improving cornering

[kabukiman]

So I've got little clue about suspension!

I like the ride in my fiesta however I want to, if possible, stiffen it up through corners, but still have it as confortable over bumps in the road, if you follow me.

I feel it rolls a little too much when it gets thrown into a bend.

What suspension parts am I looking at upgrading here? bushes? Cheers guys

[Arthurdent510]

Are you looking to take it to the track/auto-x? If you're not restricted to a class, there's probably 3 basic upgrades on the market now that I can see.... the ford racing suspension package would probably be your best bet. It's getting great reviews on this site for improving handling and not sacrificing ride quality. The next 2 would be optional, depending on how much you want to sacrifice ride quality... a rear sway bar, and possibly a front shock tower brace. They're going to start to stiffen the chassis up, and it may make it a harsher ride then you're looking for.

[Lonestar]

It's hard for me to imagine improving much on the handling, it's the sweetest part of the ride!

I haven't gone under there, but see if the bushings are replaceable with urethane ones, they're stiffer so they don't flex as much thru curves. Next, would be a slight increase in sway bar thickness. But beware: As cornering limits increase/improve, you get much less feedback about imminent tire break away, think about how solid wheeled things 'handle' like shopping cars and wheel chairs and the like.

[eRic]

step one. get some sticky summer tires (: next do the springs and dampers.

[Iceracer]

As eRic said, Also a rear sway bar will help with the roll and reduce understeer.
But tires are the first thing and often overlooked.

[kabukiman]

yeah my car came with a set of continental premium tyres.

They're very good! The car grips well, especially in the rain. It just feels a little unsure, if you know what I mean. I always feel like I'm in a corner a litle too fast for it because of the roll.

It's not for track use. A lot of the roads here are windy etc though and I thought suspension might be more worthwhile for me than an exhaust upgrade, or even new wheels. (the stock alloys on these tyres work well)

Maybe I'm just used to my old car :P It was a softer ride but it didnt roll as much through corners. I know what you eman about the grip though with stiffer suspension, that car had crap tyres and was very easy to push too far.

Thanks for the advice guys

[Iceracer]

I don't see much roll in my SE.
Perhaps your tires are not as good in the rain as you think.

[BRGT350]

a stiffer suspension in the rain will actually produce less grip, and will allow for less warning to you when the car begins to slide. If you want to handle better in wet conditions, go with a softer suspension set up, lower tire pressures, and pick a tire with outstanding wet traction. Also, it is raining, so slow down. If the car feels like you are corning too fast, chances are that you are.

[kabukiman]

I think you guys misread... it handles fine in the rain. I wasn't looking for better performance in the wet

I drive heaps in horrid conditions. I was just looking for a way to stiffen it up when it's dry and I can have some fun!

[Iceracer]

A rear anti-roll bar would probably be the best thing for what you are looking for.