GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Ben Lessani on 03 October 2010, 00:26
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Hi Guys,
I've been reading posts for days and have come to no conclusion as to what to buy. I've had cheap coilies for the past 3 years and the rear left has finally packed in (as well as the others being sh!t from new anyway!).
It never goes on the track, but a nice fast-road set-up would be ideal, with a drop for decent stance (-40mm)
So searching resulted in everyone saying to get the Eibach -40mm springs (Part no. E8502-140) (around £120 for all 4). But there is no clear winner on what shocks to get.
There's a lot of recommendations for the Boge Gas Turbos (around £110 for all 4) - but then there is an equal amount of complaints saying they failed early :(.
Then there is the Koni adjustables - but they seem to be over £130 per shock! - either I'm looking at the wrong models, or they really are that expensive (perhaps someone could post some part numbers?).
Or get some plain 'ole OE Bilstein B4's (around £150 for all 4) - http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf_1.8_1986/p/Car-Parts/Suspension-and-Steering/Suspension/Shock-Absorbers
Or some FK AKX uprated shocks with a shorter piston (around £140 for all 4) - http://www.venommotorsport.com/product_details.php?id=7266&manufacturer=FK&category=Suspension
Then there is getting a complete suspension set like the Koni STRT kit (around £330 for all 4) - http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=15346013
Or the Weitec GT kit (£340) - http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=15338813
Or the Spax PSX kit (£320) - http://www.spaxdirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=29_30_1374&products_id=2034 (with another 15% off thanks to http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=147187.0)
Or the FK AKX kit (£150) - http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=3733426
Or the AP 40mm kit (£270) - http://www.venommotorsport.com/product_details.php?id=682&manufacturer=AP&category=Suspension
After blowing £200 on cheap coilies, I'd like something that will preferably last and within budget.
I know this question gets asked all the time - I'm just concerned the Boge Gas Turbo shocks aren't going to be that good :(
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Oh, to make things more confusing the Koni STRT kit (http://www.venommotorsport.com/product_details.php?id=20616&manufacturer=Koni&category=Suspension) may or may not be only inserts for the front shocks (rather than a complete strut!).
Confused!
Edit: It looks like there are two offerings, one is a complete strut, one is just front inserts - http://www.venommotorsport.com/product_details.php?id=20617&manufacturer=Koni&category=Suspension
Edit again: Actually, I think it still isn't a complete strut - but a different type of insert that Koni made that allows you to hack it into your existing sealed strut, given I have no struts to use, these may be a non-option!
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The more reading I do, the less I want to replace the suspension!
My options are separated, but each have their pros/cons - with no clear winner
Shock + Spring Combo (<£300)
Pros: Cheap, comfortable
Cons: Too much body roll, final stance is unpredictable
Budget coilovers (<£300)
Pros: Cheap, ability to get stance perfect, minimal body roll
Cons: Harsh on bumpy roads, unpleasant on motorways, short lifetime
Mid-range coilovers (£300-700)
Pros: Ability to get stance perfect, minimal body roll, better longevity
Cons: Price, appear to be equally as uncomfortable as cheap coilovers
I don't want to go buying some Weitec GTNs to find they are still as choppy as my budget coilys. On the same token, I don't want to buy some springs/shocks to have a odd looking ride height - or too much roll in the corners.
Its no surprise people just give in and buy cheap coilovers!
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That's a tough one your asking there....at the end of the day I guess its always going to be a bit of a compromise, it just depends what side you want to compromise on.
I can only go from my own experiences, I ended up going for the Weitec GTNs (as have a few others on here) and to be honest I'm really happy with them. (I had cheapo coilies before and what a mistake/waste of money - the weitec's have a totally different ride)
I too considered the shock spring combo but dismissed it as I wanted a bit of adjustment.
Had funds been better I think I'd have preferred a set of KW's, purely due to the fact they are made from better material. The GTN's I have are still fully functional they just get a covering of rust/discolouring on them after a while.
Not sure if any of this has helped but from when I did my research the reoccurring theme was always you get what you pay for :smiley:
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Or the Weitec GT kit (£340) - http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=
Ben Weitec make KW's just that they aren't stainless, but set up lovely and firm, very comfortable and no harsh rattle teeth out feel!
You might want to give Darren @ Gwerks a ring tell him I sent you and hopefully he will look after you.
You might even get KW's V1's for a few more pounds? He defo can get weitecs and deliver them quick time.
Jay
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I can only go from my own experiences, I ended up going for the Weitec GTNs (as have a few others on here) and to be honest I'm really happy with them. (I had cheapo coilies before and what a mistake/waste of money - the weitec's have a totally different ride)
Assuming your cheap coilys were similar to mine (and invariably, they probably would have been) - did you notice the "hopping" ride when heading down motorways? Do the Weitec GTNs not suffer the same fate I take it? If that's the case, I'll probably invest in some of those - I'll need to find the cheapest supplier then!
£380 - DC Performance http://www.dcperformance.co.uk/uprated/weitec-hicon-gtn-coilover-kits/volkswagen/golf-ii.html
£382 - Euro Performance http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=15337035
£382 - Venom Motorsport http://www.venommotorsport.com/manufacturer_product.php?manufacturer=Weitec&category=suspension&product=HiconGTNCoilovers&make=VW&model=Golf%20Mk%202
£382 - Larkspeed http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?a=i&k=s&p=13480002
£382 - Motorsport World http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/detprod.asp?productcode=W-13480002&PID=1158235
£382 - DPM Performance http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/weitec-hicon-gtn-coilover-suspension-kitbr-golf-2-10-13-16-16d-16td-18-8v-18-16v-18-g60-fwd-0883-p-6835.html?zenid=156cdf64978f40197d1103747825d74f
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Ben the problem with non stainless items is if you ever decided to transfer the set up to another car they are usually rusted to bits and worthless. If you spent a bit more dough you could always take them out and sell them on, or transfer to another car, and not really loose any money everyone wants stainless coillies!
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I've just fitted the GSF Boge Turbo kit. I got it because:
a) My 10 year old oil filled Spax kit was Fubar'd
b) GSF Swansea only wanted £125 for the kit.
I'll let you know how good it is after I drive for a week.
I also fitted new top mounts rear and front (G60's)
Jonathan.
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Get stainless, or get them powder coated?
Mine are rusted to hell, doesnt look very good either!
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Ben the problem with non stainless items is if you ever decided to transfer the set up to another car they are usually rusted to bits and worthless. If you spent a bit more dough you could always take them out and sell them on, or transfer to another car, and not really loose any money everyone wants stainless coillies!
But at £700 (http://www.dcperformance.co.uk/cheap/116812/volkswagen/kw-variant-1-inox-coilovers/kw10280002.html) ... they're almost twice the price!
They look like they resist corrosion reasonably well - http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_inox_line.php
But surely, you could afford for the others to rust to nothing?
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spose thats true, if your never planning to remove them, but surely you can protect the bit that rusts with a powder coat ?
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Top tip every two months just cover them in some PTPF spray it will need it ESP in the winter salted roads mate.
£700....... :lipsrsealed:
I would still ask Daren @ gwerks I got KW's V2's for that kind of money on my Rallye???
The current golf I have has FK's and TBH coated in yellow plastic, but rust has started to come through and apprently the previous lady owner bought them cheap from Germany or France.
If she spent about £200-£250 so be it! let the fookers rust then!
All I know is I will proberly need to angle grind off the circular adjusters rings, because its been that long and a nightmare to move! I'll order a couple of new rings so I can sort the ride height. :sad:
These are simular to my current ones and £189 quid I'm not recomending them because I haven't done a road test on mine yet NO MOT yet. But if this is a UK price, getting them abroad and delivered is proberly cheaper?
But you get the point depends upon what you want mate?
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/13907/referer/rc_googleproduct.html (http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/13907/referer/rc_googleproduct.html)
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Why dont you take up the spax offer, got full rsx coilovers for £515 :smiley:
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Why dont you take up the spax offer, got full rsx coilovers for £515 :smiley:
I've got to buy new suspension - the budget it £400
I have to draw the line somewhere :rolleyes:
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Why dont you take up the spax offer, got full rsx coilovers for £515 :smiley:
I've got to buy new suspension - the budget it £400
I have to draw the line somewhere :rolleyes:
LOL
Ben for another hundred squid these are worth the money mate
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAIYAMA-COILOVER-RACE-SUSPENSION-VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-83-92-/320596930621?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa510f03d (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAIYAMA-COILOVER-RACE-SUSPENSION-VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-83-92-/320596930621?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa510f03d)
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Ben,
thought about AP coilovers, i have them on my 2 and they werent too harsh for a mid range coilie, and i paid 400 quid for them so within budget :smiley:
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Why dont you take up the spax offer, got full rsx coilovers for £515 :smiley:
LOL
Ben for another hundred squid these are worth the money mate
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAIYAMA-COILOVER-RACE-SUSPENSION-VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-83-92-/320596930621?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa510f03d (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DAIYAMA-COILOVER-RACE-SUSPENSION-VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-83-92-/320596930621?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa510f03d)
I can't help but feel (however awesome they look) that they would have a FIRM ride. Googling shows lots of people finding them quite 'firm'
As far as i can tell, you don't get the awesome pillowball top mounts on the mk2 struts
Maybe someone richer than me wants to be a guinea pig ;)
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They do say firm ride, but fully adjustable damper set up? It might be overkill on yours Ben, but to be fair I might have a set myself when I have some cash. I've always wanted Jap suspension because they have been leaders for race set ups and they have never made any for German market.
Thats a lot of suspension for the money....... KW's V3's or these?
I would take a chance and get them.
I was hoping you would test pilot them out for me, before I buy a set!
:laugh:
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lol, i'll keep hunting around for now, but i will still have to swap out my current top mounts as they're nuked!
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That's a tough one your asking there....at the end of the day I guess its always going to be a bit of a compromise, it just depends what side you want to compromise on.
I can only go from my own experiences, I ended up going for the Weitec GTNs (as have a few others on here) and to be honest I'm really happy with them. (I had cheapo coilies before and what a mistake/waste of money - the weitec's have a totally different ride)
I too considered the shock spring combo but dismissed it as I wanted a bit of adjustment.
Had funds been better I think I'd have preferred a set of KW's, purely due to the fact they are made from better material. The GTN's I have are still fully functional they just get a covering of rust/discolouring on them after a while.
Not sure if any of this has helped but from when I did my research the reoccurring theme was always you get what you pay for :smiley:
+1 my GTNs are awesome for the money. comfortable and good performers even with a lumpy VR6 engine!
bought from gwerks too
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I have fitted Ebach Springs all round with Boge turbo dampers.... All worked fine for a couple of months but the Front Boge Inserts have had to be replaced as they started to leak...
I now have boge's on the rears as they come as complete Units... & New VAG G60 Front Shocks... Still with ebach springs...
All cost less that £400.00..
Springs £130.00
New Vag Shocks £60.00 each
Rear Boges £30.00 Each Ithink!
Nice Ride and not as harsh as Coilovers - Happy compromise.. Also fitted Ebach ARBs Front & Rear!!
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there is no reason coilovers have to be harsh espceially if they are adjustable you can get springs in almost any rate and length and if they are adjustable for damping then you can set them up to be exactly as hard or soft as you want.
i havfent seen (didnt read the whole thread) a mention of supersport coilovers which are about £400 i had a set on my mk1fiesta and they were awesome
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iv had the weitec fixed rate kit, and now hicon gt coilovers. both from g-werks.
i wish i had stayed with the fixed rate kit. on anything but perfect road they are too harsh. on a bumpy, undulated road, i was alot faster on the fixed rate kit.
iv now found a sweet spot with the coils. and there alot better. too high and they were too springy (coils under too much preload) too low and no piston travel.
just had a full allignment, .50 negative camber, toe straight ahead. and new uniroyal rainsports. transformed the car
so im now running in the middle of piston travel. springs under not too much preload. bones pointing slightly up.but only just. still not perfect.
i would get the fixed rate for uk roads, everyday driving
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iv had the weitec fixed rate kit, and now hicon gt coilovers. both from g-werks.
i wish i had stayed with the fixed rate kit. on anything but perfect road they are too harsh. on a bumpy, undulated road, i was alot faster on the fixed rate kit.
iv now found a sweet spot with the coils. and there alot better. too high and they were too springy (coils under too much preload) too low and no piston travel.
just had a full allignment, .50 negative camber, toe straight ahead. and new uniroyal rainsports. transformed the car
so im now running in the middle of piston travel. springs under not too much preload. bones pointing slightly up.but only just. still not perfect.
i would get the fixed rate for uk roads, everyday driving
Oh no :( There goes that idea then!
My bones are like this
\_______/
I like the ride height its at, but the tip of the wishbone is about 3cm higher than the subframe pivot point, usually equating 0cm piston travel!
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iv had the weitec fixed rate kit, and now hicon gt coilovers. both from g-werks.
i wish i had stayed with the fixed rate kit. on anything but perfect road they are too harsh. on a bumpy, undulated road, i was alot faster on the fixed rate kit.
iv now found a sweet spot with the coils. and there alot better. too high and they were too springy (coils under too much preload) too low and no piston travel.
just had a full allignment, .50 negative camber, toe straight ahead. and new uniroyal rainsports. transformed the car
so im now running in the middle of piston travel. springs under not too much preload. bones pointing slightly up.but only just. still not perfect.
i would get the fixed rate for uk roads, everyday driving
Oh no :( There goes that idea then!
My bones are like this
\_______/
I like the ride height its at, but the tip of the wishbone is about 3cm higher than the subframe pivot point, usually equating 0cm piston travel!
i take it thats for the ghetto look, and not for performance :rolleyes:
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i take it thats for the ghetto look, and not for performance :rolleyes:
Naaaahhhh yoooo, my car be all like, da lowwwweeerr it is, da beettterr it is - lik an F1 car init bro!!!!111!
:laugh:
Got to have a good stance, plus the pistons have so little travel in them, there's no allowance for body roll - who needs Eibach ARBs when you have fixed suspension :D
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i would look at the -60 weitec kit. or even
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/product_info.mhtml?product=3949996
thats as low as you want to go.iv used apex springs before. very good indeed
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bilstine b6's or b8's if you find them on offer and and some free springs b6's are doable in budget
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the bilstein b12 kit is the daddy. bar none. but i cant find it for less than £650 ffs. in hindsight........
danny post up any links if you find either kit if you can. i need those pistons in my life!
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the bilstein b12 kit is the daddy. bar none. but i cant find it for less than £650 ffs. in hindsight........
danny post up any links if you find either kit if you can. i need those pistons in my life!
I had a long hard look for B6/8/12's but as mentioned, they cost a bloody fortune, well over £100 per shock, then there's springs to go on top, too expensive!
There's tonnes of B4's, but they're just OEM spec :undecided:
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inverted montube shock porn :smiley:
i found my b8's on ebay, as ether surplus / bankrupt stock. there not exactly cheep but f**kskin awsome
will post some linkys as and when find hem