suspension help

[Rain]

if anyone can help im just after information on suspension bought mk2 gti and its slowly getting to how i want it still needs somethings and one is suspension ie springs shocks etc. the problem is i dont have a clue about any of it, just after some advice on decent springs and shocks and anything else might be a good idea to change while im at it.

[BC]

Well, I don't know much about suspension myself, but I went for a budget option.

I bought all the parts from GSF

Standard new shocks (front & rear)
GSF lower springs kit (35mm)
New bump stops (front & rear)
New upper spring plates (front & rear) mine were rusted badly on the shocks I took off.
New protective tubes (for bump stops) (front & rear).

I salvaged any other parts off the older shocks, (packing & stuff) it's pretty self-explaining when you compare the shocks side by side

I had never changed shocks myself, but thought I'd give it a go.  Just follow the Haynes manual step by step and you can't go wrong, it's very easy.  The only part I stumbled on was when I had to tighten the top nut on the strut rod, but I got round it easy enough by cutting the top of a socket so I could get a spanner to turn it while I was holding the strut rod steady with an allen key.

Hope this helps

[VeeDubGTI16v]

what are you after rain? performance shocks or standard

(ps dont buy top mounts from gsf, infact any mount where the fit is crucial)

[Rain]

well i got an 8v so any better than standard and abit lower but nothing thats goner set me back an arm and a leg

[Gambit]

look for 2nd hand stuff then if you dont want to pay n arm & a leg

ideally u dont want to go any lower than 40mm - you want your wishbones to be horizontal for optimum handling.

a decent set of springs is a must. cheap lowering springs only lower the car. they are not designed with performance in mind. have a look at an Eibach spring compared to a cheaper spring. the difference in number of coils and the thickness of coils is staggering

and keep an eye out for a set of anti roll bars.

also uprated bushes from these boys
http://www.raldes.co.uk/

[16v Matt]

Hi rain, ?all depends on how much you've got to spend?

I use Koni shocks & Eibach springs. ?Its lowered my car somwhere between 35 & 40 ml. ? Which i think looks just right. ?But the handling in amazing, feels like a different car! ?Think they cost me in the region of ?450 from venom. ? My mate who's going for the mean moody tarmac worrying look has supersport coil overs on. ?With them you can adjust the ride height to suit, but you do loose a bit of ride quality. ?Hope this helps.
Matt

[VeeDubGTI16v]

yep koni eibachs are good and you can make them as hard or soft as you like. will lower 8v by 35mm and 16v by 25mm

[Rain]

thanks alot ppl least know what to look for