Suspension Options

[rdfcpete]

Came across these and ideally want a 20mm drop instead, but on these springs:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/H-R-Lowering-Springs-Golf-Mk5-GTi-GT-30mm-Lowering_W0QQitemZ220564549092QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item335aabede4

Will they feel like the OEM ride? I don't want to go harder if I can avoid it, its really only for the cosmetics 
Cheers.

[pazz]

Can anyone confirm that VWR Springs = KW Springs.

Does anyone have any evidence for example the part numbers on the VWR box etc? The reason I ask is because...

VWR Sport Springs (20mm) = £200 + delivery

KW Sports Lowering Springs (20mm) = £149 + delivery

[RedRobin]

^^^^
AFAIK, VWR springs = KW springs. VWR have a technical partnership with KW Germany. Whether the springs have exactly the same ratings etc I'm not sure of.

[pazz]

Forgive me for sounding pessimistic, but re-branding happens a huge amount in automotive parts so I would not be surprised if they are the exactly the same thing.

But if anyone still has proof for example the box they arrived in having a completly different KW part number then fair game.

I am simply trying to support the extra £50 investment.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
I no longer have my box but was told by VWR that my spring ratings were different from KW's off the shelf.

All I know is that they work bloody well! And that VWR will always look after any problem I have with them and they set up my suspension perfectly for my needs.

[rdfcpete]

I'm still looking for some springs that will ride no harder or stiffer than the OEM springs. There are simply too many speed bumps and potholes in my local area for anything harder, the ride would not be enjoyable if it was tighter.

Whats the set for me, the softest aftermarket springs available if you like?

Cheers.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It is dampers, not springs which determine the 'ride hardness'.

[Hurdy]

Welcome back Sean 

[rdfcpete]

It is dampers, not springs which determine the 'ride hardness'.

I'll bear this in mind.
Looks like Koni FSD's are the way forward with some nice springs.

Thanks Sean 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It is dampers, not springs which determine the 'ride hardness'.

I'll bear this in mind.
Looks like Koni FSD's are the way forward with some nice springs.

Thanks Sean  

Be careful - RedRobin had problems with Koni FSDs - he had to take them off in the end.

Whilst the Konis are much cheaper, if the budget can stretch - you might be better going for a setup with adjustable dampers.  Bilsteins or KW both do such kits - but then both are £££££ more than Konis.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
That's right, I had some of the first Koni FSD's for the Golf in the UK and they leaked after about 55k miles. Koni, via Awesome, gave me my money back and I spent a whole lot more on KW-V3's which I'm very happy with. Bilstein would be my other choice.

I'm told that my version of the FSD's were later revised.

[rdfcpete]

Okay Sean, I'll check with each of you before purchasing to ensure I don't buy a model with any defects - Thanks.

I can't find any 20mm H&R springs that state they're suitable for the GTI, only MKV R32 springs (which presumably would suit the Haldex setup only?).
I found the 30mm set below. Are these actually 30mm in reality or will they sit slightly higher? I don't want to go any lower than 20mm for a range of practical reasons.

http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/hr-30mm-lowering-suspension-springsbr-golf-5-gti-20t-fsi-1004-p-679.html?zenid=5b68c9b3965823f2d135194483b2185e

- Any purchase pointers are much appreciated.
Many thanks 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

^^^^
That's right, I had some of the first Koni FSD's for the Golf in the UK and they leaked after about 55k miles. Koni, via Awesome, gave me my money back and I spent a whole lot more on KW-V3's which I'm very happy with. Bilstein would be my other choice.

I'm told that my version of the FSD's were later revised.

IIRC, your Konis were rated for the extra weight of the diesel donkey.  The lighter GTI petrol engine caused your Konis to 'top-out', which blew the top valves.

Didn't you advise that Koni have subsequently released some FSDs for the specific weight range for the petrol GTI?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I can't find any 20mm H&R springs that state they're suitable for the GTI, only MKV R32 springs (which presumably would suit the Haldex setup only?).
I found the 30mm set below. Are these actually 30mm in reality or will they sit slightly higher? I don't want to go any lower than 20mm for a range of practical reasons.

http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/hr-30mm-lowering-suspension-springsbr-golf-5-gti-20t-fsi-1004-p-679.html?zenid=5b68c9b3965823f2d135194483b2185e

- Any purchase pointers are much appreciated.
Many thanks 

GTI and R32 will use the same springs for the same axle weight loadings.  The R32 merely uses a slightly shorter bump-stop (too generate the lower ride height compared to the GTI).  And there is not any unique 4wd or Haldex specific suspension components (OK, yes, I know the rear hubs are different, along with a few minor tweaks).

And I personally arn't really an expert in aftermarket suspensions.  But if you are particularly critical about ride heights, then I might suggest that full-on adjustable coilovers might be a more appropriate answer - though not cheap.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
That's right, I had some of the first Koni FSD's for the Golf in the UK and they leaked after about 55k miles. Koni, via Awesome, gave me my money back and I spent a whole lot more on KW-V3's which I'm very happy with. Bilstein would be my other choice.

I'm told that my version of the FSD's were later revised.

IIRC, your Konis were rated for the extra weight of the diesel donkey.  The lighter GTI petrol engine caused your Konis to 'top-out', which blew the top valves.

Didn't you advise that Koni have subsequently released some FSDs for the specific weight range for the petrol GTI?

....Just to confuse matters further, it was the Eibach springs which bore the mark of the diseased donkey on the box. I questioned it with both supplier Awesome and Eibach at the time but was reassured all was okay.

[Great to see you again yesterday]