H&R VW Polo 6R Sports Springs

[Cainus83]

shocking!

I'm soon to install my 25/40 springs myself as I've been quoted 400 for the job and it's not hard to do.. anyone know if the gti rear shocks would fit the 77tsi? I'd imagine they are upgraded? I've done 22000 km on these tiny shocks and they might be worth replacing

appreciate any suggestions.. cheers

[6316]

Hey 6316, I just had my springs done by Platinum Wheels a few weeks ago. I ordered my 25/40 springs from Orange Tuning (guy called Frank). Was easy as and really happy with the service.

The outer box is: L455 x W290 x H260mm
Inner box is: L355 x W240 x H225mm

Went to Taumarunui and back over Xmas and the ride was ok... occasional 'bouncyness' and the odd thump through the chassis but overall it was ok. Its no stock ride though.
I just wish we didnt have to cert coilovers or thats what I'd do straight away.

EDIT: Forgot to say I paid NZ$420 to my door for the springs and OEM F&R mudflaps FYI. And I paid $180 @ Platinum Wheels. Just watch how you get the details done on the shipping docs so you don't get pinged $100 or so in duty


cheers

Hey man thanks for that! Will probably look into that and see what happens next! And good to know what the rides would be like over the local roads around NZ too - so the "thump" you're talking about... is that when the tyres hurt the top inside of the wheel arches?

I so agree with the coilovers, I would have gone straight into that if not for that low volume cert :|

As for the duty, I was pretty sure I don't get pinged on anything as its' below that $60 threshold or some s--t

[HRDNTS]

Hey mate,

Wheels didn't hit inner guards at any point during the drive so that's all good. The thump was when it hit a sharp depression or bump in the road (like a really average join in a bridge or a railway crossing) which would jolt through the whole car.

For the duty make sure it doesn't say car parts on there... This link was handy Duty Estimator

[Cainus83]

Hey mate,

Wheels didn't hit inner guards at any point during the drive so that's all good. The thump was when it hit a sharp depression or bump in the road (like a really average join in a bridge or a railway crossing) which would jolt through the whole car.

For the duty make sure it doesn't say car parts on there... This link was handy Duty Estimator

I experience the same bump/shudder as you described and i have'nt even put the springs in yet.. i do have the sports pack however, 15mm lower apparently.

[alexaescht]

I experience the same bump/shudder as you described and i have'nt even put the springs in yet.. i do have the sports pack however, 15mm lower apparently.

That happens to everyone. Our Polo has no sports pack but it still thumps it's way over bumps. Even our Megane does it over bad joins in the road. Suspension can only do so much.

[HRDNTS]

What I was meaning is that it is more noticeable now compared to standard
More thump and jolt than just thump

[VEEEUU]

Suspension noises

What I was meaning is that it is more noticeable now compared to standard
More thump and jolt than just thump

Not sure if you also changed the shock absorbers?

Trust me I fiitted the H&R 35/55 springs without changing shock absorbers. It is not a good combo. The 25/40 springs may or may not have same spring rates as the 35/55 however, any change of spring rates needs a complementary change in compression and rebound rates in the shock absorbers.

Chances are you will thump, crash and wallow around (dangerously) like I did. In my case I subsequently installed KONI sport shock absorbers. They have a set firmer compression rate and an adjustable rebound.

Hope this makes sense.

VEEEUU

[6316]

For the duty make sure it doesn't say car parts on there... This link was handy Duty Estimator

I had it under car parts with the value as per website in GBP and it just says I don't have to pay any duty... how did you do it?

[HRDNTS]

Not sure if you also changed the shock absorbers?

Trust me I fiitted the H&R 35/55 springs without changing shock absorbers. It is not a good combo. The 25/40 springs may or may not have same spring rates as the 35/55 however, any change of spring rates needs a complementary change in compression and rebound rates in the shock absorbers.

Chances are you will thump, crash and wallow around (dangerously) like I did. In my case I subsequently installed KONI sport shock absorbers. They have a set firmer compression rate and an adjustable rebound.

Hope this makes sense.

VEEEUU

In theory the 25/40's should be a lower spring rate but yeah, like you say, the match between the damping and spring isn't that great. They aren't dangerous or anything on my car. The handling is actually slightly improved with noticeably less roll than standard. Its just there isnt as much travel as there was which becomes quite apparent on NZ country roads.

The Koni (FSD or something?) shock absorbers sound like a good idea, but I was trying to keep things relatively cost effective to drop the car from its goofy standard height.

The Polo is my daily, so didn't want to spend too much on it.


cheers

[VEEEUU]

Koni shock absorbers

In theory the 25/40's should be a lower spring rate but yeah, like you say, the match between the damping and spring isn't that great. They aren't dangerous or anything on my car. The handling is actually slightly improved with noticeably less roll than standard. Its just there isnt as much travel as there was which becomes quite apparent on NZ country roads.

The Koni (FSD or something?) shock absorbers sound like a good idea, but I was trying to keep things relatively cost effective to drop the car from its goofy standard height.

The Polo is my daily, so didn't want to spend too much on it.


cheers

Yes, the extra cost in my case was about $380 for the rear shocks and $640 for the front struts. Remember, your original shockers are working much harder and there is a risk (has been reporeted) of shockers eventually leaking and blowing out. Not sure what the replacement costs of original VW shockers is?

The main issue with rebound control is that when a road "imperfection" is hit (particularly around a bend) the car heeves up, compressing the springs which then want to return to their baseline length. If this uncompression is not controlled by the shocks adequetly, than this uncompression occurs with a jolt. Worst case scenario it can set up like a micro pogo stick oscilation (up and down). This does not help the suspension geometry as the car is being steered around bend with wheel angles being affected by this micro up and down movement.

The flatter cornering stance can be a false sense of good handling. Some of the early front wheelers like the Renault TS16(Now I am showing my age) leaned at incredible angels, but got around bends better than many of it rear drive competitors.

Hope all this makes sense. All the best.

Regards
VEEEUU

[HRDNTS]

Yeah I'm with you VEEEUU. It aint the best setup thats for sure, but whats a guy to do when VW insist on rolling it out looking like its got a lift kit

[VEEEUU]

My wife and I are planning to be in New Zealand in mid March this year. We will be in a hotel in Auckland for 3 days.

If you are interested perhaps we could catch up for a coffee and a chat about Polos?

Let me know and I can give you exact dates and hotel name.

Kind regards
VEEEUU

[Helmet]

I have a set of 35/55 H&R spare. $100 if anyone wants them.

[6316]

Yeah I'm with you VEEEUU. It aint the best setup thats for sure, but whats a guy to do when VW insist on rolling it out looking like its got a lift kit

So I've sourced those springs from AwesomeGTI... they arrive Tuesday. Will probably get them fitted sometime this weekend, and see how it goes!

[6316]

HRDNTS, just out of curiosity... did you run spacers on your car when you put the springs on?