Do I.... don't I? uprating standard gti chassis - does it morally corrupt a GTI?

[ReDBull]

I'm at the same point my self just wondering if I can justify the cost as much as anything else. I have a 89 8v with original suspension except that I have fitted a Eibach ARB to the rear. This has made a huge differance to the balance of the car which now turns in mush sharper. I'm thinking, fit the frount ARB, Eibach springs, Koni dampers and polly bushes. Or sell the car and put the suspension money towards buying a RB5 .
All the  cars I've owned I've said that I'll keep this one standard. That's never happened though...
If you choose the parts carefully you wont compromise the handling but you will realise how compromised the standard suspension is.
Just be carefull it's a slippery slop

[Skid]

Ok thanks guys.

So there's no real taboo broken to move to the darkside then  

Thanks a lot all for your input. I forgot to add I do have a stripped out 3 door too which will be the hard core track tool one day, and this 5 door will be the daily hack.

I think I'll go with most of the above suggestions on the chassis work, being quality suspension with 25 - 40 mm drop, though will leave the jury out in my mind on the slightly altered OEM approach or full poly set up. hmmmmm......

I'll leave the BBS RA's as it has to look stock and will go with Yoko parada's spec 2 or Toyo T1's (any suggestions?)

Peversely I like the underdog appraoch and the ability to shock and mug other motorists and the engine's still hanging in there, if a little smokey on start up. I bought her with 108k miles and I know it's still got the original clutch so want to really try and get her to 200k on the clutch, and have a little party   , and maybe even 208k as that will be 100k under my driving.

Then I'll treat her to an engine and gearbox rebuild, and maybe that new clutch   I wont be going 1.8T as for this it would feel wrong, possibly G60 set up if I can find one or the 2 litre block and rebuilt head as already suggested.

So that's about it I guess. Thanks all again and any other suggestions, please feel free....

[antogoof]

i have a 5 door late mk2, i recently polybushed it and its a lot sharper but i would say the suspension lets it down.

it -60mm supersport shocks and springs and tbh its too low for fast roading.

in fast bends the front tyres catch the arches and it really f**ks me off, imagine driving the car every day for 8 months and having to put up with it.

im going for some -40mm spax next.

my point is you get what you pay for, if you are gonna stick with standard go for quality parts not gsf you will only end up changing them 12 months down the line.

[Diamond Hell]

There are a lot better options than a G60.

 A 2.0 16V ABF code motor, running on OEM management will provide a f*cking great experience, especially when pulled out of a SEAT Cordoba with 280mm front brakes - drop in replacement.  With an easy  +35MPG available you can kids yourself it's a sensible option, too.

I'd give Toyo T-1Rs a big thumbs-up, although you're unlikely to go wrong with a set of premium brands like Michelin.  For the money Toyos are genuinely great.

[fishnchipsx2]

in fast bends the front tyres catch the arches and it really f**ks me off, imagine driving the car every day for 8 months and having to put up with it.

8 months?! I would have taken a hammer to those arch lips a long time ago!! 

[antogoof]

i know but thats basterdisation at its best int it! i cant be doing a clarkson on me wheelarches now can i?

-40mm spax or -20mm weitec instead ta

[VeeDubGTI16v]

clarkson would have used a flamethrower to roll the arches 

[Skid]

There are a lot better options than a G60.

 A 2.0 16V ABF code motor, running on OEM management will provide a f*cking great experience, especially when pulled out of a SEAT Cordoba with 280mm front brakes - drop in replacement.  With an easy  +35MPG available you can kids yourself it's a sensible option, too.

..... OK, that took me 30 seconds, I'm convinced !!! 

Can you remind me how 'drop in' this is. Is it a straight swap of all including subframe and box (rod change or cable) then swap in loom and fuse box.

Or is it  a pick and mix of Mk2 and Seat bits? I'll go looing for a swap thread on the forum a bit later, but if someone knows a link now please let me know.
Cheers

[Horney]

You have a 3 door shell for a track project right? Sling an ABF in that and go crazy with the poly bushes and suspension. That'll be where you can use all of that to it's full potential.

For the 8v as a daily driver I'd go with the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" moto. Get some drop 40mm Eibach springs, some Boge shocks from GSF and re bush the whole car with OE bushes. It'll then feel like a new car but still like it's old self at the same time.

By doing the above you'll end up with an awesome MKII For trackdays and a brilliant, reliable and economical MKII for daily road duties. THat surely is the best of both worlds.

nick

[Neo Badness]

heh heh, that looks pretty much identicle to my car in those vids

I hummed an hawwed over whether it was " too nice " to modify.
However circumstance has made my decision for me meaning I've not put the ABF I was planning/ got sitting there and I'm just tidying it up replacing with OEM on the KR whenever I need to replace a part.

I think you have come to the conclusion already that factory suspension was a to suit everyone whereas now it just has to suit you (sir )

As a suggestion for totally epic suspension Koni coilovers are the best I've had on any of my Golfs, predictible but soooo much better, bit pricey but you gets what you pays for. That and just replacing knackered bushes with OEM makes the world of difference.