Pirelli Suspension

[Craig67]

Hi all, i'm looking for some advise on suspension mods for my pirelli.
I just got back from a 500km highway trip, and fount the ride a bit harsh.

-Is it the 18 inch rims that make the ride harsher than a MK5 GTi.

-what differences are there in the suspension setups between a MK5 GTi and a pirelli.

-Any suggestions on improving the ride quality would be appreciated.

[isaw]

you can try a set of Koni FSD's to sort the ride out a little, they were on special from namotorsports.com a while back, i got em for AUD900 delivered.

18's make the ride a little firmer, but I though the pirelli's had the same suspension as the GTI's

[Tim]

what tyre pressures are you running? knock a couple psi off.

Most of the later model GTIs i have been in have a similar ride to the Pirelli. Ive been in a couple of earlier ones which seem to have a different suspension tune though. Mine is certainly a bit nervous over sharp bumps.

[Craig67]

Thanks for the prompt replies.

I am running 38 psi front and rear.

isaw, have you had an opportunity to have the Koni's fitted if so what r they like.

[bwen]

The best way is definitely just to drop a few PSI out of the tyre pressure, you probably wont get as good fuel economy but if the roads around where you live are a problem then this might be the easiest and cheapest solution. I run 36 all round on my stock Pirelli wheels and tyres. Only suspension mod I have is an anti lift kit which supposedly creates more vibrations in the cabin but I haven't found any problems with it

[CC75]

I believe the pirelli is 15mm lower than standard, perhaps with different springs

[anarchycamp]

I believe the pirelli is 15mm lower than standard, perhaps with different springs

Yep 15mm lower than a standard Golf which is the same as the standard GTI.

I had a play with my tyre pressure and it certainly helped when running 18s.

[triode12]

Hi all, i'm looking for some advise on suspension mods for my pirelli.
I just got back from a 500km highway trip, and fount the ride a bit harsh.

-Is it the 18 inch rims that make the ride harsher than a MK5 GTi.
Yes - most likely.

-what differences are there in the suspension setups between a MK5 GTi and a pirelli.
I believe it is the same as the stock MkV GTI.

-Any suggestions on improving the ride quality would be appreciated.
Fit 17 inch rims and tyres or get a softer suspension setup. But then you will no longer be driving a true Pirelli.

[isaw]

the FSD's are good, I've got a set on currently, but they are shot. dont buy second hand ones from ebay.... lesson learned!

I am very impressed with the ride, for soft cruising along they are great, but throw them into some corners and they harden up.

As others have said, drop a few PSI in the rubber, try running 32 and see if its smoother for you, otherwise a new set of shocks.

Whitejames has some very good suspension writeups on the aus section of golfmkv.com

[Tim]

dont take too much air out. the lower you go the more chance you have of damaging your rims on a sharp pothole when running 18s. Id go 10% lower at most. You might be surprised at how much of a difference that would make.

[G-rig]

I usually run 40psi on my 18" but wouldn't really want to go under 38.

I think you just need a shock that isn't underdampened like the OEM ones, and get some proper rebound/travel going.

[VW Central]

It's fine, you will just have to get used to it like the rest of us

There were 400 in Australia, most of us seem to be satisfied.

[tinto]

It is stiff out of the box, no doubt.
I couldn't really feel an enormous difference (other than sitting flatter around corners) when I had my KW re-installed. So KW's 'factory like ride' was actually pretty true..!

Other than dropping a few PSI in the tyres, you *could* install some GT / GT Sport springs if you want it smoother - they are supposed to be about 10% softer, but offer the same height as a GTI.

I certainly noticed the difference when I went from stock GT with KW coilovers MUCH more than I noticed the difference from stock GTI to KW coilovers.

[CC75]

Yep 15mm lower than a standard Golf which is the same as the standard GTI.

I had a play with my tyre pressure and it certainly helped when running 18s.

I think you will find the pirelli is 15mm lower than a standard GTi

http://www.billbuckle.com.au/volkswagen/brochures/Golf%20GTI%20Pirelli%20brochure%20specifications%20MY2009.pdf

[bazzle]

I would not suggest dropping lower than 38 if you are running 18".
You can go lower with 17s.
It is the air capacity not pressure that is req to hold the cars weight.
38 gives the min req in 225/40/18.
I run 42 in my R32.

Try a different guage to be sure but as stated 18s do give a diff ride, so do diff tyre brands and shockies.

Hopefully you will grow to like the benefits and forgive the harshness?

Bazzle