A better ride?

[Biano44]

Hi Guys,
I know that this has been asked lots of times before but I still can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for.......
My GT sport is nice, the handling is fine, the ride is OK but I would like to put bigger wheels on (to fit over my new brakes) and can't help feeling that if I change the wheels I will need to lower it a little.
I have kind of settled on 18"x8" wheels with 225/40 tyres and would like to lower the car 30mm ish.
Will I get any rubbing? If I have done my research correctly, I will need an offset of approx ET40-ET44?

But as for lowering, what I would like to know is, can I improve the ride comfort? If so, is it with Springs. Springs and Dampers or Coilovers?
I do 30,000 miles a year so ride quality is all important.

From what I've read,
Springs =a little crashier?
Springs & Dampers = stiffer but more composed
Coilovers = highly recommended but costlier for the good stuff that would maintain or improve the ride quality.

So which route do I choose?

[xjay1337]

I do over 20k a year and have JOM coilovers and never once have had anyone say the car was uncomfortable.
Buy what you are looking for, they are very different things for different uses.

18x8 et 40 might rub on the front, you would probably need to do the arch screw mod.. not a big job and takes 10 minutes a side.
Plenty of info regarding tyre sizes and what you can fit on the web.

[Banham]

I had 18x8 et 44 BBS VZ with FK Kongisport coilovers all the way down at the front and rubbed a fair bit even with arch screw mod.  But with a 30mm drop you shoudnt rub at all.

[xjay1337]

I had 18x8 et 44 BBS VZ with FK Kongisport coilovers all the way down at the front and rubbed a fair bit even with arch screw mod.  But with a 30mm drop you shoudnt rub at all.

They go like... air ride low. 

[chrisr763]

I had 18x8 et 44 BBS VZ with FK Kongisport coilovers all the way down at the front and rubbed a fair bit even with arch screw mod.  But with a 30mm drop you shoudnt rub at all.

They go like... air ride low. 

Cant have been all the way down? 

[Biano44]

I do over 20k a year and have JOM coilovers and never once have had anyone say the car was uncomfortable.
Buy what you are looking for, they are very different things for different uses.

18x8 et 40 might rub on the front, you would probably need to do the arch screw mod.. not a big job and takes 10 minutes a side.
Plenty of info regarding tyre sizes and what you can fit on the web.

Thanks for the reply.....You say you have had no complaints about the ride quality but how does it compare to standard?

[JoeDarKa]

Im putting KW V1s on mine in a week so will let you know what its like. Will also have some H&R springs for sale. Iv not noticed any difference between stock and these fitted

[Biano44]

Im putting KW V1s on mine in a week so will let you know what its like. Will also have some H&R springs for sale. Iv not noticed any difference between stock and these fitted

Thanks for your reply, What size are your wheels (offset) do you get any rubbing with the springs?

[xjay1337]

Thanks for the reply.....You say you have had no complaints about the ride quality but how does it compare to standard?

Well that's an objective question because I prefer a stiffer, better handling car over a "comfortable" car and you may not. Likewise comfortable for me might not be for you.
I have a disabled mother who says my car is more comfortable than her Rav 4. So that says all it needs to really lol.

[JoeDarKa]

Iv got 18x8s ET45 with no screw arch mod on the front. 18x9s ET45 on the rears. No rubbing as of yet, thats with springs only! Can let you know when coilovers get fitted

[Biano44]

Iv got 18x8s ET45 with no screw arch mod on the front. 18x9s ET45 on the rears. No rubbing as of yet, thats with springs only! Can let you know when coilovers get fitted

Thanks.......I will look forward to your review!

[Biano44]

It seems as though I'm not the only one........

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=35340.0