Ade

What's the difference? Geometry or build quality?
Are the RS1600i ARBs compatible with single top bolt suspension setup of the post '83 shells or will mixing and matching parts mess up the geometry?


Also see my wanted ad' for one too....
https://passionford.com/forum/viewto...199231#4199231

Ade

I've since heard that RS1600i fits the same and is better as it's just basically stiffer.....

Anyone confirm this?
Is the S1 version a waste of time in comparison?
Is there anyone out there?

Marc LJX

iTrader: (2)

1600i ones are much lighter for a start because the crossmember is alloy.
The roll bar is thicker than the S1, so should be stiffer (Although the S1 has a solid bar as opposed to the hollow one on the 1600i).
1600i ones have two different types of tension strut/ARB clamp. One has a rubber bush inside, the other is a solid metal to metal type clamp same as the S1. I dont know if there is any difference in performance between the clamps. After checking a few 1600i's out at ford fair, the rubber bush clamps appeared to be fitted to the later cars IIRC.
As far as i know, you cant get a poly equivalent for the clamp rubber bush. But you can get poly bushes for the ARB to crossmember mountings.
There will be no difference to the suspension geometry, although i would get it checked due to the adjustability of the tension struts. (They may have been altered before.) These only alter castor anyway. The camber differences between early 2 bolt shells and later shells is made by relocation of the strut top.
The tension strut to crossmember mounts are also different. Theyre like a rod end with a rubber boot on the S1, but like a ball joint assembly on the 1600i.
There. Thats everything i know. Hope it helps!

Ade

Nice one cheers! Good bit of info there

Sounds like I really should be hunting out an RS1600i kit..... even though I've been offered a few S1 setups today