MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Performance Modifications => Topic started by: denzilbud on April 03, 2015, 12:43:12 pm
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Hi all had mot yesterday which came back with one slightly leaking rear shock so instead of just replacing the rear shocks I want to fit some coilovers but here's the thing I'm not worried about how low they will go standard height is fine maybe a little lower I'm more concerned about ride quality and wear on tyres and bushes as the Mrs uses it on a day to day basis for ferrying kids around I've been looking at pro sport and fks but haven't got a clue really please help I don't have hundreds to spend maybe 250-300 but don't want cheep and hard coilovers would rather stick with stock many thanks in advance
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Anyone
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If you're fitting coilovers I can only advise spending a bit extra. The likes of KW and Weitec (made by KW but galvanised rather than fully stainless) are a safer bet when it comes to comfort and long term durability.
I ran Weitecs on my old mk4 with no problems for a good few years, and that was with them set silly low.
KW V1 are a good price at the minute, and I'm looking at buying a set for my 07 GTI. I've had a good read up and it sounds that just like Weitecs they are very comfortable. And of course if you're planning on keeping the car for a few years the fact that they're stainless is a big plus.
It just boils down to budget. If 300 really is your limit I'd strongly advise against going with cheaper, lesser known coilovers.
KW are more expensive for a reason - they put a huge amount of R&D into damper valving and spring rates on specific platforms to ensure the finished product provides good ride quality as well as the performance and handling improvements.
You get what you pay for.
If you can't stretch to that, maybe price up the cost of a pair of standard rear shocks and a good quality lowering spring set such as H&R or Eibach Pro. Don't be tempted to go lower than around 30/35mm on standard shocks. Too low and the standard shocks will be working outside of their capability, and you'll end up with a bad ride and reduced life of the shocks.
Remember, buy cheap - buy twice.
Hope this helps!
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Not sure where that smiley came from by the way... insert 'research and development' in its place!
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That's great thankyou
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No probs. If memory serves correctly AP coilovers also come from the same 'family' as KW and Weitec (someone may correct me if I'm wrong!)
These are more affordable than KW and Weitec, and should give you a similarly pleasant ride quality. The only downside would be that the component quality may not be as durable. But they're still a great 'budget' setup.
Try and google the hell out of it, find writeups of people running AP, Weitec etc, and see what it turns up.
Please don't waste your money on cheap tat though. The word Jom gives me shudders....!
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When i was researching coilovers i did hours of searching before deciding because i was also on a budget, i went with fk high sports and i love them, they are a lot stiffer but thats what i wanted so it will complement the other suspension mods i want to do
From what i found out ap would be right up your street, little bit lower than standard but still very comfortable, reason i went against them was they didnt have the drop id eventually want
As already said kw are good but if you cant stretch that far dont think youd go wrong with ap
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Yes AP are made by KW so retain some quality and comfort over cheap kits. Weitec are no longer made anymore and KW have replaced this line with "ST" suspension