MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Chesto18 on May 31, 2018, 03:40:03 pm

Title: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on May 31, 2018, 03:40:03 pm
Hi,

On 110k and suspension feels like a bowl of jelly with nails in... looking for a decent OEM+ replacement.

Ideally I want something a little less bang-crash than the original set up, but also more capable. The Racingline kit sounds absolutely perfect, however I’m really put off by the low ride height. Aware they quote 20mm drop, but in Puddings excellent review, the drop looks closer to 40mm!

It’s a daily driver and school run machine, I also live around the country therefore I need the ride height to stay sensible. 15-20mm is about the max I can get away with. I can’t tolerate any arch rubbing.

I narrowed it down to the Racingline kit, which as I said sounds like it does exactly what I’m after, other than the ride height; the ST kit which looks to have the right drop, but I’ve no idea what the ride is like, or the AP kit, which is potentially a bargain at £315 from DPM. Also sen the Vogtland kit but appears this is out of stock most places.

Can anyone provide any insight on the above? Specifically the drop of the Racingline kit, or any other alternatives.

Cheers
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Bodyboarder81 on May 31, 2018, 03:55:05 pm
Bilstein b12 kit or vogtland..... had both on my gti and both are very good indeed ! With the vogtland you can obviously set to your exact desired ride height  :happy2:
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: bobby_fodge on May 31, 2018, 05:00:12 pm
I've just replaced my factory setup for VWR springs and Bilstein B4 Sport Dampers. The height has been lowered about 20mm and I've not heard any rubbing when driven hard.

I've had loads of coilovers on different cars but this time around I didn't need height/rebound adjustability, just a firmer setup using decent parts.

The ride is firmer but in no way harsh, hard corner is vastly improved. I've only had the car a few months and it now drives like I expected it to.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on May 31, 2018, 05:28:37 pm
Thanks. It’s hard to imagine how the ride could be any former than what I have now. It transmits every single stone through the seat and steering wheel, but wallows in the corners a bit too. Maybe my shocks have just had it? I do have the rear wheel drone and a bit of sawtoothing going on too.

Interesting about the Vwr springs, I would imagine the ride height is the same using their full kit as it is with just the springs, but I might be wrong
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: bobby_fodge on May 31, 2018, 05:53:11 pm
Maybe. The sport dampers were from do performance if you want to have a look.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: shail on May 31, 2018, 07:29:57 pm
I have the B4 Bilstien dampeners too with eibach sports line springs.  Ride is good, I don't find it harsh BUT there are a few speed bumps in the local shopping complex where it grinds over unless im doing 5mph.  Seems that the humps you get on roads are ok though.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on May 31, 2018, 09:09:18 pm
Has anyone used the AP kit? Seen them in Euro performance for £271, which has got to be a bargain.

Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: pudding on June 01, 2018, 05:03:08 pm
The standard suspension is a curious blend of urban harshness and B road wallowing.  Not really sure how they managed to screw it up so badly.  Maybe that was OK 10 years ago, but it just won't do anymore  :smiley:

The VWR kit is way better than standard.  Rides better and handles better.  It can still feel a little thumpy and crashy (like standard!) on really crappy roads, but the smaller little bumps that troubled the standard car, the VWR kit smoothes out nicely.

Definitely not -20mm as you say, not on my manual ED30 at least.   I can't comment on the cheaper kits unfortunately but Ohlins is seriously next level stuff and that is a genuine 20mm drop  :smiley:
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 02, 2018, 09:16:13 am
Yeah thanks. Your review was great and it sounds perfect other than the drop height.

I was set on the ST set as the drop looks good with these, and they are decent KW dampers by all accounts, but the AP set is so cheap and gets some love over on the Briskoda forum.

I’ve got a bit of knocking from the front too, so considering changing a couple bushes while I’m at it, can’t afford a whole set, what are the essentials?
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: shail on June 02, 2018, 09:23:01 am
Yeah thanks. Your review was great and it sounds perfect other than the drop height.

I was set on the ST set as the drop looks good with these, and they are decent KW dampers by all accounts, but the AP set is so cheap and gets some love over on the Briskoda forum.

I’ve got a bit of knocking from the front too, so considering changing a couple bushes while I’m at it, can’t afford a whole set, what are the essentials?

I'd think about getting top mounts if you are getting new springs and dampers.  Other bushes can be replaced without removing the spring/damper.   

Have your console bushes checked for wear, and also droplinks.  I've recently had:
New springs, dampers, top mounts, ball joints, concole bushes, drop links. It ain't cheap, but doing top mounts with suspension will save you £ if they need doing later.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Octoparrot on June 02, 2018, 11:03:14 am
Consider Pedders suspension, comes with the front struts built up with new top mounts and springs. Other than that I'd look at the VWR kit but it depends on how much you wish to spend really.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Bodyboarder81 on June 02, 2018, 01:17:15 pm
I have some brand new ttrs ( the ones you want really ) that will be up for sale later
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 02, 2018, 01:33:55 pm
......and I may have my Racingline sports suspension (dampers and springs) for sale next month......
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Bodyboarder81 on June 02, 2018, 02:36:34 pm
......and I may have my Racingline sports suspension (dampers and springs) for sale next month......

Job done then  :grin: :happy2:
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 02, 2018, 09:15:57 pm
Sounds like it!
......and I may have my Racingline sports suspension (dampers and springs) for sale next month......
How do you find the drop on your car? It dropped Puddings more like 40mm by the looks of it. Do you have a pic?
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 02, 2018, 09:20:59 pm
Sure, here’s a photo. I don’t believe it is 40mm but will try measure the arch heights tomorrow.

https://i.imgur.com/zGyM6N1_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 03, 2018, 12:40:52 am
Definitely looks more than 20mm though!

Kit sounds exactly what I’m after but the drop just looks a little too low.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 03, 2018, 06:11:46 am
The arch heights are 63cm front and 64.5cm rear. Perhaps someone with stock suspension can measure theirs to confirm? Racingline claim 15-20mm drop

www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/volkswagen/golf-mk5/racingline-performance-spring-and-damper-kit-golf-mk5/
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 03, 2018, 08:12:53 am
Mines stock, I’ll have a look later
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: mk1mad on June 03, 2018, 10:30:43 am
The arch heights are 63cm front and 64.5cm rear. Perhaps someone with stock suspension can measure theirs to confirm? Racingline claim 15-20mm drop

www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/volkswagen/golf-mk5/racingline-performance-spring-and-damper-kit-golf-mk5/
Thanks for measuring the arch heights,  I am considering swapping my coil overs for this set up due to the bad roads I have to drive.
 I have measured where I had set my coil overs 63 cm front and 64cm rear so would be no noticeable difference in height . How long have you had these fitted ? long enough to fully settle?
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Lewo on June 03, 2018, 11:43:04 am
Just measured mine. 17" wheels.
657mm F
665mm R

Hope that helps someone.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 03, 2018, 01:15:03 pm
That would seem about right then.

I’ll check mine (18’s) later.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 03, 2018, 02:31:06 pm
@mk1mad (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10944) - they’re pretty settled as they are two years old and just 6000 miles. Since a couple of people have pm’d me, the reason for sale is that I will be taking the plunge for Ohlins and I would like £340 collected for these.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: mk1mad on June 03, 2018, 05:14:43 pm
@mk1mad (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10944) - they’re pretty settled as they are two years old and just 6000 miles. Since a couple of people have pm’d me, the reason for sale is that I will be taking the plunge for Ohlins and I would like £340 collected for these.
Thanks for the info  :happy2:as they are collection where in the country are you ? just in case the others don't purchase?

Also what size wheels are you running ? not sure if that would effect the measurement.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 03, 2018, 05:31:19 pm
Am in West London but can pack them up if people want to send a courier.

Only a couple mm difference in tyre height between 225/45*17 and 225/40*18
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: mk1mad on June 03, 2018, 06:24:01 pm
Am in West London but can pack them up if people want to send a courier.

Only a couple mm difference in tyre height between 225/45*17 and 225/40*18
I'll pm you regarding the suspension .
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 03, 2018, 08:36:28 pm
Am in West London but can pack them up if people want to send a courier.

Only a couple mm difference in tyre height between 225/45*17 and 225/40*18
I'll pm you regarding the suspension .

Guess I’ll be off then....
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: mk1mad on June 04, 2018, 06:08:59 pm
Am in West London but can pack them up if people want to send a courier.

Only a couple mm difference in tyre height between 225/45*17 and 225/40*18
I'll pm you regarding the suspension .

Guess I’ll be off then....
I messaged him to say I was interested and had anyone been in touch for them  As it's your original post I'm not going to jump in first. Out of interest would you be interested in my ST coil overs
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: colesey on June 05, 2018, 05:38:28 am
Guys, I’ll give you both a heads up on this thread when they become available. The car, incidentally, is a manual as well as 5 door.
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: Chesto18 on June 05, 2018, 09:51:51 pm
Am in West London but can pack them up if people want to send a courier.

Only a couple mm difference in tyre height between 225/45*17 and 225/40*18
I'll pm you regarding the suspension .

Guess I’ll be off then....
I messaged him to say I was interested and had anyone been in touch for them  As it's your original post I'm not going to jump in first. Out of interest would you be interested in my ST coil overs

I’m just mucking about. I’m not bothered mate, do what you need to do, it’s all first come first served isn’t it?

I’d be interested in ST shocks and springs but probably not the coilovers, unless they ride really, really well.

But seriously treading on no toes if you’re after a set of racinglines too. As I’ve said I think they’ll be a little lower than I want to go, and it’s whoever comes up with the cash first end of the day.

How do you find the ST coilovers? Not really considering coilovers but happy to hear all options.

Cheers
Title: Re: Fixed height suspension kit recommendations. Racingline?
Post by: mk1mad on June 06, 2018, 06:58:21 pm
The ST coil overs are exactly the same as kw variant 1 coil overs but mild steel bodies ( confirmed by KW)

They ride very well on most roads, if the road is very poor they can be a little to  firm . I have to drive some horrible back roads which is making me consider swapping them out. I am running fairly low so I am going to raise it 10mm all round first to see if that improves it.