Back to coop ownership. Handling text book wanted.

As the tittle suggests. Last time I was into going fast and stopping.
This time as I'm into BMW's and I do quite a bit of competition drifting I wouldent mind a coupe that handles.

I've noticed whilst doing a few searches that different engine mounts suspension arms etc etc have been developed or tested since I last had one.

Is there such a thing as a text book for a tidy handling package? Aside from just slapping coilovers on it?

Depends if you want it to be a fast road car or more orientated to track action?

Nigel I think has the perfect set up for fast road and trackdays with out the use of coilovers

Fast road. Not really for track unless as a back up car for my M3.

Thank you

Mine is very nearly where I want it now (just some tired Eibachs to replace). Its taken a long time and quite a bit of experimenting, but the current setup is as follows:-

Osrav adjustable shocks
Eibach springs
Strut brace
Subframe brace
Polybushed wishbones
23mm rear ARB (standard front)
Adjustable front camber - set to 1.4 degrees, but will shortly be backed off to about 1.2
Team Dynamics ProRace 1.2 wheels - 7 x 17
Quaife ATB diff

I tried a polybushed rear subframe, but we bent the subframe fitting the bushes, so it made the car worse - will do it again one day

Also going to try a welded front subframe - already welded, currently at the powder coaters

With all the above, understeer is but a distant memory. It'll happily out-corner an M3, even in the wet. With a near-identical setup on my old Coupe, it would have been placed in the top ten of the RWD class on the handling circuit at Ten of the Best - faster than several Lotuses, including Exiges and One-Elevens

However, with a tweak of the damping settings, its perfectly acceptable as a daily driver - yes, its firm, but its very well controlled.

If you're ever in the Midlands, give me a shout - happy to take you out for a quick demo

I found the welded subframe made a lot of difference to the front end of mine, will be good to hear how much difference it makes with you and your setup mate

Yes, true - welded and braced makes difference.....i was using 2 front subframes on my trackday RWD 156 few months ago(front and rear axle used same subframe) and it was great.....however i make entire new front subframe in order to use tubular wishbones replacing of one of the worst front suspensions made in Italy......
I also found that rising front or rear bush of the front wishbones with 3 to 5mm metal washers have noticeable effect on early braking and initial turn in......so called anti dive effect.....

Nigel, i always look forward to you replies. You have so much experience being the member who has probably driven the most miles in a coupe.

I think you should compile a list of the common parts. I know its here in dribbs and drabbs but spread all over the forum. I would love your experience all as a sticky.

For example what parts you think are the best, last the longest etc.

A few things would be like above, suspension, brakes, turbos etc. I cant think of a member who has been through the life of more components than you!

Craig

There's only one which I can think of which has been through around the same amount of parts/setups and that would be good old Sparco with the race car. Especially with his very hard driving style round knock hill.

I would exactly agree with Nigels list and maybe add ''battery in the sparewheel floor" as one of my significant changes for balance.
Longitudal Alfa Spider/GTV subframe-floor braces add some shell stiffness aswell.

I'm still on Bilstein's but it does feel a bit soft on certain track events.

There was a RWD Coupe in Italy this weekend.

Thanks for the input all.

I have bought ninja's old coop albeit a non runner at the mo.

His suspension set up seems solid enough to deliver yet soft enough to enjoy. I might look at the polybushing and subframe welding/bracing in due course.

nigel how much could you supply your setup for to us
Osrav adjustable shocks
Eibach springs
Strut brace
Subframe brace
Polybushed wishbones
23mm rear ARB (standard front)

also when you say weld the subframe can you explain a bit more as im really handy with a welder but textspeak want to weld the wrong bits.

Rough guess as follows:

Shocks - £650
Springs - £250
Strut Brace - £150
Subframe brace £100 (but no longer available - they pop up secondhand every now and then)
Polybushed wishbones - £120 (or about £350 with new wishbones)
rear ARB (22mm or 24mm only - never seen another 23mm for sale) - £150

Labour to fit it all? - got to be close to a full day, so around £400 - £500

Total bill would be somewhere in the region of £2,000 - £2,200

A welded (and powder-coated) front subframe would add another £300 - £400

A re-furbed rear subframe with poly mounts would add about the same - another £300 - £400

Sounds like a lot, but you would end up with a car that will comfortably out-handle almost any FWD car and quite a lot of so-called sporty RWD stuff too

Its also a very durable setup - my Osravs have already done 50,000 miles and feel fine (previous set did about 150,000). The polybushes on the wishbones have done over 200,000, as has the rear ARB. I've just replaced the Eibachs after about 250,000 miles

The Whiteline 22mm rear ARB is sadly no longer available, according to Julian at Balance Motorsport A minimum of 30 pcs might be a tall order even for a group buy?

Hmmm - I tried the 24mm and found it made the Coupe a bit too "pointy" at the front end - would probably be good fun on track, but on a greasy roundabout in the Birmingham rush-hour, it always felt like it wanted to step out on me

However, with an uprated front ARB as well, it may balance out a bit better (I was running a standard front ARB at the time)

In Italy we are searching for 22mm ARB
Maybe can we create a big group buy?
Maybe with also french friends that were at Spa?

So if we could get at least 6 orders each from UK, Italy, France, Germany and Sweden we're good. And I'll have one. Maybe not such a tall order after all...

Can anyone create a poll for a group buy?

Are the osrav shock absorbers still available cant find any anywhere?

I think others have bought directly from Osrav in Italy. Try emailing them at osrav@osrav.it

speak to Zagato Lancia

www.lancia.org.uk

Thanks Guys i have sent an email to Osrav.it in my pidgin Italian and Zagato Lancia!here in the UK!
Hopefully they are still available!
Cheers