Technical Suspension options for the Indian Palio 1.6

[vignessh]

Hello everybody,

My first post in this forum. My name is Vignessh, am from India. I own a 2008 Palio 1.6 Stile. I've been reading up on the forums here with lot of interest as there is little information about this car anywhere else.

Am currently running 185/60 R14 Michelins on the stock 14" alloys. I was looking at aftermarket suspension options and to my disappointment could not find any options for the Palio. In some of the posts here, I read the Palio shares the front suspension with that of the Punto Mk1. Does that mean I can retrofit an aftermarket front suspension meant for the Punto Mk1 on my car? I was looking at this option in particular (Koni 8741-1304Sport) - Koni because we have a local distributor.

Any help/suggestions please?

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Hi Vignessh,
I don't know much about the latest Palio models, I suggest to contact the Koni factory and ask them!

 

[vignessh]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the quick response. I contacted the local distributor here and he said there are no products available for the Palio. Unfortunately we only have four models from the Fiat family launched in India - Uno (stopped production long time back), Palio (launched in the late 90's), Linea (launched in 2009) and Punto (launched in 2009). Hence the knowledge about these cars is quite low compared to the other brands.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

The original Palio is based on the Uno, I believe the latest versions are more GM orientated.
Your best chances to find lowering parts for your car are in Brazil, overthere the Palio range is still very succesfull, and there are several Palio clubs.
The only problem....: you have to speak Brazil......!!

 

[planet_rocker]

@ peter - you have H&R lowering springs in your car right?

The retro palio 1.6s suspension are quite adequate for Indian roads. the ones in Stile` is a bit soft from what i have heard. Stock 1.6 Stile` are quite good on track.

See this: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attac...-reports-edit-july-09-pics-added-dsc_0658.jpg

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attac...-reports-edit-july-09-pics-added-dsc_0659.jpg

Source: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...8-pics-reports-edit-july-09-pics-added-3.html

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Yes, H&R on my car indeed, lowering about 2-3 cm, which is just fine.
I have an engine protection plate beneath the car, sometimes it just barely touches the ground...
Roadholding is perfect, wish I had fitted those springs years earlier...!!

 

[vignessh]

@planet_rocker - Yeah the suspension is slightly softer compared the older Palio. I had a ride in my friends Suzuki Baleno equipped with Koni suspension. It was simply awesome, it had the right amount of damping and the car felt superbly planted on the road. This is the only reason why I was on the lookout for Koni replacements. Looks like in my case, the search continues...