Ride height advice please...

[Waspy]

So my car is currently on coilovers, as it was when I bought it, but I have no idea what height it is set at. I am pretty certain the driver side coilover is knackered (there is next to no bounce back if a bounce on it, there is on the others). When I am driving I have some issues. On the likes of B roads, I get quite a bit of scraping on the tires, no constant, but over every tiny bounce. On regular roads I get scraping on hard lefts. The scraping is only on drive side. I wouldn't care, but it is causing damage to the tire. So that is the back story, now for my thinking.

THE WHEELS: I have 15" Borbets with a 7" width. I can't make out the offsets on them, but I calculated it to be ET25. This calculator (http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator) shows that means I have 16mm less outside clearance than a standard set of BBS. Probably won't help.

THE SUSPENSION: As mentioned I think it is partially f**ked. But also too low, I know it isn't as low as some of you guys have set up, but it is a daily car, and tires are expensive... So, I plan on fitting springs and shocks. With a 30mm drop. Question is, will this actually give me any more clearance? Would love you guys thoughts on what ride heights combine drivability without looking too high.

I know this is a wall of text, but I really appreciate the help before I shell out on new suspension.

These are some pics of the car, and wheel in question:

[Sgt_Lemon]

Are the coilovers not adjustable? Can you not raise the car up 1/2" and see how it is around the block?

[Waspy]

Are the coilovers not adjustable? Can you not raise the car up 1/2" and see how it is around the block?

I was going to, about an hour ago I raised the driver side 10mm, but it genuinely didn't change the clearance... Which was odd, I don't know if its just because that one is knackered?

[X4MGS]

Clearance looks ok to me... Are the shocks/springs knackered?


Or is it rubbing on full lock?


I would go for stock suspension with Eibach -40mm (what I have fitted) and have no issue's... If fitting coilovers ONLY fit good quality ones  - not Jom's etc...

[Waspy]

Clearance looks ok to me... Are the shocks/springs knackered?
It's what I am thinking.


Or is it rubbing on full lock?
It doesn't rub on full lock, so I thought it was fine, but when driving it rubs on hard lefts and bouncy roads


I would go for stock suspension with Eibach -40mm (what I have fitted) and have no issue's... If fitting coilovers ONLY fit good quality ones  - not Jom's etc...
Won't be fitting coilovers. My plan was stock shocks with -30mm Eibachs, so it is great to know it works for you, cheers

Oh, and what width are your wheel, out of interest?

[gazareth]

has your car got the wide track set up of the mk3 golf? there is quite a few options for you. you could stick on some wheels with less offset. you could raise suspension up a touch or just make it so its rock solid. or if its only catching slightly you could roll the arch and cut back the plastic arch trim. tbh I think a 35mm drop is a good compromise for a daily runner.

[Waspy]

I dont really fancy rolling the arches, new wheels is an option, but I am going to get new suspension anyway as the current coilovers are horrible. I was just wondering what height would be safe with my current wheels.

Another thought, new tires with a lower wall should help too, shouldn't it?

[X4MGS]

has your car got the wide track set up of the mk3 golf? there is quite a few options for you. you could stick on some wheels with less offset. you could raise suspension up a touch or just make it so its rock solid. or if its only catching slightly you could roll the arch and cut back the plastic arch trim. tbh I think a 35mm drop is a good compromise for a daily runner.

Wide track would be 5 stud..

[X4MGS]

I dont really fancy rolling the arches, new wheels is an option, but I am going to get new suspension anyway as the current coilovers are horrible. I was just wondering what height would be safe with my current wheels.

Another thought, new tires with a lower wall should help too, shouldn't it?

Don't roll the arches as you are just opening another can of worms... try stock shocks and eibach springs -40mm not 60mm and stick with 15" rims with 185/195 50/55 tread and all should be fine.

I have a feeling that you coilovers are shagged...

[X4MGS]

Clearance looks ok to me... Are the shocks/springs knackered?
It's what I am thinking.


Or is it rubbing on full lock?
It doesn't rub on full lock, so I thought it was fine, but when driving it rubs on hard lefts and bouncy roads


I would go for stock suspension with Eibach -40mm (what I have fitted) and have no issue's... If fitting coilovers ONLY fit good quality ones  - not Jom's etc...
Won't be fitting coilovers. My plan was stock shocks with -30mm Eibachs, so it is great to know it works for you, cheers

Oh, and what width are your wheel, out of interest?

Width of wheels don't mean anything if its compensated by the offset!