Uprated springs- need to change the shocks?

[nmr1h]

Hi Guys,

first post, so first of all hello!

I recently bought a 55 plate GTi, having sold a MarkV R32.

I had H&R springs on the R32 and am looking to do the same to the GTi, but according to the place where I had the R32 done I need to replace the shocks as well as the lowering on the GTi is more than that on the R32 (30mm versus 25mm)

This does not make any sense to me at all, has anyone changed the shocks when fitting either H&R, or Eibach Sportline springs?

From what I can tell from doing a search all the results that I have looked at it seems that the springs only were changed.

Although I have only had the car a short time I have had a Revo remap, along with a CAI and Milltek cat back system.

The performance is fantastic, at least on a par with the R32.

I will miss the 4WD though when it is cold and/or wet, it would be nice to be able to get the GTi engine in a 4WD chassis, I know that is what is in the S3 but I don't like the look of that, too bland.

Brian

[T88OMM]

I know its no necessary that you must have shocks when fitting springs only however it will help with the look and the ride if you do fit them. Neg whos a member of the forum has H&R springs with Koni FSD shocks and the drop on that car is absolutely perfect  Something I will be doing in the near future! 

[bling]

alot of people have fitted the H&R springs on standard shocks but if you dont want to take the risk then go for the eibach sportline which lower it by 25mm and they say to be used on standard shocks.

[nmr1h]

thanks for the comments guys, I think that I will go with the H&R springs and see how it goes.

If necessary I can later on get the shocks replaced with something like the Koni FSD's.

[RedRobin]

....Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I think the Koni FSD's limit the choice of springs if they are to work properly. I know that Eibach Pro-Kit springs work well but do H&R also work and do they lower the car more?

[joesgti]

i think you can choose most springs for the fsd's. then choose on how high you would like it with which you choose, i think   

[nmr1h]

I wondered if you might comment on that RR 

I had seen a lot of your previous posts about the combination of the Koni's with Eibach springs due to them only working optimally with a smaller ride height reduction.

I have seen a few posts on here where H&R's have been combined with the FSD's, eg Neg on his car. Based on what he has said they seem to work well in combination.

If I do need to change the shocks later I will certainly be very careful in my selection of what to use based on your comments, I may go with something different if that seems to be prudent.

[RedRobin]

i think you can choose most springs for the fsd's. then choose on how high you would like it with which you choose, i think   

....I've just this minute spoken with Andy at Awesome and they only recommend the Eibach Pro-Kit and one of the H&R springs. He confirmed my view that Koni FSD's won't work properly with most other springs. Koni certainly wouldn't support their product if not fitted with springs as recommended.

Another factor is that although my insurer adds zero costs for mods such as my CF bonnet and a Quaife diff, they would add costs if I lowered my car more than it is now. There's a general assumption in the car insurance industry that bodykit+lowered = boy-racer = higher insurance risk.

[k4ith]

I had the Koni fsd kit with Eibachs and its was a good combo, but it didn't drop by much 10-15mm if lucky, Koni recomend the Eibachs but H&R get the better write up reg drop levels i.e the 30mm.

[neg]

When I was choosing my setup I did a lot of research (with help from some other members) and I was going for the Eibach + FSD setup but at the time there was an issue with the Eibach rear springs not actually lowering the car at all which made it sit high at the back - so I did more research into other options and it seems the only other recommendation was H&R (quite popular in the states with FSD's) and after speaking to a couple of people about FSD's and H&R I went for this combo.

I understand Eibach have now solved the issue they had with a batch of rear springs but I am extremely happy with my setup and it feels like it works great which is what matters.

As for the original quesiton, you dont need to but for the cost I would upgrade the shocks at the same time to save having the same job done twice.