Dilemma... - installing lowering springs

[insanekiwi]

Hi guys,

I am a bit mixed here... I have H&R 35mm lowering spring kit with me. Well sitting right next to me.

My friend who has been in numerous sport cars, has just driven my car. He was well impressed with REVOed Polo GTI. He did not expect that at all.

I've told him about the plans for the upgrade that's booked next week.

He said the suspension is really good as standard, just hard enough for track days, and enough for daily commute drive. He really did not think it was good idea to just stick H&R springs in without replacing shocks.

For those ones who have replaced 'springs' only... what are your thoughts?

I mean if I don't lower it, I won't need to worry about drive ways, etc.

[VW GTI]

1) that '35mm' spring kit is 35mm lowering from the normal Polo. Which means 20mm from the GTI. This means driveways are not as much of a problem as you'd think.

2) The GTI also has different shocks to a normal Polo so they should cope.

I haven't done it to mine yet, it's on the radar for sometime soon. I have done some research though. Would be interested to hear from a few with it done too.

[Timbo]

I originally believed the biggest problem with the Polo was under-damping, so I fitted Koni adjustable shocks, and have been very happy with them.

However, recently I succumbed to springs, and installed the Eibach Pro Kit. The transformation is significant, and I would thoroughly recommend them. The car feels so much more 'planted' -- the ride is firmer, but by no means harsh; in fact, it feels much more coordinated, with less pitch and dive. The Eibachs seem perfectly tuned to the Konis; indeed, I understand that Eibach make the springs in the Koni Sports Kit

I wouldn't lower too much unless you are privileged to drive on billiard tables!

[SoVeReIgN]

Generally always a bad idea to only do one or the other - The damping rate of the shocks needs to be matched to the spring rate.

[insanekiwi]

Thanks for the feedbacks so far.

I clearly understand shocks and springs are best match. I can't afford both at the moment. Have springs already and not sure now whether to get it fitted or not.

Are you sure 35mm lowering is from original Polo height? It's hard to believe as the spring kits were designed for Polo GTi specifically.

[Jarred]

Generally always a bad idea to only do one or the other - The damping rate of the shocks needs to be matched to the spring rate.

x2.

You can mix and match. but if you do you're asking to blow a shock or something similar. so, really not worth it.

You've got springs now, just save up for adj. or lowered (ie matched) shockers. That way you'll have time to save up for a few trackdays with the current suspension, and then once you swap over to the new shocks and springs, and do some more trackdays, you'll be able to really feel the difference!

IMO >> save for shocks.

[VW GTI]

Are you sure 35mm lowering is from original Polo height? It's hard to believe as the spring kits were designed for Polo GTi specifically.

Check the model numbers against the kits for the TDi and 1.4 or whatever it is. They are the same.

[ryan_GTI]

yeah what others have said, hold onto the springs - save up abit more for aftermarket shocks then do it all in one go.

do it right the first time.

[insanekiwi]

It's 35mm all around for GTI. GTI specific springs not for other Polos.

Maybe I might just sell the springs....... I don't know if I want to spend that much for shocks + the springs + installation...

Anyone interested in springs?

[99gti]

Bah humbug. You can install them and you probably will still get a slight improvement in handling and you'll have a much more agressive stance. It will cause the standard shocks to not live to their expected life - but as long as you are aware of that prior I say do it!

I've had numerous cars with lowered springs and they were fine. As long as you arn't expecting coilover performance from them then I think you should be happy with the end result.

In all the cars I've had I've never had a shock blow out, but I havn't lowered it to a stupid height either. This would be the kind of result I'd expect from chopped spings.

Are they TuV approved? Ask H&R if they are suitable to use with the standard shocks.

[MKIVF]

LOL, shocks blow out after 30mm lowering?

Me and countless mate during our silly youth would get custom springs made up, whack them on with stock shocks - not ocne did the shocks blow out.

With a 30-35mm lowering, stiffer springs, a shock blow out should not happen - but don't take my word for it.

On my astra, I had eibach springs, stock shocks and improved the handling quite a bit.

[LoriJarrod]

I wouldn't be too concerned with pushing the shocks past their limits unless you're doing serious track days. As 99gti said, the shocks will probably just not live as long as what they would with standard springs. If your doing alot of trackdays, coilovers are a better option. Just learn how to set them up. I belive the price difference between shocks/springs and coilovers would be minimal . $500 or so??

[Blitzen]

If you are going to get rid of your H&R springs, what would you like for them?

[insanekiwi]

The springs are TUV approved, and is for installing without or with new shocks. So they are designed for standard shocks as far as I know, but added shocks help further.

What I plan to do with the car:
1) daily commute
2) occasional track days (2-3 times a year)

I have a feeling if I don't get them fitted, I will regret later.. I just want to try a car with lowered springs, but in NZ, Polo GTIs are still very rare. I've only seen a handful. Lots of Golf GTIs however.

The springs I want is around $200AUD + shipping, but I don't know how much it would cost...

Thanks for more posts, now again I am leaning towards fitting them on!!!

[insanekiwi]

I am selling my springs.

If you are interested let me know $200 AUD + shipping.

It's 2000km old, almost no marks on the springs itself.

Cheers
PM me if interested. Especially if you know someone travelling to NZ (then ask them to bring it back)...