Which Lowering Springs on 06 Octavia vRS?

[OllieVRS]

Hi all,

I have come to the conclusion that it's not worth buying expensive big brand coilovers on a car with a history of oil pressure problems, spotty service history and only worth €4k. I have purchased kinda-pricey new Bola wheels but they were bought with the intention of transferring them to my planned future car, an S3 8P. Wheel fitment is 18x8.5 5x112, front ET45 and rear ET40, but with only a 30mm drop there shouldn't be any issues.

I'm looking into cheaper solutions, that preferably are under €500 but allow me to lower the car ideally 30mm, but without sacrificing ride quality too much.

I know very little about springs, shocks and coilovers, so that's why I've come here asking for advice on what are my options (other than sticking a load of bricks in the back seats ).

My baby is an '06 Octavia vRS TFSi hatchback, on 126k miles.


Here are some pictures showing the current suspension height and fitment (and also a chance to post a full picture of the car on here for the first time ):













Cheers 

[GVK]

I have H&R springs on my Scirocco, OE ride quality and around 30mm drop.

[ROH ECHT]

I have H&R springs on my Scirocco, OE ride quality and around 30mm drop.

You can count on all lowering springs to be a bit more rigid. They are so to improve performance handling. Not many, if any, are meant to drop the height, but retain OE handling. Ride quality depends upon the combination of the springs and the dampers you pair them to. Not many of us even get the pairing right...for not having the knowledge and test equipment to do so. Nearly all lowering springs, again, come with increased spring rates from the OE set, and many will be progressive where the OE are linear. So try a set of springs with the OE dampers, and if it has great ride quality...stick with it. Stay away from those which are designed and stated to be 'Race' springs. Those will be even more stiff.

[OllieVRS]

Thanks for replies guys!

I have H&R springs on my Scirocco, OE ride quality and around 30mm drop.

Nice, which product number are those H&R springs @GVK ?

Also I'm not sure if I'd get the same drop since the Octavia vRS is lowered 15mm from factory compared the to the normal Octavia, so does this have to be factored in? Or are Sirocco OEM springs identical to MK5 GTI/MK2 Octavia vRS springs?

You can count on all lowering springs to be a bit more rigid. They are so to improve performance handling. Not many, if any, are meant to drop the height, but retain OE handling. Ride quality depends upon the combination of the springs and the dampers you pair them to. Not many of us even get the pairing right...for not having the knowledge and test equipment to do so. Nearly all lowering springs, again, come with increased spring rates from the OE set, and many will be progressive where the OE are linear. So try a set of springs with the OE dampers, and if it has great ride quality...stick with it. Stay away from those which are designed and stated to be 'Race' springs. Those will be even more stiff.

Yeah, I'm ready to get my spine slightly shortened from lowering springs as long as it means much improving the look of the car and possibly better handling. Can I ask what combo you're running?

Cheers

[GVK]

290131 is my springs code, listed for Scirocco only though.

[breeze]

If you have a planned future car already I would honestly stop spending on the one you have.

Springs, shocks, geometry, bushes and top mounts while you are there. It all adds up. If you plan on reusing shocks be prepared for at least one to be bad.

[OllieVRS]

If you have a planned future car already I would honestly stop spending on the one you have.

Springs, shocks, geometry, bushes and top mounts while you are there. It all adds up. If you plan on reusing shocks be prepared for at least one to be bad.

Thanks for the advice Breeze.

Sure I'm planning on a next car but it won't be for at least 5-6 months until I can feasibly afford it (at Irish prices), and I don't want to be riding around at this awkward suspension height until then. Or even longer if I want to wait for my actual dream car to come up for sale (V50 T5 AWD manual).

I hear what your saying about the different parts that should be replaced while you've got everything taken out. Is there any way to check these before biting the bullet and replacing the springs? Should the bushes and top mounts always be replaced or is there any danger of reusing old ones? Obviously if when I the shocks are taken out and I see they're on their last legs or shot I'll replace them, but at the minute ride quality feels fine.

I was expecting it'll need a realignment after anyway.

Apologies for my lack of knowledge on this subject, looking forward to learning the hard way 

[ROH ECHT]

Can I ask what combo you're running?

Cheers

I've had (in order): Eibach Sportlines__H&R Super Sport (SS)__a combo using H&R SS springs in front w/H&R Street Performance coil-over springs in back__and now w/Whiteline springs.