Project car - Fiat Panda 100hp

[Mr2Mike]

I don't suppose Fiat made the ride quality harsh for the sake of it, just another compromise on the path to improved handling. If the sharp handling of the Panda is less important to you than ride quality, fit the suspension of one of the non-sporting models. Raising the car to get more suspension travel, combined with softer springs is almost certainly going to cause more body roll however.

[vdubbin]

How about the precursor to the Swift Sport, the Ignis Sport? Lighter, same MA15 motor, and well within budget. There's a supercharged model on sale on the sisoc.co.uk forums at the moment which has been dyno'd at 185 bhp...

[900T-R]

If you're looking for a better ride/handling balance, starting with a high-rise car like the Panda may not be such a good idea. As said, the OEM engineers didn't make the suspension as firm as it is for $hits and giggles - it's probably a necessity to make a car with this kind of CoG and a rather basic suspension set up corner halfway decently at all.

If your Swift is of the current generation, I'd say it's a more promising starting point TBH. Over here there's a one-make series for the Swifts; chassis development for these cars was done by Intrax, tyres are Yoko (I think they're A048s) - could be worth exploring your options with them.

[tyasman]

At last, someone doing what I want to do to my Panda 100. Fun little car, but the suspension is horrendous. Have approached my local Fiat dealership about fitting standard springs and maybe Koni adjustable shockers but got the answer I was expecting. Can't help, may jeopardise insurance etc., etc. In other words, can't be bothered. Also tried the Panda forum, no result. My main thought was to replace the springs with standard, as I think the handling will be good enough for road use, and I'm not going to push it round corners anyway. But will they fit? Are they the answer? Is the stiff suspension also down to shockers as well? I have access to a car lift and next time it is in for service I'll ask the mechanics to check dimensions (family owned garage, with "real" mechanics, so advice will be properly informed.) In the meantime, if you or anyone else finds the answer I'd appreciate the result - my fillings are falling out by the week.
Also, what's the chance of "chipping" it for a bit more power?
Other faults with the Panda 1. Lack of storage cubbyholes for odds and ends. 2. Back seats don't lie flat when lowered. 3. Steering lock - for a little car it's diabolical.

[TheRealFingers99]

Konis are said to be the way forward (for the rear shocks). Easy enough DIY job.

It's the same chassis as the 500, so, while you'd not expect it to be as good as -- say -- a Bini Cooper S -- it should hold on remarkably well.

[tyasman]

Thank you Mr2Mike - practical, pragmatic answer. As I said, I realise the handling will be compromised but I ain't going to push it too hard anyway. Will keep the "bits" for when I sell it on in case the new owner wants it back to standard.