Anybody running Koni FSDs - Opinions?

[Exonian]

Quick and simple question, as title, are many of you running KONI FSD dampers BUT on standard springs and ARBs? And how do you rate them?
The concept looks good in principle, does it work or are there handling compromises?

Okay that was three questions, I got carried away.........

[L555BAT]

I'm pretty sure RedRobin has FSD's , so he'll probably be along with another of his in-depth analysis of them .  I think he has eibach springs though.  He'll probably through in a picture or two just for the sake of it also.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Yeah, RedRobin has them, and he really rates them.

Having looked through the online detail for them, they do seem to work, but I personally can't completely fathom out the intricate technical detail of how they do so.  However, Koni don't sell junk, and have a very good long-standing reputation - so I reckon the Cuprinol tagline should be OK with these.

[vRStu]

I did reply to your post on Briskoda mate.

I have them, like them but mine are with Eibach springs.  Did consider fitting them with OEM springs this time (had them on the last car)  but decided not too.

Some brief details here - http://www.koni.com/190.html

[Exonian]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've had Koni Yellow top adjustables on several cars now but I'm getting old and they're a bit hard for normal road use no matter how much you adjust the things. The FSDs are booked for fitting (I'll tell all about that at a later date) but I am undecided as to whether to get some Eibachs too. But TBH one of the attractions of the GTI in the first place was the fact that it had a pretty darn good ride and handling balance as standard. I like the idea of improved low speed ride but with the benefit of still being firm for when I have an adrenaline rush.

I think I'll go along with keeping the standard springs at least to start with, I'm not planning on any trackdays. I've ruined too many cars by using harsh lowering springs  and I know Eibachs are reputed to be the mildest by I am scarred mentally by a set I had on a mk2 Golf many many years ago that were horrible......

Anyways, cheers for the advice     

[RedRobin]

....Hi Exonian,

I had only done about 5,000 miles when I drove a friend's Mk5 GTI with KoniFSD's back-to-back with my standard one on the same roads. The difference was subtle but noticeable - They just take the hard edge off. I then consulted with Ray West who was road and track driving one of the fastest GTI's in the UK at the time and was featured in magazines. I drove his highly modified car with Bilstein etc etc and we decided that for fast road use, it would be more cost effective to use the Koni FSD's. But he strongly advised using appropriate springs and also fitting Anti Roll Bars to get the most out of the suspension.

So, I've been running on my Koni FSD's for nearly 50,000 miles and I'm very happy as I don't do track nor need to change settings - If I did, then Bilstein would be my favoured choice, subject to further expert advice. KW V3 coilovers would be considered too.

Because of the way in which the FSD's work (baffling to even T_T it would seem!) it's critical which springs are used - There has to be enough room for travel and the result is that the suspension is only lowered about 5-10mm from stock GTI. If you are one of those boys who has the hots for a slammed down look, that won't be considered so cool, but personally I prefer the practicality.

Hope this helps


 

[Exonian]

Execellent, cheers Robin. No I've definately grown out of the slammed suspension look LOL.
I actually think that the mk5 sits at about the right ride height anyway unlike most of the earlier Golfs, though I'm probably almost alone on that score along with the fact that I think the 5 door is marginally better looking too, but I'm alone there too I reckon 

[gazbutmk5gti]

I used FSD's on my first GTi with eibach springs, the dampers were spot on giving a much more controlled ride, but we had an issue with the rear ride height which was put down to the rear springs, which I believe has been sorted now.
I'm considering FSD's for the S3

[RedRobin]

....You are not alone! I also prefer the 5-door appearance and it makes the GTI far more of a practical allrounder in my opinion [wait for the incoming missiles!]. Also, on the roads of the coastal SouthWest we both know that a car can be too low.

[RedRobin]

I used FSD's on my first GTi with eibach springs, the dampers were spot on giving a much more controlled ride, but we had an issue with the rear ride height which was put down to the rear springs, which I believe has been sorted now.

I'm considering FSD's for the S3

....I know of several people who had issues on the rear in the early versions (if it's the same issue).

I'm surprised you're considering the FSD's, gaz - I thought of you as having more 'hardcore' mods. Not that the FSD's aren't really good and a positive improvement over stock but they aren't as good for track just because you can't adjust them.

I believe that some of the 'supercars' such as the McLaren have FSD's as stock - Needs confirming though.



Btw, I'm staying well away from you guys with the modded S3's - In some ways too tempting!