andyp

Is there a difference between the layout of suspension on a 4dr against a 5dr?

I'm about to acquire some Prodrive suspension parts (shocks, dampers and AR bar) from a 5 door. The dealer who is to fit them told me that Prodrive has a different catalogue number and price for 4dr and 5dr suspension upgrades.

I always thought the suspension layout was the same...but I'm having second thoughts now.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Andy

[This message has been edited by andyp (edited 17-11-1999).]

JohnT

Good question, I've wounded if there is a difference between 4 and 5 door.

andyp

The truth is out there....Anyone got any ideas. Don't want to get the 5dr parts and find out they don't fit a 4dr.

Andy

mark245

Andyp, have you spoken to Mike Woods at Prodrive? He's very helpful and if anyone knows it's him,best of luck,

Mark

andyp

Mark,

I don't suppose you have a contact number there for him?

Andy

MorayMackenzie

The 5 door has more weight over the back axle(s) and is designed to provide better load handling (you can fit big heavy things into the car), so the rear springs are probably stiffer than the 4 doors (ooh err...). The 5 door is also less tortionally rigid, with no bracing between the turrets, so it will suffer from twisting and bending more than the 4dr. It is a much more practical Q car though!

Moray (had 5dr, now 4dr)

mark245

andyp, sorry not on me. Call directory or look through sidc site for prodrive in Banbury, Oxfordshire and the receptionist will put you through to him there.

Best of luck, Mark

andyp

Moray,

if that's the case then putting 5dr suspension may just result in a slightly harsher ride for the rear passengers!

Does anyone know if the actual dimensions of AR bar or shocks are different?

andyp

I called Prodrive to find out what differences were. For all the anoraks out there the 5 dr suspension kit has longer rear springs than the 4dr kit. Apart from that they're identical.
5dr springs are 7mm longer when unweighted; this equates to around 4-5mm when fitted to the car. I would guess this is to compensate for the additional weight of the 5drs rear as well as the likelyhood that the 5dr will often be carrying more load.
All in all not a lot of difference.

Andy