Mk6 GTI - what handling/suspension mods to do first?

[MrGTIandRfan]

Suspension is completely standard OEM GTI at the moment.

I know a number of you guys have modified suspension so would love to read your ideas/suggestions.

Aim is to have a great handling car for the streets/spirited drives. I don't intend to do any track work at this stage.

[T Go]

I'm in the same boat.
I wanted to lower mine abit and not sacrifice ride too much.
WhiteJames has some really good suspension review threads if you run a search.
I ended up ordering the VWR Sports Springs and an H&R Rear Sway Bar (which I will set to soft).
I'll be having them fitted in the 1st week of June.
The springs lower it by 20mm, and are compatible with DCC dampers.

Definitely recommend havin a read of those suspension threads by WhiteJames.

[Buller_Scott]

Suspension is completely standard OEM GTI at the moment.

I know a number of you guys have modified suspension so would love to read your ideas/suggestions.

Aim is to have a great handling car for the streets/spirited drives. I don't intend to do any track work at this stage.

are you overly concerned with "stance" or "looks" of your car? or do you prefer compliant ride and good handling?

[MrGTIandRfan]

Actually, first thing I'd like to do is get rid of/lessen the effects of axle tramp!

I would like to lower my car, but don't mind other mods first if they end up giving me a better driving experience - ie. sway bars, etc.

[walbjj]

Honestly, with stg2, ur always going to suffer traction issues on a fwd car. The white line stuff is borderline in helping IMO, too much power for the chassis, and then u got people that go overboard with ko4. Doesn't make sense. Chasing the wrong thing IMO, if u want big useable power, u bought the wrong car.
For me, I don't track, but I wanted a better stance to go with the wheels. Eibach is what I chose. Coilovers were overkill, plus they always tend to squeak and carryon as well as potential for ongoing maintenance. Springs, nice And easy

---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------

Actually, first thing I'd like to do is get rid of/lessen the effects of axle tramp!

I would like to lower my car, but don't mind other mods first if they end up giving me a better driving experience - ie. sway bars, etc.

Oh, also add that with the eibach springs, the ride is exactly the same as stock, just lower. It's only harsher due to the 19" rubber and even then it's nothing compared to the harshness of the evo9 I had before

[j_man]

Honestly, with stg2, ur always going to suffer traction issues on a fwd car. The white line stuff is borderline in helping IMO, too much power for the chassis, and then u got people that go overboard with ko4. Doesn't make sense. Chasing the wrong thing IMO, if u want big useable power, u bought the wrong car.
For me, I don't track, but I wanted a better stance to go with the wheels. Eibach is what I chose. Coilovers were overkill, plus they always tend to squeak and carryon as well as potential for ongoing maintenance. Springs, nice And easy

---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------



Oh, also add that with the eibach springs, the ride is exactly the same as stock, just lower. It's only harsher due to the 19" rubber and even then it's nothing compared to the harshness of the evo9 I had before

I have stock mk5 gti, I want to get aftermarket wheels + tyres.. 18" to be exact. Where is the best place to buy springs, for example the eibach ones sound good. Also my actual question: do you need lowered shocks to match the spring or OEM shocks will do the job?

Thanks,

[walbjj]

I have stock mk5 gti, I want to get aftermarket wheels + tyres.. 18" to be exact. Where is the best place to buy springs, for example the eibach ones sound good. Also my actual question: do you need lowered shocks to match the spring or OEM shocks will do the job?

Thanks,

It's always "best" to upgrade the lot, and if u get ultra low springs, u might wear the oem shocks out prematurely. My eibach springs r not super low so matched well with the stock shocks.
Plenty options available on eBay, tirerack, or even locally if ur not fussed with paying extra.

[T Go]

Yea I think I have been told/read that anything over a 30/35mm drop should really be new shocks also.

[walbjj]

The eibach customs I have is about an inch more or less

[T Go]

The eibach customs I have is about an inch more or less

Yea thats about what my VWR's are too. I think its the perfect drop.

[MrGTIandRfan]

Yea thats about what my VWR's are too. I think its the perfect drop.

Do you have pics of your ride with them fitted? How does your GTI handle compared to stock? And, where did you get them from?

Thanks!

[T Go]

Do you have pics of your ride with them fitted? How does your GTI handle compared to stock? And, where did you get them from?

Thanks!

I don't have any pics of it side on, but I can take some this arvo when I am home from work and send them to you.
Its about an index finger gap in the arches. Looks great. Not overly dumped, but just enough to make it looker good imho.

The ride is noticeably firmer with the 18s. Initially it was very very noticeable, but I am used to it now. Still on rough roads, it's a bit too firm.
I usually pop ACC on comfort when more than 2ppl are in the car, and it makes a diff.
Handling is def keener, with less body roll (had RSB put in too). Noticed a big diff in pitch also. When I change gears (manual) it barely pitches.

I got my set through Ian at Rennenhaus, but I think it might have been in the last week before VWR distribution was handed over to APR Australia.

[ILuvAGoodDrive]

Hi one and all -

I too am looking to lower my Mk5 GTi for cosmetic reasons ... I have no plans to drive at 10 tenths on a track (or a public road!). As such, c/o springs seems all I need.

Eibach or VWR seem well regarded on here ... any ideas where in Melbourne is a good place to buy either at a sharp price? Or for that matter, from interstate if freight isn't uncompetitive?

Also, any suggestions who in Melbourne's southern suburbs would do a quality install at a fair price?

Thanks posters ...
John

[5317707]

It would prob be best to buy from o/s from sites like OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning , Orange Tuning etc...

I got quoted $300 for fitting springs & wheel alignment from RTR in Dandy & $250 at Tyre Power North Melb.

[darrenjc]

Im looking at some Eibach Pro springs - Part 85109.140

Has anyone used these on a 2012 Golf DSG GTI?