Now With PICS! - Coilover Extravaganza!

[The_Hawk]

Following on from the old thread (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=17744) I'm setting the time and place.

When: Sunday 31 August
Start: Meet in Woodbine MacDonlads @ 9:30am
Cruise down the freeway to Berrima the cut across to The Famous Robertson Pie Shop for a snack.
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/01PieShop-1.jpg
Now the fun part... Run down Jamberoo Mountain Road to Jamberoo itself
Then from there into Kiama to the lighthouse and blowhole for lunch (and to compare notes).
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/02Trip-1.jpg

All up the trip is about 130km each way with lots of good roads between, will make a good day.

Estimated Timetable:
10:00 Leave Campbelltown -> Robertson is about 1:10 + stops if we want to change drivers/get fuel on the way.
11:40 Leave Robertson -> Jamberoo is about 30 minutes of fun road.
12:15 About 10 minutes into Kiama.
12:30 onwards Lunch at Kiama + test drives to Jamberoo and back.

We can run between Kiama and Jameroo (which is about 7km) to test the various setups and when it's all over we can fang it back up the mountain for fun.

So who's in and what are you bringing:

Attendees:

Name: The Hawk - Aaron
Vehicle: Golf Mk3 VR6
Suspension: Dynamic Coilover Kit Gold from GCP @ $950
Additional Passengers: None (at the moment, but I have spare seats, BYO bog roll)


In nothing else it will be a great drive and a great day out.

NOTE: Anyone with a handheld UHF CB radio please let me know and bring it along since they always come in handy.



There is a never ending debate over coilovers. Pricy brand name kits vs the significantly cheaper unit now available.

We all know the cheaper unit don't have the adjustments and some of the expensive units have lifetime warranties, but is the added cost really worth it?

Is the ride better?
Is the handling better?
Is there less noise?
Does it fit better?
Is the cheaper unit more likely to break?

You know what I think we need, we need a couple of the boys with KW (or other big name) kits to line up against those of us with cheaper alternative (and maybe a stocker or two) so we can drive the same roads and do a bit of a test. Even better if we get an impartial 3rd party or two in on the action for a blind test, giving each car a score out of 10 for ride quality, handling and general feel of the total package and see where we end up.

There are plenty of the Mk3 crowd with both options (and I'm sure this is where alot of the debate lies since KW V2's can be half the cost of a Mk3).

So Sunday August 31 at a location yet to be decided. Get together and answer the question once and for all. Is it worth the money?

That and we can have a BBQ and a chat.

I would be happy to hear from any suspension experts or KW, Bilstein, Eibach (etc etc) reps out there who might be interested in coming along to offer an expert opinion.

With two months to organise the final event I need volunteers with different suspension types to offer up themselves and their cars for a test. I would like to see each car driven by at least 3 people being a driver who has brand name, a driver who has the cheap option and a driver who has stock (or is a third party who hasn't driven anything).

I would also call for suggestions on a location for a meet. I'm thinking one of the Dams like Warragamba or Avon or Napean or somewhere like Stanwell Park. We are not looking for a race track, rather just some average roads, but also somewhere we can drive in and out of easily without having to worry about parking or too many people around. The idea is not to thrash the cars but see how they compare on the road in 'normal' conditions.


I'll put up my Mk3 VR6 with "Race Dynamic Coilover kit Gold" from GCP ( http://www.germancarperformance.de/ ) @ AU$950 to my door in Australia.

So who's willing to put stand up and put their KW's to the test?

[The_Hawk]

So who's coming?

[rayray086]

Yep but not bringing my car - bad swaybar links, clutch is close to being out and bad alignment has restricted my car to just short trips to and from work. If I can somehow get the money and get them all done before then, I'll be in with the car.

Yeah I know... excuses excuses :nana:

[Soundofav6]

you can ride shoot gun in mine ray ...

Who's comming ???

[evorobin]

Where the cheaper coilovers are concerned hottuning, jamex, janspeed and raceland are all the same kit. Raceland comes in the nicest box I've got a mk2/3 set here now :)

[fuzion]

So who's coming?

im working so im definitely out.

not having a go, but you cant exactly compare a kit on a car without having the exact same layout on another car as well as someone who has 10+ years more r&d then another. bilstein, kw, big brands are the best for a reason.. it comes down to what you pay for and what research/quality has gone into them.

for on road use, its your choice in the end. im doubtful you will have reps interested in comparison for they're products.

each product i think is suited to each persons needs! i dont doubt they all do the same thing equally, but how and how good is the difference!

[The_Hawk]

im working so im definitely out.

not having a go, but you cant exactly compare a kit on a car without having the exact same layout on another car as well as someone who has 10+ years more r&d then another. bilstein, kw, big brands are the best for a reason.. it comes down to what you pay for and what research/quality has gone into them.

for on road use, its your choice in the end. im doubtful you will have reps interested in comparison for they're products.

each product i think is suited to each persons needs! i dont doubt they all do the same thing equally, but how and how good is the difference!

I agree that the *best* situation would be to have 5 identical cars with different suspension or even better the same car tested 5 times after changing the kit over.

The whole point of this is to get 5 people to drive each others 5 cars scoring how they *feel* the ride and handling is in what are *normal-ish* road conditions. Sure it's not a scientific as it could be and it's not about pushing these things to their limits. Theoretically the more expensive setups with all the R&D should come out on top, but the idea is to see if 5 people driving different cars agree that they can *feel* that the money spent on a more expensive setup is justified. Consider this the readers choice of coilover comparrisons! No scientific method other than personal opinion x 5.

Remeber that half of the idea is a good excuse for a fun drive down a winding road ;)

*Note: When I say 5, I mean as many as turn up, but the more the merrier.

[The_Hawk]

C'Mon! Where are all those willing Mk3 drivers from not long ago...

/me points at YOU! :driver:

[Golf Houso]

Not all of use have coils or are looking to spend 1/2 a day taking wheels off and adjusting spring rates and ride heights if we have a set...

Why don't we just make it a drive Aaron? That way everyone can get involved :driver:

[The_Hawk]

No one has to take anything off or do anything other than drive their cars! The idea is you agree to let someone else drive your car "as is" and give it a rating out of 10 on a few different categories.

Than plan being that if an independant (or a number if different people) each rate each car, the average score give an indication of how each car compares.

Failling all that, the drive down jamberoo mountain will be fun!

[Golf Houso]

I should be able to come along for the drive, but no one else is driving my vehicle besides me and thats that. Anyone else?

[The_Hawk]

Three words... "Oh Dear God"

We went for a biyt of a bush walk to Minnamurra Falls today so I took the scenic route home.

Jamberoo -> Robertson -> Albion Park -> Campbelltown.

I tell you what, Jamberoo mountain and the road from Robertson to Albion Park and going to leave me having some nice dreams. WOW there going to be some fun roads to drive.

[The_Hawk]

Right, so with 4 days between now and then, who's coming? While it will be nice to get a few Mk3's with different suspension I expect the drive itself to be amazing considering the road :D

I'm looking at those who were interested in the old thread... although some of you *cough* Mickey *cough* can't drive...

Bug_racer
static1800
DubSteve
Soundofav6
rayray086
Mrk_Mickey
GT15VW
jayjay
malteser
bboyskidz

So who's in?

[The_Hawk]

OK people, time to put your hand up and confirm attendance.

So far it looks like Golf Houso, malteser, Soundofav6 and myself.

We can make the decision on the day, but choices for the drive down are either freeway to Berima then cut across OR (the more fun way) of going through Wollongong then up Macquarie Pass, into Robertson, then down Jambaroo Mountain.... all about the drive!

[Mrk_Mickey]

although some of you *cough* Mickey *cough* can't drive...

Hah. Nice dog shot you bum! I've got more important things to do on that day :nana: Flocking HSC....:brutal:

[Golf Houso]

I have a christening that day :duh: Stupid social life!!!

sorry Hawk... gotta count me out :(

[The_Hawk]

So who IS coming?

[The_Hawk]

So who IS coming?

[malteser]

Don't worry, I'm always up for a good drive, although not much testing will get done with three cars! :biggrin:

Surely more people can come for what always is a great day with great cars :)

Mark

[The_Hawk]

Soundofav6's internet is down, but he's coming with RayRay riding shotgun.

[rayray086]

:bigok: Anyone else?

[The_Hawk]

Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!!

So who is coming?

[leasaunce]

gosh....i read this.


my car is still new only 260km need to be run for the first 1000km before i can take it to the track. so this would be a good cruise! :nana: ill ask Adam if hes coming or not.... so im still MAYBE

[Golf Loon]

I`d love to come, but I only have the Van that is driveable. It would love a flogging down some mountain roads, but I can see me breaking something. Have fun you blokes.

[golf2nv]

i might try and make it dont have a full suspension setup just a tuned gti

[zjm]

you lost me at coilovers

[jayjay]

my clutch is blown. :( i also possibly have the harshest set up golf ever.

sorry guys. :(

[The_Hawk]

So it's been pouring down rain all night and it looks like it set to keep going into today, clearing in the afternoon which will make stopping anywhere more painful considering our destinations and driving a bit of a pain considering the roads we we are going to drive on :D

So who is still coming?

[rayray086]

Louis and I are coming if it's all still on Aaron. We're leaving at 8:45 to get to Woodbine Maccas by 9:30.

With the rain, it might be a little more unsafe to do any "testing" but if it's still on, we'll still come for the drive.

[malteser]

I'll be there as well... :)

[The_Hawk]

Excellent, will see everyone there :D And your right, with the weather I think it will be more drive than anything else.

[The_Hawk]

It wasn't all that wet for the drive really...

We went up Macquarie Pass through the National Park to Robertson, for those who didn't come you missed a great drive.

From the pie shop we went down Jambaroo Mountain where we stopped for a photo or two:
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8603-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8631-1.jpg

...and a quick slash:
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8613-1.jpg

Seems some of us are better as parking than others:
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8609-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8615-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8652-1.jpg

[The_Hawk]

On the drive home we tried for some rolling shots, still a lot to be learnt, but not bad for a first attemp, Louis just need to learn to lean out the window further :P


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8731-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8672-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8683-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8691-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8728-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8734-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8784-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/08/IMG_8791-1.jpg

[Jarred]

and the results of the comparo??

[Lorenz]

Bloody nice shots there guys :D Cars look great aswell.

So yeah, what was the final outcome with the different coils?

[DVR68U]

looks like it was fun, i just need some vag other than my van rego'd lol
cheers brenton

[The_Hawk]

Bloody nice shots there guys :D Cars look great aswell.

So yeah, what was the final outcome with the different coils?

We decided that KW was a total waste of money and the cheap ones were 10 times better ... j:j:

With three cars and no stock reference, we thought we would just enjoy the drive, which we did :D Next time, next time when there is a little less rain and a few more people I would still want to do the comparison.

[GoLfMan]

We decided that KW was a total waste of money and the cheap ones were 10 times better ....

are you serious?!?!?!

[Water Boy]

Looks like a VR6 convention to me :eek:

[Mrk_Mickey]

DAMMIT. Why oh why did I have to lose my licence, have early music HSC and not have coils yet??

:Brutal: Looked like an awesome quiet little GTG, and all VR6 boys :( The pics look great guys, especially the last two with the two black VR's :D

[rayray086]

Yeah twas a good day (even with the rain), but the boys in blue put a little damper in my moods at the end of it by giving me a $189 ticket for a pair of P plates :duh:

On Aaron's suggestion, I'll definitely be writing a letter to SDRO about it, and hopefully I'll be let off the hook. Fingers crossed.

[Mrk_Mickey]

You're lucky you're just not on your red's, and above the age of 18. They'd have probably shot you with a 12-gauge right there and then....aaaand then handed you a licence suspension:nana:

[fuzion]

Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Hawk View Post
We decided that KW was a total waste of money and the cheap ones were 10 times better ....



are you serious?!?!?!

haha.. i think hes far from serious, its like comparing michelins to nankangs...

[malteser]

We decided that KW was a total waste of money and the cheap ones were 10 times better ... j:j:


Oi, that's not fair! :biggrin:

One of the best drives I've been on, some excellent roads, even if we did have a couple of pace cars (Toyota Camry's :mad:) and a run in with the fuzz, the roads were perfection, with a nice long straight thrown in there :)

Seeing as though none of us speared off a cliff on those slick roads, I think that all of the suspension setups had greater limits than were exceeded today.

Hopefully next time we'll see a bigger turn out.

Mark

[fuzion]

Yeah twas a good day (even with the rain), but the boys in blue put a little damper in my moods at the end of it by giving me a $189 ticket for a pair of P plates :duh:

On Aaron's suggestion, I'll definitely be writing a letter to SDRO about it, and hopefully I'll be let off the hook. Fingers crossed.

its because you look so dodgy ray .. thats why!

[rayray086]

its because you look so dodgy ray .. thats why!

Haha dammit, I smile in my licence photos too!

[Mrk_Mickey]

If that is you with the shaved head in those photo's then you got NO chance :nana: just like me with no hair....hheh

[static1800]

Yeah twas a good day (even with the rain), but the boys in blue put a little damper in my moods at the end of it by giving me a $189 ticket for a pair of P plates :duh:

On Aaron's suggestion, I'll definitely be writing a letter to SDRO about it, and hopefully I'll be let off the hook. Fingers crossed.

Two points gone aswell :frown: I got done for having no p plates once, finally off them now though!

sorry i couldn't make it, had other commitments and i managed to get out and do some work on my mk1.

[DubSteve]

Good comparison and by the looks of things Louis did it again:(

[rayray086]

Two points gone aswell :frown: I got done for having no p plates once, finally off them now though!

Yeah, and the annoying thing is I could've got my fulls too :duh:

[static1800]

Go do it Ray, test is easy as.

[DUB 20V]

hawk you vr looks so nice man :) cleannnnnnn