Improving 1.9tdi (1998) suspension

[Rocky786]

Hi guys,

I want to stiffen the suspension of my Mk2 1.9tdi (1998 model). I do not want it to be lower than 40mm.

What are my options?
GMAX?
Gti suspension?

I am new to ownerships of Seats and do not know much about which parts can swap over from the high performance range into my Tdi.

Many Thanks

Rocky

PS: I have 15 inch alloys on the car, and will have Eagle F1's on the front soon.

 

[chris285]

i know the fk suspension kit will do that, 40mm lower and is the full kit and is a straight swap afaik and reasonably priced

 

[Rocky786]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for that mate.

I will do some research on FK.
But just out of interest are they a Seat specific company? They sound to me as if they cater for cars part of the VW group.

Thanks

Rocky

 

[Roelích]

The FK stuff is good, but I would also recommend Weitec. Some people on here have Weitec suspension and they rate it!

Good prices too!

 

[AlpineWhite]

Hi,

FK aren't Seat specific. They cater for a lot of the VW Group marques, I don't know about other manufacturers they might make parts for though! The Ibiza is a bit of a parts bin special, sharing a lot of parts with the Polo mk4 and Golf mk2/3. It's all part of VW's platform sharing principle, so often tuning parts can be shared or easily adapted for other cars.

Does anyone know whether there's a big weight difference between the 1.9 diesels and the 2.0 petrols? If there is a big difference you might get an odd response from the suspension.

 

[Rocky786]

Hi Guys,

Once again in the space of one afternoon, this forum is proving very useful.

My knowledge regarding seats is increasing.

FK seems good, one thing though i just cannot find Wietec and FK suspension listed for 1.9tdi 1998. They seem to list it for the newer models. perhaps I am not looking hard enough!

The weight difference is a good point, i generally think that diesel engines are more heavy than petorl counterparts...

Thanks

Rocky

 

[AlpineWhite]

Just raised the point about weight because a mate of mine is looking at buying a mk2 golf with a VR6 conversion, although the coilovers are for a regular mk2, and the guy selling it did say that it would benefit from some suspension that's more 'up to the job'. Mind you, he wasn't saying it was a huge problem, and I'd wager that the weight difference from 1.8 8v <--> 2.7 VR6 is greater than the difference between 1.9 TDi <--> 2.0 petrol. Worth bearing in mind though

 

[Cupra Kid]

1.9TDi comes in at 1050Kg

2.0 8v comes in at 1045Kg

2.0 16v comes in at 1100Kg

Obviously depends on how much fuel is in the tank, what kinda ICE is in there etc

 

[AlpineWhite]

Basically nothing in it then! GTi suspension or coilovers should be fine, on that count.

 

[Rocky786]

Ok Thats good.

I imagine Gti suspension will be cheaper than most other kits.
Is Gti suspension nice and stiff? I am not bothered about lowering as such, more to reduce the roly poly body roll my ibiza suffers from and it's horrendous ability to understeer.

I now need to find out if GTi suspension will definately be direct replacements for existing suspension and of course cost of such a kit.

Best Regards

Rocky

 

[AlpineWhite]

GTi suspension is a bit stiffer, and i think, lower than the standard models. This should reduce the tendancy to roll - but if you really want it to corner more flatly, look at getting a thicker ARB.

 

[lewism3]

I rate the FK Kit. Just fitted a 60/40 split on my wife's Golf GTI and it handles very well.

Mines a standard Beezer Mk2 TDI and I wanted a 60mm drop, but can only find kits that drop by a maximum of 40mm. Does anyone know of others about?

Rocky can you post some pics if you get it sorted pls?

 

[BeezerDiesel]

I owned a 1998 TDI about eight years ago and a while after that a 2000 TDI, so both on essentially the same chassis. I can well remember how bad the original suspension is.
My opinion for what it's worth: don't get a lowering kit unless you can live with a pretty harsh ride! I would say get either a second hand 20vt mk3 Ibiza or maybe a 16v mk2 Ibiza set of springs (standard ones) via a wanted advert on here from someone who has upgraded their suspension. Then invest in a set of good quality gas dampers. You will then have a fairly decent ride quality, much much less roly poly, much less nose dive under braking and a far more enjoyable car to drive.
Also, if yours is a pre airbag steering wheel car, have a quick look on ebay or somewhere similar and find a nice MOMO steering wheel. Really is the icing on the cake and makes far more difference than you would give credit for, and quite cheap second hand. If your car is an airbag model then google for Isotta, they do a range of leather steering wheel covers (sort of custom fit) which gets rid of the nasty plastic rim and gives you a nice chunky leather one.

 

[Rocky786]

Hi Guys,

Yep my Ibiza does suffer from extreme roly-poliness and nose diving even under light braking!

I used to own a 205gti (mi16) and an Escort Gti lowered 60mm on shocks and dampers, so I know i can live with stiff suspension. However, the escort always had to be MOT'd at garages with flat ramps otherwise the cat and sideskirts would hit the floor.

I would therefore much rather have max 40mm drop but emphais being on stiff suspension.

BeezaDiesel: Will 20vt mk3 Ibiza or maybe a 16v mk2 Ibiza suspension be direct replacements, and how much can i get these brand new from SEAT?

Lewism3: I will definately post pics when it is done.

Finally, unlrelated to suspension, but will Goodyear Eagle F1 help reduce the bad understeer of my TDI and its general lack of grip in greasy conditions?

Thanks

Rocky

 

[AlpineWhite]

16v mk2 suspension should be a direct fit.

20vt mk3 suspension will need different top mounts, IIRC. The Ibizas tend to get through top mounts, so whatever you fit, a new set of top mounts would be advisable.

Goodyear Eagle F1s should help overall grip, I'm very happy with mine. Plenty of grip on dry switchbacks, even with a car full of people.