MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 11:05:23 am

Title: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 11:05:23 am
Right, I've decided the time has come to go a bit lower. I'm currently on H&R springs with standard dampers, and it rides quite nicely. Two things are making me consider coilovers though. Firstly, my shocks are getting a bit tired. It's safe to assume they're as old as the car. And secondly, well... going lower! Admittedly it's primarily for looks, although ride and handling is important to me.

So, I've been reading loads of threads on here, on the US forums and so on, and I'm still not 100% on my best option.

I'm not interested in the low end coils like Jom. Budget will be about a grand. I'm looking for about a 60mm drop but with room to go up or down from there - I don't really want to be removing helpers or perches to get where I want.

Bearing in mind the manufacturers' stated lowering ranges often don't tell the whole story, what I'd like to see is some photos of your GTIs on coilovers. Tell me what you're running, floor to arch measurement if possible, wheel and tyre spec, blah blah, you get the picture.

The Americans love Koni coilovers, but they don't seem as popular over here.

KW V1 might be a safe bet (especially with the usual KW sale in a few months) but I'm not sure if they'll go quite low enough.

H&R Ultra Lows sound promising, but they might be overkill.

So, show me what you're on. Fill the thread with pics. Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: bonelorry on January 02, 2017, 03:06:58 pm
Sadly I cannot offer any advice on this matter, I purchased a car many Years ago which had KW V2's fitted and had a full Fast Road set-up with uprated ARB's and Fully Floating AP 4-pots with 340MM discs etc. Albeit it was a different brand of car but they where very good, Not overly firm and easy enough to live with everyday with plenty of adjustability.

Nowadays I do not to go down that route and fitting Uprated Dampers with as little drop as possible on the Springs is my preferred choice rather than going for the lowest spring possible etc

Only thing I would say which you have already mentioned is do not go for cheap sh*t, All the cheap £400-500 Coilover kits are garbage despite what people say that run them!

Don't Bilstein tempt you with their offerings?

Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Cr33D on January 02, 2017, 03:28:44 pm
I know it's not GTI but still...
H&R Ultralow AH Exclusive by Stillstatic with 19" ET42 and 225/35 Tires.

This is with max height setting in my case.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ws1sHvT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/umABN7u.jpg)

Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 03:55:09 pm
Thanks for the replies.

@bonelorry I'm certainly not ruling Bilsteins out, although I'd need to find out more. I've read quite a few times they don't go very low in the rear, at least 'not as low as KW'. And at the same time I'm hearing some people say KWs themselves don't go very low. I'd probably want a kit with adjustable damping if I went for Bilsteins as the fixed damping kits sound quite firm. Maybe they're more of a track coilover. I'd never doubt their overall quality though.

I suppose the idea of the thread was to see for myself just how low certain setups will go. So I'd welcome anyone with Bilsteins and a good drop to post up!

@Cr33D Thanks for the photos, that's helpful. I did read a post (on Vortex maybe) where someone said the Ultra Low H&Rs were too low even on the heighest adjustment. H&R state that as 50mm iirc. However, this proves that wrong. Seems you've got plenty of room to play with. Are yours the normal Ultra Low or the Deep kit? And how does it ride?

Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Adam0604 on January 02, 2017, 05:10:46 pm
On my phone so can't poat pictures in this thread, however I have multiple photos on my build thread (link against my username). Not top end coilovers, they're FK Highsports, but the ride is not really harsh in my opinion, and even my Mum who hates the fact I modify the car in any way has said it's quite a nice ride. My helpers are out as well.

Currently about a 90mm drop. Have about a Samsung/iPhone length of clearance from ground to splitter.
I run 225/40/18, 8.5j fronts, 9.5j rears. Fronts have about -1.5 degrees of camber; backs around 3-3.5mm.
You'd be fine at a 60mm drop.

Hope this helps?
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 05:40:59 pm
On my phone so can't poat pictures in this thread, however I have multiple photos on my build thread (link against my username). Not top end coilovers, they're FK Highsports, but the ride is not really harsh in my opinion, and even my Mum who hates the fact I modify the car in any way has said it's quite a nice ride. My helpers are out as well.

Currently about a 90mm drop. Have about a Samsung/iPhone length of clearance from ground to splitter.
I run 225/40/18, 8.5j fronts, 9.5j rears. Fronts have about -1.5 degrees of camber; backs around 3-3.5mm.
You'd be fine at a 60mm drop.

Hope this helps?
Good info, thanks. The Highsports, are they the ones with Koni dampers? I know there's also Silverline and Konigsport. And from what I gather the higher end FKs are a world apart from the likes of FK Street. Highsports are kind of mid range as I understand it?

I take it you've managed that camber with stock adjustment, no need for camber plates unless you need more? And what's the offset of your wheels?

I'm on 8" et44 with 225 40 18s. I'd like to think I could get away with keeping that kind of wheel/tyre spec unless I'm going silly low. 60mm, maybe a bit more, or at least enough to very slightly tuck the top corner of the tyre.

I'll have a look on your build thread.

I've been reading an old build thread on Edition, guy calling himself Obese. He might have been on here. Anyway, he was on H&R Ultra Lows. Lovely stance, and certainly went low enough.

Question is, do I really need Ultra Lows? Or would something like KW V1 be enough. Thing is, I like the idea of running a damper 'long', around mid-max height, ie Ultra Lows. I don't like the idea of running a damper short, at minimum height, which could well be the case with KW. And the KW warranty only applies if the coilovers are set within the TUV range, which is well short of how low they'll actually go. Sneaky.

I had Weitecs on and old car. Couldn't fault them. Looked at today's equivalent (non stainless made by KW) the ST range, and they're only marginally cheaper than V1s.

I'll definitely have a look into FKs as well though.

Hmmm. Decisions!
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: rich83 on January 02, 2017, 05:53:05 pm
Showing pics of cars on coilovers doesn't really give you any idea of what they are like in terms of ride or quality of manufacture quality

Whats wrong with your setup at the moment? Is the ride height ok? If so they why not look at aftermarket dampers such as Bilstein? H&R springs + Bilstein shock will almost certainly give you better ride/handling than a set of 400quid coilovers.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Cr33D on January 02, 2017, 05:58:50 pm
My ones are 110mm which would mean that they are Deep ones (AH Exclusive). [I think - bought it second hand]

As I mentioned this are max setting and I occasionally rub when body rolls.
I need to roll arches...

In regards of comfort I had MK3 in the past with some cheap coilovers and there was no comfort at all.
Here - I was positively surprised, for such a low set-up comfort is pretty good and my wife which hates lowered cars didn't complain about comfort.

Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 06:12:36 pm
Showing pics of cars on coilovers doesn't really give you any idea of what they are like in terms of ride or quality of manufacture quality

Whats wrong with your setup at the moment? Is the ride height ok? If so they why not look at aftermarket dampers such as Bilstein? H&R springs + Bilstein shock will almost certainly give you better ride/handling than a set of 400quid coilovers.
Nope, but it does give me an idea of which coilovers actually go as low as I'd want. Like I mentioned in the first post, going off the stated lowering range in the sales blurb can be a bit misleading. It's not always right. The idea was to actually get out and have a ride in some cars that had whatever coilovers I'd deemed a possibility, based on this thread and other research. But I'm not at that stage yet.

The current setup rides fine. Handles fine. It's just not low enough. If I was happy with it aesthetically on the H&R springs I'd do pretty much what you've suggested. The new(ish) VWR dampers sound decent.

What coilovers are you on, Rich?
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 06:31:19 pm
My ones are 110mm which would mean that they are Deep ones (AH Exclusive). [I think - bought it second hand]

As I mentioned this are max setting and I occasionally rub when body rolls.
I need to roll arches...

In regards of comfort I had MK3 in the past with some cheap coilovers and there was no comfort at all.
Here - I was positively surprised, for such a low set-up comfort is pretty good and my wife which hates lowered cars didn't complain about comfort.
I take it the rubbing is just on the front? What width are your 19s?
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: rich83 on January 02, 2017, 06:33:40 pm
PSS10

Contrary to what folk my say... even expensive coil-overs are a compromise on ride quality over OEM. The good thing about them is the made the car handle like a dream. Not so great on the motorway as it can be a bit of a bumpy ride, but when giving it some stick they are amazing.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Adam0604 on January 02, 2017, 06:47:41 pm
On my phone so can't poat pictures in this thread, however I have multiple photos on my build thread (link against my username). Not top end coilovers, they're FK Highsports, but the ride is not really harsh in my opinion, and even my Mum who hates the fact I modify the car in any way has said it's quite a nice ride. My helpers are out as well.

Currently about a 90mm drop. Have about a Samsung/iPhone length of clearance from ground to splitter.
I run 225/40/18, 8.5j fronts, 9.5j rears. Fronts have about -1.5 degrees of camber; backs around 3-3.5mm.
You'd be fine at a 60mm drop.

Hope this helps?
Good info, thanks. The Highsports, are they the ones with Koni dampers? I know there's also Silverline and Konigsport. And from what I gather the higher end FKs are a world apart from the likes of FK Street. Highsports are kind of mid range as I understand it?

I take it you've managed that camber with stock adjustment, no need for camber plates unless you need more? And what's the offset of your wheels?

I'm on 8" et44 with 225 40 18s. I'd like to think I could get away with keeping that kind of wheel/tyre spec unless I'm going silly low. 60mm, maybe a bit more, or at least enough to very slightly tuck the top corner of the tyre.

I'll have a look on your build thread.

I've been reading an old build thread on Edition, guy calling himself Obese. He might have been on here. Anyway, he was on H&R Ultra Lows. Lovely stance, and certainly went low enough.

Question is, do I really need Ultra Lows? Or would something like KW V1 be enough. Thing is, I like the idea of running a damper 'long', around mid-max height, ie Ultra Lows. I don't like the idea of running a damper short, at minimum height, which could well be the case with KW. And the KW warranty only applies if the coilovers are set within the TUV range, which is well short of how low they'll actually go. Sneaky.

I had Weitecs on and old car. Couldn't fault them. Looked at today's equivalent (non stainless made by KW) the ST range, and they're only marginally cheaper than V1s.

I'll definitely have a look into FKs as well though.

Hmmm. Decisions!

I'll be honest I can't remember what dampers they came with, I do know they are 30% uprated though. I had FK Streets on my old Astra and they were a harsh ride, but these Highsports still keep a some what OEM ride quality. A little harsh going over mid-deep holes in the road that you can't always avoid, but what coilovers aren't. Not sure if you intend to do track days, but I reckon these will be a little soft for it. Would say I'd let you know but I'm going air ride in Feb.

Front has adjustable ball joints to give me the -1.5 degrees of camber there, as it's not adjustable otherwise unless you have adjustable top mounts already.
Rear end is standard as it is adjustable, plus the small amount from having a Whiteline RARB which just naturally gives you a bit due to being longer than standard.

Offset is 40, as I have the 3SDM 0.06s on my car.

A good option IMO if you decided you didn't want to spend a grand, but if it doesn't really bother you spending the full grand, probably the KW's or PSS10's will be a better option.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 02, 2017, 06:54:22 pm
On my phone so can't poat pictures in this thread, however I have multiple photos on my build thread (link against my username). Not top end coilovers, they're FK Highsports, but the ride is not really harsh in my opinion, and even my Mum who hates the fact I modify the car in any way has said it's quite a nice ride. My helpers are out as well.

Currently about a 90mm drop. Have about a Samsung/iPhone length of clearance from ground to splitter.
I run 225/40/18, 8.5j fronts, 9.5j rears. Fronts have about -1.5 degrees of camber; backs around 3-3.5mm.
You'd be fine at a 60mm drop.

Hope this helps?
Good info, thanks. The Highsports, are they the ones with Koni dampers? I know there's also Silverline and Konigsport. And from what I gather the higher end FKs are a world apart from the likes of FK Street. Highsports are kind of mid range as I understand it?

I take it you've managed that camber with stock adjustment, no need for camber plates unless you need more? And what's the offset of your wheels?

I'm on 8" et44 with 225 40 18s. I'd like to think I could get away with keeping that kind of wheel/tyre spec unless I'm going silly low. 60mm, maybe a bit more, or at least enough to very slightly tuck the top corner of the tyre.

I'll have a look on your build thread.

I've been reading an old build thread on Edition, guy calling himself Obese. He might have been on here. Anyway, he was on H&R Ultra Lows. Lovely stance, and certainly went low enough.

Question is, do I really need Ultra Lows? Or would something like KW V1 be enough. Thing is, I like the idea of running a damper 'long', around mid-max height, ie Ultra Lows. I don't like the idea of running a damper short, at minimum height, which could well be the case with KW. And the KW warranty only applies if the coilovers are set within the TUV range, which is well short of how low they'll actually go. Sneaky.

I had Weitecs on and old car. Couldn't fault them. Looked at today's equivalent (non stainless made by KW) the ST range, and they're only marginally cheaper than V1s.

I'll definitely have a look into FKs as well though.

Hmmm. Decisions!

I'll be honest I can't remember what dampers they came with, I do know they are 30% uprated though. I had FK Streets on my old Astra and they were a harsh ride, but these Highsports still keep a some what OEM ride quality. A little harsh going over mid-deep holes in the road that you can't always avoid, but what coilovers aren't. Not sure if you intend to do track days, but I reckon these will be a little soft for it. Would say I'd let you know but I'm going air ride in Feb.

Front has adjustable ball joints to give me the -1.5 degrees of camber there, as it's not adjustable otherwise unless you have adjustable top mounts already.
Rear end is standard as it is adjustable, plus the small amount from having a Whiteline RARB which just naturally gives you a bit due to being longer than standard.

Offset is 40, as I have the 3SDM 0.06s on my car.

A good option IMO if you decided you didn't want to spend a grand, but if it doesn't really bother you spending the full grand, probably the KW's or PSS10's will be a better option.
I've just caught up on your build thread. Made sense when I read about the Superpro ball joints! I doubt I'll ever track the car, it's more something I want looking nice with a bit of power when the mood takes me.

KWs are still firmly on the list. Bilsteins too. I'm yet to definitively rule anything out.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Cr33D on January 02, 2017, 06:57:02 pm
My ones are 110mm which would mean that they are Deep ones (AH Exclusive). [I think - bought it second hand]

As I mentioned this are max setting and I occasionally rub when body rolls.
I need to roll arches...

In regards of comfort I had MK3 in the past with some cheap coilovers and there was no comfort at all.
Here - I was positively surprised, for such a low set-up comfort is pretty good and my wife which hates lowered cars didn't complain about comfort.
I take it the rubbing is just on the front? What width are your 19s?

8,5J 225x35 tires
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: ROH ECHT on January 02, 2017, 11:16:05 pm
I'm currently on H&R SuperSport springs and Bilstein B8's. I rode in my VW tech's MK5 GTI with U/Low's and was surprised how comfy they were...his being lower than mine, but mine with both F and R H&R arb's.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: pudding on January 03, 2017, 11:22:29 am
PSS10

Contrary to what folk my say... even expensive coil-overs are a compromise on ride quality over OEM. The good thing about them is the made the car handle like a dream. Not so great on the motorway as it can be a bit of a bumpy ride, but when giving it some stick they are amazing.

Indeed.  No one sinks a grand+ into coilovers and says they're crap.  They can always find one positive (less body roll usually) but the downsides always outweigh the positives unless the car lives on a track or is a weekend car only.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 02:11:21 pm
Good points @Pudding and @rich83

If this was a track car there's no doubt it'd be on PSS10s or V3s, set very stiff, on semi slicks, and so on, with no f*cks given about how comfortable it was.

I think it's worth pointing out (as much as I largely agree with with you both) that while some coilovers are designed for serious track use, some are designed for looking low and driving ok on public roads. As such, their respective compromises/weaknesses won't be the same.

I don't mind a coilover that's a bit softer than usual as I'll never track the car.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 03:09:53 pm
I'm currently on H&R SuperSport springs and Bilstein B8's. I rode in my VW tech's MK5 GTI with U/Low's and was surprised how comfy they were...his being lower than mine, but mine with both F and R H&R arb's.
You've got coilover style springs in the rear too haven't you, as in short springs with adjusters? And I remember you saying it's pretty firm. Would you say the B8s are a little out of their ideal stroke?

I was toying with a setup like this with an old car. Ended up on Weitec coils eventually.

These H&R Supersport springs - they're a bigger drop than the usual H&R 30mm but not available in the UK as I understand it?

Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 03:12:35 pm
Anyway, this thread is short of photos. Get posting.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: pudding on January 03, 2017, 03:51:43 pm
Good points @Pudding (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10733) and @rich83

If this was a track car there's no doubt it'd be on PSS10s or V3s, set very stiff, on semi slicks, and so on, with no f*cks given about how comfortable it was.

I think it's worth pointing out (as much as I largely agree with with you both) that while some coilovers are designed for serious track use, some are designed for looking low and driving ok on public roads. As such, their respective compromises/weaknesses won't be the same.

I don't mind a coilover that's a bit softer than usual as I'll never track the car.

The V3s I had on my Corrado were way more forgiving than the V1s and V2s I tried on other people's cars.  KW also had a choice of spring rates to choose from too.   The likes of Bilstein et al you get no such service.   Still, they all use the same 2.5" or 2.25" ID springs any way, of which there are dozens of makes, lengths, and rates available off the shelf.  It's worth playing around with custom stuff to get the exact ride quality and height you're after.

Bilsteins are harsh over bumps.  Monotubes are consistent though.  I.e. the damping feels the same in winter and summer and no matter how hard or gently you drive it.  Normal twin-tubes (OEM and VWR spec) get a bit floaty when the damper oil gets hot and thins out.  The V3s are exactly like that.  Bilsteins didn't last when I had them, they leaked on me after about 30K.  Bilsteins like to sieze up, V3s don't because of the stainless bodies....but stainless is heavier than mild.......this is the problem, no one kit does it all.   And price doesn't always reflect quality or lifespan either.  Konis always leaked on me too.   

The KWs were easily the most reliable coilovers I owned, and they're rebuildable.  There's probably better out there now but the V3 dampers with some shorter springs to do away with the helper would work.   I would get some roll centre correcting ball joints if you go mega low, otherwise you'll get shed loads of tramlining and bump steer.  No one ever mentions that either  :happy2:





Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: rich83 on January 03, 2017, 04:00:54 pm
IMO this is just about perfect ride height.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Frich%2Fimg%2FCar%2520Stuff%2FIMG_7342%2520%25282%2529.jpg&hash=692a34d0023ebf26931ba24085cc62a360aa6ba2)
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 04:05:37 pm
Good points @Pudding (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10733) and @rich83

If this was a track car there's no doubt it'd be on PSS10s or V3s, set very stiff, on semi slicks, and so on, with no f*cks given about how comfortable it was.

I think it's worth pointing out (as much as I largely agree with with you both) that while some coilovers are designed for serious track use, some are designed for looking low and driving ok on public roads. As such, their respective compromises/weaknesses won't be the same.

I don't mind a coilover that's a bit softer than usual as I'll never track the car.

The V3s I had on my Corrado were way more forgiving than the V1s and V2s I tried on other people's cars.  KW also had a choice of spring rates to choose from too.   The likes of Bilstein et al you get no such service.   Still, they all use the same 2.5" or 2.25" ID springs any way, of which there are dozens of makes, lengths, and rates available off the shelf.  It's worth playing around with custom stuff to get the exact ride quality and height you're after.

Bilsteins are harsh over bumps.  Monotubes are consistent though.  I.e. the damping feels the same in winter and summer and no matter how hard or gently you drive it.  Normal twin-tubes (OEM and VWR spec) get a bit floaty when the damper oil gets hot and thins out.  The V3s are exactly like that.  Bilsteins didn't last when I had them, they leaked on me after about 30K.  Bilsteins like to sieze up, V3s don't because of the stainless bodies....but stainless is heavier than mild.......this is the problem, no one kit does it all.   And price doesn't always reflect quality or lifespan either.  Konis always leaked on me too.   

The KWs were easily the most reliable coilovers I owned, and they're rebuildable.  There's probably better out there now but the V3 dampers with some shorter springs to do away with the helper would work.   I would get some roll centre correcting ball joints if you go mega low, otherwise you'll get shed loads of tramlining and bump steer.  No one ever mentions that either  :happy2:
Excellent info mate, thank you. I'd not really given much thought to the idea of custom springs, but I'll look into this.

I think soon I'll need to try and get some passenger rides, see how I find the ride. V3s might just be in budget if the usual KW sale comes around, but I won't discount V1s, Ultra Lows etc, without seeing how they feel first.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 04:06:48 pm
IMO this is just about perfect ride height.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Frich%2Fimg%2FCar%2520Stuff%2FIMG_7342%2520%25282%2529.jpg&hash=692a34d0023ebf26931ba24085cc62a360aa6ba2)
Agreed. Maybe 10mm more at the front.

Is this yours on the Bilsteins?
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: pudding on January 03, 2017, 04:21:19 pm
That only looks about 20mm lower than my standard ED30!

So long as you get the stainless ones mate, I forget what they call it, "Inox" or something, you'll be fine.   Unless Bilstein / HR / Koni etc have improved their strut body anti-corrosion in recent years, I won't be entertaining them again.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 04:26:53 pm
Looks a fair bit lower than my GTI on H&R springs!

Yeah KW do 'Basic' or at least used to, which isn't stainless. Bit pointless when a few extra quid gets the proper stainless ones.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: pudding on January 03, 2017, 04:45:24 pm
Looks a fair bit lower than my GTI on H&R springs!

Yeah KW do 'Basic' or at least used to, which isn't stainless. Bit pointless when a few extra quid gets the proper stainless ones.

Must be a visual thing then because mine hits kerbs with the standard ride height!

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx2%2Fkevhaywire%2FIMG_5011_zpsvjdcvysd.jpg&hash=9491bb4b79e607a9ed03fab48b13c0855e37f242)
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: AJP on January 03, 2017, 05:01:55 pm
This is why floor to arch measurements would be handy to me. Two identical cars can look different heights depending on the photo.

But I can tell yours is definitely standard...  Practical winters and all
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: pudding on January 03, 2017, 05:08:40 pm
Glad it looks standard as I was thinking it looks too low for OEM!

Yeah I threw the winters on out of curiousity!  Got them cheap  :smiley:   16" = great ride quality, but on damp roads the grip is shockingly bad  :grin:    Pesceras going back on this week!  Experiment done, probably never to be repeated!
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: rich83 on January 03, 2017, 05:22:12 pm
That only looks about 20mm lower than my standard ED30!

So long as you get the stainless ones mate, I forget what they call it, "Inox" or something, you'll be fine.   Unless Bilstein / HR / Koni etc have improved their strut body anti-corrosion in recent years, I won't be entertaining them again.

Nah its way lower than 20 mm... Ive not measured it but i suspect its in the region of 35-40mm

AJP. yep Bilsteins. Its actually more level than it looks in that photo because of the shadows and highlights on the tyres. I wouldnt want to run it any lower.
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: rich83 on January 03, 2017, 05:23:46 pm
This is OEM..

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Frich%2Fimg%2F47790_425167820881_3805047_n.jpg&hash=297611f15447307e25a75a30efab5959a9d0fb16)
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: ROH ECHT on January 03, 2017, 06:39:30 pm
I'm currently on H&R SuperSport springs and Bilstein B8's. I rode in my VW tech's MK5 GTI with U/Low's and was surprised how comfy they were...his being lower than mine, but mine with both F and R H&R arb's.
You've got coilover style springs in the rear too haven't you, as in short springs with adjusters? And I remember you saying it's pretty firm. Would you say the B8s are a little out of their ideal stroke?

I was toying with a setup like this with an old car. Ended up on Weitec coils eventually.

These H&R Supersport springs - they're a bigger drop than the usual H&R 30mm but not available in the UK as I understand it?
Yes, right now they are H&R street perf. c/o adjustable springs in the rear...still have H&R SS springs in front. And right, the SS are lower(2" drop for mine, and 1.4" for mid '07 to '09) because '06 and early '07 here were jacked to the sky. I don't understand why not available there....  :sad1:
Title: Re: Coilovers... Post Your Pics!
Post by: Adam0604 on January 03, 2017, 09:04:48 pm
On my laptop now so can post pics for you - the AK Highsports option:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FvT_Mayhem%2FMobile_Uploads%2F20160508_140104.jpg&hash=64a089e983a2c68215822c9ee32e27249db32d48)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fdd445%2FvT_Mayhem%2FIMG-20160529-WA0007.jpg&hash=cc9a78c352ac7b15c43b003c4cd86bc0a1eede0b)

Probably the two best ones I have to show how it sits.