Life110 Geometry. Experience, Advice and where to get done

[Whaleblue]

Having raised this topic on the Hire thread, and checked such a thread doesn’t already exist I thought I’d start one.

I’m interested in getting my car set up after reading the odd observation about it transforming their cars, and also hearing that the cars aren’t even within factory tolerance on delivery - though I can’t find these assertions easily now!

What are the experiences out there?

Also, being on the West Sussex coast I’d be interested in recommended outfits that can apply the Life settings. I’m sure others around this Isle would be similarly interested, so let’s perhaps gather that here.

[bcr5784]

Whaleblue said:

I’m interested in getting my car set up after reading the odd observation about it transforming their cars, and also hearing that the cars aren’t even within factory tolerance on delivery - though I can’t find these assertions easily now!

.

I had a courtesy car which felt different to mine so I had it checked (but not altered) - and it was well adrift of factory settings. I then checked mine and found it was out too - and I've had it from new.

I haven't done the Life110 mods (though I intend to). The opinions of those who have ranged from it "transforming" their cars to just a modest improvement (but all positive). I do wonder if those whose cars were transformed were off factory spec to start with. Certainly there is a wide range of opinion on the stability in crosswinds and again I wonder if poor geo is, at least in part, responsible.

[TN34A110]

Whaleblue said:

What are the experiences out there?

Also, being on the West Sussex coast I’d be interested in recommended outfits that can apply the Life settings. I’m sure others around this Isle would be similarly interested, so let’s perhaps gather that here.

We are also in West Sussex (Chichester) and have been recommended.......Darren at Wheelalignmentsolutions in Southampton. They have previously aligned another A110.

[Whaleblue]

bcr5784 said:

Whaleblue said:

I’m interested in getting my car set up after reading the odd observation about it transforming their cars, and also hearing that the cars aren’t even within factory tolerance on delivery - though I can’t find these assertions easily now!

.

I had a courtesy car which felt different to mine so I had it checked (but not altered) - and it was well adrift of factory settings. I then checked mine and found it was out too - and I've had it from new.

I haven't done the Life110 mods (though I intend to). The opinions of those who have ranged from it "transforming" their cars to just a modest improvement (but all positive). I do wonder if those whose cars were transformed were off factory spec to start with. Certainly there is a wide range of opinion on the stability in crosswinds and again I wonder if poor geo is, at least in part, responsible.

It’s increased stability that is my main interest to be honest as (although a driving god ) I won’t be hooning it around all that much. Sounds very positive though.

[Whaleblue]

TN34A110 said:

Whaleblue said:

What are the experiences out there?

Also, being on the West Sussex coast I’d be interested in recommended outfits that can apply the Life settings. I’m sure others around this Isle would be similarly interested, so let’s perhaps gather that here.

We are also in West Sussex (Chichester) and have been recommended.......Darren at Wheelalignmentsolutions in Southampton. They have previously aligned another A110.

Thanks. I’ve actually just pinged a request for the cost of Life110 doing this, and taking the opportunity to get the titanium rear track rods fitted, and perhaps the steel brake pipes and silicon intake pipes too. To be honest this is as much a potential excuse for a trip up there and a night or two away.

[roba110]

I have a 2021 MY Alpine, and have had the life110Geo twice. The first time was with the OEM springs and it totally transfered the cars handling, for the good. I then later went the further and had the Life110 progressive sports suspension fitted, and had Life110's sports geo set up fitted.
I can only say that it is the single most best value addition you will make. The cars handling and turn in are unbelievable compared to the factory settings.
I strongly advise that you get the geo adjusted.

[Whaleblue]

Yes, I’m convinced! Many thanks.

[bcr5784]

Whaleblue said:

It’s increased stability that is my main interest to be honest as (although a driving god ) I won’t be hooning it around all that much. Sounds very positive though.

As an alternate view, I actually prefer the car being "on the nose" even if that means it is ultimately slower. Mostly because I feel I have to drive the car even at modest speeds (you feel you are a passenger at similar speeds in a Cayman) but also, in a car that is more adjustable on the throttle you have more control in keeping the car on your side of the road. Yes, at high speeds in strong side winds the car isn't as directionally stable as (say) a Cayman - but I haven't come across conditions in my car where I wouldn't be happy to cruise at three figure speeds ( on the autobahn).

[AlexNJ89]

roba110 said:

I have a 2021 MY Alpine, and have had the life110Geo twice. The first time was with the OEM springs and it totally transfered the cars handling, for the good. I then later went the further and had the Life110 progressive sports suspension fitted, and had Life110's sports geo set up fitted.
I can only say that it is the single most best value addition you will make. The cars handling and turn in are unbelievable compared to the factory settings.
I strongly advise that you get the geo adjusted.

What is the ride comfort like on the Life110 suspension?

[Simon Owen]

AlexNJ89 said:

roba110 said:

I have a 2021 MY Alpine, and have had the life110Geo twice. The first time was with the OEM springs and it totally transfered the cars handling, for the good. I then later went the further and had the Life110 progressive sports suspension fitted, and had Life110's sports geo set up fitted.
I can only say that it is the single most best value addition you will make. The cars handling and turn in are unbelievable compared to the factory settings.
I strongly advise that you get the geo adjusted.

What is the ride comfort like on the Life110 suspension?

Sits between the stock car and the S, closer the stock car I think if you put a scale between the two, note the ARB's impact on ride also as they're much stiffer on the S. I've only been a passenger so can't comment from driving !! Big question for me is do you go springs or springs & dampers, there appears significant improvement to be made in damping quality without necessarily ruining the ride quality. Several options out there but quite a price hike over just the springs

[faisalosman]

roba110 said:

I have a 2021 MY Alpine, and have had the life110Geo twice. The first time was with the OEM springs and it totally transfered the cars handling, for the good. I then later went the further and had the Life110 progressive sports suspension fitted, and had Life110's sports geo set up fitted.
I can only say that it is the single most best value addition you will make. The cars handling and turn in are unbelievable compared to the factory settings.
I strongly advise that you get the geo adjusted.

I could not agree with this more. I had the geo done, Life110 springs and the rear lip spoiler fitted this week, and it's undeniably better. A lot more confidence and better rear-end stability. The package eliminated the slight dead zone in the centre at motorway speeds which made the car chase ruts in a disconcerting way. Don't hesitate; just do it. Spires did a wonderful job - lovely chaps and highly knowledgeable. I joked with Dave that he had reached celebrity status and that I should write 'fitted by the Pook' on the rear spoiler.

Oh, and I had the life paddles fitted. Definitely get those.

Edited by faisalosman on Sunday 12th March 12:50

[GVO]

Maybe I'm being an iconoclast here but I had the Life 110 springs fitted to my PE last Spring and have just reverted back to the standard springs (still with David's geo). After the upgrade I took the car on a week's trip to the Peak District and Yorkshire and thought it was absolutely fantastic. However, I live in Surrey where there are far too many speed humps and awfully broken road surfaces, and I came to realise a couple of months ago that I wasn't getting out and driving the car as much with the lower ride height and somewhat firmer ride. I've driven a 110S and that was much harsher but for my purposes 95% of the time the standard springs are preferable. That's not to say I don't like the 110 springs, they provide unbelievable control when pressing on and I've never been so fast in anything else in the same conditions.
As to the geometry on its own, I had it done quite early on and it did make a difference to stability in crosswinds, although didn't entirely cure the tendency to get blown about. I put on the Life 110 rear spoiler and that helped a bit too, as did the springs.
I also really like the Life 110 paddles!
If anyone wants a set of Life 110 springs, and doesn't live in Surrey, please make me an offer!

[Simon Owen]

Did you really find ride height / ground clearance an issue on the Life110 springs, the A110 has significant clearance and I would have thought easily accommodated the small ‘drop’ without issue. 2+ years into ownership here (standard non-S car) and I don’t think we’ve ever come close to hitting the deck. Front projection is also pretty small on the A110 isn’t it so that helps us a bit too.

[leglessAlex]

I've got springs and aero kit, and while I do have to be more careful, It's still not as low as something like a 997 GT3 I think.

That said, I also don't really care if it does scrape, I understand that if you were the type to be bothered by it it wouldn't be advisable!

[faisalosman]

Simon Owen said:

Did you really find ride height / ground clearance an issue on the Life110 springs, the A110 has significant clearance and I would have thought easily accommodated the small ‘drop’ without issue. 2+ years into ownership here (standard non-S car) and I don’t think we’ve ever come close to hitting the deck. Front projection is also pretty small on the A110 isn’t it so that helps us a bit too.

Never has a problem with speed bumps (and I live in SW London). In fact, I hopped in the car with Matt from Spires immediately after fitting, and we drove around the local area hunting for humps to check clearance. Zero problems.

My driveway at home has a slight incline, and I have to be a touch careful when I pull in, but it avoids scraping. It does look better on a lower stance (and with the lip spoiler, which sets it off), and the handling is much improved. The pros far outweigh any cons (if there are any).

Point to note on the geo. When Matt put the car on the ramps, he noticed that the geo had been fiddled around and was out. He said he had seen about 6 or 7 new cars adjusted after manufacture but before delivery, and he had no idea why. Very odd. However, it makes the case for a professional setup, even on a box-fresh car.

Edited by faisalosman on Thursday 16th March 09:19

[GVO]

Whilst it's not the most problematic car I have had (stand up 308GTB!), yes I did find that the ride height with the Life springs was too low for some of the places I go. And the need to really crawl over some bumps on my own road was an irritation. I'm more relaxed back with the standard springs.

[PhilipIbrahim]

faisalosman said:

Never has a problem with speed bumps (and I live in SW London). In fact, I hopped in the car with Matt from Spires immediately after fitting, and we drove around the local area hunting for humps to check clearance. Zero problems.

My driveway at home has a slight incline, and I have to be a touch careful when I pull in, but it avoids scraping. It does look better on a lower stance (and with the lip spoiler, which sets it off), and the handling is much improved. The pros far outweigh any cons (if there are any).

Point to note on the geo. When Matt put the car on the ramps, he noticed that the geo had been fiddled around and was out. He said he had seen about 6 or 7 new cars adjusted after manufacture but before delivery, and he had no idea why. Very odd. However, it makes the case for a professional setup, even on a box-fresh car.

Edited by faisalosman on Thursday 16th March 09:19

I too live in SW London and I am looking for places to have my geometry sorted. I have heard Abbey Motorsport can be tricky to get an appointment with so I was planning to drive up to Spires. Did you have yours done locally?

[GVO]

I take mine to the same guy who has looked after it from new, Andy at W London.

[GVO]

Having removed the Life 110 springs from my car and now planning a garage clear out prior to moving house, is anyone interested in said set of lightly used springs? If so PM me please. Thanks.

[worldwidewebs]

Try on the Facebook group