Suspension kit advice

[Trekmeister]

I have a golf GT 140 which is going to be in need of a shock absorber and coil spring soon therefore I am considering the Koni STR.T (Street) Suspension Kit with H&R Springs which is just over £400 which I think is really good value.
I wont be using the car for the track, its just for everyday use but would like it lowering at the same time. The kit states it has a 40mm drop which I'm not sure about (will that be too low and cause problems?)
My other question is will it fit because the kit states it is for the VW Golf Mk5 Hatch GTi & Sport (55mm Front Struts) although mine is just he GT 56 plate with GTI grill as standard. The car has a front axle weight of 1070kgs which seems to be heavier than the kits for the non GTI/Sport kits.

Any advice appreciated

[the bruce]

I'd go for this:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,53657.0.html

[JoeDarKa]

I would make sure the axle weights are right first and for most as thats pretty crucial!! I havent got the Koni suspension but the springs will look something like this:

Before:


After:


The difference:

[the bruce]

No doubt it looks really good. To me this is a perfect ride height.

I would avoid progressive springs though.
A Bilstein B12 Pro with Eibach springs will ride much better, cause less issues and last longer.

[hunter]

for the money u cant realy go rong with fk coilovers to ur budget

[Janner_Sy]

I would avoid progressive springs though.

Why though? 

Linear springs are much better, no denying that, but they are also much harsher for everyday use.

Progressive springs are much better for road use. We have some pretty poor roads here in the UK.

[the bruce]

Why do big companies like Volkswagen, Audi and BMW almost always decide
for linear springs?* 

The only progression on their cars is in the bump stops.

I don't see any advantage on progressive spring designs though. Progressive
means softer on the first part of wheel travel and stiffer and the end of it, but
the much bigger factor of small bumps in the dampers behaviour. Better have
less slip-stick-effect and more advanced valve design. That's why a Bilstein B6
or even an Öhlins rides better for the given stiffness (compared to a similar stiff
cheap one).

Another reason is the springs needs to be controlled by the damper. With a pro-
gressive spring a damper would need to be progressive (on travel) as well. But
dampers aren't. They are very progressive to speed, but not to travel (I know
there has been the Monroe Sensatrac some time ago, but it hasn't been that
good as promised).

I'd guess there are more reasons, but I don't make the decisions at the above
companies and I strongly believe they know their stuff.

 




* The only Volkswagen I know that used progressive springs has been the Scirocco Mk.I on rear.