double whammo

[jivebug]

Sorry I am sure it has been asked but would appreciate if anyone in the know, can give me information regarding the 'softening" of my 2010 6R GtI suspension. Im not too fussed if I lose a bit of handling just that my neck cant` handle it anymore and I would rather not sell the car. Have had it now since new for five years and had a new motor put in (long hard fight)around 55000 of my 74000kms. Most suspension places know how to stiffen rather then soften suspension. Someone mentioned coilover with Bilson dampers??? Just want it less jarring and more comfortable for my old fart bones and approx cost?.

Second request if for advice on a remap. If I cant afford MY16 I should just hang onto my car (in great condition) and up the power a bit. I have only seem to come across these ones (my warranty finishes in three months anyway): ABT, BSR, APR. Any recommendations for any? Would like ease of use, stealth, reliable, naturally more power and under $2000?. Thanks. Brisbane two+ hours from me Gold Coast closer.

[seangti]

Well Koni make adjustable dampers, worth considering as a start point to allow adjustability. Bilstein struts aren't adjustable until you go to their coilover range. I haven't been in the 6R polo to know how it rides and whilst I'm happy with the ride of my bilstein/H&R set-up, it's not well suited to B roads as it lacks wheel travel - so best to avoid a lowered spring as to retain travel. My H&R coilover'd car actually rides the undulations better and doesn't hit the bump stops on big hits.

You may be able to get away with a softer spring (say a progressive spring rather than linear) and retain the current struts, King springs are made locally and can be custom made.

Best to chat with some suspension specialist as to the best approach.

As for tunes, that's a can of worms. What I would encourage with whoever you go with, and ensure they do it, is to log the car, ideally before, but at the least after being tuned so you can see what your boost levels are, AFR and fuel trims, timing, etc. The tuner may not want you running off with print outs of that data, but should be happy to discuss it with you so you know what parameters have changed and by how much. Plus gives you somewhat of a health check of your engine.

[brad]

At 70,000+km your dampers are nearing the end of their life. Get some Koni dampers. Normally I'd recommend the adjustable Sports on half a turn from soft but in your case the FSD might be a better pick.

Bilstein are a great damper but not for your application.

progressive springs are nice when they are new but they soon lose the soft part and the progressiveness confuses the damper. If you really wanted to experiment then you could try some springs off the less sporty models but the car will ride high.

Have a chat to Wholesale Suspension in Sydney or maybe ring the importers direct, Toperformance in Vic.

Can't help with the tune - are you sure Custom Code or DNA don't have a solution?

[trive2]

I've found the Polo suspension is poorly set up. It's bumpy and lurchey. You'll find if you go for one of the softer aftermarket shocks (and maybe springs) you'll get a more compliant ride and maybe even better handling- FSD's have a good reputation for comfort. Avoid Bilstein, generally harder than Koni's (which are also adjustable).

[jivebug]

I've found the Polo suspension is poorly set up. It's bumpy and lurchey. You'll find if you go for one of the softer aftermarket shocks (and maybe springs) you'll get a more compliant ride and maybe even better handling- FSD's have a good reputation for comfort. Avoid Bilstein, generally harder than Koni's (which are also adjustable).

Thanks for the feedback to both responders
.

[tc831]

I don't know about suspension going @ 70K Ks, that's abit absurd. Softening will mean a lower weight rating spring. Most professional suspension shops should know that.
As for Chip, I think you could research into Revo?

[jivebug]

Thanks, any preference and why for CC or DNA (or REVO)? ta

[jivebug]

Im getting the feedback from Eurotune that said they have seen MANY like me that are actually trying to make there suspension softer (due to injuries) in my make Polo and have spent thousands with no decent outcome. Mainly due to the car being a short wheelbase , low profile tyres being the key factors. Best advice sell the car and get a bigger wheel base one. Thoughts anyone?

[Splashalot]

Dunno about that, my Mk5 Golf GTI has the same suspension issues and I would assume a longer wheelbase?

[jivebug]

Geez I really not sure what to do. Im confused not only with suspension (the biggest problem now) but also with "chipping" companies. So far I have Custom Code,REVO, DNA, BSR, ABT, APR, Superchips (redline EFI) I think I might have to go and put my head in a bucket of water because who the heck do I go with either problem???