Hi guys.

I'm wondering if the Whiteline 22mm rear ARB, that I brought late last year, is worth adding to my coupé. I've fitted Billies, Eibach springs, camber bolts, Sparco top brace, Toyo tyres and had it all set up. The results are fantastic, no matter how much abuse I give her she just carries on.

So, to you people who have added a rear ARB to a "sorted" chassis, did you feel that it was worth the effort?

Cheers,
Chris.

I've a similar set up to you 007, & initially I got carried away with the handling side of things rather than look for more power.

The rear ARB was on my to do list, but like yourself, for my needs I have a good handling Coop. By all accounts it's not the easiest of jobs to do either, so unless you do track days, or are really persuaded by others on here.

If you're happy I'd be tempted to say leave it.

Consider refreshing other suspension components though (wishbones, top mounts, drop links), polybushing too if you aren't too concerned about bad roads.

Wishbones, top mounts and drop links all done within the last 24 months and I don't want to add anything further to increase the already harsh ride.

Personally yes as it tightens up the rear end and you don't have such severe weight transfer in the corners.

As above ... it made a significant difference to the handling of my old 20VT, and I don't think it affected the harshness of the ride

It makes the rear feel more.... connected. If that makes sense!!

Ross

In the row of handling mods one of the more efficiant, yes!

I found it made a good improvement to the back end.
If I had to discribe it I'd say it feels more like a shorter wheelbase hatchback with the back end following tidily behind.
Easy to fit too...Just drop off at Motormech in the morning and pick up at the end of the day.
No Swarfega required.

...and a right pig DIY job..

i'd heard it was ok if it was the 22mm one? the 24mm needs custom brackets.

but like Sandytim, i allow others to do these things generally

It doesn't affect the ride at all as it has nothing to do with the spring, what it does is makes the coupe better through corners. Definately worth fitting.

Time to see if Roger can add this to his little list.

Thanks for all the input.

GB?

Sorry, I've already got the ARB it just needs fitting.

Yes well worth doing!

My verdict

Lets call it a £200 mod (incl. fitting). For that price on "fast road" application, ontop of my other mods, I would say no it wasn't worth doing.

I can feel that it's made a difference but only when I'm driving like a bit of a tool. When I'm going through the bends in a controlled manner I don't feel like it's made any improvement.

Obviously I'm still feeling my way with it but what would be interesting is to get used to my set up then remove the ARB after 6 months. That way you really would notice if there was a big difference.

well you have to be an interested driver at all to buy a Fiat Coupe, and if you're not don't bother. Then you have to do trackdays to really appriciate a larger rear ARB. But if you do, then yes, but it! The 22mm is fine.