:41
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
jimboy Offline
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jings i cant wait i,ve got all the bits but my mech is up to his eyes at the moment to fit my stuff \:o


I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: jimboy] #701124
01/11/2008 22:45
01/11/2008 22:45
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spain
crgracing Offline OP
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yeeppp , didnt imagine it would make such a big differnce.
be pacient jimboy your moment is coming.

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: crgracing] #701930
03/11/2008 15:33
03/11/2008 15:33
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,034
Sweden
Per Offline
I need some sleep
Per  Offline
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 Originally Posted By: crgracing
i now its a fiat but.....i love it.

I too know it's a fiat SO.... I love it. \:\)

Yeah a well sorted Coupe is great on the road. \:\)

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: Per] #702215
04/11/2008 00:59
04/11/2008 00:59

D
DidCoop
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DidCoop
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I really need to get mine to handle now although it's on Apex springs and uprated shocks already?

Why does mine not handle well \:\(

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: ] #702248
04/11/2008 09:29
04/11/2008 09:29
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,285
Manchester
GraemeC Offline
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GraemeC  Offline
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Manchester
Have you replaced all the suspension components ? (wishbones, top mounts drop links etc) Do this and it will feel like a new car!

My car has all new suspension components, front upper and lower braces, Whiteline rear ARB, Bilsteins and Eibach springs and the handling is excellent! It could probably be made better with coilovers, but I have to use my car everyday and dont fancy a really hard ride (its already quite a bit harder than standard)


It is hard to understand how a cemetery can raise burial rates and blame it on the cost of living
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: GraemeC] #702327
04/11/2008 12:12
04/11/2008 12:12
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Posts: 1,289
spain
crgracing Offline OP
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GraemeC is right , new wishbones and top mount make a lot of differnece when new

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: GraemeC] #702334
04/11/2008 12:21
04/11/2008 12:21
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
MarioCirillo Offline
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MarioCirillo  Offline
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I AM a Coop

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
 Originally Posted By: GraemeC
Have you replaced all the suspension components ? (wishbones, top mounts drop links etc) Do this and it will feel like a new car!


How much are we looking at? I have a 20v NA, it has NOT been lowered, it currently has Turbo+ wheels on it and the ride comfort is really really bad, even with the standard na wheels its no better. What should i be looking at checking? it seems a bit too tough a ride. . .

Mario


Proud Owner of Rosso Speed LE041
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: MarioCirillo] #702341
04/11/2008 12:36
04/11/2008 12:36
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
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Gunzi Offline
Club member 189, Former Club President
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Je suis un Coupé
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
Mario, have a look here for bits to replace. Alternative Autos (amongst others) can supply parts, pattern & OE Fiat.

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: Gunzi] #702398
04/11/2008 14:48
04/11/2008 14:48
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,034
Sweden
Per Offline
I need some sleep
Per  Offline
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Sweden
I have to say I didn't notice much difference with new topmounts/wishbones.. I did with new shocks though! \:\)

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: Per] #704962
09/11/2008 20:27
09/11/2008 20:27
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,725
London
kj16v Offline
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London
People say the Coupe understeers, but I think mine corners brilliantly. Does this understeering only apply to the 20V?

-OR-

is it because some people are pussies and don't put their foot down round corners?! (only works with turbos!)

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FWD [Re: kj16v] #704989
09/11/2008 22:22
09/11/2008 22:22

S
symonh2000
Unregistered
symonh2000
Unregistered
S



My 16VT definitely handled better than my 20VT. However the 16VT was on 18" wheels.

The kindest thing I can say about my standard 20VT is that it is average. There are plenty more cars out there that handle better.

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: ] #705026
09/11/2008 23:40
09/11/2008 23:40

S
Spee
Unregistered
Spee
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S



 Originally Posted By: symonh2000
My 16VT definitely handled better than my 20VT. However the 16VT was on 18" wheels.

The kindest thing I can say about my standard 20VT is that it is average. There are plenty more cars out there that handle better.



Now you've opened a can of worms!!! \:o

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: ] #705031
09/11/2008 23:54
09/11/2008 23:54

S
symonh2000
Unregistered
symonh2000
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S



 Originally Posted By: Spee
 Originally Posted By: symonh2000
My 16VT definitely handled better than my 20VT. However the 16VT was on 18" wheels.

The kindest thing I can say about my standard 20VT is that it is average. There are plenty more cars out there that handle better.



Now you've opened a can of worms!!! \:o


I don't mind, as I speak as I find. \:D

The handling difference may hev been down to the wheels. I haven't driven a 20VT on 18" wheels, so I can't say for sure though.

Both cars were on the standard suspension. The 16VT had done 107k miles, my 20VT has 84k showing, although my 20VT has had all of the front suspension replaced apart from the dampers and springs themselves..

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: ] #705033
09/11/2008 23:57
09/11/2008 23:57
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,725
London
kj16v Offline
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London
Well 18's should have made it handle worse, so that's saying something.

So there is a point to having a 16VT; they can go round corners!

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: kj16v] #705204
10/11/2008 14:57
10/11/2008 14:57
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,367
Staffordshire
Nigel Offline
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Nigel  Offline
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 Quote:
my 20VT has had all of the front suspension replaced apart from the dampers and springs themselves..


not really "all of the front suspension" then really, especially when the standard springs and dampers account for most of the lack of precision for which the car is criticised.

a well-sorted 20vt is a formidable handling car. Yes, I know there are MANY better-handling cars out there, but very few are FWD, and those that are, tend to be quite recent designs. If you allow the Coupe some improvements to compete with more modern kit, it can be VERY good.

If you look at some of the RWD (and 4WD) cars I beat at TOTB this year (half a dozen Skylines, handful of Exiges, that sort of thing), there's no way you could ever claim that the Coupe won't handle


[Linked Image]
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: Nigel] #705276
10/11/2008 17:15
10/11/2008 17:15

S
symonh2000
Unregistered
symonh2000
Unregistered
S



 Originally Posted By: Nigel
 Quote:
my 20VT has had all of the front suspension replaced apart from the dampers and springs themselves..


not really "all of the front suspension" then really, especially when the standard springs and dampers account for most of the lack of precision for which the car is criticised.

a well-sorted 20vt is a formidable handling car. Yes, I know there are MANY better-handling cars out there, but very few are FWD, and those that are, tend to be quite recent designs. If you allow the Coupe some improvements to compete with more modern kit, it can be VERY good.

If you look at some of the RWD (and 4WD) cars I beat at TOTB this year (half a dozen Skylines, handful of Exiges, that sort of thing), there's no way you could ever claim that the Coupe won't handle


I see your point Nigel, and I do intend to replace them soon.

The thing is though the 16VT was also on its original dampers, and they had done even more miles.

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: kj16v] #705394
10/11/2008 20:54
10/11/2008 20:54

M
MattW
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MattW
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M



 Originally Posted By: kj16v
Well 18's should have made it handle worse


18s handle worse on poor road surfaces but I actually think they are better on a good smooth surface. The sidewall of the tyre feels stiffer where as a standard tyre feels like it does \ ____\ that more.

Last edited by MattW; 10/11/2008 20:55.
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: Nigel] #705399
10/11/2008 21:03
10/11/2008 21:03
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,285
Manchester
GraemeC Offline
Competition Level
GraemeC  Offline
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Come on Nigel, when are you going to give us a full description of your set up?? \:D


It is hard to understand how a cemetery can raise burial rates and blame it on the cost of living
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: GraemeC] #705400
10/11/2008 21:05
10/11/2008 21:05

S
symonh2000
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symonh2000
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 Originally Posted By: GraemeC
Come on Nigel, when are you going to give us a full description of your set up?? \:D


I don't think I could afford Nigels setup. \:D

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: ] #705419
10/11/2008 21:35
10/11/2008 21:35
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,367
Staffordshire
Nigel Offline
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Nigel  Offline
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You'd be REALLY surprised.....

this is the total of ALL my handling mods

Secondhand Eibach springs - £50
Secondhand Koni shocks - £100
Lancia Dedra front ARB - £150
Novitec rear ARB - £135
Polybushed front wishbones - £200
Secondhand strut brace - £50
Lower subframe brace - £85

30 years of driving experience - priceless ;\)

nothing special, about £800 in total, spent over 5 years.


[Linked Image]
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: Nigel] #705486
10/11/2008 23:22
10/11/2008 23:22
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,285
Manchester
GraemeC Offline
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Have to admit, I am surprised - my own setup is one of the tried and tested coupe formulas and not that different to yours...

Eibach springs
Bilstein shocks
Whiteline rear ARB
Strut brace
Lower subframe brace (thanks!)

No polybushes, but wishbones etc. all renewed less than two years ago and mainly motorway miles since

Interesting, perhaps I need to take my coupe on a track to see what it can do.... This could get expensive...


It is hard to understand how a cemetery can raise burial rates and blame it on the cost of living
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: GraemeC] #707737
14/11/2008 16:24
14/11/2008 16:24
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,034
Sweden
Per Offline
I need some sleep
Per  Offline
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Did my first drive with lower front subframe brace (OMP) and it really made a difference. \:\)
A lot stiffer front end which you could feel over uneven surfaces especially, much like the effect of the Sparco strutbrace.
I suspect it would even effect the handling a little sometimes, possibly under hard braking.

Very nice, now I just need a welder to adjust it for max clearance.

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: Per] #707809
14/11/2008 19:20
14/11/2008 19:20
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
jimboy Offline
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my time has come at last :D....tomorrow my mechanic is going to fit all my suspension bits & brakes & bits & bobs.. ive over the months spent a small fortune on some upgrades & colleted them :o.....so tomorrow it is \:D


I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: jimboy] #707882
14/11/2008 21:38
14/11/2008 21:38
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,289
spain
crgracing Offline OP
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spain
thats great jimboy!!!

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: crgracing] #708188
15/11/2008 17:36
15/11/2008 17:36
Joined: Mar 2008
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highlands
jimboy Offline
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hey,hey,hey......all the bits on the coop :D..poly wish/bones,billies, track rod ends,drop/links new brakes,bottom strut/bar etc,etc....like a new car \:D
only small issue is the oil drain plug,the bottom/bar is in the way \:mad\: my mate who is a mechanic with his own business charged me £60 for the whole lot, now he IS a friend


I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: jimboy] #708225
15/11/2008 18:55
15/11/2008 18:55
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,034
Sweden
Per Offline
I need some sleep
Per  Offline
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Posts: 3,034
Sweden
 Originally Posted By: jimboy
only small issue is the oil drain plug,the bottom/bar is in the way

Yeah, on mine too but there is space to move the bar around 40mm forward, clearing the plug. Also it can come up a bit for more clearance. Ask your mechanic to bring out that mig-welder! \:\)

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: Per] #708259
15/11/2008 20:33
15/11/2008 20:33
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,289
spain
crgracing Offline OP
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spain
good news jimboy!!! now enjoy it like me , hahahah.
handling is very good for a 14 year old car , im busy waiting for my lower spring to be fitted i wonder if it will make a difference

cheers

Re: coupe handling ...i think its to good for a FW [Re: crgracing] #708399
16/11/2008 11:45
16/11/2008 11:45
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
jimboy Offline
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Posts: 5,090
highlands
hey Crgracing found a tyre place open on a Sunday so going to get tracking done.i think its better to get this checked out sooner than later.(any excuse for a wee blast :D)
i know what you mean, boys&their toys ;\) ach i don't think ill ever grow up
just a quick update...had the tracking done £30 for 15mns work \:o ach i cant complain ;\) anyhoo wow this car of mine sits on the road like sh[te to a blanket.. i see what Nigel&others means by a well set up coop \:o & i haven't touched the ARB,s don't know if i will now. i may leave that for another time :D... i,m still smiling \:\)

Last edited by jimboy; 16/11/2008 13:27.

I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
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