VR6... How low is too low???

[Robby K]

Hey Guys,

Im new to the VW scene so take it easy on me while I ask what some might call silly questions..

Ive done a few searches and havent realy found what Im after so Im after some info from those who have done it before.

I've just bought myself a 96 Golf VR6, its on the truck from interstate atm and I should have it on Monday. I am going to put a set of 17" wheels on, an exhaust and lower it. I have read heaps about coilover options but simply am not interested in putting coilovers on the car, Ive had coilies on a number of cars and have spent plenty of time setting them up for track work so yes they make the car handle better etc but this is a daily driven car and will never see the track as I have a car for weekend/track work and am in the process of building a dedicated race car also, besides I dont want my teeth to fall out while Im driving or new rattles appearing every time I drive the car. This excersise is purely about aesthetics so coilies arent what Im after.

Ive got 2 questions...

How low is too low? Im thinking 30mm anything lower might be a pain in the arse for daily driving... any feedback? The car will probably see a few hills drives every now and then but bear in mind the bulk of the driving this car will see is simple daily drives.

Has anybody had experience with this guy and this kit?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-VR6-GOLF-MK3-VENTO-JOM-SUSPENSION-KIT-30mm-91-94_W0QQitemZ220477700158QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item33557eb83e&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Any feedback appreciated... Cheers

Sam!

[V®6]

Hey Sam, congrats on your VR6 purchase.

I have bought a set of JOM coilovers from that same guy on ebay and never experienced a problem at all. Was easy to deal with and sent goods very promptly.

As to how low is too low, the coilovers I have are rated at a drop of 40 to 80mm and I beleive the 40mm is too low. While it doesn't scrape on everything it does scrape on lower driveways, spoondrains etc etc. and I am sure the police would defect me if they really wanted too. I'll try chuck some pics online later tonight.

[Jarred]

standard VR's are super 4wd spec. you'll need more than 30mm drop to make it look proper good.

JOM are a cheap option, cheap to buy, generally, cheaper quality & wont have as nice a ride as a high end product like H&R kw etc etc.

I would go coils, just so you can dial the height in to exactly what you want, where as when you have cup kits, there's no extra drop etc etc.

Buy coils, drop it till it doesn't move, then raise it 1/4 inch. sorted.

[Spyda]

Go hard or go home!

Old suspention sags more than 30mm man


But i think 30-40mm or even 60 on the front and 40 rear is the go for a nice look and comfortable drive. The drive will be more harsh than standard ofcorse but not nearly as harsh as coilovers. I had 40mm nothelle springs in my mk2 a while back, they where stiffer than most but still prity good on ride quality once i changed to coilovers i was in love but it was a hell of a bumpy ride! If your runing low pro tyres it will be even worse.

Here is a guide on how much you need to lower your car:

[DubSteve]

No tuck no care!

[DVR68U]

hey mate id wait to see what the car looks like when u get it, it might already be lowered in the front as the vr6 came delivered with lots of clearance and lot where lowered in the front during the last decade. once the car comes you can work out how much you wanna lower it. the sump on the vr6 does sit quite low and the roads in syd are crap. mine is lowered 50mm with some koni adjustable shocks. theres nothing wrong with having a car you can use with out having to stop traffic to try to turn into a driveway.

[Brisben]

[QUOTE=Spyda;385231]Go hard or go home!

Old suspention sags more than 30mm man


QUOTE]



You da man SPyda, said it all in one sentence...

[rayray086]

Here is a guide on how much you need to lower your car:

Hahaha that's awesome.

Getting 30mm lowering springs for the VR6 would definitely be better over stock height. You won't scrape on stock wheels but on super steep driveways, your front lip might scrape, but it's made of plastic and most scrapes are on the under-side of it anyway.

Do whatever is comfortable for you. Nowadays you can purchase height adjustable coilovers for under $1000. Would be a good idea to attend a meet and ask for a ride in a car with coilovers to see if you like how it feels.

I don't know about you, but as soon as I fitted my 40mm lowering springs, I was yearning for a lower drop. Coilovers offer so much more flexibility.

[Mrk_Mickey]

I'm sitting on 16 inch wheels and I'm tucking tyre, front and rear. It's my daily and the ride isn't as harsh as JOM or HotTunings, but I'm completely comfortable with it.

It looks way too cool to want more practicality..

[Golf Houso]

The ride won't be harsh, if anything it'll be very similar. Thing with some of the higher end coilover systems is that they are really a track set-up and although do handle alot better, there is a compromise in the ride. Not all coils ride badly believe it or not, and with a fresh set of strut bushings there will not be a problem at all

[Robby K]

Thanks for the feedback guys, But at this stage Im definately not keen to put coilovers in the car. I have had plenty of experience with them so Im not a complete numpty when it comes to how they feel ride and behave, thats why Im sure I dont want them in this car for the time being.

I guess what Im after is feedback on peoples experiences on ride heights and what works well for normal daily driving, I definately dont want my tyres sitting under the gaurds, yeah it looks great, but no I dont want to have to take 20 minutes to get in and out of my driveway every day, I live in an area with crappy roads plenty of potholes and unfriendly traffic cops, so nice and sedate will do me just fine

anyone got any pics of 30-40mm drop with 17" on board?

[V®6]

Thanks for the feedback guys, But at this stage Im definately not keen to put coilovers in the car. I have had plenty of experience with them so Im not a complete numpty when it comes to how they feel ride and behave, thats why Im sure I dont want them in this car for the time being.

I guess what Im after is feedback on peoples experiences on ride heights and what works well for normal daily driving, I definately dont want my tyres sitting under the gaurds, yeah it looks great, but no I dont want to have to take 20 minutes to get in and out of my driveway every day, I live in an area with crappy roads plenty of potholes and unfriendly traffic cops, so nice and sedate will do me just fine

anyone got any pics of 30-40mm drop with 17" on board?

I do mate, I'll try chuck up some pics later tonight.