Author Topic: 16v OEM Suspension Quandry (Read 1904 times)

PVsilvergrey · « **on:** 14 July 2010, 18:26 »

Hi

I've got a 90 spec 8v and wanted to upgrade my springs and dampers to 16v spec.
Dampers are done and have made a significant difference to the handling.
I wanted to complete the job with srpings but now I've finally got round to ordering the parts the OEM rear springs have been deleted from VW

as of May 2010.
Front ones are still just about available.
GSF have quoted me on some aftermarket equivalents for the rear (part number is slightly different 19151111F is the OEM number, same but ending in A from GSF), which may be of Chinese origin according to their guy on the phone.

So I'm thinking either order the OEM fronts and get the aftermarket but equivalent rears and see how I get on ....
or get the fronts and hold out for some decent second hand rears and stick with the 8v rears in the mean time...

?
Will it handle ok / look stupid (as there's only 10mm ride height in it, probably not)??
(do decent used OEM ones come up for sale that oftern these days?)

Any thoughts appreciated...

Thanks

Paul

X4MGS · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 July 2010, 18:53 »

I wanted to do EXACTLY what you have suggested... I only wanted that 10mm drop and looked at the costs of the parts from VW and they were STUPID...

I asked the same question as you on here and nearly everybody suggested to use Eibach springs with Boge Turbo Dampers and that's what I have fitted... I have also gone one stage further and fitted a rear Eibach ARB and the car is total transformed with regard to handling and ride...

It sits about 30mm lower and does NOT have a harsh ride... I have to say it spot on... And at the fraction of the cost of OEM parts...

Don't fit coilovers if you like your teeth...

The Springs were 130 dampers £60.00 ish and I fitted brand new OEM Mk3 top mounts to front, new OEM bumpstops all round and new OEM nuts and bolts all round and these ran to about £120.00...

I cant speak highly enough about them....

HTH

Wayne · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 July 2010, 21:22 »

As above Eibach springs would be a better choice.

PVsilvergrey · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 July 2010, 12:57 »

Cheers guys. Somebody else recommended the Eibach route to me.
If there was an alternative that gave a similar 10-15mm drop I'd be more tempted.
....hmmm

X4MGS · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 July 2010, 13:11 »

Its not as big a drop as you might think...

Before;

after fitting to the front only;

I don't have any pics with both front & back fitted..

Massive improvent to handling... "Pay yer money and takes yer choice" M8 TBH...

PVsilvergrey · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 July 2010, 13:17 »

Thanks and mice motor.

How long did you drive it with rear standards / uprated fronts?
How did it feel?

I thought it would have looked a lot lower than that.

X4MGS · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 July 2010, 13:30 »

Just a week whilst the new bump stops arrived from VW..

Neo Badness · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 July 2010, 15:54 »

From my experience that you need to spend 500 to a grand to get decent coilovers. I got a budget setup as funds were an issue, it's firm.
Drive over anything thicker than dental floss and you know about it, compared to my old Koni coilover setup which was firm but pliant. They'll be getting changed in a few months.
I've had boge turbo dampers and eichbach springs on my mk3, that was an excellent setup.
Even my first mk2 with Gmaxx -60mm springs and new stock dampers was decent.

So I'd go with Eibach springs with Boge dampers to keep the stock(ish) look but benifits in the twisties.
IMO-40mm looks "right" on the mk2 not too much not too little and stops it looking like a startled cat.
Spend the money you save on some exellent tyres to take advantage of the new cornering speed

nikkyboy · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 July 2010, 16:54 »

Same thing happened to me. I tried to buy them the day after they got deleted. If your still after that VW Oem look, have you considered Jetta 16v springs? Leeds VW recommended them as an alternative so I fitted them. They give a really nice comfortable but firm ride. The ride height looks about right as well. I can't compare them to the proper 16v setup cos I've never owned a real 16v. Either way far better than the GSF sport suspension boneshaker kit it replaced.

Part no V191 551 115 B £50.94 each

X4MGS · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 July 2010, 18:16 »

Ouch!! £50.00 each spring & Vat... £240.00ish for the springs alone... Eibach are £130.00 for a set of 4...

Here are some pics of my 8V with 'em fitted and settled down...