living with modified suspension....

[Scobbie-147]

Im seriously considering getting a full coil over package to go with the eibach arb's i have, but think this might be a a decision i would regret as i can imagine the suspension giving great performance, but at what cost.

Damaging the front splitter? being unable to steep hill climb, go over speed bumps?
Poor ride comfort?

The list goes on, could i live with it?

Help would be appreciated guys n gals. Thanks.

[bacon]

Your best bet may be to try another 147 out with a modified suspension, possibly? Dont know how feasible this is for you though.

Why do you fancy coilovers? If you are worried about comfort maybe Koni FSD and eibach springs may be a sensible idea? Not too much of a drop with them either.

[Cuore_Sportivo_155]

coilovers don't force you to go lower than you are now...

[the graduate]

Koni sport kit on mine has worked a treat

[tomfromtelford]

I've had FSD & Eibach Pro kit on JTDm and GTA both cars run well with it. GTA is more planted. You won't have any problems.

I will say that FSDs and coil overs at low speeds do loose a little comfort but once above 30 it's all good.

One option would be to get a set of STD GTA shocks and springs. It's a little lower and is def an improvement over STD sports suspension.

Edit sorry just knoticed you've got a TS they would be different spring rates.

I'd go FSD as coil overs can be a pain to set up etc...

[05GT]

I've got eibach pro-kit springs and dampers - no probs going over speed bumps at all

[Scobbie-147]

Originally Posted by bacon

Your best bet may be to try another 147 out with a modified suspension, possibly? Dont know how feasible this is for you though.

Why do you fancy coilovers? If you are worried about comfort maybe Koni FSD and eibach springs may be a sensible idea? Not too much of a drop with them either.

I agree, a test drive would be excellent. After establishing a decent set of coil overs are round about 1k ive decided on like you say, Koni or eibach or similar kit. Are the drops adjustable?

Graduate:

Can u describe the ride before and after to me, significant candling improvement?

[Scobbie-147]

Cheapy-ones?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alfa-147-suspe...item4141bcd50b

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALFA-ROMEO-147...item1e60f5a3c6

[Photodave]

Can you get a Koni STR-T kit for it? Put one on my 156 2.4 20v last year and there's NO WAY i'd go back to the standard suspension now (admittedly the 20v Lusso setup IS poo as standard and the 147 is loads better)

The STR-T lowered mine 40mm (!) but it still clears square speed bumps and actually bottoms out less! In fact one of the guys at work commented that it didn't look lowered (he's not into Alfas - it DOES!)

They're about £350 for the kit. Might be worth a look?

[Scobbie-147]

Originally Posted by Photodave

Can you get a Koni STR-T kit for it? Put one on my 156 2.4 20v last year and there's NO WAY i'd go back to the standard suspension now (admittedly the 20v Lusso setup IS poo as standard and the 147 is loads better)

The STR-T lowered mine 40mm (!) but it still clears square speed bumps and actually bottoms out less! In fact one of the guys at work commented that it didn't look lowered (he's not into Alfas - it DOES!)

They're about £350 for the kit. Might be worth a look?

I think they are available but is it true they are not adjustable?

[Scobbie-147]

Originally Posted by the graduate

Koni sport kit on mine has worked a treat

Ok i just drove a integra with the koni sports kit. Im satisfied a similar kit will not be a problem on my car. How much was urs pal, whats required when it comes to set up, and parts ordered?

[the graduate]

try hear best price ?
Koni Sport Adjustable Suspension Kits for Alfa Romeo - KONI - The best selling Sports Adjustable Suspension kit - larkspeed.com
£200 to fit at local indy

[Nath316]

if you are worried about the ride etc etc why not have airbags fitted

i mean you can adjust them and raise the ride height when required

[GhostyDog]

Have you got a bigger picture for your signature?

[the graduate]

Originally Posted by GhostyDog

Have you got a bigger picture for your signature?

I assume your talking to me?
Yes i have as it goes but feel that it would be a little OTT!
So because of your hurtful comments i have toned it down does that suit you better? ;0

[alid1]

Koni fsd's and eibach are brilliant.

It's what my JTD is on and they are best of both worlds. My mate at work is selling his eibach koni fsd setup soon due to engine failure(selling car as spares) i could ask him how much he wants if your interested..

[Leonardo .s]

eibach pro kit 30mm koni fsd and take the front splitter off cant go wrong

[Laptop_Matt]

Originally Posted by alid1

Koni fsd's and eibach are brilliant.

[ian3504]

Originally Posted by Laptop_Matt

Koni fsd's and eibach springs

[Joss]

Scobbie. It depends what you want out of the car. I recently had the pleasure of riding in Typos's 147 to compare suspension settings against my 156.

I run eibach sportlines (50mm) and autodelta sport comfort shocks
He runs Koni FSD's with eibach pro (30mm).
I've not tried full coilovers on an alfa but having had them fitted on a 205 GTI I can confirm they are very very hard.

Now non of these set ups I would say were uncomfortable or impossible to live with in day to day driving.
The 205 was awesome on road and track but became a little unsettled on very bumpy stuff making it a bit hairy sometimes. But the level of grip offered was superb and I recommend coilovers to anyone who wants great handling and has reasonably smooth roads in their area.
Typos's 147 again was superb in the bends and was a great handler although a little crashy on rough surfaces. Again if you are looking to do a lot of track work I would recommend these as well.
My 156's autodeltas are firm and grip fantasticly as well but that extra give just makes them more comfortable. Both me and typos agreed that our cars had these different aspects and that on a track his would be superior but on road mine edged ahead althought mine are very capable track shocks too. So Scobbie its up to you bud. I would way up what you really want to do and then fit accordingly. If you are only doing a little track work I can recomend the autodeltas. If you are planning to do quite a few events then go for the fsd's. If you plan to hammer it on a track as much as possible then coilovers would be a must. I think most people are in agreement though that for the lower options eibachs are the only choice Hope that helps

[Pascs]

I thought the FSDs are a bit soft on my 156 V6 and have actually had the tyres touch the arch liner on a couple of big dips with the Eibach pro springs, my Bilstein dampers were much firmer but ride quality was worse and more 'bouncy' on normal roads.

I have the Zender front spliter on my 156 V6 and although its pretty low to the ground, only the very worse of steep driveways have caused it any problems..........you just need to stay well away from kerbs

[Joss]

Oh yeah forgot that. The seat leon splitter I haev does catch on some things

[Photodave]

Originally Posted by Scobbie-147

I think they are available but is it true they are not adjustable?

allegedly the same as the Sport dampers but not adjustable (but come on - how often would you adjust em anyway? )

[the graduate]

Originally Posted by Photodave

allegedly the same as the Sport dampers but not adjustable (but come on - how often would you adjust em anyway? )

mine in the summer and then in the winter

[marcevo1]

Eibach pro springs and matching dampers on my gta. Great!

Only modified down pipes occasionally catch - but you won't have that problem

I went eibachs instead of fsds on cost and the fact I liked the idea of matched springs and dampers. Fsds are harmonised for standard springs.

I've also got eibach front and rear arbs... They made a lot of money out of me that month......