Starting The Project

[stealth_pug 0]

Hi, i own a 1.1 205 which is in excellent condition. I am planning on turning it into a stealth car based on GTI parts but keeping it looking reasonably standard. The first thing i am doing is upgrading the suspension. I chose this as I am in my first year of driving so any power upgrades would kill my insurance. Plus by doin the suspension then brakes by the time i come to the engine transplant I will have a car that can handle the power.

 

For the front I have a pair of bilstein streetline GTI struts with 35mm lowered spring ready to fit.

I am not sure what to do with the back yet. I am aware that it can be lowered using the torsion bar and this will be necesary if the front is lowered and I am also planning on changing the rear shocks when money becomes plentiful.

Can anyone explain the differences between the rear suspension on the GTI models and the non GTI models as I may swap the whole rear beam so then I get the brake disc conversion aswell.

Does anyone also have any advice on lowering using the torsion bar and how big a job it is.

thanks

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

Have a search for lowering as its been discussed quite a bit recently & the details for the differences between the beams is all there also. Its not a big job but can open a whole can of (expensive) worms if the beam is near death when you lower it. A good time to refurbish it is if you lower it.

 

There are two methods, the spline method or the Peugeot recommended way that means you have an infinately adjustable ride height. (remove the torsion bar completely from the ends)

 

There is a guide for the spline method (not the clearest though) here on the main website & I'm part way through writing one for the correct factory preferred method.

 

Graham.

[stealth_pug 0]

Finally got 1 of the new front struts in today. Took a lot longer than I'd hoped as the haynes manual neglect to mention that after 13 years of the cars whole weight on it it probably wont just slide out. I swear when they write those manuals they get a brand new version and take it apart. The suspension is definately stiffer on the new strut but does not look any lower. I assume it will lower itself as it settles down??? Is this correct??

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

With the difference in weight between the 1.6 or 1.9GTi engine compared to a 1.1 they might not lower it at all but they will be a stiffer rate. They might settle a little but not by anything more than 10mm imo.

 

Working on the base model suspension, subframe & ARB set up is a nightmare.

 

Graham.

[stealth_pug 0]

Its definately stiffer which was the important thing and has dropped about 30mm after driving the car. Typical British weather has stopped me doing the other side which makes it wierd driving.

[stealth_pug 0]

Got the other front strut in today, looks absolubtely quality now. Its dropped a noticeable amount at the front and the handling is so much better now.

Now for the rear.... trying to get hold of some rear streetlines if anyone can help??

Also wud it be possible to fit a lower strut brace to the base model now I have the GTI front struts as they have the mounting brackets??

[jonD6B 0]

ARB or lower strut brace? I would do a search before opting for the Bilsteins on the back as I'm sure I've read somewhere that they're not hugely different to standard GTI shocks. I may be corrected.

[stealth_pug 0]

lower strut brace.... the shoks i have on now are base model so even if the streetlines are not much better than the GTI they will still be a big improvement on the ones currently fitted.