Replacement Coilovers, New? Second Hand? Where? Please help.

[kendog]

Hi All,
Long time, same car. Haha.

I've got a Mk4 Golf (1.8T conversion).

Front coilover shocks/dampers of suspension are stuffed (oily grime around springs, can't stop bouncing after bumps). It's very hard to find replacements in Australia these days. I'm looking for any suggestions... Second Hand? New? (that to ship to Australia quickly?). Located n Australia would be safest time-wise.

(looking for a good value set, can't really afford/warrant high-end for this old thing, haha).

The set that are currently in there are "FK Street" coilovers (bought from somewhere in UK about 12 years ago).

ECS have some, but the combination of the US dollar >Australian dollar conversion, and the shipping, make it look like you're losing half your money!
(shipping on one set was ~$345 US, converted to $554 AUD, just for the shipping!).


I've rang a few places in Sydney, not much luck.

- I just missed out on the last set of BC-Racing Coilovers from BC/Just Jap (got sold on weekend while I waiting for their call back).

- There might be a set of fixed damper adjustable height ones (Bilstein B14?) but the price is getting up there ($2300-ish retail, slightly cheaper trade).

- Pedders have 'something', but they're also about $2000 I think.


I have the OEM stuff still, but don't want to have to install twice if find something better (and ride height handling not good).


The sooner the better, as just picked up a job with almost 3000kms driving that needs to be done in Feb!! Need to be on the road next week!!!

Any help, greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
K.


Pic to make it interesting...

[dubster99]

It's been a while Kendog! Hope all is well!

[Lucas_R]

Could try this place: Volkswagen Golf MK4 - TITAN SP-3 Coilover Suspension Kit
– TITAN Suspension Australia

Or this: VW Golf (1999-2007) MK IV ST Coilover Suspension by KW – Empire Performance

Otherwise Run Auto Parts in Melbourne has a good range of factory suspension for the Mk4.

[kendog]

It's been a while Kendog! Hope all is well!

Haha, yeah mate, been a while! Still keeping the (now old) girl running! Ha!

[kendog]

Could try this place: Volkswagen Golf MK4 - TITAN SP-3 Coilover Suspension Kit
– TITAN Suspension Australia

Or this: VW Golf (1999-2007) MK IV ST Coilover Suspension by KW – Empire Performance

Otherwise Run Auto Parts in Melbourne has a good range of factory suspension for the Mk4.

Cheers, Lucas, I wish I'd seen this earlier today... I've got a few phone calls to make tomorrow, then.

Titan - Yes, I saw this (but forgot about it), I've not heard of them before. Does anyone have any experience with these/this brand?

Empire (selling KW) - I also saw these and forgot, because mentally I'd put them in the "a bit too expensive" basket. But might be worth a call tomorrow (trade price might be lower than $2000 for non-adjustable KW V1).

'On the Run' - Is that them? I found a listing for KW V1 coilovers that looked good ($1520), but no mention of which model car this is for... (they will definitely be getting a call tomorrow).
KW Coilover Variant V1 - On The Run Motorsports


Update on others:

BC Racing - I called to confirm the wait time if I order (says 14-21 days on the website, but he said could be 3-4 weeks), but no answer again. Boo.

Bilstein - I called up again, asking what hardness the B14 (cheapest) set is because it's fixed damping. He said in comparison to the next ones up (B16) that have 9 clicks of dampening adjustment, the fixed ones would be about a '3' in hardness ('9' being hardest).
(FYI, anyone else looking at 'more' than I need... he also said the next ones up, B16, are about another $1200 more (not sure if he meant trade or not), and are more for people who want to do track days, set up a track car differently between tracks etc.).
Bilstein also said they will rebuild their suspension if needed in the years to come.


Without any new info about KW V1's (phone calls tomorrow), It's starting to look like the choice is between getting:

- Bilsteins B14 - (in stock (Sydney), quality brand, will repair, but price is a bit higher, B14's not adjustable),
- BC Racing - (waiting avg. 3 weeks, decent brand?, possibly can get replacement parts?, price is good, 30 level damping)
- KW V1's - (hopefully someone has MK4 Golf in stock, ok trade price?)

Does anyone have any experience with any of the above coilover sets?


I think I might avoid the cheap ones, shipping would be a while for a start, only benefit is the price.

[Lucas_R]

According to the ST suspension website, the part number you need is part-no.: 13210005 Shop - Order products online | ST suspensions

When searching that part number I found a listing on Car Mods Australia and they are cheaper than Empire.

ST Suspension 13210005 Coilovers ST X Galvanized Steel (TT 10/98-06/06)

The link you provided for On The Run Motorsports says the price they are quoting is for part number "This price is for Product Code: 10260001" which is not the right part for your car. In fact I cant find this part number listed on the ST suspension website so who knows what car it is for.

[kendog]

Hi Marcus,
Thanks for the reply.

- Yes, I totally understand that the model number (from OTR) was not for my car, that was just an example price they gave of one set of KW V1's. They were KW V1's, (so maybe wouldn't show up on ST website?).

I just rang OTR about the correct KW V1's for my car (as the page says to do), and they're $2100 or more, and would have to order from Germany (2 weeks + anyway). So probably a no-go.

So, are the ST's any good? I just spotted that hey say 'by KW', similar quality?

[kendog]

Does anyone have any feedback on getting a Cup Kit instead of coilovers?

Like these:
403 Forbidden

[Lucas_R]

Those ST coilovers are of reasonable quality, but at the end of the day they are an entry level low budget coilover with no adjustability other than height.

The cup kits are a matched set of lowering springs and new shocks. Personally I would prefer to have a cup kit (and this is what I normally do) instead of an entry level coilover.

[kendog]

Oh, OK, very good feedback, thanks Lucas!

I was reading other good feedback about cup kits from a few people on reddit too, saying better ride quality/comfort.

The only thing I'm not sure about there is the ride height... being stuck and not being able to adjust it if needed. What is a 'decent' height of spring lowering to aim for (better looks, better handling, better comfort)? 1.5"? (I don't do as much spirited driving these days, and comfort/handling potholes seems to be a bit more of a priority, but still want the look (lower than factory)).

I might ask Haesmans/Bilstein about the B12 etc Cup Kit today.
(but most cup kits I saw at ecs etc were Bilstein shocks/struts with another brand's springs (H&R etc), might that be because Bilstein don't make lowering springs?).


In other news (in case anyone else wants to know). For the lower end coilovers I already have in there (FK AK Street), you can actually order a few replacement bits from their main (German?) website...
FK Automotive Tuning Shop | Coilover spare parts

...but for an extra 50 pound more ($100 AUD), you can buy a whole new set direct from them... (can select Australia as shipping location, but awaiting reply on costs)...
FK Automotive Tuning Shop | FK coilover kit sports suspension VW Golf 4 1J 1997-2003 (AK-STREET) | purchase online

So, even though they're still in the lower price range, most people seem to have a reasonably decent experience with the FK's (for what they are). I mean, mine have lasted me 12-13 years before fronts dying (rears still ok)... so they're definitely better build quality than some of the other cheap brands!

[kendog]

Those ST coilovers are of reasonable quality, but at the end of the day they are an entry level low budget coilover with no adjustability other than height.

The cup kits are a matched set of lowering springs and new shocks. Personally I would prefer to have a cup kit (and this is what I normally do) instead of an entry level coilover.

Also, what do you think of the Bilstein ones without damp adjust?
403 Forbidden

I can get a set of those 'today' for about $1850.

I have just been baulking at the price... add on some new factory mounts, we're around $2k... and the car is only insured for a bit over $5k... Not sure.

These OK? or Cup Kit a better option (even if I have to order from OS and wait)?

Thanks!

[Lucas_R]

Those Bilsteins are directly comparible to the ST coilovers - essentially the same, just different brands. Same/similar pricing, so choose whichever you prefer.

And yes it is a lot of $$ to spend on a Mk4, totally understand that.

The Cup kits will be....what....about $500 cheaper? So around $1200-1400 or so? These will give you the same/similar ride quality but the only thing you are missing out on is the ability to choose your ride height.

[dubster99]

Haha, yeah mate, been a while! Still keeping the (now old) girl running! Ha!

That's great to hear mate! I wish I could say the same with mine but after the conversation I could never get it running right. We moved house and it's sat for the better part of 8 years...

[kendog]

That's great to hear mate! I wish I could say the same with mine but after the conversation I could never get it running right. We moved house and it's sat for the better part of 8 years...

Oh no, I assumed you were still daily-ing it like me, not that I do that many km working from home a lot, haha. I just ticked over 210,000kms (on the chassis, the engine has about 33,000kms less).

[kendog]

Those Bilsteins are directly comparible to the ST coilovers - essentially the same, just different brands. Same/similar pricing, so choose whichever you prefer.

And yes it is a lot of $$ to spend on a Mk4, totally understand that.

The Cup kits will be....what....about $500 cheaper? So around $1200-1400 or so? These will give you the same/similar ride quality but the only thing you are missing out on is the ability to choose your ride height.

OK, thanks Lucas.

Update on pricing/research...
The only 'cup kit' that I can see that's noticeably cheaper than basic coils from an 'ok' brand are the "H&R Touring Kit", and I think that works out to be about $1250 shipped from ECS (having a LOT of trouble with their shipping calculator, but chat staff usually help).

Research has a lot of people leaning/referring more towards the Bilstein B12 kits, (Bilstein B8 shocks paired with another brand's lowering springs) for a better ride (comfort) and apparently the H&R shocks/struts not lasting/riding so well (but their springs (Sport Spring Set etc) fine to pair with other shocks (Koni, Bilstein, etc, "Ride is amazing" apparently)).

A lot of people recommending the Bilstein B12 combo with the Eibach 'Pro Kit' springs... Springs are a slightly more modest 1.2" drop front and rear. And many people saying a much better ride overall compared to other kits/combos. Some say this is the best cup kit combo. 1.2" drop seems like a safer bet if I can't change later.

I might have just gotten ECS down to around $1632 AUD shipped to Newcastle. (seen this combo for $2835 or something here is Aus).

So it could be either those (better ride, no height adjust), or the BC Racing BR coilovers for $1550 (height adjust (just read might be min. 2" drop (too low)), damp adjust). Both probs 2 week+ wait.