hey i have a mk3 xr3i and was wondering if the rs1600i suspension is any different? (lower, stiffer) thanks

 

anyone help?

 

You're far better to just get a new lowering kit with shocks & springs.

Main thing is the XR3i has single bolts struts, RS1600i has two (different inner wings).
They were meant to be slightly stiffer from new but now at 20+ years old you wouldn't be able to tell the difference!

RS1600i front anti roll bar will go straight on though and is a proper bit of kit

 

cheers for that mate could of lost abit of wedge then thanks

 

As said they were lower/stiffer but would do as suggested with spring/shock kit.
tabetha

 

Some XR3i's had two bolt strut tops and some RS1600i have single bolts. It all depends on whether the car was made before or after May 1983. The two types are not really interchangable. I think the front springs are the same, but the spring cup was mounted an inch lower on the strut. The rear springs are shorter on the RS.

The anti roll bar is the same regardless of which strut tops the car has. The 16i version is alloy as opposed to the S1 Turbo one which is steel. I couldn't believe the difference it made when I fitted a turbo anti roll bar to my car...