Just a few thoughts after buying a rear ARB today. Don't shoot me down in flames guy's, but this is the conclusion I've reached today.

I've run my Vrs standard for 22 months and as time has gone on it's pretty obvious (to me anyway) that the best way to increase the cars pace cross- country was probably to sort out the suspension.

The problem, as I saw it, was the excessive body roll leading to the car feeling nervous when cornered hard. This can be sorted out to a degree by fitting just lowering springs or both springs and dampers, but this comes with a real trade off against ride quality with the ride being harder which is not a great thing on Nottinghamshires roads.

The other solution is a rear ARB to try and match up the behaviour of the front and rear of the car. The beauty of this solution is that the ARB is virtually undetectable in normal driving and only becomes apparent when you corner. This leaves the standard suspension ride quality in everyday driving with greatly improved cornering stability when you're pushing on.

My thoughts are that maybe the ARB should be the first mod for a new Furby owner and Eibach's second if you want to take it further. With the Eibach's you will also gain the cosmetic improvement from being 25mm lower. The ARB is around

This can be sorted out to a degree by fitting just lowering springs or both springs and dampers, but this comes with a real trade off against ride quality with the ride being harder which is not a great thing on Nottinghamshires roads.

I'd disagree with that - the ride with Eibach springs and dampers was no harsher than the standard setup, just more controlled

Chris

I'd disagree with that - the ride with Eibach springs and dampers was no harsher than the standard setup' date=' just more controlled

Chris[/quote']

And i would agree with that.

Even with my Konis set at max rebound, the Eibachs give a much firmer ride. Its most noticeable when going over speed bumps.

When i had the eibachs ( springs only) I felt they were softer than the standard set up.

I've noticed sod all difference between eibach springs & dampers compared to standard - just the amazing performance. I have the rear ARB too.

I have thought about suspension mods. for mine but have decided to do the strut brace and arb and then see, I suspect this will be adequate ( and removable at sell on time ) Any thoughts anyone:confused:

Sounds like a good starting point but it all depends on what you want regarding handling/road holding/comfort.

The rear ARB sorts out the roll during cornering. This in itself is a good thing for sure but - and to me this would be why to get springs/dampers too - it does not sort out the dive under braking.

I feel 110% more confident about how the car will behave now I've got rear ARB plus Eibach springs/dampers fitted.

I am now able to corner at speed without thinking 'hmm I wonder if I'll hit a bump and jump sideways' unlike before where this side-stepping has happened, esp. on a wet road. Not talking stupid speed here, this happens at 50 mph on a pretty wide bend.

The car steers much more direct, and didn't seem to mind speed bumps that much either. Of course as it's lower by an inch so you need to be aware of the ground clearance a bit more

The rear ARB appears to have added a bit of noise where the bar moves, will add a bit more lube to it when it's next on a ramp.

Suspension on Eibachs didnt appear to make it particularly harsh, as a matter of fact SWMBO didnt notice it at all

vRSLen definitely sums it up though - it all depends on what you want. If you want to dial out the roll then the rear ARB is a good one to go for. If you are looking to sort out handling generally then springs/dampers may be better initially as it helps improve on several aspects of the handling in one hit.

ARB is on the list after my ICE is all in, or will I get pimping tints instead :rubchin:

or will I get pimping tints instead :rubchin:

You'll look like a 1.2 Sport then won't you ?

I've been running my eibach's for a week now (springs with standard dampers) and actually prefer the ride comfort. The first thing I did was add a strut brace which on its own made the steering more accurate, which was a good improvement. I then added the springs and this has completely transformed the car. I drive country lanes and normal roads and their is no difference in ride, if not a bit more comfortable, until you hit a pot hole. The springs allow me to carry more speed through corners and roundabouts and this is ideal in Milton Keynes especially.

Definately recommend the eibach's if you want a better feel and control.

When I first installed the springs, the ride on my car totally changed. Handles great and is quite low down at 40mm. It used to be smooth and comfortable (duh)...now it is pretty rough and solid...over bumps the springs are so damned stiff the car doesn't bounce.

Was thinking about getting an ARB, but now I might have to look at dampers since my standards are coming of age and have started slightly leaking. Checked out some H&R dampers. Might be getting me one of those

Do aftermarket dampers come with the option of adjusting the height or is that only for coilovers?

Mil.

Dampers dont offer any adjustment in ride height. the car sits on the springs, remember

Just to follow on - I've had the Eibach springs fitted today to go with the ARB. It was good with just the ARB and standard dampers, but now it's lowered 25mm aswell the improvement is massive.

The traffic has been horrendous today so I've not tested as much as I did with yesterdays ARB, but initial signs are good. It seems to corner flatter than I thought possible, but I stick with what I said yesterday - I think the low speed ride is choppier even with the bumpstops trimmed as JBS do. Overall it's a great improvement and the handling is now more matched to the cars performance.

As for the replies so far, most of you seem to disagree with me about the ARB being the best first mod which is fair enough, but the combo of Standard dampers, Eibach springs and Jabba ARB is as far as I need to go.

Standard dampers will probably be fine but wear out a tad quicker due to less travel, but the springs + rear ARB will make a massive difference.

I have a feeling the choppier thing at low speed is also due to less flexing but I'm no expert on that

Like yourself though I think it's transformed the car, whichever way round you do it I sure am happy with it