Author Topic: Looking for opinions on suspension upgrades. (Read 8529 times)

subsonic · « **on:** September 16, 2007, 07:29:52 am »

I am considering upgrading the suspension in my 1985 Golf. It has original springs in it, but upgraded KYB shocks and struts. They have about 50K on them. What do you guy's think about the upgrade packages out there? The ones that come as a kit containing all new springs shocks and struts.
I am not looking to slam my ride. Perhaps an inch or so drop would be ok. This is going to be a daily so I am not looking to wear a kidney belt or have my coffee bounce out of my cup on the morning commute in to work :x .

That being said, I am looking for better handling/ cornering, high speed stability(75-85mph cruising speeds) A bit firmer is what I am looking for. Actually pretty firm would be ok to start, it will soften up as the miles roll by.

Has anyone here installed and run one of the matched strut/shock spring setups?
Looking for reccomendations and feedback on what you have. How do they effect winter driving?

Jim

Fisher · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2007, 10:26:30 am »

I put a set of H&R Sport Springs (closest ones to OE) and Gabriel Gas Shocks on my 84 Jetta. They lowered the car less than an inch. They were a little stiffer than I wanted at first but after a few miles are better. Handles very well and very good road feel.

Pretty cheap and good fix.

mainer · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2007, 04:56:31 pm »

H&R sprots are a great choice. But I would go with a Bilstine HD shock/strut.

Koni makes a pritty good kit for around 600 bucks that will be as good or better than any other out there. They say it will take the bumps like a stock shock, but when slow preassure is put on it it will stay stiff like a race strut. I've never ridden on em but sounds like the best of both worlds.

Cooper
_________________
Mercedes Econic

Slave2School · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2007, 05:13:28 pm »

I haven't driven my car with these installed yet, but, I have installed one driver side to see what the quality was like and I think is compares favourably to the "ground control" kits that are available for double the money

I can't wait to get the BMW on the road hehehe. It should ride like a go cart (I'm certain the tires will be the largest spring in my car).

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo.asp?cid=69&pid=495

subsonic · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2007, 06:56:13 am »

Quote from: "Slave2School"

I haven't driven my car with these installed yet, but, I have installed one driver side to see what the quality was like and I think is compares favourably to the "ground control" kits that are available for double the money I can't wait to get the BMW on the road hehehe. It should ride like a go cart (I'm certain the tires will be the largest spring in my car).

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo.asp?cid=69&pid=495

I checked out the site. It looks like that setup would be great for rally or hard street use. I would be very interested in your feedback once you get the rest installed. I need something that is soft enough for daily driving, yet firm enough for high speed driving/ occasional in your face ha ha driving. This setup looks like it may bit a bit firm.

subsonic · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2007, 06:59:20 am »

Quote from: "mainer"

H&R sprots are a great choice. But I would go with a Bilstine HD shock/strut.

Koni makes a pritty good kit for around 600 bucks that will be as good or better than any other out there. They say it will take the bumps like a stock shock, but when slow preassure is put on it it will stay stiff like a race strut. I've never ridden on em but sounds like the best of both worlds.

Cooper

I checked out the Koni site. The newest setup the have that fits your discription does not come for a MKII application. Which one where you talking about?

akrallysport · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2007, 06:13:30 pm »

I currently have Bilstein Sports struts and Neuspeed Sport springs. Felt uber stiff at first, but eased up nicely. Lowered 1.4" all around, but would advise against it unless you're only going for looks. Front suspension geometry gets screwed up and feel gets really weird on uneven pavement mid-corner.

I'd recommend the Bilstein HD (same damping as the Sports but designed for non-lowered applications) and stiffer non-lowering springs... My next move is the Shine Racing Real Street setup. http://www.srsvw.com/parts/suspensions/

edit: As for winter driving - a bit stiffer on cold cold cold mornings, but no issues. Only been stuck once, but only because of my stupidity... not enough momentum to blow through the snowbank onto my street. :lol:

subsonic · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2007, 06:43:30 am »

Quote from: "akrallysport"

My next move is the Shine Racing Real Street setup. http://www.srsvw.com/parts/suspensions/

The Real Street set up looks like what I am aiming for. The site is sort of 1/2 up and down right now so it is hard to get all the information about the products. I did not see a Real Street listed for a MK2. 1993 was as far back as they went. Will MK3 suspension components work on a MK2?

I also could not tell who the shocks or struts where made by, anyone know?

clbanman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2007, 09:59:53 am »

I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but I'm looking at doing suspension upgrades to my 86 Golf as well and it looks like my goals as far as end results are similar. For the Cosmo set, their site lists one suspension setup for all Mark II units. How much will the extra weight of the diesel affect the suspension.
I keep hearing people talk about the original GTI suspension setup being great. How would these aftermarket setups compare? Would it be feasible to duplicate the GTI suspension, and if so what would be the best way to go about it? Again, how much effect would the diesel have on suspension performance?

akrallysport · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2007, 02:36:21 pm »

Quote from: "subsonic"

The Real Street set up looks like what I am aiming for. The site is sort of 1/2 up and down right now so it is hard to get all the information about the products. I did not see a Real Street listed for a MK2. 1993 was as far back as they went. Will MK3 suspension components work on a MK2?

I also could not tell who the shocks or struts where made by, anyone know?

They use Bilstein HD shocks/struts. They should have a mk2 kit, but an mk3 kit should work as long as you switch everything over to the later mk3 style struts and strut mounts up front. Everything in the rear is identical.

LoneWolf · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2007, 03:42:31 pm »

GMax are the best to me, ive got Koni adjustables at the moment, and theyre a total load of bollocks

Pat Dolan · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2007, 07:04:37 pm »

I am ambarrassed to say, that I have springs and shocks on all of my MkI cars, my MkIII and MkIV, but not the two MkIIs....sorry.

However, I have Bilstein Sports and Eibach springs on the MkIV, and that is the European (and for a while VW Canada) option and really makes the car enjoyable - and considerably better handling. The ride is not too harsh, and to avoid getting too low, I used the VR6 springs to keep front ride height almost bang on, while rear is down an inch or so.

The cost wasn't exactly cheap, but for an older car (like my Mk1s) you can usually pick something up on the 'tex with little or no experience on it from someone slamming or parting out for a LOT less money. I have done so for about $200 usually.

Got a Sachs kit for the MkIII this summer, but haven't driven it yet. Price was good (I think under $500).

VWralley · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2007, 09:06:51 am »

Best handling for the best price is bilstein sports and ground control or similar quality sleeved coils with custom spring rates. for a mk2 a good start would be around 400f 300r. that would be a performance geared setup. 350/250 may be a bit better suited for most daily drivers out there.

if you want to make you current setup handle better for super cheap, use a set of stock mk3 vr springs and cut acouple coils to even out the ride height. this setup works great for improved handling on a budget.

ALL generic lowering springs suck for turning. they are progressive rated which is good for ride quality but horrible for handling. "race" springs from neuspeed or h&r are going to be the only option for springs if you opt to go that route, they are softer than a true racing setup, but are not stiff enough to make the car un-reasonable for daily use.

mtnbob · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2007, 03:46:50 pm »

What about the KYB struts and shocks that I see on ebay for about $170 with shipping, and some GTI springs from a 86-91 GTI? I bought KYB's for my Outback and they were great. A little stiffer than stock but not harsh.

Ziptar · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2007, 05:29:42 pm »

The Carat has Eibach Pro-Kit springs and Boge Turbo Gas Struts. It was setup with them when I got it. They say the give a 1" drop but seems way lower to me.

I was worried they'd be harsh but, now that I am driving it it's not too bad. I do really feel potholes and bumps and as akrallysport said it does get a bit squirrelly on uneven and bad pavement. Can't say I am impressed with the handling.

They are a bit low looks wise for my liking.

I can live with them for now but, first chance I get I plan to get Bilstein HDs and H&R 8 Valve OE Sports. Should make for a Nice, factoryish ride but with a little performance built in and only lowers it 0.05" inches.

I have heard good things about KYB GR-2s as well, several tex'ers recommended them to me when I was asking about good shocks with a bit more than stock but stockish ride. The KYB GR-2 and Bilstein HDs came up repeatedly. Bilstein HDs carry a lifetime warranty apparently. A few said stock springs and Turbo Gas Struts are plenty but, for the cost I can Bilsriens and H&Rs so I might as well.

Author Topic: Looking for opinions on suspension upgrades. (Read 8529 times)

akrallysport

akrallysport

LoneWolf