I can't say I was surprised TBH with the MoT pass, the amount I've invested over the past few months there's not much left to change :lol:
The difference the ARB makes is astounding; when combined with the top brace, Eibach springs and FSDs the car feels solid as a rock and doesn't crash so much over bumps and potholes. I guess for me this is the ultimate package for the 156. Just got to try some high speed corners and twisties now.
Ali guard fitted today, fitted perfectly to the 20v, well recommended.
What is left now, is to change the rear brake discs and pads, that's the job for the weekend.
Thanks to the guys at Sunnyside for all the work, and spotting the leaking drive shaft gaiter, and thanks Felice I enjoyed your GTV!
Hi Chris, the brace was off my last 156, a 1.9, the difference I noticed with that was that turn-in seemed more positive, and when fitted it was stock.
The 2.4 as you know is different and much heavier at the front and will never be as agile as the 1.9. A brace must stiffen up the front end but as I had it fitted at the same time as the Eibachs/FSD any difference wouldn't have been noticed. It is the ARB that makes all the difference, very noticeable so TBH I wouldn't bother with the brace unless you really want to .............
Glad you clarified thatas I wouldn't waste mymoney on the top brace as on a car where the top mounts are welded to the bulkhead there is NO flex in that area anyway and all the bar does is raise the CofG.
Had the first opportunity today to go for a drive in the country with the new ARB. Words fail me, it's so different. Very little roll and great drive out of corners, and can actually use the torque.
Only one problem - why does everyone else drive sooo slow now?
Apart from the cost it must be an essential upgrade. Oh and the rear end doesn't bottom out any more.
That's just what I wanted to hear, althought my arb bushes are pretty clucked at the mo so even replacing them with standard would make a huge difference :lol:
My front drop links were also replaced, daft really not to. If you're not ready to change the ARB I understand powerflex bushes are available for the standard bar, this will tighten things up and won't need replacing so often.
A thought; I was charged 3 hours labour, so if I can double the replacement period for the bushes the Eibach part will be paid for! I can almost convince myself it's cost effective :lol:
Hi TOX1C, good to hear about the MOT pass, and as regards the Eibach ARB, my car is going into Sunnyside on Tuesday for various work, including replacing a worn front ARB. I spoke to one of the guys there today and he advised that the Eibach front & rear ARBs really do make a difference, and after a bit of searching on the forum I came across your thread. Looking in your gallery turns out you live almost opposite me, a couple of blocks along! I'm pretty sure I've seen your car around too... Anyway, the symptoms I'm getting are bad knocking from left hand side when going over bumps, and the car feels more like a boat on bumpy roads. Though I guess this could be something other than ARB... I'm sure I'll find out when it gets checked over.
Glad to hear the ARBs do make a difference, I was considering Eibach springs & dampers but I don't really want to lower, I scrape the front enough as it is :-(
Felice is a very knowledgable guy. Soon as find a job i'll be taking mine there to fit my prosport springs and some new dampers. Very convenient as I live off Joan rd, 2 mins away from him.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Alfa Romeo Forum
7.1M posts
216.5K members
Since 2001
The friendly Alfa Romeo Club - If you are looking to buy or you are already an Alfa Romeo owner, join alfaowner.com today to get the most from your ownership