Many thanks for the brilliant right up RedRobin - been very informative and interesting to read.
....Thanks stiggy
When i get the suspension sorted obviously there'll be a compromise in comfort, but how much of a difference do you think there has been from standard? Also, what difference is there between the VWR KW V3 suspension and the 'normal' KW V3?
1) - Difference in comfort from standard:A huge difference in the feel of the ride but not seriously compromising comfort. It's never harsh, even on shallow potholes, but it is hard. The rebound is so good that even speed bumps are more comfortable because bounce is greatly reduced. Even when 'making progress' causes the car to leap a bit, she recovers so quickly and without any feeling of loss of stability - Lots of such moments might justify proper Recaro seats for more support.
At slow speeds over broken surfaces you can feel every ridge and bump but never causing discomfort. You get more intrusion from hearing the ridges than from feeling them. She is surprisingly smooth at speed and, unless you are really pushing onwards, a longer journey doesn't move you around in your seat, so it's potentially less tiring. I'm feeling road imperfections softly but definably, in the seat of my pants but not through to my back - That's what I feel but I can't speak for someone else who might tense themselves because they have a back problem or similar.
Some people (often wifeys and g'friends) prefer a softer ride (when it comes to cars!!) and this is much to do with their
expectations. Sorry, but "Oooh, I felt so comfortable, I didn't feel a thing" doesn't float my boat.
It's possible that my suspension highlights any dashboard etc squeaks but that's also down to hot and cold expansions coming from an indoor garage to the cold outside.
My new suspension makes the GTI feel more tactile and gives you much more feedback than standard - Harder but not uncomfortable in my opinion. The biggest difference from standard which immediately strikes you when going through a roundabout or bend, is how incredibly flatly planted you feel. Of course the Whiteline AntiLift kit also contributes to the turn-in and anti-roll bars contribute too - It's a package.
If you are going to The Pod meet on 1st Feb you should join the queue for a ride with me!
2) - Difference between VWR-KW-V3 and standard KW-V3:A very good question but I don't have much driving experience (mostly passenger) of the standard V3's. The VWR versions are twintube which is unusual for a 'street' damper but allows better adjustments.
The valving and setting parameters on mine are as on the race cars but mine are stainless steel instead of galvanised. They are adjustable but to settings exclusive to VWR as a result of extensive testing on their race cars. My spring rating is exclusive too (hence the different colour). This particular version of the V3 has been produced exclusively for VWR and is designed for 'Fast Road' use and durability.
VW Racing have a longstanding technical partnership with KW Germany and play a part in feeding KW information from their experience. Their working relationship allows VWR to specify what they want manufactured for themselves and so mine were ordered specifically by Mark at VWR.
All V3's are highly rated by all and their only rival is Bilstein imo. Their adjustability allows someone like Mark to apply their very valuable setting up skills and it's because of their variability that less experienced people can find them difficult to get right. You may get them good, but will you have found their sweetest spot? Doing corner-weighting is an added fine adjustment.
I'll edit this later if I find I'm wrong, but I think that VWR's versions cost the same as normal V3's retail for. VWR/RacingLine are
NOT in the market of offering cheap deals - They're not an off-a-shelf retailer, they primarily build VW race cars and also organise races. Yes, I paid a total which was more than it could have been by going elsewhere but I don't have a clue how to set up a car's suspension to its optimum and I completely trust VWR's work and value their specialist skills and excellent aftercare. My GTI is in good hands, as indeed it is with JKM for tuning and my VW dealer Loders for servicing and general help.
Finally, we are all individuals on this forum and not everyone here wants their GTI (I include Ed30 of course) to feel 'tactile' and in touch with the tarmac! Not everyone here loves the sounds of exhaust music and an engine breathing. Not everyone wants to work their gears and exercise their suspension. But if you do, doing this suspension mod will transform your car and your driving enjoyment [together with a Quaife, big brake kit, etc etc etc etc....Sorreeeeeeee!
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As you would expect, Mark at VWR/RL is always busy but he is a genuine lover of cars (and bikes) and if you are prepared to be flexible in fitting into their race priority schedules, they will give you 200% attention and apply very valuable skills based on VW experience.