Help Wanted

[Optimus Prime]

Hi Guys,
Having had the leon cupra R (2003 210bhp) for almost 3 months now I still cannot get use to its handling . Basically within the first 2 weeks of having it I had it Custom coded and the filter and the forge 007 valve fitted. Also upgraded the brakes with Ferrodo DS2500 pads (back and front) and EBC Discs front and standard disc on the rear with Motul brake fluid. I find that in the rain the car feels a bit twitchy the rear end moves and the traction light comes on. I took it to Seat who said the OS lower ball joint need changing (explains the knocking noise and the front) and the front Anti Roll bar needs replacing (the mechanic showed me on the ramp and there was a small mark 2 cm long on the Roll bar, does not seem like it needs replacing to me )
The car has 2 Goodridge tyres on the front and 2 Kumho's on the back. Both tyres have loads of tread.

I just need your opinion on should I change the Anti Roll bar as said by the Seat dealer (i would probably upgrade them both) or should I change all 4 tyres to the same Better brand and then see how the car handles. Also when I accelarate hard (NOT from standstill) I find the car Torque steers is this normal with a custom code, can this be prevented?
My last 3 cars were E30 M3'S so were all rear wheel drive and normally aspirated so maybe I just need some driving lessons as this is the wife's car and I get to use it on weekends.
Also can anyone recommend a Seat Specialist near Beaconsfield who could change the lower ball joint and depending on what you guys advise change the anti Roll bars. If there is anyone who lives locally and has a Leon Cupra R maybe we could meet up and see what you think.

Sorry for all the questions but this forum is a very knowledgeable so I just wanted your opinions before I go and spend more money on the car.

Thanks
Sunny

 

[UncleFester]

It also needs a rear ARB - don't think it has one as standard - that will help a lot with the twitchy rear thing

 

[andycupra]

sounds like the front arb is ok if its just a mark.

 

[skahigh]

the car does have a rear arb i believe but i think it is sort of built in to the rear axle?

 

[Leigh15]

That's right - it's part of the torsion beam - it's not much cop though

 

[tony2311]

kumho at the rear might be your problem as they are crap

 

[Willie]

With the car you have there has been problems with the front ARB, this has been upgraded on several LCR and S3's (both have the same part)
I have had this done along with the ball joint as it was knocking
After having both of these changed you will notuce a big difference
I you are upgrading things it might be a good idea to upgrade the front ARB while your at it
Eidach do one in different sizes. If you match this with a rear ARB (as torsion beam one is pish) and an S3 Front upper strutt brace you will notice a big difference.
Dog bone mount will help you in corners if you lift off the engine will lurch forward less making it feel more planted
Get you tyres all Good year eagles and you'll be a happy camper
If you need me to help you spend any more money give me a shout

 

[Romeoisgraham]

Sort your rear tyres and see how you get on.

 

[Optimus Prime]

Thanks guys for all your help, currently just weighing up the costs if I should get the ball joint done and just change the tyres or have the ball joint done and get the ARB's changed at the same time and then wait for the tyres.

Been quoted £250 + vat for H&R ARB's 25mm back and front

Also been quoted (inclusive of fitting and vat):

£416 for 4 new Goodyear F1 Assymetric
£346 for 4 standard Goodyear f1's
£263 for 4 Falken 452's

Decisions decisions

Junior Senior:
This forum has been responsible for spending all my money on the LCR
It's a great read and again, thanks for all your help guys.