Suspension recommendation for modest lowering - Mk5 Comfortline

[AdamD]

Hi guys,

Apologies for creating yet another suspension recommendation thread, although I haven't found anything discussing specifically what I'm after, so I thought it best to post a new thread.

I have a stock-as-a-rock 2005 Golf 2.0 Comfortline, running boring 15s. I'm planning on fitting a set of 17" Denvers in the next few months, but really don't want the car to look like a 4x4.

Specifically, I'd like to replace the suspension with something that will give me roughly OEM GTI ride height - or maybe ever so slightly lower. I really don't want to slam it, and don't want any rubbing issues. I also don't want anything that's going to bang or knock, or require ongoing maintenance - again, OEM+ is my aim here. Ride quality is important - I don't want something that's rock hard or underdamped, although firmer than stock is okay within reason - this is my comfy slow everyday car. I don't want handling to be rubbish either, but this is a lower priority for me (I assume any aftermarket option will improve on the stock handling, and besides, I have an S3 for handling duties).

So, with the above in mind, what would people recommend? I don't have a specific budget in mind, but don't want to go overboard.

I've read that the HPA SHS Coilovers are made for the Mk5 (inc. non-GTI?) and seem to be highly recommended, although I'm not sure whether they'll lower the car too much (even at their highest point), and they certainly aren't cheap. But if they're my best option then so be it.

Thanks for any advice or suggestions!

[swong]

Height adjustable coilovers for non-GTI Mk5 for $500 shipped:
Mk5 Golf FK Coilovers | DUB TUNED | Australia

Google reviews for Fk Streetlines

[AdamD]

Google reviews for Fk Streetlines

These are good value (read: insanely cheap), although reviews I've read suggest that they've got a poor ride, and are prone to clangs and bangs as well. I also don't need what they seem to be used for predominantly - a slammed ride height. So not exactly what I'm looking for.

Going off WhiteJames' very old (2009) post, "HPA KW SHS coilover height only adjustable kit imported from HPA for @ $1700 - $1800 is the best I've sampled for a daily driver comfort/sports suspension system". I'm just not sure of any more appropriate alternatives (e.g. stock GTI springs and dampers, if available?).

[brad]

If you go to 17" with OEM sized 225/45r17 tyres there is no meaningful difference in overall diameter & therefore there will be negligible difference in the hub to guard standing height or even the distance from the top of the tyre to the edge of the guard.

Any difference you discern is a visual anomoly based on the change of wheel to tyre size balance.

If you want the tyres to look like they are filling the guards a bit better then fit 235/45r17. It will cure the inaccuracy in your speedometer at the same time.

If you want it to have the same visual impact as a GTI then buy a 2nd hand set of GTI springs (they are worth almost nothing) and fit them to the stock dampers (unless the dampers are stuffed as well).

Or buy quality coilovers. I think the cheap sets will disapoint.

[AdamD]

Yep, agreed Brad - the differences are all psychological / visual tricks. Of course it still looks terrible on 15s now, and that's not all down to the small rims.

The stock dampers are fine (the car's only done 47,000km). Are GTI springs a straight replacement on the FSI? I was of the understanding that there are differences in geometry (albeit minor) that may leave the car sitting not-quite-level. I also wonder whether fitting GTI springs will shorten the life of the dampers?

Of course I'm sure they'd be a whole lot cheaper than a set of the HPA KW SHS coilovers...

[brad]

GTI springs in the Comfortline will fit straight in and be fine if it has the 55mm struts (I'm not sure how big the spring seats are on the 50mm struts but they are probably the same). If you are DIYing it would be a good starting point to get an idea of ride heights.

Yes, any heavier spring will shorten the life of the OEM damper but not significantly. You'd probably get another 30k out of them.

I'm not sure what you mean about not sitting level but if the 2.0FSI lump is lighter than the GTI lump then it might be a fraction nose high.

If you are paying for somebody to stuff about then it oisn't worth it, if you DIY then all it costs is time.

[Hiken]

why don't you just try and find some GTI coilovers off a wrecked GTI?

[AdamD]

GTI springs in the Comfortline will fit straight in and be fine if it has the 55mm struts (I'm not sure how big the spring seats are on the 50mm struts but they are probably the same). If you are DIYing it would be a good starting point to get an idea of ride heights.

...

If you are paying for somebody to stuff about then it oisn't worth it, if you DIY then all it costs is time.

I read somewhere that cars under 120hp (ie 1.6l) used the 50mm strut, and the remainder used the 55mm. I've not confirmed that though, and haven't measured up my car yet.

This won't be a DIY job for me; I have neither the tools nor the expertise unfortunately.

[jaackyy]

If you go to 17" with OEM sized 225/45r17 tyres there is no meaningful difference in overall diameter & therefore there will be negligible difference in the hub to guard standing height or even the distance from the top of the tyre to the edge of the guard.

Any difference you discern is a visual anomoly based on the change of wheel to tyre size balance.

If you want the tyres to look like they are filling the guards a bit better then fit 235/45r17. It will cure the inaccuracy in your speedometer at the same time.

If you want it to have the same visual impact as a GTI then buy a 2nd hand set of GTI springs (they are worth almost nothing) and fit them to the stock dampers (unless the dampers are stuffed as well).

Or buy quality coilovers. I think the cheap sets will disapoint.

I'm also about to replace my stock 15" with 17" classix and was going to get 225/45/17 tyres, if i get 235/45/17 as you say, would there be any downside over the 225's? (Sorry my tyre fitment knowledge isnt that great)
Ps; this is on an 06' 2L tdi comfortline

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[brad]

upsides
235s are usually a bit cheaper
Speedo will be more accurate
Guards will look more filled
Ride will be slightly softer

downsides
You won't be able to lower it into the weeds (but won't need to)
turn-in will be slightly doughier at the limit (but most people wouldn't notice)

I can't think of anything else but maybe someone else can add.

[jaackyy]

upsides
235s are usually a bit cheaper
Speedo will be more accurate
Guards will look more filled
Ride will be slightly softer

downsides
You won't be able to lower it into the weeds (but won't need to)
turn-in will be slightly doughier at the limit (but most people wouldn't notice)

I can't think of anything else but maybe someone else can add.

did a quick shop, and these look to be quite a good deal.
Size is : 235/45 R17 97V XL , I'm not sure what the XL part is , anyone know if they'll fit on VW Classix wheels?
Bob Jane T-Marts Catalogues

[AdamD]

upsides
235s are usually a bit cheaper
Speedo will be more accurate

It's important that we clarify this, in case people get the wrong idea.

The stock tyre size is 195/65 R15. This has a rolling diameter of 1993mm.

Going to a 225/45 R17 will also have a rolling diameter of 1993mm. Identical. This is the best fit (the correct recommended size for the Mk5 on 17s).

Going to 235/45 R17 will yield a rolling diameter of 2021mm, a difference of 1.4% from the above sizes. This will cause the speedo to read lower at a given speed than would the 225s. As your speedometer (as calibrated from factory) is reading over by some indeterminate amount (up to 10%), this may cause it to be more accurate than before. But no guarantees.

I'll definitely be sticking with 225s.

[AdamD]

Just as a quick followup for anyone reading this thread down the track.

I ended up sourcing a set of springs and dampers from a Mk6 GTI (fitment is identical to the Mk5). They've done similar mileage to my car - around 65,000 - and are in great condition; I sourced them from another member on here in the Wanted to Buy section.

Before (stock):


After springs and shocks fitted (yes the drop is minor; an A/B of the images is the easiest way to see the change):


And fitted with a set of Denvers I had lying around from my old Mk6 GTI:


When I was at the tyre shop getting the rims and tyres fitted there was a stock Mk5 GTI also on Denvers parked next to me, and I was able to compare mine and his side by side and the ride height was practically identical. In terms of ride quality there’s certainly more firmness there, but comfort is virtually on par (I’d go as far to say even better while it was still on the 15s), mostly due to the dramatically improved body control and lack of float, and vastly better rebound - it no longer wallows over speed bumps or bounces down the road like the dampers are shot (even though my stock dampers were fine). Needless to say, cornering control is utterly transformed.