KW COILOVERS vs FACTORY FITTED ACC

[Xciteu]

Ok,here's my dilemma. I've got a Golf R on order that has just come off the production line,been given the VIN number and have optioned the ACC suspension. I've also acquired a new set of 19" wheels(volk vrg2). My problem is I'd like the car to sit a bit lower than stock,preferably just on top of the tyres. I've been thinking of installing a set of KW coilovers with the ACC delete option(a waste of $1500 I know!).
Has anyone done this? I've read that the change in the steering characteristics still applies if you install the ACC delete option,is this correct? Would i just be better off using some lowering springs to achieve the height i want? My main concern doing this is that the factory shock may bottom out,become worn much quicker and that the ACC is set up for the factory ride height. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Oh,and how harsh a ride would the KW's be compared to stock? I've had coilovers on my last two previous cars so I'm quite aware that it will be a much firmer ride,but Im not going to spend the better part of 65k to have a ride that rattles my teeth out!

[Preen59]

I'd go with the coils if I were you. KWs ride superbly well. Considering how harsh I hear the new R rides stock, I don't think there would be much difference.

[QIK-R]

Ive been wondering about doing the same thing... I've got ACC on my R also, but I wanna put a fully adjustable suspension kit on mine coz I plan on doing some targa style events.. ACC def does handle well.

[dave_r]

Get Fab to chime in here, he had ACC and swapped over for KW V3's. They seemed to do a good job on the track last week. Not that I had any issues with ACC in the same conditions. Car wasn't as flat as I'd like but still did a damn good job for a stocker.

Though sounds like you're really just after the look and ride rather than handling improvements?

[GoLfMan]

I'd most likely go the coilovers mate. As Preen said, KW ride nice and plush and really step up the handling stakes! Plus you have to option to lower it to your desired height

[Xciteu]

Thanks for the input guys! Will probably take the plunge and put my order in for the KW's in a couple of weeks. I'm going to running 19 x 8 et48. So with this in mind, if I was to drop my car an inch for a good looking stance,should I be running 235 or 225's in order to avoid rubbing? Silly question,if I run with 225's,I should go with a 40 profile right?

[nat225]

aren't your VR-G2 19x8 +50?

Mr Wooduck, a member here with a CW R is running 19x8 OZ Ultraleggera offset +50 on 235 35 19 rubber and he has no rubbing although lowered 1 finger gap front and rear. He had rubbing issues when they were 19x8 +45 and it took some little chunk of the front left tyre rubber.

here's link to pictures of his R:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f112...tml#post616604

i've done quite a bit of research on optimum wheels width and offset for the Mk6 body, read WhiteJames' threads and asked a number of Mk6 owners who have 18x8 +45 and 18x8 +50 with lowered suspension.

18x8 +45 or 19x8 +45 & anything more aggressive = rub on hard cornering, unless you take the front fender screw off and lift the liner above the metal bit or roll the guards or mod the front strut mounts to have camber which what the only Australian K04 Mk6 GTI has (depending on how low you go).

18x8 +50 / +48 or 19x8 +50 = safe, these are the fitment of the OEM Karthoum 18" and 19" Tallageda too.

but if your R comes with 18" i'm not too sure.. a Golf R that comes with 19" & 235 35 19 has already had fender screw modified with the little extension thingy..

also, remember to stick to the min legal load rating of 91 to avoid any hassles (insurance coy could use this silly excuse to deny any claim). also i'm not sure if there's any 225 35 19 with min of 91... all of them have 88 or 84 on tirerack website.

to complement the quality of the VR-G2, i'd go with the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport, only US$267 ea, from Tirerack:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

i paid US$250 for the shipping cost, so in 19" it should not be much more.

i went with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 for mine to keep it below the AU$1k threshold although was really wanting the Pilot Super Sport for $233 each... anyway i paid last Friday and they should be on the way via UPS now.. or tomorrow

[Xciteu]

Hey mate, thanks for that. No,the volks are definitely 19x8et48. Someone had sent me a PM saying this offset won't clear the R's brakes,this can't be right??
Are the new pilot sports much better than they used to be? I remember paying huge coin here in Oz for Michelins pilot sports 5,6 years ago and they were the worst tyres I've ever had,hard compound,noisy and sh#thouse grip!

[swalee]

Nat225 is right. I have KWV3s with OZ 19 x 8 ET45, and have VWR brakes on. I have setup the suspension so I can use it on the crap roads here in Brisbane and just dial in the bump a couple of clicks for a day at the track, ( though in saying that i am changing back to 18x8s for the track )it scraps rarely, but it would be advised to stick with ET48/50. The KWs are superb and they make a ACC switchover version,( have to check that again) quite handy if you hate to adjust all the time. Mate and if any rim would fit you,d think the Volks would work. And the choice with the michelins super sports reminded me of my 172 ps2 which were awesome.

[Xciteu]

Nat225 is right. I have KWV3s with OZ 19 x 8 ET45, and have VWR brakes on. I have setup the suspension so I can use it on the crap roads here in Brisbane and just dial in the bump a couple of clicks for a day at the track, ( though in saying that i am changing back to 18x8s for the track )it scraps rarely, but it would be advised to stick with ET48/50. The KWs are superb and they make a ACC switchover version,( have to check that again) quite handy if you hate to adjust all the time. Mate and if any rim would fit you,d think the Volks would work. And the choice with the michelins super sports reminded me of my 172 ps2 which were awesome.

Hey mate,yeah I know they make an ACC delete for the KW's but Im pretty sure it disables the entire system. Have made enquires if the DELETE adaptors still enable the steering to change,but no one can be 100% certain