After reading the 'What rear ARB' thread and thought why would anyone need one. I've change the suspension and the ride is greatly improved. After giving the car a bit of stick last night going round a sharpish bend which is also wavey,I found the front of the car feeling very soft, and very rolley polley, I barely lost traction and suprised the ibiza by pulling away from him round the corner and upto the NSL.

Now I'm only running 16's with the standard 205/55/16 tyres (Kuhmo KU31's) and wasn't sure if fitting ARB's would make much difference to the handling as I think the big downfall is the size of the tyres and the fact I have a big heavy diesel engine.

When the car is sat still and I rock the car side to side the only movement is in the flexing of the tyres and not in the moving of the suspension.

I'm sure I've answered my question but have fitting Front and Rear ARB's made much difference to people running an Octi Estate on 16" wheels?

Your opinions are welcome.

I have to admit that the best mod I have done to this car so far is the suspension and a far better mod than a remap, I would like to improve on the handling but not sacrifice the ride quality.

Out of interest what mods have you already done to the suspension?

TBH I doubt ARBs would transform it - but if anybody has experience?

What tyre pressures are you using - I run 'full-load' pressures on standard suspension which reduces sidewall flex a bit and makes handling a bit (relatively!) sharper but at a slight loss of standing start traction.

I'm running KW sports springs and dampers and running the tyres on full load settings.

I'm sure my problem is down to the heavy diesel engine and the size of the sidewalls but if the ARB's can sharpen/firm cornering then they will be worth doing.

I just don't want to spend the dosh if I'm not going to see the difference without going up to 17" wheels and a 225/45 tyre size.

I run a TDi and found that a rear ARB made the biggest difference in the handling. Second biggest difference were the front castor bushes, third were shocks and springs. My next mod will be the new K-mac adjustable front top mounts to get even more castor for more front end grip.....

Ooooh ARB`s do give a massive difference in handling

That is coming from me that has had the front and rear done to my Fabia

I did the rear first , wow fantastic and I get to drive over Woodhead pass too

Then the front :eek: got even better

Now I need the wishbone bushes :( but hey , still have great fun on that road

Sarah

I've allready done the wishbone bushes an suspension and that made a massive difference. I guess it's time to make a phone call to Sarah for some parts.

@ lookout, which diesel engine are you running and are you running 205/55/16 or 205/50/17 or 225/45/17 tyres?