VauxSport - Vauxhall advice and chat forum

Trish · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:59 pm Post subject: Can you make an Astra mk2 handle?

Is this possible, without spending a ridiculous amount on it? After driving jap-not-so-crap and (would you believe it) a volvo, the handling on the astra is one scary ass ride. I love chucking a car into corners, and would love to get the astra sailing nicely down these devon country lanes, without leaving brown staining on the seats!! Thumbs Up

BazW · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 99 1990 Vauxhall Astra

15's with decent 195/50/15 tyres, set of Bilsteins with matching -35mm springs and a front strut brace will do it

Turbo Gav · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject:

Easy to get handling well.
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djbrowney let · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 985

Kabouter · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 9:03 am Post subject:

Rear adjustable ARB made a massive difference on my mk4 astra with some gaz coilovers. Wheel alignment done properly by someone who actually understands it and loves it makes the worlds difference too.http://www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk/ Speak to Tony on their forum he is the man when it comes to wheel alignment.

Trish · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject:

GarySRi · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject:

depends which billys you buy the black ones are a waste of space, you need the heavy duty yellows
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Trish · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject:

I would'nt even entertain the black ones, I don't believe in cutting corners, but thanks for the heads up!!!

BazW · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 99 1990 Vauxhall Astra

depends on how you want it set up...i'm on my 8th mk2 so had plenty of experience. mines lowered 60mm with Gaz adjustables, on 17s and running standard rubber bushes and semi-stripped out. i love the way it handles, I can throw it all over the place

i'm told mine shouldn't handle all the time but like I said, it's the way I like it and I have had a while to get used to how mk2's handle. a safe set-up is what I put in my first post and most people get on with them like that and they are usable on the road where mine is a pain in the arse at times on crap roads

Astra mk2's aren't easy cars to throw about at the end of the day, you need to get used to them to get the best out of them imho

SY1 · Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 149 Location: Somerset

I belive lift off oversteer is an issue too, i keep meaning to take one of the rear anti rollbars off to see if it helps ?

Not the most helpfull reply but maybe something to bear in mind. beer

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Trish · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:44 am Post subject:

Violet · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:45 am Post subject:

Anthony · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:37 am Post subject:

Nothing to really add what hasn't been said really.... sure the mk2 will never stick like shit to a blanket, but i really enjoy the way they handle. I've had mk2's for nearly 10yrs now so am also fairly used to them, but i find when pushing to the limit on trackdays the car is very controlable and predictable as to how it will behave.

Regards
beer

BazW · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 99 1990 Vauxhall Astra

Jonboy · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:

Wait till Rob comes along, he'll tell you how to make one outhandle a Saab clap

Turbocraig · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 278 Location: Southwest UK

I think if you can get used to the lift off oversteer, they handle really nice. Personally I think grip levels are great & the pas is nicely weighted (esp for its age) I found though that when the rear lets go, it feels far heavier to catch than trying to reign the likes of a 306 or 205.

My 1st GTE suffered liftoff & ended on its roof. Doh

liamgte · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 18 Location: london

martinb · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 194

lift off oversteer is a factor that can be dialled in or out by setting the geometry accordingly..

if a car like the mk2 is prone to this behaviour( in the case of the mk2 excessive dive) even after corrective measures then surely adjust your driving style. late trail braking agressive steering input are a big no. lol
hence many people blaming sideways on a roundabout on "diesel". when in fact they went in too deep and dived on the brakes whilst midbend. if you can understand how a car handles why it is then your a lot closer to becoming a good driver rather than i know a bloke that is a mental driver.. etc.. crashing is inevitable when you dont understand what your doing wrong.. think we should get the swedish driving test over here!!!

i have seen many "rated" drivers at trackdays to only witness they are about as clever in a car as my gran.. and the 650hp they have makes up the driving defiecit. cough cough semen norris.. lol
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AndrisV · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 109 Location: Riga, Latvia, EU

I'd like to add, that in most "cases" this is made worse with really nice looking rims but having totally lame (inadequate) ET, usually around 25-28 instead of 49.

Davey J · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:58 pm Post subject:

Don't remove the rear ARB on the MK2. You'll reduce grip at the front.