KW Coilovers CHEAP at Awesome at the minute!

[AJP]

Evening

Just noticed Awesome have a sale on KW at the minute, 670 quid for V1. That's pretty good isn't it?!

http://www.awesomegti.com/kw-spring-sale/kw-variant-1-coilovers-volkswagen-golf-mk5

I was planning to just go the tried and trusted 35mm H&R and standard shocks routine on my newly acquired GTI.. but after seeing that, it's got me thinking.

I know through experience that good coilovers at a sensible height are often just as comfortable if not more comfortable than certain shock and spring combos. I had Weitecs on my old mk4 and they were not harsh at all.

I don't want to slam it (sacrilege on a GTI), but I'm all too aware that with fixed height, if you're not happy with how it sits you're stuck with it.

Anyone had the opportunity to experience both KW coilovers and the H&R springs in terms of comfort?

Opinions..?

Any issues with KWs or coilovers in general with the GTI, such as the adjuster ring being a bit close to the wheel/tyre, that sort of thing?

What would YOU do?! 

By the way, I'm no way affiliated with Awesome (and other vendors may have the same deals; I haven't checked). i just thought it might be of use to people in the market for coilovers. You could do MUCH worse for 670 notes.

[SI-R32]

Same price on KW's website at the mo so guess there passing discount on,  very good value for inox stainless range

[AJP]

Yeah so probably the same anywhere you look. Got to say I'm tempted. But it's an extra 500 quid over the H&Rs, and going much lower than 40/45mm might take away some of the handling ability. So would there be much point.. Stainless is always nice though like you say.

Hmmmm. Might need to sleep on this. H&Rs then put that 500 towards some BBS VZ seems more logical.

[mk1mad]

Thanks for sharing, was planning on set of these. Will purchase while the offer runs.

[dansmith180]

Havent experienced H&R springs but can testify to how good the KW's are, we now have 4 sets of KW V1's in my house  . They're very comfortable, improve the handling masivley and are generally a very well made product.

Between the 4 cars we probably have 40k+ miles on them and haven't had any issues with quality or comfort. If you can afford them I would get them over springs. Another thing to remember is your current shocks are probably quite worn and not as good as they should be. My original suspension (8 1/2 years and 85k old) was pretty knackered and the KW were a big improvement.

[AJP]

Good points there Dan.

I've actually got a set of KW V1 already sat in my kitchen, but... they're for my other car! (Long story)

Quick question then mate, if I did go for V1s on the GTI, at what point to you need to mess about with other parts (different droplinks etc) if at all?

I doubt I'd want to go lower than 40mm or so. Which begs the question.. it it worth it over just springs.

Could do with a ride in a GTI with KWs. That would definitely help me make up my mind.

Cheeky suggestion of course.. but I'm based around Sheffield/Mansfield and would be fine travelling.

Any takers, let me know!

[dansmith180]

I'm not too sure about drop links, I'm 99% sure mine are the standard ones and at one time I was all the way down all round with no problems. In terms of drop apart from adjustability there's isn't much advantage over springs however putting shorter firmer springs over old shocks compared to brand new units has to be noticeable.

I would happily take you for a spin mate but I'm in Berkshire so quite the trek 

I think in the end its down to a question of is it worth the extra money. Having not had both I can't answer that really, it depends on you I guess, if its a daily driver, the roads near you aren't great and you need much better handling then probably has to be KW's but if that's not the case so much then the springs should be fine for you.

[AJP]

Well, I can certainly confirm that it is a daily, the roads round here are rubbish, and better handling would be rather nice!

The shocks (assuming they're orignal) are on 69k, and I do maybe 5k a year. They don't feel bad at all, but like you say, with shorter springs they may not hold out too well.

I'd bet that V1s at a 40mm drop are asking much less of their dampers than H&R springs down 35mm on standard shocks. And they're stainless.

Budget is fine, although it would be a nice feeling to be able to put a bit of my suspension budget towards other things.. if I did just go H&R.

Appreciate the offer of a ride mate, if I happen to be down there at some point I'll let you know, although doubtful.. haha!

How did you find them wound all the way, maybe a bit crashier? And would you say that after a point, maybe 50mm or so, handling may have suffered?

I'm sure there's a sweet spot, my last mk4 was bottomed out on Weitecs (made by KW I think), and although it looked nice I couldn't help thinking it would be more capable of higher corner speeds if I raised it up 10mm or so. But even slammed and spaced with archwork it carried loads more speed through the bends than stock, Koni shock and springs, Apex, etc. Coilovers do the handling bit very well.

It's just that refinement I don't want to lose.

[dansmith180]

Yeh just drop me a message on the off chance you ever come down.

When I had them all the way down the wheels I had were a sh*t offset and if I went near a corner they rubbed so I couldn't tell you how they handled then  but I wouldn't say they were crashy at all, they were firm at worst.

But right now I'm all the way down at the back and about 85% at the front on 225/35/19's and the ride is great, maybe a bit harsh of you hit a big bump/ hole but other than that you wouldnt know it was on coilovers. I'm doing my first track day on May 4th so I'll really see how they do then but I've chucked it into many corners at much speed and haven't found myself in a tree or the wrong way up yet 

Personally if you've go the money some KW's, superpro anti lift kit and a dogbone insert would transform the car, then get yourself a fast road geometry set up (since you have to do tracking anyways).

[LUCKO]

can someone please tell me there opinion on these versus Spax Rsx

similar price are they pretty much the same or is one harder/better than the other

any input appreciated

Richard

[AJP]

All sounds good Dan. And yes a proper geometry setup will be done straight away. There's a place near me with a Hunter machine, so I'll be able to get it all working as intended.

I think from past experience I've never been entirely happy with fixed height kits on other cars, so this is a no-brainer really.

Richard, I can't vouch for Spax, I've never used any of their kits. But if you consider that KW V1 are usually a good deal more expensive, not to mention massively acclaimed for their ride quality... it might make your decision a bit easier!

[PSItuning]

Spax's tend to be stiffer, much stiffer

THe KW's at present being as cheap as they are are hands down a winner!
All KW dealers are having a spring sale at present :)
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