Ulimate suspension for 2L mk3

[BBS_mk3]

Guys it's time my stock 97 mk3 2L got some wheels and suspension. I'm looking to get wheels in 16" size and would be looking to get some suspension work done at the same time.

Basically this car is my daily driver so I'm looking for a suspension set up that is sporty, lowered a little and will improve the handling. However I don't want a bone crunching or bouncy ride.

In your experience what has been a great all round set up? What brands and types? Any good workshops not too far from Hornsby, NSW I could talk to? I'm not looking to spend a fortune but I wouldn't skint when it comes to handling.

I appreciate your help guys.

[rayray086]

This has been covered quite a few times before! There are mixed opinions. You might be better off with a strut and spring upgrade (cupkits). Some systems allow damper adjustment, but height is fixed. Most kits offer about a 40mm drop. I have Koni Special (Red) struts with Koni lowering springs, and the 40mm drop is very noticeable. The handling has improved too, with less roll.

With most upgraded suspensions, the ride is slightly harsher due to the stronger dampening forces, but the Koni system I have makes the car a very nice place to be in. It's the first time I had fitted upgraded suspensions to any car, and I didn't feel it to be too harsh at all. I read somewhere that Koni Reds are more of a stock strut upgrade than a sport strut - that's where the Koni Yellows come in. Steve a.k.a. Mk3Vr6 has a set of those in his car before.

Overall, if you want better handling, you might need to change other bits of your car too. I have heard anti-roll/sway bars help greatly (combinations and thickness of bars front and back to get the desired handling potential can be discussed about in another thread) and of course, tyres will prove to be an important factor too. I had regular Bridgestones before and bought a set of wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 and they handle MUCH better, in the dry and the wet.

Anyway, I guess I can say I'm happy with the Koni system. It provides a compromise between comfort and handling, and the 40mm drop gives a good look to the car.

[deemoE36]

what I did was,
k-mack springs, they make the springs to suit for height that u desire
I got myself 50mm drop at the front and 30 back

kyb shocks, not sport edition but they are gas, and good with lowered springs

on 17's low profile it makes the ride really good.
I do have a strut brace as well and it does help with handling

I dont know how much u want to drop the car, my height worked out to be better than I was expecting it to be, the wheel is just inside the guard, but not scraping in any situation, and the clearance of the floor to the ground is just right and legal

make sure that u trim ur bump stops when u install ur suspensions, otherwise ull be hitting everywhere without knowing why, thats what I did until someone told me to do so

[bombsquad21]

I have eibach 40mm lowered springs all round with sachs struts...I also have 17's. The 17's are the worst part on the bad surfaces, 16's are a better option for MK3 in my opinion, but tyres are expensive and there is less wheels designs to choose from. I think Rays Koni's sound good, I have them on the 325i..but yellow adjustables..Low car, nice ride.

[runamuk]

What type of eibach springs do you have? pro-kit or sportline? And do you get much rubbing?

[BBS_mk3]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had looked at getting some koni’s with matched handling pack (roll/sway bars) and it sounds like they may be a good option. I’m glad to hear you guys give them a wrap, it makes my decision easier. I’m not looking to go super low. Keep it legal, look good and improve the handling.

I definitely wouldn’t go any larger than 16” wheels on my car. Of course the 17’s look fantastic but I think it might be a bit harsh for my daily driver.

[h100vw]

I would start with a suspension kit first, matched shocks and spirings.

My preference would be Weitec. They do a non-adjustable kit which although pretty cheap handles fantastic. Their top adjustable kit with fixed ride height uses the same springs as the non-adj kit and to be honest isn't worth spending the extra on. You just run around with it set stiff all the time.

I had Eibach springs on a mk3 16V with some run of the mill gas shocks and it was crap. The cheap Weitec kit I fitted instead was better in all respects.

I would hang onto your money for a while with the ARBs. Get the suspension on first and see how you like it.

Having spent loads of money over the years on suspension kits, I personally would go with std style shocks and springs over coilovers.

Gavin

[rayray086]

Yes, I agree with getting things on one at a time. While you're itching to get the "best handling", it's good to try each part out first and see what differences you get. Also, do lots of research. This forum should be one of many that you look through, as there are lots of other valuable information to be dug out there.

[BBS_mk3]

That's probably a good idea. I'll give it some further consideration before I decide.

Thanks for all the feedback guys

[MattyT]

No problem

My suspension is largely stock, but I've got Pirelli PZero Nero tires...

They.
Rule.

[BL33SU]

and remember.......... If it ainT RubinG, you AinT DubinG

[DubSteve]

and remember.......... If it ainT RubinG, you AinT DubinG

You got that Ray!!!

[rayray086]

Haha, one day I'll have what it takes to slap this sticker on the back window:

[bombsquad21]

What type of eibach springs do you have? pro-kit or sportline? And do you get much rubbing?

It is the pro kit, no i never get any rubbing. I have 17x7 rims on the car..I wont tell you how much it cost, but it was new-old stock..and i got them on ebay



On another matter, I believe when it comes to mk3, having components that are in servicable condition is key..

*Good Tyres
*Good Shocks
*No spilt Bushes
*****Correct wheel alignment and balance. (not a crappy tyre shop job)

[G60JAY]

I think a nice set up is a eibach pro kit with koni yellow. It's firm but not to bad.