Suspension for a Mk3 VR6 (options?)

[The_Hawk]

This started in this thread in the Mk3 section debating lowering springs.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=10905

I was debating to put this in the wanted to buy section, but then I'm still looking for opinions and options (including if someone has something they want to offload ) I'm also looking at something more than just lowered springs, so being a suspension question, this is the best place for it rather than cluttering up a previous thread (any more):

Right now I can stretch to about a grand which should cover a new set of shocks/springs to drop her to a nice level.

In my case it's spirited daily driver with maybe once annual track days (speed off the street type things, not full blown racing).

I want the car lower, there is no question of that, I like that coilovers are adjustable, although reality is I probably wont use the adjustments, still nice to have.


But the questions!

Can you get 2nd hand coilovers? How much would I be looking at? Are they worth it?

Is there a cheaper option that the $2K KW's? Anything closer to the $1k mark?

These for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Supersport-Coilover-Kit-VW-Golf-Jetta-MK3-3-Corrado-VR6_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em122QQcategoryZ33586QQihZ019QQitemZ290191895315QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD2V

Or are you really better waiting and going the KW's?

So whats the go?

edit 1: I've found the supersport coilovers available from Venom Motorsport too, although I have no clue on shipping from them. (http://www.venommotorsport.com/shop/index.html)

[h100vw]

Venom is a reputable supplier in the UK. Supersport coilovers are reasonable quality, a mate of mine had some on his corrado and that handled ok.

My preference for the money you are looking to spend would be Weitec. They do a fixed damping conventional kit with black struts, I had this kit on a mk3 16v and it was really good. You can get that kit landed for sub $1000 from Demon Tweeks.

There is also a top adjustable kit using the same springs but you would just set the damping to stiff and drive it. Not worth the extra. If you try softening them past half way the springs take over and it'll handle awfully.

Don't listen to folk raving on about V2s etc, they may be very nice but can you justify spending half the cost of you car in suspension......

Gavin

[The_Hawk]

I have seen and heard of Venom in my readings and they come across as pretty good. I have also been searching for details on the Supersport coilovers on VR6's and most things I read are pretty positive, about the only negative thing I have found so far is that whent hey are wound all the way down they make the ride somewhat bouncy, although that seems to be not limited to this brand anyway.

I suppose this is where is comes to the hard part for me. On one hand a better brand should mean a better ride, albeit more expensive and without adjustment. Supersports mean adjustment which I will probably not use, but then if I ever change the wheels it would be very handy.

At about AU$850 landed the Supersports do look like pretty good value. Is there any Australian dealers or is import the only option?

Eitherway, poly bushes would probably be a good thing to do while pulling the suspension to peices, where would be a good place to procure those from? Also how much?

[h100vw]

The bushes that wear out on most VWs are the rear wishbone bush and the axle pivot bushes.

IMO
The wishbone bush is best replaced with ones from a TT as they are made of rubber not poly urethane. Poly ones can squeak which gets to be a real irritant.

You could fit poly to the rear axle but again I don't think it's the best way to go.

New std rubber ones would be my preference.

Having done the whole poly bush thing in my youth, I am not feeding you duff info this is from personal experience over the last 15 years.

Gavin

[MattyT]

Don't listen to folk raving on about V2s etc, they may be very nice but can you justify spending half the cost of you car in suspension......

KW V2 FTW!!!!!!

And it was more like 1/4 the cost hehehehe

[The_Hawk]

I'm considering the Supersports... anyone ever dealt with Venom Motorsport?? They don't list any contact details except a phone number and address, fine if your in the UK, not so great for me.

I can wait till after 8:00pm our time to catch them first thing in the morning their time by phone, but it would have been nice to email them, wonder why they made that choice.

The alternative is to buy from an eBay seller, prices should end up about the same, but I would feel happier buying from a [reputable] shop. So has anyone actually used them before?

[sukebe]

Check this page. I reckon the koni's would be a good option

http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=2_6_15_42_151_5093

[The_Hawk]

Check this page. I reckon the koni's would be a good option


http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/i...15_42_151_5093

The Koni's to look nice:

http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_6_15_42_151_5093&info=KONI_1150.5001.1_Coilover_Kit_Includes_FREE_NEUSPEED_Sway_Bar&products_id=900

Koni Coilover Kit (Includes FREE 22mm NEUSPEED Front Sway Bar)
They are rebound adjustable too!

The downside of course is that I'm up to ~AU$1,315 before I get a shipping price, that a shade over 50% more than the Supersports cost, mind you that does include a AU$300 front sway bar. Even so, the pre shipping costs work out to be: Koni @ $1015 vs Supersport @ $658.

To be honest, the only comments I have read anywhere is that XX's are better, but not any bad things about the Supersport parts. Is it really suprising that something that costs 50% - 300% more is better? Or that it has more features?

Is there any reason I shouldn't look at and consider the Supersports? I'm all for buying somethign bigger and better, but unfortunately I'm on a budget

[DubSteve]

That sure is a good price if you ask me!!! Aaron best thing is to try before you buy cause ultimately you may feel that X product is better than Y product, even if it is cheaper and has less featuers!!!

I have also heard alot of good things with Weitecs like Gavin says, I know alot of the mk1 and mk2 owners in the states use them as choice in preference over more expensive ones and they seem to do the trick, also on a side note you can slam your car super low if you ask me

[99gti]

The down side to weitec is the cost to rebuild them - they cost nearly double what it costs to re-build KW's.

Poly bushes are a good thing, just don't go all Arnold Schwartzenegar and go the really hard ones as your car will rattle somewhere on the higher end of the richter scale. If you come today I'll take you for a run in mine wich has had KW's plus (the black) poly bushes throughout. They come from a company called ECS tuning.

[The_Hawk]

A quick and dirty search on Weitec's leads here: http://www.fastvws.com/acatalog/FAST...ension_12.html

They end up being ~AU$1025 + shipping which puts them right along side the Koni's.

I'm going to keep digging to see if I can find any more reviews/experiences etc with the Supersports (as well as opinions from people who have had and upgraded to something else).

Like Steve said, The Supersports really seem to be at a good price which I just can't overlook. At the price they are you would have to go through at least two sets before paying the same as any of the alternatives. The big question is how long do they last! If it's measured in months thats an issue... which is what I'm trying to find out.

On a side note, is Supersport their own company? Anyone know who makes them? Any more details?

[The_Hawk]

I have also found the FK AK Supertech coilovers.
They are listed as the entry level of coilovers for the budget conscious driver. These can be found for as little as ~AU$503 + shipping frin venom or a little more from this mob: http://www.speedbox.co.uk/products/p...dget_coilovers
They are listed as Front and Rear 55-85mm.

It seems to move up to something with dampening adjustment moves the price to round the AU$1,000 or so mark. Mind you the lowering range also increases.

The one negative comment I have found so far on the FK AK "budget" line of shocks is that they can be fairly bouncy and with no dampening adjustment they guy said it was annoying. Still, only one bad comment, and even then I think I would be leaning towards the Supersports anyway

The other thing I have noticed on the FK's is that they say you *may* need wheel spacers if running stock wheels. Not 100% how that would effect the wheels I am running... No info is listed on needing spacers with the Supersports. Still digging anyway...



Question on the drop/adjustment listings? Does this mean it drops the car by a MINIMUM of 55mm and can be adjust to a MAXIMUM of 85mm? Or can you wind them all the way up something like the stock level?

[The_Hawk]

Damn England and their time difference, and Damn Venom Motorsport for not answering their phone.

They could at least put a message on their front page if they are holidays, even if it's only for a couple of days.

How this for a nice number, 16 digits in all it's glory!
0011 44 1254820005

I'm trying one more time then heading to bed.

[Golf Loon]

Probably closed till new year mate.

Keep trying.

[The_Hawk]

Got an email back from the FleeBay seller:

Purchase: US$649.90 = AU$744.59
Shipping: US$199.00 = AU$227.99

TOTAL: US$848.9 = AU$972.58

Assuming Venom Motorsports will ship international their shipping price needs to be less than £137 to be the same price (and I'd rather buy from a company than an FleeBayer)

Does Australia really have none of these lower cost options available locally? Seems no from all my research so far...