Super Josh 4 Posted May 3, 2006 Guys, with the ever increasing number of pot holes and speed humps on our roads i'm thinking of changing my suspension for something a little more 'comfirtable' and less 'crashy' ( yes, i'm turning into an old man ) Most modern performance cars have suspension that is alot more compliant than a 205, so what are my options? Return back to standard GTi spec, with new springs and dampers? Been along time since i had a standard set up, will this be too crashy? Base model springs and dampers? Will this be soft and wallowy? I assume the base model dampers don't have the mounting lugs for the antiroll bar? Will they even fit in GTi hubs? What about a budget coilover set up, like AVO's. I could use a spring rate that is similar to or slightly less than standard. Would the damping be softer than standard on their lowest setting? Coilover may allow me to keep the car slightly lowered, but with a decent amount of suspension travel and not have that 'up on stilts' look. Any other suggestions/opinions? Cheers, Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted May 3, 2006 What about a new, full 309 setup? Shouldn't be crashy if new, with good condition bushes and mounts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted May 3, 2006 always thought Peugeot did a really good job with the ride/handling compromise of the std set up; mine's a daily driver, so i've stuck with the std susp and really like it i reckon it actually compares favourably to many modern cars (of similar type) remember driving a std Cooper S which had a terrible ride Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shepherdfte 0 Posted May 3, 2006 always thought Peugeot did a really good job with the ride/handling compromise of the std set up; mine's a daily driver, so i've stuck with the std susp and really like it i reckon it actually compares favourably to many modern cars (of similar type) remember driving a std Cooper S which had a terrible ride Brand new std set-up ought to be fine, and cheap (std billies only £40 a corner). New bushes etc should stop the banging a lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Batfink 201 Posted May 3, 2006 Hey Josh! I have brand new front and rear shocks and some brand new skip brown roadspeed springs. I am selling the lot if your interested..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
James_m 0 Posted May 3, 2006 Batfink, what was it like with that setup? was the ride much worse then standard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nick 3 Posted May 3, 2006 My mate has AVO coilovers on his 1.9 and the ride is perfect. Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Batfink 201 Posted May 3, 2006 Batfink, what was it like with that setup? was the ride much worse then standard? sadely i have never got round to trying it. I decided that i didnt want to continue running a 205 as a road car and so I am selling all my parts and breaking the car I have for spares rather than rebuild it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest smokinslim Posted May 3, 2006 I wouldn't recommend base model kit unless you like drivin boats mate, soft's an understatement. Plus as you suggested the front struts don't have the droplink connectors, ARB bolts straight into the track arm. The struts will fit in the hubs though and vise-versa. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom_m 0 Posted May 3, 2006 if you want a smooth ride fook a fat bird, you're in the wrong car if you want a comfortable ride IMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Super Josh 4 Posted May 3, 2006 Josh, buy a BX Yeah, put the engine in the car it belongs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
veloce200 3 Posted May 3, 2006 yep std b4 bilstein and std springs and maybe raise the ride height ! personally if you are worried about ride get a second car - xantia or bx - best ride this side of a jag! and cheaper than a set of shocks ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Super Josh 4 Posted May 3, 2006 Does anyone know if base model springs will fit GTi struts? Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted May 3, 2006 Does anyone know if base model springs will fit GTi struts? Yes they will, but don't do it.... fit standard GTi stuff if you're going to do anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stealth_pug 0 Posted May 7, 2006 Hi, i've just fitted GTI struts and spring to my base model so the base model struts have the same fitment as GTI hubs. They don't have the anti rollbar link though. I kept the top plate of the base model strut and have gti shocks and springs so yes the strut is the same. But like already mentioned the base model is literally like driving a boat don't do it i had enough of it and converted to GTI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fangio 1 Posted May 7, 2006 I had SBC springs and KYB Ultra SR dampers all round with a fully refurbed and slightly lowered rear beam a while ago, which was great when driving enthusiastically - actually got better the faster you drove - but on a day to day basis wasn't very comfortable. So I decided to go back to standard and have to say it is a really fine set-up - for normal, all round driving. I was going to buy new std shocks and thought about the springs. My question is - Do springs really tire and is there any benefit in replacing them? Anyone have any experience / technical expertise? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted May 7, 2006 i'm using the std susp and really rate it too; renewed the shocks (genuine Peugeot) and had the r beam rebuilt a few years ago still running the original springs though - they've not been changed since i've had it and i've covered 120k on them (200 in all - more likely than not all on the original springs) from my own experience, i've no reason to suspect that the handling/ride is affected by elderly springs, but would also be interested in knowing whether or not others think that they 'tire' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fangio 1 Posted May 8, 2006 Is there no-one here with the technical knowledge ( not just opinion ) that can say whether car springs may, or may not lose, their 'bouncability'? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
saveloy 8 Posted May 8, 2006 Josh, these should fit nicely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob_the_Sparky 9 Posted May 9, 2006 Is there no-one here with the technical knowledge ( not just opinion ) that can say whether car springs may, or may not lose, their 'bouncability'? Try a search, I asked this question a few weeks ago and basic answer was yes but only after a huge number of years, generally not a problem from what I understand (just fitted standard spec Billiies to mine). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fangio 1 Posted May 9, 2006 Cheers for that Rob, I did a search but couldn't find anything definitive. I believe you're right though, it would take a hell of a lot to reduce their efficiency. Just wanted to have the suspension as it should be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonas 0 1 Cars Posted May 11, 2006 Stock 205 CTi 1.9 suspension feels quite comfy. At least when compared to lowered GTi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
