S3 Control arm Bushes - Worth the upgrade?

[GTI-Ross]

Hey guys, is it worth upgrading the standard MK5 / MK6 control arms bushes with new S3  control arm bushes for £40, or save a bit more and get WALK?

Also whilst your here, are the S3 Alloy control Arms a decent upgrade and good value at £100?

Thanks

[martziniuk]

I have the solid TT ones which are a massive improvement over stock. Don't the S3 bushes have slight voids in them?
Also consider the super pro anti lift kit.

[flashp]

If you fit the alloy arms from the S3 at the same time you'll get a slightly improved geometry and a weight reduction. WALK may be the better option, I never tried standard bushes so couldn't comment on them. 

[Trekmeister]

Are the alloy arms a straight swap. I was under the impression they cost more than £100?

[GTI-Ross]

Are the alloy arms a straight swap. I was under the impression they cost more than £100?

They are a nearly new set (second hand) - so not from dealer

[OEM+ DUB]

I undertook this modification to my 2005 GTI DSG summer last year and have been really pleased with the upgrade.

I fitted brand new S3 alloy wishbones that came complete with the console bushes.  The weight saving over the standard cast steel wishbones is significant as a starter for 10, improving unsprung weight and therefore the quality of the ride, and the solid S3 console bushes are a notable improvement in terms of steering/handling precision without any compromise in terms of noise, vibration or harshness.

Hope this helps.

[GTI-Ross]

I undertook this modification to my 2005 GTI DSG summer last year and have been really pleased with the upgrade.

I fitted brand new S3 alloy wishbones that came complete with the console bushes.  The weight saving over the standard cast steel wishbones is significant as a starter for 10, improving unsprung weight and therefore the quality of the ride, and the solid S3 console bushes are a notable improvement in terms of steering/handling precision without any compromise in terms of noise, vibration or harshness.

Hope this helps.

Yeah thats helps, so if i could get get S3 arms and bushes for £130 - £140 worth the money?

[martziniuk]

I undertook this modification to my 2005 GTI DSG summer last year and have been really pleased with the upgrade.

I fitted brand new S3 alloy wishbones that came complete with the console bushes.  The weight saving over the standard cast steel wishbones is significant as a starter for 10, improving unsprung weight and therefore the quality of the ride, and the solid S3 console bushes are a notable improvement in terms of steering/handling precision without any compromise in terms of noise, vibration or harshness.

Hope this helps.

Yeah thats helps, so if i could get get S3 arms and bushes for £130 - £140 worth the money?

+ a complete geometry setup.

[Matto]

You could also add Superpro ball joints aswell to allow you to run abit more camber. This is what I'm planning sometime this year along with the S3 alloy arms. I already have the Superpro Anti Lift kit fitted.

[rob_e]

s3 arms and console bushes won't affect your geometry.  TT arms will, but s3 arms are the same dimensions as a regular gti/vrs I believe.

I had TT arms previously but now run s3 arms and bushes with superpro camber adjust ball joints.   The arms give you a weight saving, the bushes are stiffer (non voided) and with adjustable camber ball joints you can run whatever geo you want.   It's a very good setup.

I got my TT arms from a breaker, but the s3/cupra arms i have now were bought new - i got these from AKS, can't remember exactly but I think they were only about 110 each (arm + console and bush).   

[xjay1337]

You could also add Superpro ball joints aswell to allow you to run abit more camber. This is what I'm planning sometime this year along with the S3 alloy arms. I already have the Superpro Anti Lift kit fitted.

Yes the Super pro Ball joints are a forthcoming upgrade for me too. The extra camber will mean I can run a more aggressive fitment.
I have the solid TT bushes in my consoles and they are very good. To be honest not having tried the WALK kit I can't really compare but price per £ upgrade the TT console bushes on their own would make a huge difference.

The biggest problem with a Mk5 in my opinion is how sensitive it is to Camber changes so I would hope the WALK kit can help that ... but hey.

[GTI-Ross]

whilst we are talking set ups, does anyone have a wheel alignment print out I could look at. Im looking to get one done soon but I have no idea what values are good for fast road set up

Thanks

[Matto]

This was mine after having springs, SALK and rear ARB fitted. Alex did the geo setup.

[GTI-Ross]

I wish i knew if that was the kind of set up i want or need.   

[Matto]

I think this is very close to stock setup which I'm told is good out the box. Obviously if you add some of the mods you're thinking of/suggested above it will allow you to play with the geo to however you want. I find the handling of mine currently very good but believe it could be made even better.