Springs or Coilovers

[SpaniardMK5]

Im looking to drop my mk5 15-20mm.  And im getting mixed reviews on whether to go for normal springs or coilovers, and which type would be best for my drop?
Any help would be great thanks.

Carlos

[micaerin]

Recently lowered mine, didn't want to be messing about with settings after install so went with springs and new dampers. thread here http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,72920.0.html

[ROH ECHT]

It depends on you...if you only want a slight drop as that...I'd suggest springs because dampers will always be quite affordable to replace for you. The quality of good dampers to go along with springs will be much better than what you will get with a set of coil-overs costing you equally.

Coils are great, but only if you select a set with a lifetime warranty...and with that=more cost.

Mine are H&R supersports with Bilstein (B8: http://cart.bilsteinus.com/product/35-108191/207838/FWD)

[N8KOW]

Coilovers. Springs might sit too high/low and then you have no adjustability, then have the time/pain/effort to remove then sell/buy/refit coilovers. Seen it over and over a million times.

[xjay1337]

Springs are a waste of time.

[George10]

Coilovers. But don't buy cheap 

[G40will]

Another vote for coilovers here. I have springs and now want it lower

Depends how into modding you are? You might think your not but believe me it's a very slippery slope!

If your not going to do anything else to your car then get springs, if your not sure just bite the bullet and get some good coilovers.

[J9EVW]

coilovers for me

[ROH ECHT]

OP wants 15 to 20mm drop...

Springs aren't the most horrid set up to have...you are limited in seasonal adjustability, yes.
But unless you have coils that "eliminate the stock rear spring position", for a MKV, and places the rear spring onto the damper/monotube at the rear corners...you have the same set up as springs and dampers.

For the OP and his request...Springs would do nicely...allowing him to run very suitable performance dampers for his wanted drop. But if money is no issue, and more than a 20mm drop is sought, yes...get coils at nearly £ ? grand and above  


H&R SuperSport and Bilstein B8 Dampers

[monte]

Springs are a waste of time.

In your opinion of course  


Like Roh Echt says it's depends entirely on what the op wants.

I've had H&R springs on since 2009 and they have been outstanding in every way. (Even coped round the carousels at the ring)

Unless the OP is gonna spend £500+ on some decent Coilovers (there are so many terrible cheap Coilovers available) I would recommend quality springs like H&Rs everytime.

H&R springs lowered my car great and I've loved em for years.

Now I am preparing my car for trackdays I will be changing to KWv3's  

As said it depends what the OP wants  



Have a look at my build thread. All the pics on there show my ed30 with H&R springs with standard shocks  

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,67679.0.html

[Marc-5-GTI]

When you are talking that amount of drop it's all down to personal taste, and budget for that matter... Have you a budget in mind? That might help decision making

[rich83]

Springs are a waste of time.

No.

 

[JoeDarKa]

Springs for a 20mm drop

[xjay1337]

Springs are a waste of time.

In your opinion of course  


Like Roh Echt says it's depends entirely on what the op wants.

I've had H&R springs on since 2009 and they have been outstanding in every way. (Even coped round the carousels at the ring)

Unless the OP is gonna spend £500+ on some decent Coilovers (there are so many terrible cheap Coilovers available) I would recommend quality springs like H&Rs everytime.

H&R springs lowered my car great and I've loved em for years.

Now I am preparing my car for trackdays I will be changing to KWv3's  

As said it depends what the OP wants  



Have a look at my build thread. All the pics on there show my ed30 with H&R springs with standard shocks  

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,67679.0.html

I ran JOMs which could run from almost stock to as low as you can practically run the car (I did 55k in 2 and a half years so more than most) - You can run a car fully wound down on JOM coilovers without damaging anything, and they may be a "cheap terrible" coilover that many would scoff at but not tried... I swapped from Eibach springs to JOMs and the JOMs were more comfortable, and handled better. Although if you fit uprated ARBs expect to start snapping drop link brackets. (in that respect they are poor quality). I'm now on a £3.5k air system and while it does ride better and, imho, even with no front roll bar, handle better, does my air ride handle and ride 25 times the price? No. I feel I am well adjusted to give my opinion because a) I drive my cars hard when the mood suits me and b) I've had many suspension systems on the SAME CAR. 

But the point is that coilovers are basically adjustable lowering springs. There is no reason why someone would buy lowering springs over coilovers other than the fact they "think" coilovers are really uncomfortable (because apparently they all are!!  ) without trying it for themselves. Most people who fit springs eventually want to put coilovers on.

Are there cheap coilovers? Yes.
Are these cheap coilovers terrible? No.
Are APs, KWs and what not better (in terms of ultimate performance, build quality)? Yes.
Are they 3-10 times better (vs price?) No.

Take your pick.

[rich83]

Chances are that if you spend 170-180 on a set of springs... they will be significantly better quality than a 150quid set of coilovers.