Eibach 30mm Lowering Springs on a Mk4 1.8T (AUM)

[tomparkes]

Hi all,

I've been doing a fair bit of research into this topic recently (and yes, I've searched this forum and others a lot!). I've come to the conclusion, from various bits of info, that the Eibach 30mm springs coupled with Bilstein B4 Sport shocks would be a decent setup for me. I'm not looking to slam my car, I simply want it to sit a little better and handle better, and also allow me to upgrade from my 16" Montreal II's to some nice 18" wheels at some point in the future, without turning my Golf into a tractor!

I've just read this though - http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/460709/3157986.aspx#3157986 - and it's thrown a spanner in the works. Is it really true that on my AUM 1.8T I'll only see a 10mm drop if I install the Eibach 30mm springs? If so, doesn't really seem worth it. From the pictures I've seen of other cars running this setup, such as here - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=195629.0 - it doesn't look like your cars are only dropped by 10mm. They look spot on and exactly the look I'm after.

I'm not into the idea of coilovers (I don't see myself wanting to go lower, to be honest - plus my car is my daily so practicality is pretty important), but a 30-40mm drop sounds ideal if it'll improve the looks and handling and not cost a bomb. Any input would be appreciated.

Cheers

[Scott D]

I'm on a 40mm drop and it looks very similar to those pictured in that thread.

Eibach's are very good springs and combined with those dampers will be a good setup for handling without a harsh ride while not having to worry when going over speedbumps or parking on curbs

[tomparkes]

Thanks mate, sounds good - what setup are you running to get your 40mm drop?

My main concern is really that the Eibach -30mm springs will actually only give a 10mm drop on my GTI, as the person in the other thread I linked to has said they will. I wouldn't be too impressed with a 10mm drop and it'd be a waste of time and money! Surely the fact that Eibach have a specific spring for the 1.8T which offers a 30mm drop leads me to believe that person might have been talking rubbish! They must know what the original 1.8T spring size is and then they've decreased theirs by 30mm accordingly - they wouldn't sell any if it only dropped the car 10mm, surely?

[Scott D]

I think they may have been talking rubbish.
   
Eibach 30mm Pro Lowering Suspension Springs
Golf 4 1.8, 1.9TDi 66 + 81 kW Manual, 1.9SDi, 2.0 FWD 08/97>
£141.00 inc. VAT
   
Eibach 30mm Pro Lowering Suspension Springs
Golf 4 1.8T, 1.9TDi 74 + 85 kW Manual, 1.9TDi 66 + 81 kW Auto, 2.3 V5 110 kW Manual FWD 08/97>
£141.00 inc. VAT
   
Eibach 30mm Pro Lowering Suspension Springs
Golf 4 1.9TDi 96 + 110 kW Manual, 1.9TDi 74 + 85 kW Auto, 2.3 V5 125 kW Manual, 2.3 V5 125 kW Auto FWD 08/97>
£161.00 inc. VAT
   
Eibach 30mm Pro Lowering Suspension Springs
Golf 4 2.8 V6 4motion 01/99>

Given the different springs on offer for engine types, correct springs will be a 30mm drop

[tomparkes]

Exactly my thoughts as well - I emailed DPM Performance to clarify, as they're definitely going to know for sure. Probably get a response on Monday, but it's got to be a 30mm drop, otherwise there wouldn't be different springs for different models, etc. and they'd never get away with advertising 30mm if it only provided 10mm difference.

Cheers mate.

[GTi_James]

though you may want to consider new shocks as well, its always said that if your changing anything on suspension then you should do everything

[tomparkes]

Cheers, yeah I would definitely upgrade the shocks too if I got new springs (had planned on the Bilstein B4S).

Just had a response from Damian at DPM Performance - he's pretty much confirmed what the guy in the other thread has said. He reckons that the GTI is lowered 15mm at the factory, and so with the Eibach 30mm Pro Springs you'd only notice a further drop of 15mm. That's not going to be enough! I can't believe that you guys cars in this thread - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=195629.0 - are only lowered 15mm though?

I'm so confused!?

I thought the Eibachs looked like the best option - now it seems like coilovers are the way, but I don't have a big budget and don't want my daily to be rock solid and uncomfortable. Just want a 30-40mm drop that will still feel OK, without causing me problems with the ARB, etc. I'm well stuck now!

[GTi_James]

have a look at this bud

http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/golf-4-97-06-springs-shocks-c-1909_1922_2121.html

[tomparkes]

Cheers pal - this is the site I've been looking through so I've seen all these, I'm just concerned because I don't know what the actual drop is going to be from any of these sets now! If the Eibach says -30mm but is actually -15mm, I don't know what to go for. I suppose if I got -50mm springs I'd get a -35mm drop? But I don't want to run into problems with the ARB. Is your car lowered? If so, what setup are you running and do you have any photos?

[vala]

From what I've read the Sportline springs won't run into any problems with the ARB.
I had these springs on my old Clio 172 and they were fantastic. Transformed the handling. Didn't lower as much as advertised but then again I think that figure is based on the lowest spec model the springs cater for. For example if the springs are suited for say a standard 1.4 and a GTI then the figure will be based on the drop on the 1.4.

Are you still gonna get 18's for it?