I have a cuore sl 989cc 2003 model 5 door. The car has been bought to take part in this years Mongolia Rally. 9000 miles with a good chunk of off road stuff in Mongolia. I could do with raising or toughening up the suspension somewhat. I assume I cannot get any bigger tyres/wheels into the restricted arches so has anyone ever replaced the springs/shocks or put in spacers to preload the springs. If so what did you do, did you replace springs/dampers with units from another car?
I have made a sump plate but although this will protect the engine sump it has stolen about 2" of ride height at the fornt, especially when I put the tie bar back across the bottom below the new sump plate.

Any suggestions ideas would be appreciated.

We are going to Mongolia in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust, more detail at http://mongolrally12.theadventurists.com/masons2mongolia2

Chris