changing and setting up suspension

[s4vge]

Hey guys,

has anyone or is anyone good at changing suspension on a 155. i was hoping to get a company to do it that i have already been in contact with, but they do seem to be taking some time with coming up with anything more than talk.

Long story but i already know (and knew before i took it to them for diagnostic), that the suspension wanted replacing/or i certainly knew it was very wrong. I have already saved up some good amount of money and want a set of performance aftermarket suspension that will give a fantasticly smooth ride as well as good handling, i will point out without trying to offend anyone, that i already know that 155's have a rough ride (this is not my first 155) and i do not want 156 suspension even though i know it fits to a degree, i really do want some performance in this upgrade, i do have the money so i we can really go to the max.

what i really want is someone to say "yes i know what i'm doing, i have the tools and if you pop round next weekend we can get it sorted". I dont mind even getting the suspension before hand, but please remember at this point, due to location i do not have a garage or tools and the car is a used daily so can not be off the road for long.

If anyone can help me, let me know asap, i really am loosing my rag with this now!

[celadon]

You'll probably find the best set-up using adjustable coilovers.

The work required to change the suspension is not too difficult, but obviously you would require some tools.

It would probably be advisable to change the top mounts at the same time.

Are you doing the wishbones as well at the same time ?, if so the jobs can all be done at the same time, and should be able to be completed in one day.

13mm socket for the top mounts,
15mm + 17mm for the pinch bolt holding the bottom wishbone to hub
17mm for the track rod end nut

either 15mm or 17mm (can't remember which) for the 4 wishbone mounting bolts

If you don't replace the top mounts, you'll also need spring compressors + 18mm socket for the nut holding the strut to top mount.

Unfortunately, you are a bit far away from me, otherwise I'd say come over.

[GeoffCapes]

Originally Posted by celadon

You'll probably find the best set-up using adjustable coilovers.

Unfortunately, you are a bit far away from me, otherwise I'd say come over.

I'm not! I'll bear it in mind when I'm upgrading mine!

[celadon]

You're welcome to come over Geoff !

I have a few rocks in the back garden I need putting on to the back of a lorry.
And of course there are the kegs that need moving...



Joking aside, if I can help, no problem, just let me know in advance.

[s4vge]

Originally Posted by celadon

You'll probably find the best set-up using adjustable coilovers.

The work required to change the suspension is not too difficult, but obviously you would require some tools.

It would probably be advisable to change the top mounts at the same time.

Are you doing the wishbones as well at the same time ?, if so the jobs can all be done at the same time, and should be able to be completed in one day.

13mm socket for the top mounts,
15mm + 17mm for the pinch bolt holding the bottom wishbone to hub
17mm for the track rod end nut

either 15mm or 17mm (can't remember which) for the 4 wishbone mounting bolts

If you don't replace the top mounts, you'll also need spring compressors + 18mm socket for the nut holding the strut to top mount.

Unfortunately, you are a bit far away from me, otherwise I'd say come over.

Cheers buddy really needed to hear this, i'm sure if i get a few tools i can can confidently change these, there are already FK silverlines coilovers already on there but the irish roads are far too rough for them and the car does develop a bounce, which is very uncomftable.

i will have to do some investigation into whats best to put on.

[wayne-dear]

155's really are super easy to change the suspension on, the only outside help i used for doing mine was to pop down the local garage and get them too loosen the 2 bolts that hold the front strut bottoms on, i then hand tightened them and went home knowing i could undo them, they were happy with a fiver, rears are even easier than the fronts................Just get Neil to do them......

[LE75]

Cheeky get wayne!

FYI Savage! alfa155.org :: View topic - Suspension

[GeoffCapes]

Originally Posted by celadon

You're welcome to come over Geoff !

I have a few rocks in the back garden I need putting on to the back of a lorry.
And of course there are the kegs that need moving...



Joking aside, if I can help, no problem, just let me know in advance.

Sounds like a fair deal


Will do. Once I get mine up and running (mot'd and belts) we'll have to have a South East meet up. Have seen 3 155's round here in the last week! And there was me thinking I was buying something rare!

[s4vge]

FYI Savage! alfa155.org :: View topic - Suspension[/QUOTE]

cheers neil,

not kidding these coilovers are not good on irish roads, and infact am seriously considering reverting ,not quite back to stock, but close to it.

[LE75]

Originally Posted by s4vge

FYI Savage! alfa155.org :: View topic - Suspension

cheers neil,

not kidding these coilovers are not good on irish roads, and infact am seriously considering reverting ,not quite back to stock, but close to it.[/QUOTE]

You'll need Eibach springs. I had them on her, I was impressed with them and now they are on Wayne-dear's car. I sold them cas I wanted a -60mm drop Some members over the ORG have KYB shocks/ Eibach springs combo and very happy with the result.

[shiny_car]

On my 2.0 8V, I originally bought it with some form of aftermarket springs and OE dampers and 15" wheels/tyres. Was floaty (worn dampers) and a bit harsh.

I changed to 17" wheels/tyres, Eibach springs, and Bilstein B6 dampers. Much improved handling/control, but still harsh/stiff. Not low enough for my tastes (purely a cosmetic thing of course).

Now have H&R coilovers (front), which is matched set of H&R springs, H&R-spec Bilstein dampers. Much lower, still harsh/stiff! But not terrible, and I happily drive it as my daily-driver. Roads here are not billiard table smooth by a long shot; my local roads are quite choppy. Easily 25-30mm lower than the Eibach/Bilstein combo.

Basically, having had 3 sets of suspension on this car, it definitely isn't a magic carpet ride as you know. Coilovers provided the ride height I want, so I love it; not any stiffer though, which is a bonus I guess.

If you're switching back to conventional springs/struts, I think Eibach springs with either KONI Sport or KYB (good reputation for value) would be my choice.

[s4vge]

Now have H&R coilovers (front), which is matched set of H&R springs, H&R-spec Bilstein dampers. Much lower, still harsh/stiff! But not terrible, and I happily drive it as my daily-driver. Roads here are not billiard table smooth by a long shot; my local roads are quite choppy. Easily 25-30mm lower than the Eibach/Bilstein combo.


[/QUOTE]

Which H&R coilovers do you have? I've just been offered the latest H&R coilover set for a not so cheap price but been convinced this is the way forward and thats coming from Eibach themselves.

[shiny_car]

Are there different types? I'm only aware of the one H&R set, but I bought mine from alfisti.net about 18 months ago.

Alfa Romeo Shop - Tuning, Styling, Fanartikel und Modellautos - H&R Gewindefahrwerk H&R Gewindefahrwerk 41448/41449
The photos are of my car, which I supplied to alfisti.net after fitment.

Pics of the set:
H&R vs springs the car originally came with: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../377161914.jpg
H&R front coilover fitted to 155 top perch: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../379977611.jpg
H&R rear vs Eibach/Bilstein which I changed from: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/.../379928333.jpg

The setup is slightly more comfortable than the Eibach/Bilstein B6 setup I had (though I suspect the B6 dampers are a fair bit firmer than what I'd expect KONI Sport or KYB to be). But the benefit is how low the car is, which is what I love.

[moelopes]

Hi guys;

IMHO the best option for my Alfa 155 :

XYZ Auto Parts

Multiple set up
For normal use and Track Day, eventually.

Regards,
Moe.

[s4vge]

Originally Posted by moelopes

Hi guys;

IMHO the best option for my Alfa 155 :

XYZ Auto Parts

Multiple set up
For normal use and Track Day, eventually.

Regards,
Moe.

well had a good look at these and they are an option just finding out the cost of them, are they really good or just another coilover?

[LE75]

I thought all Coilovers are the same, very stiff as they should be?

[moelopes]

Originally Posted by s4vge

well had a good look at these and they are an option just finding out the cost of them, are they really good or just another coilover?

Well,
Let's put it this way:
If you go for Track and Racing only, use version "RACING" from XYZ (stiff)
If you go sporadically Track Days, use the "Super Sport" version from XYZ (softer)
XYZ have excellent quality and finishing.
I feel 155 suspension, harder than stock springs but softer than racing ones.

Eibach made a "progressive spring", that is comfortable and sporty.
So, if you just want a good suspension on a daily basis for a Alfa 155, use the combination Eibach springs, with Bilstein B6 dampers.

IMHO Simply the best.

Moe.