Unbias views of Mk4 suspension mods.

[charri42]

Hello folks, I have a mk4 1.8t and am wondering what to do. I realise it is difficult to get impartial advice here as we are all pretty fond of our cars, however, if anyone who has done suspension mods could comment, that would be great.

I like the Golf in many ways, but I want something sportier, more responsive etc -  in essence, I want a GTi. I have owned a whopping 32 cars since I started driving 12 years ago. My favourites for sheer driving fun were Ford Puma (had a Racing also), Focus', BMW E36 coupe, 205 1.9gti and my old 944 S2. I have had loads of VW and Audi recently and get pleasure from them when 'driving leisurely', but for a blast down a twisty lane, I prefer a Ford Ka - yes, really.

My options are as follows.

1) Sell my car and buy a Mk5 Gti (probs an import or nearly new)

2) Keep my GTi and change the suspension - I don't really want it any lower, just more able. Also have spare money to indulge in a mk2 as a track day car and possibly an E30 M3 (something I have always wanted)

So, is there any point in modding the Mk4 suspension? Is it inherently a bad car? I mean the mk4 has always had bad write ups as far as handling / entertainment is concerned. I am worried that modding it will simply improve the fun slightly, but make it totally harsh and a 'orrible rattly uncomfortable mess.
I don't expect to make it anywhere near as good as a Mk5 Gti or even a Ford Focus, but something better than it is now.

So.... suspension modders? thoughts and comparisons?

[boxxer1973]

adjustable coilovers did the trick for me leave them on soft for everyday use then turn them up for track use it made a differance to my car being as huge as they are mind they will never be the best track car

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Best handling FWD hatch I've driven is the Peugeot 306 GTi-6. Unbelievable handling/grip/ steering feedback. Even better than the 1.9 205. (Not as twitchy at insane speeds, either). Seriously underrated car. Their strength doesn't lie in acceleration off the mark, but when rolling, they really do shift. Nice 6 speed box. My standard one, easily kept up with a petrol Anniversay Golf. With cams, filter, exhaust & a re-map, 200 bhp is easily obtainable. One car mag stated that the Gti-6 had a faster cornering speed than a E36 M3.

I miss my 306, so much.

Could certainly teach far more expensive toys a lesson or two, around the track.

With the Mk4 Golf, I'd definitely uprate the anti-roll bar with an Eibach one. Eibach springs are the dogs, too. You might find coilovers a bit harsh for these crappy British roads.

[GazB]

I got spax rsx on mine, improves the handling no end but it is hard as feck

[charri42]

I got spax rsx on mine, improves the handling no end but it is hard as feck

Gaz, do you think that is exaggerated by the wheels?

I don't plan on changing anything apart from shocks, springs and bushes. Maybe a shortshift kit if there is such a thing.
Basically something that will make me want to 'go drive'