Let me explain the problem.....

December 2009, I bought an ultra-low mileage Fabia 2 1.6 16v (when I say low, I mean 17 months old with 1,070 miles.....)

So, in August this year, it became out of warranty, so I decided to play with a few things, which is where the problems started - have I bought the most un-tunable car in the entire range???

Apart from the replacement panel filter (done) there seems to be nothing at all available engine-wise - the K&N 57i kit looks like a complete waste of space, so I reckon, with a decent cat-back and a re-map - 120bhp tops?

Now (being a stupid old git) I'm looking at doing a few starter and novice track days with it so, not wanting to look like a complete kn*b it looks as though, if I can't make it go any faster, I'm going to have to make it handle better.....

So, what recommendations? There doesn't seem to be a strut brace available, as the standard airbox is in the way - front and rear ARBs would seem to be the thing to do - are the Whiteline ones the best to use, or can I find better?

Also I'm looking at lowering - possibly Eibach or KW springs or, if funds allow, a set of KW coilovers - again, there seem to be a few rather dubious spring sets about, which I want to avoid - I have a very nice set of metallic black Speedlines, which will be getting T-1Rs or similar, but what can other members advise, or have I just got myself into the most un-modifiable car ever???

have I bought the most un-tunable car in the entire range???

Yes.

You're on the right track suspension wise though, whiteline RARB, Eibach springs (preferrably the KW coilovers) and decent tyres. I wouldn't advise T1-R's on a track, they don't like it, keep them for the road. Toyo 888's for the track

Other than your tuning and suspension, shed some weight from the car when you go to the track. Surprising how much the rear seats weigh, get them out, parcel shelf out, spare wheel out, anything that's not bolted down.

Still a good bit of cash to throw at it though...

Edited 4 October, 201114 yr by Mike Wrightson

I'd consider chopping it in for something more amenable to tuning

when you're modding always best I feel is to do the opposite end of what you have all ready done,for example there's no point putting a big fancy exhaust system(creating more gas flow outward) if youre not changing the flow inward

full induction kit(more air in)= upgrade exhaust system(more air out)

if you're making it go quicker =make it stop quicker (brake upgrade) etc etc

obv if doing track days then these are a must, esp

tyres and suspension

I do hear rear anti roll bars do work well though.but I dought without going mega crazy you'd get much improvements

Edited 4 October, 201114 yr by barrheadred

Just do a couple of track days with your car as is, then see what you want to do.

The first track days I did were in a 100% stock car.

Track days are all about fun, being aware of other drivers is more important than speed.

If you've never done any before go to a track day as a spectator and have a look what goes on and

don't be afraid to talk to other drivers while your there.

You'll get more for your money by getting some on track instruction first.

Edit for spelling fail..

Edited 5 October, 201114 yr by YorkshirePudding

I'd consider chopping it in for something more amenable to tuning

I'd agree, personally I'd expect you to spend most of your time on a track day pulling over to let other cars past.

Which to me doesn't sound like much fun.

Just do a couple of track days with your car as is, then see what you want to do.

The first track days I did were in a 100% stock car.

Track days are all about fun, being aware of other drivers is more important than speed.

If you've never done any before go to a track day as a spectator and have a look what goes on and

don't be afraid to talk to other drivers while your there.

You'll get more for your money by getting some on track instruction first.

Edit for spelling fail..

I actually photograph quite a lot of track days ( http://www.bps-motorsport.co.uk ) and speak to quite a few drivers while I'm there - I did see a bog-standard Suzuki Swift trundling around the Snetterton 300 in 3:20+ so anything has to be better than that!

I'm seriosly considering putting together a Locost, or trying to get my hands on the Nissan 200SX that has been sat up the road for over 2 years - either would probably be easier (if the deal for the F3 chassis doesn't come off, that is.....)

In that case build a Locost.

Be careful, a lot if track days don't allow open wheel vehicles. With the F3 chassis you may be limited to test days which require brdc licenses etc etc and cost more

Be careful, a lot if track days don't allow open wheel vehicles. With the F3 chassis you may be limited to test days which require brdc licenses etc etc and cost more

Yeah - I'd realised that - but I didn't get the winning bid anyway!!!

Think I'll give up on this idea and just take pics of the rest of you guys and gals.....