lowering the R36

[gead]

I am sorely tempted to lower the R36 after seeing Alfies....i don't want to go the full coilover route, so was thinking of some eibach pro-kit springs...they would likely drop it around an inch...thoughts?

[Rocket36]

Got to weigh up looks vs practicality. I was thinking the same thing when I bought my R36.

Then after a week, the two low points on the outside edge of the front spoiler lightly scraped on a driveway that really wasn't that steep. The front overhang can be bad for driveway clearance with the standard ride height. So I decided not to lower it at all.

BUT, that said... You can compromise. After all, once lowered you would be so much more aware of it and be careful. If in doubt, don't try to clear something. Back into right angle parking spots etc..... Would look AWESOME 1 inch lower I think. If you want the look, go for it!

[gead]

i guess i am already hyper sensitive to the low kerb steep driveway thing, my previous liberty had the black sti lip, that was quite pronounced and made a terrible sound when scraped, the r36 feels quite high in comparison...decisions decisions....

[Lance B]

i guess i am already hyper sensitive to the low kerb steep driveway thing, my previous liberty had the black sti lip, that was quite pronounced and made a terrible sound when scraped, the r36 feels quite high in comparison...decisions decisions....

Mate, don't do it. I have already lipped my front spoiler and I was very careful in my approach to the driveway, coming in at an angle etc. It wasn't even a steep driveway either! No big deal as it is underneath, but I know it's there, so I shall probably get it touched up with one of those mobile touch up guys.

If you get it lowered, you won't even be able to go up a *normal* driveway/speed hump without scraping and you will be paranoid about lending your car to *anyone* as they won't remember or possibly care so much about your front spoiler.

Personally, I think that the R36 is low enough and look fantastic as they are and are a reasonable compromise. Many of these lowered cars start to look wrong (IMHO) and their springs need to be so hard that they jiggle along the road and look ridiculous. The occupants look like they are getting their fillings rocked out of them.

[isaw]

Having just installed a set of Eibach springs/Koni FSD's on my gti I'd say coils or nothing. There is far too much bounce/float in the shocks for my liking, and this caught me out when leaving a set of lights on a hill, nasty front chunk missing from the bumper. If we had awesoem flat roads like america sure, but we dont, and you want all the play in the suspension you can get.

[gead]

i wonder what the stock dampers are on the r36....i wonder if they would be uprated ones (i would assume so)

[gead]

it appears that H&R have an R36 specific spring ;

Passat R36 Variant/SW Typ 3C, 4WD 2007> 20-25 VA 29162-2 VA 29162-6 £202.06

i note that the total drop on the r36 is lower than the standard passats due to its lower starting point no doubt

haven't been able to find anything specific for the R36on the eibach website, but there are plenty of Americans who have the eibachs on vortex....

[r-btype]

hmmm...what to do hey

If the eibach spring isn't wagon specific, then get the H&R. Cancel Ralph until you have them. Dollar is pretty good - I know.

[Black R36 Sedan 09(alfie)]

gead.. give evolve technik a ring and ask for springs.. they have multiple aftermarket companies that supply their suspensions

[R36]

I am sorely tempted to lower the R36 after seeing Alfies....i don't want to go the full coilover route, so was thinking of some eibach pro-kit springs...they would likely drop it around an inch...thoughts?

I have upgraded the suspension and lowered most of the cars that I have owned - until the R36 which would not even make it up my driveway without scraping the front bumper. Lowering it would look great, but it would not be practical to drive on normal roads.

[Gipper]

Speaking of scraping, one thing that is giving me the sh#ts is the underneath of the R36 front bumper scraping on high gutters when parking. As the parking sensors dont detect the gutter, the underside of the bumper is scatched to hell. You cant notice it unless you look but I get a tear everytime i hear it.
I could leave more gap at the front but the other problem is the Passat's ass then hangs a fair way over the end of teh car spot.
Maybe the only solution is to reverse in to all car parks.

[Rocket36]

Maybe the only solution is to reverse in to all car parks.

Been doing that in all my cars over the last 10 years or so. Reversing in is safer for the car and easier (as well as safer) when leaving.

[111]

Did anyone at all manage to lower the r36, ive been told many mixed things about the wagon and that it cant be lowered, then others tell me no problems???? ANYONE

[Rocket36]

Of course it can be lowered....

Personally with the .:R36 it's not worth the hassle as it's already nice and low (too low for a lot of driveways and gutters). It's got a good balance of low and practicle where it comes from the factory and I have heard of people RAISING them.

If you're wanting different suspension that performs better then there are better springs and shocks out there - just depends how much you're willing to pay and how low you go depends on how much every day street driving practicality you're prepared to lose.

a decent set of coilovers would be the best but be prepared to fork over a lot of dollars. You can leave it at daily drive ride height and lower it for track days. The stock setup performed well enough for me on the track and considering it's not more than twice a year, then there's not a lot of worth in me spending money on suspension.

[111]

Of course it can be lowered....

Personally with the .:R36 it's not worth the hassle as it's already nice and low (too low for a lot of driveways and gutters). It's got a good balance of low and practicle where it comes from the factory and I have heard of people RAISING them.

If you're wanting different suspension that performs better then there are better springs and shocks out there - just depends how much you're willing to pay and how low you go depends on how much every day street driving practicality you're prepared to lose.

a decent set of coilovers would be the best but be prepared to fork over a lot of dollars. You can leave it at daily drive ride height and lower it for track days. The stock setup performed well enough for me on the track and considering it's not more than twice a year, then there's not a lot of worth in me spending money on suspension.

Not really going for track use, i just want it to look better on the 19's