29929blacktuesday

Yeah - of course, 14" / 15" is a small increase. I've always preferred steel wheels over alloys. Is there a production car with these rims (in steel) that would fit? From a breakers. I'm going to have a go at the misfiring as soon as I have a spare second. It's worse now it's damp. I remember an RAC bloke telling me how everyone automatically assumes engine faults are down to fuel management but are 99% of the time electrical. You're right - attack the basics first - new plugs and leads. Is there a supplier on here that could send a set to me?

I found the site by putting in 'Starlet handling' or something like that into Google. Then just joined! I'll read that attachment now. Poor little thing is misfiring on low revs now... edit: Reading that advice, a rear arb will INCREASE my oversteering problem. I reckon it just needs a set of decent tyres all round. Not sure if I'll go for the big rim idea - it wouldn't fit the image of this standard motor - I'll probably get a replacement pair of shocks and the best standard tyres I can get. It may not handle like a Clio or a Focus but it is actually way more fun to drive. I literally have had to employ driving techniques I used to use on a 5.3 / V12 E-Type I once had (that car tried to kill me a few times I can tell you...) and be pretty nifty with the opposite-lock steering! They're not supposed to do that are they? Understeer it does not! The oversteer feels like a 'snap' and only happens on RH bends... any ideas other than mismatched rubber? Is the misfiring a common Starlet problem? It's on 83k and looks to have the original HT leads and most likely sparkers.

Thanks for the advice. Probably won't convert the car too much as will most likely buy the real thing and keep this little one as a shopping car. Yes, the back could do with something and I reckon I'll go for some decent rims and rubber first then see what's left over for the suspension. As you say it's not worth going too far - just enough to tighten it up a bit. It feels over-powered for the handling at the moment and there really is no point in complaining until there are decent tyres. This is always the way with any new car I buy - the previous owners always fit the cheapest tyres at the first opportunity. It is amazing that some tyres are even available - like the SAVA brand - shudders... So, thanks a lot for replying - it really is appreciated. I'll keep you posted. Funny how I see Starlets all over the place now!

Hi - as title - got an 82k R-plate auto 1.3 Sportif. It is totally stock and has sh1t tyres all round on steel wheels. I love this little car - it is an absolute hoot to drive and really shifts for an auto. Thing is: It leans badly on cornering and feels really really tail-happy in the wet. Yes pressures are correct at 32. I've bounced the quarters and the shockers seem OK. Tyres are 165s - front Avons and rear cheap budget Heros. I know this little car wouldn't stand up next to some of the works of art I've seen on here but what would you suggest I did to upgrade the handling for a budget of up to £1000? Tyres? Tyres and rims? Springs? Dampers? Any other basic mods for this little Toyota? I hope you can help - something in me wants this little gem to have a new lease of life! Cheers - Dave