Dynamic / Adaptive chassis control (DCC / ACC)

[Xciteu]

The iPhone WLAN control module controls the KW DDC coilovers in lieu of the hardware installed in the DCC Golf. I'd imagine that adding the iPhone control WLAN module box would have to be at the expense of disconnecting the in-car DCC function (prob. with VAGCOM). It may involve routing some of the wiring ... best to speak with Erik at evlmotorsport.com.au KW importer for KW Germany's take on whether this can be done. The iPhone application does allow for greater adjustment to towards or soft hard. What's the go with the standard KW DDC coilover ... are they not hard enough in Sport or Soft enough in Comfort?
Cheers.
WJ

Very much hard enough in sport mode! In fact,in sport mode with the KW DDC the steering feels even heavier AGAIN. In comfort mode,it definitely feels softer,but nothing like comfort mode with standard suspension. In standard form,comfort mode,felt like you were gliding or coasting over rough roads.

[WhiteJames]

Progressive Rate Springs - KW

^ Going from KW DDC regular to KW iPhone app. with wireless WLAN module may not entirely add more comfort. You'd receive more comfort in the low compression to low-mid compression of the damping and the progressive KW coilover spring will allow for greater comfort. For bigger hits to the suspension in the upper-mid to high compression range - this include how fast the spring collapses and rebounds in addition to amount of spring collapse, the KW progressive rate spring is designed to react faster and harder. My understanding is that the middle of the barrel shaped front springs have less spring rate, once these springs have collapsed, the narrower and shorter ends of the springs at top and bottom offer increased spring rate and react much faster in rebound adversely affecting ride comfort. Basically it's the type of coilover spring you have.

I found this with my old KW V3 on the MKV GTI. I ended up turning them down to almost full soft and they were fine in the low speed to lower-mid speed compression hits, but as the roadway become rougher with bigger hits, the KW V3 became harder offering supreme chassis control at the expense of ride comfort. In the end, I purchased a set of comfort/sports HPA Motorsport tuned KW Street Handling System (SHS) coilovers to improve rough road comfort. If the KW Comfort coilover with rebound adjustment were available at the time, I wouldn't looked at those too (KW Comfort in DDC with linear rate spring would be nice). This is part of the reason why I haven't fitted a set of KW DDC coilovers to the new MK6 Golf GTI with DCC.

For some applications, I'm told that KW actually run a more linear spring for the Street Comfort coilover, rather than a more aggressive progressive spring as in the case of the V1-V3 (BMW from memory). This is why the Volkswagen developed geniune OEM accessory Driver Gear Sport Spring made by Eibach has been such a hit - linear rate spring that is only 10-15% stiffer than OEM springs. In short ... I am doubtful that going to the time and expense of adding iPhone app. KW module for extra comfort adjustability will solve your problem of seeking greater comfort as the greater issue relates to the progressive spring. Best if you contact KW and ask for them to supply you with a different softer and more linear rate spring for your kW DDC to improve comfort.
Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added at 09:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------




Golf GTI DCC: Do I upgrade to OEM Volkswagen Driver Gear Sport Springs?

Been mulling over whether to shell out for a set of genuine Volkswagen OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs (linear) made by Eibach for my Mark 6 Golf GTI with DCC.

Decided to do some analysis of my own based on some of my well known suspension test routes that I have used in the past when making proposed changes to the suspension on the old MKV Golf GTI.

Firstly:

I have to say how much more complete the newer Mark 6 Golf GTI compared to the older Mark V Golf GTI. Stiffer chassis aids driver feel and working of the suspension, the new MK6 sits flatter in turns, the XDS aids traction shuffling drive left to right and vice versa in an imperceptible way for much more added grip around tight turns, the cabin more hushed apart from the usual VW buzzes and squeaks from the plastic interior bits that persist from the MKV. Finally ... the EA888 motor turbo spools up to max boost so much faster than the older EA113 motor in the MKV Golf GTI with an improved fuelling system and more efficient turbine.

An assessment of the DCC was done over 3 separate drives with almost 300km in total of back to back DCC testing in Comfort – Normal – Sport tests with a view to changing springs. Side roadways such as Waterfall, Garie Beach, Woronora Dam, Princes Hwy and Old Princes Hwy were utilised in all three DCC modes at the varied speeds limits (60 – 100kph) in an attempt to determine if a set of VW OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs are going to prove beneficial as a replacement over the OE Golf GTI standard springs.

The results are mixed based on the OE Golf GTI springs with DCC.

On lower speed runs like Garie Beach, Waterfall and 60kph sections of the RNP had me thinking that the VW Driver Gear Sport Springs are not worth the expense or effort for the DCC equipped Golf GTI. The DCC seems nicely judged at the 50-80kph speed limit with very little or none of that overdamped low speed compression knobbly feeling with incessant bobbing up and down that occurs over 80kph where the DCC firms up the dampers low speed compression and rebound rates that are slightly higher than the OE springs can ideally handle.

On lower speed drives around the tight twisties and in a straight line, the dampers and springs articulate the chassis of the GTI very well. A negative of adding the VW DG Sport springs may reduce the low speed chassis adjustability and the driver’s ability to articulate the vehicle on the throttle and brake (DCC doesn’t help in that regard to begin with).

On faster routes like the Old Princes Hwy and on the Princes Freeway, the overdamped feeling could definitely justify a slight higher spring rate as the VW DG Sport Springs offer in addition to a slightly lower ride height.

In particular, the Old Princes Hwy B-grade roadway texture that is neither great nor terribly bad, but an excellent test bed for judging low speed compression/rebound damping, had the Golf GTI with DCC in Normal mode restless in the low speed compression and rebound tune, failing to filter out the smaller roadway irregularities, bobbing up and down with that knobbly sensation being conveyed from the chassis and into the cabin. Comfort mode almost all but eliminates this overdamped feeling, but does create that trampolining after slightly larger small to mid-sized bumps in a straight line as stated before, esp. around 60kph. Worth mentioning that tyre pressures were 39psi.

The 60kph Woronora Dam route, in addition to the Old Princes Hwy, is an excellent test route for deciphering the low speed compression/rebound ride characteristic of the DCC equipped GTI at the lower speed limit of 60kph. Most of this route is in two parts concrete split roughly in the middle, with one side highly undulating with an abundance of high frequency short wavy bumps in quick succession of the roadway, the other newer side of the same laneway being flatter more uniform concrete surface. You couldn’t run this route in Normal mode and the low speed compression/rebound rates are too firm to filter out the bumps making the ride feel like you have vibrating massage chairs working overtime – even at lower 60kph speed where the DCC backs off the damping force. Comfort does a good job of creating a relaxed ride at the lower 60kph speed limit. Will a DG Sport Spring cancel out the over dampness in Normal DCC mode or will it create the opposite in causing the GTI to skip and washboard over the same small wavy high frequency undulations? Difficult to answer on this route and I’m fence about changing springs in respect to this route.

On the faster runs, the slightly lower ride height would be an definitely be an advantage, basically Golf R ride height of 10mm lower so as not to affect the OE wheel alignment values required by Volkswagen. Any turns or corners above 80kph would welcome the extra firmness and slightly lower ride height of the VW DG Sport springs.

Based on lower speeds I’d be inclined to stick with the OE Golf GTI spring and the DCC works well enough with them offering plenty of comfort and articulation for the chassis and driver, with the front splitter having a greater chance to remain intact.

At higher speeds the Volkswagen OEM Driver Gear Sport springs should be a improvement with DCC in reducing the overly damped low speed compression/rates, an in my experience, offer more control on the high speed large and faster high speed compression hits and improved and flatter cornering, despite some loss of adjustability and fun factor at lower speed limits & hill climbs, possibly some bounce esp. in Comfort DCC mode and scarping the front splitter.

Based on my use for the GTI, which is used on weekends and on longer trips, I’ve leaned towards the Volkswagen Driver Gear Sport Springs and have them on special order from the States.

Difficult choice to make as overall, I’m very happy with the Mark 6 Golf GTI with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and standard OE Springs as it is out of the factory. How the VW DG Sport springs will fare with the Golf GTI DCC system – only time will tell.

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

DCC + Moderate Lowering Sport Springs

Been making a few enquiries on the VW OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs (linear) made by Eibach ... & ... VW Racing.co.uk Sport Springs (linear) also made by Eibach ... and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Sam Roach from U.K. VW Racing suggest that there is no drama fitting sport springs with moderate lowering + DCC:

James,

I’m sure Ian can add more, but let me give our experience of the VWR Sport Springs.

Firstly, the springs work extremely well with the DCC suspension. As there is only a relatively small drop of 20mm it doesn’t have any effect on the damper life, which is one of the main reasons that we don’t go any lower. The DCC will work in exactly the normal way to stock springs – to put it simply, the damper doesn’t ‘know’ what spring is being used and so is unaffected. We’ve supplied/fitted probably hundreds now with DCC cars.

To be honest, these springs with DCC are about the best set up that you can get (ideally with the anti-roll bars) on a road car, which we now recommend for anyone who doesn’t do regular track work.
Hope that’s of some help!

Best wishes,
Sam

+44 (0) 8456 805088
+44 (0) 7866 73734
s.roach@volkswagenracing.co.uk
Volkswagen Racing

They also have Sport Springs for the Sirocco.
Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added at 07:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:22 AM ----------

TUV Certification: Original Volkswagen Lowering Kit (VW Driver Gear Sport Springs)

The driver gear springs TUV certification sheds some more light on what these original & geniune Volkswagen parts are all about.

1. The lowering of the spring is designed as if the Golf was partially laden with occupants/luggage.
2. The springs are designed to be equal in ride height when fully laden to that of a standard Golf when fully laden. In others words - fit 5 passengers & a boot full of luggage and the standard sprung Golf and do the same to a Golf with VW OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs - both should be the same height FTG. I've noticed that lesser Golf's (118TSI, GTD, TDI) do seem to drop a lot in ride height with several passengers on board compared to GTI and Golf R.
3. Standard bump stops are to be used.
4. Order no. for 4 door liftback with DSG is 5K4071677B.
5. Actual springs have slightly different part numbers for same 4 door liftback DSG (see pics for spring part no.'s). 5K3071677BVA (front) and 5K4071677HA (rear).
6. TUV certification recommends a wheel alignment when fitting.
7. Nothing said on any refresh kit required for the front when spring only are change: technically - yes, practically - no (depends on condition of hardware imo as I did my MKV Golf GTI suspension 3 times without changing any bolts).
8. Tow bar has to be at least 350mm from the ground.
9. See further info in pics for custom/premium shock absorbers when using the Volkswagen Driver Gear Sport Springs.
10. All wheels and tyre combinations can be used with these springs - that must include the optional 19" Golf GTI Edition 35 wheels & 19" Golf R wheels.

See pics in post #437 on page #20 WJ Suspension Thread: WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 20 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 PM ----------

Gotta be sure the fuzz ain't gunna give you a hard time over some reduced ride height on your Golf ride. TUV certification is a good start, but doesn't neccessarily make it legal for state requirements. Latest search on NSW websites indicate that nothing has changed in NSW bar the 5cm/15cm rule - any more than 5cm and Authorisation is required. Max 15cm on any vehicle. Generally for a sedan, min 10cm from ground, no more than 1/3 reduction in spring ride height (GTI = 110mm, Golf R = 100mm, Golf = 130mm generally) and ensure no part of tyre impact part of body/chassis or part of chassis impacts with roadway with flat tyres. See links:

NSW RTA Suspension modifications:http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registrati...s_nov_2007.pdf

Engineers Certificate requirement for Major Mods, Imports, and Custom Builds: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registrati...hure_final.pdf

NSW RTA 5cm/15cm rule: lowered-cars - BBC Top Gear Australia

Looks like fitting a set of Volkswagen Driver Gear Sports Lowering Spring should be okay.

Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------



RTA Regulations re: Lower Ride Height & Sport Springs

Gotta be sure the fuzz ain't gunna give you a hard time over some reduced ride height on your Golf ride. TUV certification is a good start, but doesn't neccessarily make it legal for state requirements. Latest search on NSW websites indicate that nothing has changed in NSW bar the 5cm/15cm rule - any more than 5cm and Authorisation is required. Max 15cm on any vehicle. Generally for a sedan, min 10cm from ground, no more than 1/3 reduction in spring ride height (GTI = 110mm, Golf R = 100mm, Golf = 130mm generally) and ensure no part of tyre impact part of body/chassis or part of chassis impacts with roadway with flat tyres. See links:

NSW RTA Suspension modifications:http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registrati...s_nov_2007.pdf

Engineers Certificate requirement for Major Mods, Imports, and Custom Builds: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registrati...hure_final.pdf

NSW RTA 5cm/15cm rule: lowered-cars - BBC Top Gear Australia

Looks like fitting a set of Volkswagen Driver Gear Sports Lowering Spring should be okay.

Cheers.
WJ

[MaxMo]

ACC is one of those things you only really appreciate when you've experienced it. You can comfortably do without it and obviously won't miss it since you don't know any better. However, having tried it out under different conditions and switched between Comfort and Sport, i can say that it's a great technology to have. For me it would be a must have in any future vehicle purchase.

[kaanage]

Agreed. Just a PITA that it's now only available in the 'Sports' models.

[WhiteJames]

Operation: 'Install Volkswagen OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs'

The Mark 6 Golf GTI 4 door DSG with DCC is coming up to 2 years old in about 3 months. Time for a minor upgrade to the suspension. The Volkswagen geniune lowering OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs made by Eibach will be installed some time in the next 2-3 weeks. Will keep the same dampers with about 30,000km as after the DCC -v- non DCC review comparison, they appear to be in good shape. Looking moreso for the 10-15% firmer spring rate of the DG Sport springs, but lowering of about 0.5" (10-15mm) will be welcome for speeds higher than 80kph with lower centre of gravity. The DG Sport Springs are 2 door/4 door and MTrans/DSG specific. Hope my GTI ends up looking like White & Black GTI 4 door DSG examples in I've posted in the WJ Suspension Thread recently. Spoken to enough guys in the know about pairing the DG Sport springs to DCC in the GTI to ensure it all works without any major side effects, if any negative effect at all.

WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 20 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Operation: Install Driver Gear Sport Springs now Comlete

Operation 'Install VW OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs' into my MK6 Golf GTI 4 door DSG with DCC is now complete. First part of a several part 'initial' review conducted today in all three modes (Comfort/Normal/Sport). See WJ Suspension Thread post # 440 on page # 20 for some teaser pics: WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 20 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com. Front has lowered a good amount, rear end a bit less drop in height - so far happy with ride height on the GTI.

Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added 07-02-2012 at 08:14 PM ---------- Previous post was 06-02-2012 at 09:30 PM ----------



A few more pics of the Volkswagen Driver Gear Springs:

Driven the GTI 4 door DSG on enough routes to obtain an reasonably accurate assessment of who the Volkwswagen geniune lowering Driver Gear Sport Springs perform on real world roadways. A few more teaser pics in the WJ Suspension Thread on GolfMkV.com - Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Rabbit Forums. Better quality pics than the earlier iPhone pics I took the other day. A written review will follow when time permits. Note that I installed the proper product code GTI 4 door DSG springs variant: See pics in post # 441 on page # 20:

WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 21 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

---------- Post added at 08:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:14 PM ----------

Ride Height:

The stats you'll waiting for ... how much lower is my GTI 4 dr DSG with the Driver Gear Sport Springs after about 200-250km of driving?

Front: 65.1cm
Rear: 65.9cm

Front has lowered 12mm and rear 3mm.

Happy with ride height atm - Basically have Golf R ride height.

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Review: VW OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs on MK6 Golf GTI with DCC

Volkswagen geniune lowering OEM Driver Gear Sport springs made by Eibach.

Courtesy of White James:

See post # 446 on page 21: WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 21 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Summary : Vw driver gear sport springs + dcc

Summary:

How will the DG Sport spring affect the actuation of the DCC electronic suspension system on the Mark 6 Golf GTI?

Pros:

• Lower ride height lowers centre of gravity.
• Lower ride height does not affect the ability to maintain the original Volkswagen wheel alignment values.
• DG Sport springs create a step up in handling ability in all 3 DCC modes.
• No spring bind or tug’n’release clonking noises.
• DCC Comfort maintains & in many cases has an improved ride with notable reduction in the trampolining bouncing after striking bumps.
• DCC Normal has improved handling & chassis agility with a notable reduction in low speed ride and low speed compression unsettled & uneasy fidgeting.
• DCC Sport provides for a much less jittery increasing ride comfort & improving handling.
• DCC Sport with DG Sport springs is able to mix it with the off-the-shelf performance coilovers like KW V1-3 / Bilstein PSS / H&R coilovers.
• Cold wound Eibach made DG Sport spring will sag much less over time than the OE spring.
• Less unsprung weight of the DG Sport spring.
• Linear spring rate enhancing smooth road handling and rough roadway ride compliance providing the driver with a direct connection from steering input to chassis response creating a visceral drive experience.
• Almost OE spring noise, vibration & harshness (NVH).
• Provides the Golf GTI with an improved Golf R blend of sports/comfort ride & handling mix.
• OE Sachs damper is no longer underdamped in Comfort mode nor overdamped in Sport mode.
• Higher speed stability with greater ease of use making for a relaxing drive experience.
• Remarkable improvement in low speed low compression ride Comfort in any mode (i.e. Woronora Dam Road).
• Enhanced tractive ability out of corners.
• The GTI chassis has moved from the softer side of the hot hatch equilibrium to about dead centre for what is expected from a hot hatch.
• Ride/Handling mix has improved for up to 90% of cases.
• More direct steering response.
• DG Sport spring highlight the positive attributes of the GTI chassis.
• Less EDL/XDS and ESC intervention in the dry or drying conditions.
• Best bang for your buck upgrade for the GTI.
• Cheaper than trading in your Golf GTI on a Renault Megane RS250 Cup Trophee.
• Brings the Golf GTI closer to the Golf R for handling ability and ride comfort, although with a bit more bounce while still retaining the Golf GTI advantages of less weight, less maintenance & running costs, and EA888 motor.

Cons:

• In pressing circumstances the GTI will cause its outside loaded tyre to run on the top inner fender screw when driving downhill around sharp corners with bumps struck mid corner (no need for fender mod, but stick with ET50 wheel offset).
• Reduction of DCC variances between the 3 modes.
• Loss of driver and chassis adjustability causing a loss of fun and playfulness at public roadway speeds (DCC owners have Comfort for this).
• Wedge type lowering with front lowering more than the rear end (not necessary a con).
• Slight marginal increase in NVH over taller OE Spring with a bit more mechanical noise.
• Nuggetty and slightly terser ride between 40-80kph speed range that is closer to the Golf R and Renault Megane RS250 for ride compliance.
• A greater feeling of corner entry and apex understeer with a heavier feeling front axle and steering.
• Reduced ride height may result in a damaged front splitter.
• Firmer DG Sport spring may not offer the same increase in performance in very wet conditions.
• Feeling of less effectiveness of the rear sway bar impacting on the trajectory of the chassis mid corner.
• DCC Sport may result in the chassis being bucked around & be slightly put offline on rougher roadways esp. on one wheel bumps & one wheel pot holes.
• DCC Normal and Sport modes can lack chassis articulation esp. in low grip situations.
• DG Sport exacerbates both the positives and negatives infused into the chassis tune from Volkswagen factory.
• Lumber support on the driver’s seat has to be turned down from 2/3rds to 1/3rd.
• Finding someone that will not screw up the installation process.

Overall I’m very pleased with this upgrade, which adds additional completeness to an already accomplished motor vehicle. Rest assured that the Volkswagen genuine lowering OEM Driver Sport springs are indeed a good mix for the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) electronic suspension on the Golf GTI.

[WhiteJames]

The Urban Jungle

After a couple of weeks on the Volkswagen genuine lowering OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs with predominantly weekend city driving around Sutherland, City and Eastern Beach/Suburbs:

• Driven about 500km on the VW Driver Gear Sport Springs.
• At first I was in and out of DCC Comfort mode, not being accustomed to the terser low speed compression ride around town. Now I predominantly use Normal DCC mode as the DG springs comfort/handling mix has grown on me with a readjustment of my senses/expectations.
• The low-speed compression rate from 30-80kph is very taut with the Golf GTI chassis snaking up and down over dips and spikes in the roadway and firm over sunken manhole covers.
• DCC Sport mode with Driver Gear Sport Springs is fine for the city – at lower speeds, the electronics back off the damping forces, making the ride in Sport mode acceptable around town.
• The uneasiness and restlessness in the OE Spring and DCC combo always wanted to self-centre and the nervousness induced a similar feeling in the driver, never being at ease and always worrying about understeering into the concrete barriers/walls of the freeway and tunnels. I’m glad the VW Driver Gear Sport Springs have eliminated this feeling, which really enhances my drive and ownership experience with the MK6 Golf GTI.
• So far speeds bumps in town are fine - no rubbing with the mild drop in ride height. Avoiding parking front to kerb atm.
• The Driver Gear Sport Springs do offer a bit more noise on the really big compression hard hits around town, consistent with the Royal National Park drive review – otherwise they offer almost OE Golf GTI spring NVH.
• Sunglasses in the rooftop sunglasses holder started to rattle with the more taut chassis giving that nuggetty ride. This did occur with the OE Springs, but is more readily induced with the Driver Gear Sport Springs.
• The Driver Gear Sport Springs offer a remarkable improvement over the OE Spring + DCC combo over concrete roadways esp. concrete joints, concrete cracks and wavy high frequency undulations. The DG Sport Springs really do shine on concrete roadways - joints, cracks and waves are heard but no longer felt in vertical chassis movement with the Driver Gear Sport springs.
• Refresh Bolts/Nuts: Master APR Tuner Derek Smith of European Autotech (EA), Mona Vale has probably tuned more Volkswagen Golf’s than any other in the southern hemisphere. Derek Smith is Sydney’s prominent Volkswagen tuner and has done hundreds of suspension upgrades in his workshop. Derek is aware of the requirement to refresh the bolts as a technical requirement, but practically, esp. on my MK6 Golf GTI with DCC having done 30,000km only, a refresh kit was not required. Had any parts shown premature wear or damage, then Derek Smith would of replacement them.
• The Golf GTI with Dynamic Chassis Control on Driver Gear Sport Springs feels to be tauter in the spring/damper combination than the Golf R for sure – the 10-15% upping of the DG Sport Spring rate combined with less weight adds that extra bit of tautness to the way the chassis handles and rides over bumps.
• The Golf GTI on DG Sport Springs with DCC in Sport has in the vacinity of the damping force as the Renault Megane RS250 Cup Trophee (hottest hatch going around), but with slightly firmer, lower and more a bit more taunt springs than the Renault Megane RS250 imo.
• In terms of pure unadulterated handling: The Golf GTI on Driver Gear Sport Springs + DCC should be a match for the Golf R and Renault Megane RS250 Cup around the tight twisties.
• For the non-DCC Golf GTI owners – a bunch of MKV Golf owners, me included, ran the Koni-FSD with the progressive rate Eibach Prokit spring as they were sold as a kit from various suppliers. There were a number of Koni-FSD failures. This may have been due to early batch build FSD’s or perhaps the progressive rate springs that overworked the Koni FSD. In light of past and recent information, Koni Sport may be a better choice with progressive rate Sport Springs. The Koni-FSD should work fine with minimum lowering on a linear spring that works similar to the OE Spring imo – provided that Koni have sorted out any reliability issues.
• For those that have complained not enough pics of the MK6 Golf GTI + DCC + Driver Gear Sport Springs – extra pics included lol:

WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 21 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Before & after pics: Vw oem driver gear sport springs

Before pics with after pics following each photograph in sequence.
Before pics: Std OE GTI Springs.
After pics: Volkswagen geniune lowering OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs.
Before pics taken with iPhone 4 - so definition not as good. After pics taken with old Pentax Digital camera that still produces better quality photos than the iPhone 4.

Post 459 at page 21:

WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 21 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Sydney to Bathurst - 3 hour country road drive on DG Sport Springs

Sydney to Bathurst Drive:

Interested to see how the Volkswagen genuine lowering OEM Driver Gear Sport Springs fared on a very ordinary predominately B-grade road drive with extended time in the saddle. The drive from Sydney to Bathurst for the Bathurst 12 hour endurance race qualifying is about 220km one-way, which takes about 3 hours to complete for a total drive of 440km and 6 hours return route. It’s a mix of city – freeway for the exit from Sydney metro, then majority B’grade country single-lane roadway with a surface dishing up predominantly low and med speed compression hits to the Golf GTI suspension. The surface from the Sydney’s Blue Mountains to Mount Panorama is quite bumpy. The Sydney to Bathurst route entails the use of all three Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) modes during different parts of the route:

Normal DCC in the City and for a third of the rural B-grade road route.
Comfort DCC for about a third of the time on rough B-grade country only routes.
Sport DCC mode for the Blue Mountains twisting hill-climb and descent and freeway cruising.

• The Volkswagen Driver Gear (DG) Sport springs do a splendid job of improving the low speed compression ride reducing the small incessant vertical chassis movements. The original Golf GTI wasn’t so good in low speed small-bump ride compliance on this route and felt like it sat a tad bit too high for ride height esp. at the front end.
• The DG Sport springs made for a terser ride on the slightly larger small bumps up to medium sized compression bumps, with the DG Sport GTI bucking and dipping to a greater extent with greater chassis control than the original Golf GTI. In this respect the DG Sport has traded off mid-speed medium -bump ride comfort for an improvement in small-bump low speed compression ride comfort. Depends on whether you’re looking for a knobbly & fidgety low speed compression ride with some steering wheel nervousness inherent in with the original GTI springs ... or ... terser and nuggetty mid-size bump ride and compliance of the DG Sport springs.
• It’s worth noting that all three modes used in with the original Golf GTI springs at particular points in the Bathurst drive were also required to be used with the DG Sport Springs. The improvement or degradation in ride comfort & compliance has not changed a great deal with the change in springs.
• Overall the ride comfort of the DG Sport Springs –v- Original GTI Spring is no better or worse imo. Each is better in some areas to the detriment of another area and vice versa.
• The DG Sport springs have not eliminated the steering kickback that happens only occasionally on mid-corners bumps and corrugations of decent size. The kickback is more pronounced in Sport mode, as was the case with the original GTI springs. The MKV Golf GTI did not have this issue.
• Urban intersection junction ruts, water channels and driveway lips definitely feel firmer than the original GTI springs as pointed out by my passenger that occasionally rides with me on day trips.
• My infrequent passenger on the day couldn’t notice a great deal of difference between the DG Sport Springs and original GTI springs for ride comfort or compliance.
• My passenger and I did not tire of the DG Sport spring 3 hour drives in the morning or late afternoon. This is a good sign for longer extended interstate drives of 10 hours +. This is also the case with the steering that is not overly direct with DG Sport Springs. I can rest assured that the DG Sport springs ride will not drive me bonkers on long interstate trips.
• Ride Comfort in Normal and Comfort DCC was still good enough on the not so good B’grade roadways for my passenger to have a snooze. When it’s time to wake him up – just hit the Sport button to give a jolt or two.
• The DG Sport springs definitely offered an improved ride over the KW V3 coilovers on softer settings for country road driving. Remember, that the KW V3 are able to go up to 20% softer than the KW V1 or KW V2 and generally ride country roadways better than the equivalent Bilstein and H&R coilovers.
• 1-2 occupants in the DG Sport sprung GTI has it well & truly sitting perfectly for ride height imo.

On a side note:


Always good to include pics with each write-up. I’m sure you’ve seen enough pics of my GTI. Here are some pics of some more exotic metal. Just for R-Nick in Singapore running the Ohlins DFV / Driver Gear Sport combo on his GTI – Lamborghini race cars were also running Ohlins suspension. Have pics to prove so ... just take a look. Bathurst 12 hr race/qualifying well worth the 3 hour drive from Sydney. A lot cheaper for tickets than V8 Supercars, you’re able to get right into the pits, workshops and on-top of the pit-straight building for no extra charge – in addition to seeing an array of cars – 4cyl, 6cyl Boxer, V8, V10, 6cyl turbo and V12. Much more entertaining than just seeing a whole bunch of similar built V8 stock cars with different out skins.

See pics here: WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 21 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

[russ83]

I just did this same drive yesterday in my new mk6 GTI with Acc. Sport mode was excellent around My Victoria, comfort mode excellent for the traffic I encountered through the single laned bottle neck roadworks area.

Very pleased with ACC, a good option well bought.

[WhiteJames]

Bathurst City - Ride Comfort

One slight omission in the above list - Bathurst City ride comfort from Orginal (OE) Golf GTI Springs to Volkswagen Driver Gear Sport Springs:

• The Original Golf GTI springs in Bathurst CBD had the DCC in Comfort with me wanting to go down to 17 inch wheels/tyres to further eliminate the brittle & fidgety ride - even in Comfort DCC mode. The DG Sport Springs have improved the Bathurst City ride comfort, no longer necessitating DCC Comfort mode or a desire for smaller better riding 17 inch wheels/tyres. The DG Sport allowed for use of the harder DCC Normal mode with improved ride comfort and 18 inch wheels/tyres now provide enough comfort in Bathurst City - a remarkable improvement in this area with the DG Sport Springs.

Cheers
WJ

---------- Post added at 08:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:20 PM ----------

H&R Sway Bars:

H&R Sway Bars are the bees knees for fine tuning the Golf chassis with ease. I believe that a set of small H&R (26mm/22mm) set on front soft and rear hard would further improve my DCC Golf GTI in terms of control and tuning out the slight understeer and working the tyre with greater effectiveness (i.e. camber roll). Drawbacks for me are how much harder they will work the electronic DCC dampers in terms of life, one wheel ride comfort, the front bar front end tightness on rough roads with skitishness & skipping on one wheel bumps and rear end inside wheel lift, and lastly wet conditions. Had the H&R bars on the MKV, still love them though. Just not convinced about putting them on atm as DCC electronic suspension helps contain body roll and pitch. H&R would work a treat on the non-DCC Golf GTI as the DG Sport Spring lower and stiffer set-up doesn't seem to utilise the rear sway bar to the same extent as the higher and softer Original (OE) Golf GTI springs.

Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

RTA: The Law and Suspension Modifications

Here are the two main New South Wales RTA guideline documents that relate to suspension modifications. Generally ... nothing has really changed for light motor vehicle modifications. For owner certified upgrades/modifications ... the onus could be up to you to show that upgrades are within the ambit of the technicall guidelines. Only a recent change of the 5cm rule when lowering or lifting a motor vehicle has changed ... this relates moreso to 4WD's than passenger cars as passenger cars generally cannot go any lower or higher than 1/3rd of OE spring travel (110mm on GTI apparently). The RTA article 3.5 on Suspension covers any suspension modifications in detail as opposed to the other two guidelines. Most changes in the RTA legislation and rules are centred around heavily modified vehicles and owner/builder kit & replica motor vehicles ... which does not include about 99% of Volkswagen Golf owners. Having your TUV certification handy will not guarantee anything, but it otherwise generally help re: required OE manufacturer specs for load, travel, rebound, camber change at full compression & rebound, etc. My Volkswagen geniune lowering OEM Driver Sport springs are all within manufacturer's spec and do not appear to breach any RTA guideliness either.

3.5.2 Certification of suspension modifications

Certification of suspensionm odifications shall be treated as follows:

Minor modifications can be treated as "owner certified".
These are modifications which do not affect the basic geometry or load carrying members
of the suspension.

Examples are:

. additional or uprated anti roll bars;
. uprated shock absorbers and/or springs;
. altered vehicle ride height by no more than one third of the
manufacturer's suspension travel in the direction of the ride height
change;
. fitting of suspension assemblies which were options from the original
manufacturer for the particular make/model.

See WJ Suspension Thread for links to RTA guidelines:

WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - Page 22 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

Cheers
WJ