Basic tuning mods for a 1.8iS?

[ben@fareham]

As above really, looking at what mods are possible and costs involved. Sure this has been covered loads but search isnt working!

Car already has bilstein shocks, rear brace (behind seats) and 195/50 tyres but thats it. So for say £500 what would be the best use of my money? Induction kit and sports exhaust? Alignment check and up rated anti roll bars? etc etc.

Really looking on the performance side more than handling as handling is good already. Any hints would be great, thanks.

Ben

[paulmurr]

ben@fareham said:

Alignment check

This ^^ Seriously.

And the most important part of the car is the nut that holds the steering wheel. If you're interested in track driving then get some instruction from a pro.

[Cafe Racer]

Nothing. Sports exhausts will give negligable performance upgrades for the money. Induction kits can cause problems with the airflow sensors.

Exhausts are just mainly for noise unless you go for a full system, which will cost more than £500.

[Munter]

For £500 you are looking at driver tuning.

http://bookatrack.com/-pE_Trackday-Calendar

Pick a day, rent a helmet, book instruction.

Or keep saving until you have enough to buy and fit a super/turbocharger kit.

[paulmurr]

Munter said:

For £500 you are looking at driver tuning.

http://bookatrack.com/-pE_Trackday-Calendar

Pick a day, rent a helmet, book instruction.

Or keep saving until you have enough to buy and fit a super/turbocharger kit.

I'd do the instruction before going FI though

[ben@fareham]

So basically no performance improvement unless you spend big bucks or go FI?

But handling is a better bet to 'tweek'? If a car has bilstein suspension and is lowered by about 30mm or so, how do I check what springs have been put on it and if it has been done properly? I have heard that Eibach springs are good but dont know if thats what are on there or not???

Thanks

[bluetone]

Proper rollbar perhaps? (not a style bar) it's a great mod that gives you a stiffer chassis as well as saving your head if the worst happens. Particularly if you fancy the occasional trackday.

[Cafe Racer]

Unless you get rear ended and hit your head on it.

Which is more likely to happen?

To the OP, by all means buy a fruity exhaust and induction kit, but DON'T expect any more bang for your bucks.

Edited by Cafe Racer on Saturday 21st March 10:18

[bluetone]

Cafe Racer said:

Unless you get rear ended and hit your head on it.

Which is more likely to happen?

Erm, seats have headrests? The rollbar is above your head? You would have to be really tall to hit your head on one IMO. Are you speaking from personal experience or just what you've read elsewhere?