Lowering Springs vs. Coilovers

[GTIVWPOLO]

Evening all,

I have tried to navigate this forum as best as I can (am only new) but however I can't seem to find the answer to a question I am debating in my head. I would like to lower my recently purchased 2010 6R Polo GTI although would like some input in which way I am best to go... springs or coilovers?

Is it worth spending the extra $$$ for coilovers or simply just go for a decent set of springs? The car is stock except for the custom exhaust and I have had the exhaust tucked up nicely so it won't be a victim of scraping. I mainly want to achieve a nice, clean low look without going overboard and don't want to spend money on springs if it doesn't change the height all that much.

Any help from you guys & girls would be much appreciated!
- Sean

[vdubmotorworx]

If you go springs you should get a nice 25-30mm drop which is enough to give it that nice modified but not over the top look.

[staz88]

We initially went with H&R 25/40 springs. For $400 it was worth a shot. Here it is here with those springs:



However, in my opinion, the ride was less then ideal. The H&R springs and factory shocks just aren't a great match. The ride was too jarring. You could tell the shocks just weren't up to the task of controlling the springs.

Have since gone to KW Street Comfort coilovers. Cost $2000 but they are beautiful shocks. Car sits the same as on the springs but the ride is, dare I say, better than factory.

[Jefros]

Hi Staz88,

I am in the same boat and have H&R 25/40 springs but find the ride way too harsh.

I am looking at the KW Street Comforts after seeing your post but I am wondering what ride height you set them at?

Have you set them at the same ride height as the H&R springs? If so is it a smoother ride?

Cheers

Chris

[car_nut]

Hi Staz88,

I am looking at the KW Street Comforts after seeing your post but I am wondering what ride height you set them at?

Cheers

Chris

Hi Chris, my ride height looks similar to that in Staz88's photo, I also have KW street comforts -
Fronts: centre wheel hub to fender arch 320mm
Backs: centre wheel hub to fender arch 323mm

I keep dropping it bit by bit but the backs have only one thread left, plenty of adjustment left on fronts to go lower but KW recommend a max. of 325mm so I've gone beyond that but no problems as yet. I did need to fit Whiteline adjustable endlinks because the std ones got clunky but you should get away with the oems.

Ride quality, with my dampers set 2 clicks away from fully soft, is not as harsh as std. suspension. Handling is vastly improved, no body roll, feels like a go-cart.

Cheers

[staz88]

Hi Staz88,

I am in the same boat and have H&R 25/40 springs but find the ride way too harsh.

I am looking at the KW Street Comforts after seeing your post but I am wondering what ride height you set them at?

Have you set them at the same ride height as the H&R springs? If so is it a smoother ride?

Cheers

Chris

Yep, I run at the same height as the lowering springs were. Ride is as smooth as factory.
The KW street comfort springs are not as stiff as the H&R springs.. so the car will sit lower as you start piling people in.
But you can adjust the ride height to best suit your needs.

The only downside to the KW's is the cost.

Hope that helps.

[CrusadeR]

If you're mainly after looks and do not want adjustability, then lowering springs. How much your ride (comfort wise) changes will then depend on spring type, rate and amount of lowering.

Having fitted springs recently, I would save up and go down the coilovers route if given a time machine

[noone]

Big topic.
Small drops and well designed springs with stock shocks can be good. Coilovers and good spring and shock combos are roughly on par, but thats a very general statement.
If you go quite low, any design will be compromised as other geometry is negatively affected.

Big topic, lots to read before spending coin. Look at my polo build thread for my experience.

[Johnbu]

just lowered springs with stock dampers, don't do it.

If you don't need adjustability, get matched lowered spring/damper set, I.e. H&R Cup kit, they come in different levels of height.

I paid about aud$800 shipped for my H&R Cup kit for my Mk5 GTI from Orange Tuning.

For that price, you get handling much better than cheap coilovers.

[GTIVWPOLO]

Hmmm interesting. I think I may have to save a few more pennies and do it right!