Cheap coilovers vs shock and spring kit?

[Monzoa]

Debating whether or not to go for a cheap set of coilovers or a shock/lowering spring kit?

The car needs a spring anyway and also planning changing droplinks/top mounts and I came across a stance+ set of coilovers that seem to include links for about £300.

I understand it’s very much get what you pay for with coilovers but the reviews on them are surprisingly positive and the price is very appealing..

Another point to add is the roads where I live are covered with f*ckn potholes which I’m sure will have an impact on what to go for and I’m also not looking for a massive drop either, just to fill in the arches a bit better.

Would appreciate any words from people who’ve gone down either route and how they’ve got on with their choice of kit.

[imprezzaworks]

Hi mate. Relatively new to thr golf scene. One of my front springs snapped and I opted for the h&r lowering springs. I have had this make on previous cars before. Very happy with how it looks and handles.

Ref coilovers. I always gauge you pay for what you get for.

[pudding]

Given your roads are terrible, I'd steer clear of cheap coilovers personally.  The more suspension travel, the better on naff roads.  Even expensive ones can be killed off pretty quickly on bad roads.  Don't ask me how I know 

I've got a -20mm ST kit on the way to fill in the suspension duties whilst my coillies are off for rebuild.  A trusted source has just fitted the same kit to his car and the ride height looks spot on to me. A little higher than my signature pic.  He also says the ride and handling are great    We got them from DPM Performance.  £449 shipped.  Very reasonable indeed.

[Monzoa]

Ok cheers for the input guys.

Never used coilovers but I think I may have my answer if even expensive sets don’t hold up the best to daily pothole abuse, can’t imagine a £300 set are going to do very well.

It’s not exactly going for pure performance either just a small drop + improved comfort from my knackered shocks and springs so think that may be the way to go.

 

[Damian @ DPM]

For me it would be a decent set of springs and shocks over cheap coilovers.

Damian @ DPM Performance

[ROH ECHT]

I would never go cheap coil-overs over springs & dampers.
And given ours only truly get coil-overs on the front...it makes it difficult to choose even good coil-overs over springs & dampers for a daily.

I was pretty low on my third set of springs and I came to dislike the constant worry of potholes and lot entrances...and how to avoid damage. But I did crack the core support last year. So I raised mine, last summer, from 24" to 25-1/4" FTG (fender-to-ground measurement) with a fourth set of springs.

[J30SBO]

I’ve recently bought an fitted the bilstein b12 sportline kit to my ed30, and despite being told they make the front way too low and are way too harsh etc. They are fantastic! Genuinely surprised how comfortable it is, feels only a tad stiffer than oem but holds the road so well! Also it’s evenly lowered it all round by about 10/15mm! Over the moon with it and honestly couldn’t recommend it more! very glad I spent the extra few ££!

[Mekaniko]

I’ve recently bought an fitted the bilstein b12 sportline kit to my ed30, and despite being told they make the front way too low and are way too harsh etc. They are fantastic! Genuinely surprised how comfortable it is, feels only a tad stiffer than oem but holds the road so well! Also it’s evenly lowered it all round by about 10/15mm! Over the moon with it and honestly couldn’t recommend it more! very glad I spent the extra few ££!

I'm also very happy with my set of sportline b12 kit.

[Nertballs]

Given your roads are terrible, I'd steer clear of cheap coilovers personally.  The more suspension travel, the better on naff roads.  Even expensive ones can be killed off pretty quickly on bad roads.  Don't ask me how I know 

I've got a -20mm ST kit on the way to fill in the suspension duties whilst my coillies are off for rebuild.  A trusted source has just fitted the same kit to his car and the ride height looks spot on to me. A little higher than my signature pic.  He also says the ride and handling are great    We got them from DPM Performance.  £449 shipped.  Very reasonable indeed.

Had my eye on them for the last while. I've a 2L GT TDi with factory sport suspension (which is 20mm lower than standard iirc?), is that a 20mm drop from the standard or sport?

[pudding]

The STs are model specific I think.

This is the -20mm kit fitted to my Edition 30.  I have the thicker TT rear spring mounts on mine, so is sitting a little higher at the back than normal (approx 5mm) but I wanted the OEM slight nose down stance anyway 

[Nertballs]

The STs are model specific I think.

This is the -20mm kit fitted to my Edition 30.  I have the thicker TT rear spring mounts on mine, so is sitting a little higher at the back than normal (approx 5mm) but I wanted the OEM slight nose down stance anyway 

Yeah looks nice and potent with the little bit of rake, I'll look into them cheers!

Awaiting a nice set of BBS CHs once my current tyres are done, going to try attempt a full suspension refresh at that point so I have a bit of time anyways.