Recommended replacement suspension

[Manaz]

Hi guys,

With 90,000km on the clock, and the suspension bumping and thrashing like the shocks and springs are badly matched (and dying), it's time to replace the suspension in my Bora (2003 V6 4Motion).

Obviously coilovers are an option, I've been considering the KW offerings, though am unsure as to whether v1 or v2 would suit my needs best.

In terms of "standard" springs and shocks, Eibach seem to have a good reputation, though I've heard very little about them in my particular model.

If anyone has personal experience with these options in either a Golf or Bora, I'm keen to hear stories. Also very keen on hearing of good suspension places in Sydney - Heasmans have a great reputation, and I will likely be talking to them, and I've heard good things about Wholesale Suspension in Blacktown/Penrith, though I'm yet to establish their level of experience with VWs.

Finally, if there's something I should replace while I have the suspension out (strut tops? Is this the time to do a RSB? etc), I'm keen to know.

Cheers!

[Manaz]

Just requested a quote for Koni FSD and Sport suspension. Will see what they end up costing...

[sukebe]

How far do want to go? Ive got VW Racing Euro Spec R32 suspension in my Bora 4motion. Eibach dampers with H&R springs. I reckon they are the perfect compromise between comfort and handling.

An alternative would be Koni FSDs with Eibach springs, but given the AUD at the moment they would be waaaaay expensive. Actually, just about anything is going to be seriously expensive now......

[Manaz]

If I ever do track the car, it'll just be for my own fun/amusement - I won't be racing anyone else, so I'm not going to be terribly concerned with setting great times and tuning my suspension to the optimal level.

This is one reason I'm not 100% sold on coilovers - my understanding is that coilovers are more performance oriented, and this car is my daily ride, and so I'm concerned with the compromise on comfort (happy to hear if this can be tuned out though!).

Wholesale suspension said pretty much the same thing you did - FSD kit if I want a compromise between comfort and performance, Sport kit if I want to err on the side of performance (but they're still a way away from crashy uncomfortable things apparently).

Where did you get the VW Racing Euro Spec R32 suspension from?

I'm upgrading from 16" to 17" wheels as well, which I know will have some effect on the overall comfort and performance of the suspension setup as a whole, so I need to keep that in mind. The requirement for comfort is part of the reason I decided on 17" wheels rather than 18".

I realise this won't be cheap - I'm expecting several thousands of dollars...

[KI11Z]

just a quicky from me, kw is an awsome product from what people say allthough if the shock absorber dies or whatever else, you'll need to have the strut removed and sent back to germany! no one over here services them

[qsilverza]

nice budget

For 7K you could get some pretty trick stuff. You won't need to spend anywhere near that.

If I ever do track the car, it'll just be for my own fun/amusement - I won't be racing anyone else, so I'm not going to be terribly concerned with setting great times and tuning my suspension to the optimal level.

This is one reason I'm not 100% sold on coilovers - my understanding is that coilovers are more performance oriented, and this car is my daily ride, and so I'm concerned with the compromise on comfort (happy to hear if this can be tuned out though!).

Wholesale suspension said pretty much the same thing you did - FSD kit if I want a compromise between comfort and performance, Sport kit if I want to err on the side of performance (but they're still a way away from crashy uncomfortable things apparently).

Where did you get the VW Racing Euro Spec R32 suspension from?

I'm upgrading from 16" to 17" wheels as well, which I know will have some effect on the overall comfort and performance of the suspension setup as a whole, so I need to keep that in mind. The requirement for comfort is part of the reason I decided on 17" wheels rather than 18".

I realise this won't be cheap - I'm expecting several thousands of dollars...

[Manaz]

nice budget

For 7K you could get some pretty trick stuff. You won't need to spend anywhere near that.

LOL.

SEVERAL thousand - not seven thousand!

I'd be concerned going over $2-3k unless the kit was ultra-special!

[gavs]

Bilstein are the OE manufacturers of VW struts and shocks, maybe give them a look-see also if you're not after coil-overs...

[D3bb4]

I use KYB shocks and lowered king springs. Works well for me, especially for the price compared to other options.

[Golf Loon]

Pedders are now doing their own brand of coilovers and list a prive for the Bora 4mo of $1300.

They also stock Bilstein shocks.

[Manaz]

Pedders are now doing their own brand of coilovers and list a prive for the Bora 4mo of $1300.

They also stock Bilstein shocks.

Hmmm, interesting. I've always run a million miles from Pedders, just never really trusted them. Maybe I'm a snob...

[Treza360]

If you don't want to spend much and/or go down the coilover route, Costa might still have this setup for sale. http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=25396
I'm running the exact same setup combined with the beefier H&R swaybars as well. Makes quite a big difference and would imagine it would be even more with the Bora as it's got a much cushier ride stock than what a stock R has.
Dunno how low you want to go but you can see from the photo that mines dropped quite a bit.
Cheers,
Trent

[Manaz]

If you don't want to spend much and/or go down the coilover route, Costa might still have this setup for sale. http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=25396

I considered them when Costa put them up for sale, but decided I'd prefer new shocks. They've sold now regardless (on eBay, $420!).

[Treza360]

I considered them when Costa put them up for sale, but decided I'd prefer new shocks. They've sold now regardless (on eBay, $420!).

Yeah just followed the link and saw that. Also realised the shocks are different as well. Was about to edit my post but you beat me to it. Oh well.
I suppose the nice thing about coilovers is that you can adjust the height. My car is even more of a scraper now and I have to really really watch the nose. The Bora probably won't have as much of a problem there with a similar drop due to the nose not being as bad stock.
Cheers,
Trent

[Manaz]

The Bora's quite low at the front, trust me!

I need to get to a GTG and compare it to an R32...