I did a lot of research in to the various suspension options for the vrs before I bought my car, and based on what I'd read on this forum and a few other vw related sites I chose to go with the tried and trusted EIBACH springs and KONI FSD dampers setup. This decision was based on the comments made by many people that this combination gives the best possible ride quality.

I'd run a mk5 GTI before and loved it, only reason for changing is the increasing size of the family.. and the only thing I would have changed on the golf was that I found it just a little too stiff (fine for short "sporty" trips but not so great on on long runs where you just want to relax a little, especially important to me at the time as I was doing regular trips to paris and back for business meetings) hence I was convinced I'd be super satisfied with the FSDs on the new Octy.

I've now done 10k miles on this set up, and yes it does exactly what people say - the dampers are much more compliant than stock and as such give an improved ride. Trouble is, I think for me they are just a little TOO soft.. fine for pootling and family trips but for my personal taste its too soft for when I'm in the mood to blast down a deserted B road on my own. .

As such I'm considering a change, but can't decide which way to go:

- Cheapest option, keep the eibachs and put back the OE shocks. Lowered ride height remains, std shocks aren't great but seeing as I have these just sitting in the garage not doing anything.. Anyone able to comment on what the car is like with eibachs on the std shocks? I'm guessing its not going to be great..

- I have seen that EIBACH actually do a set of dampers (eibach pro dampers) which I'm assuming are designed to work with the Eibach pro springs that I currently have. I like this approach in that the springs and dampers will be matched, but I've got no prior experience with Eibach dampers. Anyone got these who'd care to comment? Not a cheap option however, I priced a set of 4 at 460 quid incl vat plus I'd need to get them fitted.

- I've had BILSTEIN on a couple of previous cars and really rate them. If I kept the eibachs I'd just need dampers- the "B4" Bilstein is meant to be like an OE spec but improved quality (?) and they are good VFM. I priced these up at 260 incl vat for the 4. Anyone had these? If they are OE spec would that be ok to use with the lowered springs? There is also a B6 and B8 option for the vrs, but these are pricey and I'm worried that they may be too hard for the family?

- Coilovers: lots of options out there and I'd like the option to go lower, AP, Vmax, weitec etc. very difficult to jusify the dosh? .. unless anyone out there is offering some mega deals right now?

Any comments and suggestions welcome. even if it adds other options I've not considered and confuses me even more!

:p

cheers

Rob

Are you sure your FSDs are performing as they should? Several on here have had the fronts fail (including me). I understand KONI have done a re-design/cure. At least two members have reported the replacements are better than the original set.

Easy to find out - do a 'bounce test' at the front of the car. Open the bonnet and push down hard on the slam panel. The car should dip, but instantly stabilise. If your FSDs are shot, the car will continue to bounce.

Thanks Phil. My FSD's are from the later batch. A test like you say shows they're working fine.

Thanks Phil. My FSD's are from the later batch. A test like you say shows they're working fine.

I've been toying with the idea of changing the suspension on my vRS so if you do decide to get shot of your FSD's then give me a tinkle.

Hope you manage to find an ideal setup.

Cheers

Statto

If FSDs are working "as designed", then the damping force should be a direct function of the bump size and car road speed.

Around town, they'll be pretty soft, but they'll firm up in a B-road blast. If you just want super-critical damping (where the damping rate controls how far the spring can move) you could try talking to Gaz Shocks, who will do a full custom rebuild on the stock dampers.

AP Coilovers pi55 all over the FSD's mate.

AP Coilovers pi55 all over the FSD's mate.

Shame we didn't have this conversation a few months ago!

Lol. I bought a second hand pair of FSD's which inevitably failed after 5000 miles. During which time I always found it to still be soft and just not what I was after.

I made the change to the AP's and aswell as having the adjustable height, the car just handles soooo much better.

Which coil over set did you use Harry and how much where they?

AP Coilovers mate. About £450

Have come to the same conclusion , as i posted on another thread , hopefully will have my fsd's swopped for the weitec gts this week so will let you know , my fsd's are fine just a bit soft when pootling , a few people have driven my car and been very impressed with the ride quality as opposed to std , just a feel thing i think mate.

mine had the APs on when you drove it at JKM carl.

at the OP, i hear the bilstein dampers are absolutely phenominal, with Oem ride quality but massively improved damping at speed

+1 for Bilstein

Bro-in-Law has them on his A3 S line Quattro 3.2

Very good indeed IMHO

Have to say I've been pleased with my FSD's, however I don't think they are best suited to some of the unclassified roads in the Peaks or NY Moors!

Of course if it was at the standard ride height!

mine had the APs on when you drove it at JKM carl.

at the OP, i hear the bilstein dampers are absolutely phenominal, with Oem ride quality but massively improved damping at speed

Roger. I knew they were coilovers just wasn't sure which.

Bilstein are very expensive though (nearly double AP and about 30% mode than FSD). I think the FSD's are fine. Coilovers are too hard for me

Edited 22 June, 201016 yr by vRSCarl

vRSy and Bulgaria - which bilsteins are you referring to? There's a bunch of different specs? B4, B6, B12 etc etc!?

Harry: whats the vrs like to drive with AP's on when its fully loaded? I sometimes have to take all the family + clobber, bikes, roof box etc. Is it still ok in terms of ride quality? How would you compare the AP with stock suspension - harder, softer? Thanks.

Rob.

vRSy and Bulgaria - which bilsteins are you referring to? There's a bunch of different specs? B4, B6, B12 etc etc!?

Harry: whats the vrs like to drive with AP's on when its fully loaded? I sometimes have to take all the family + clobber, bikes, roof box etc. Is it still ok in terms of ride quality? How would you compare the AP with stock suspension - harder, softer? Thanks.

Rob.

i ran Ap coilovers for about 20k including 40+ laps of the ring, a track day at brands, and an airfield day at woodbridge, I also frequently commuted from bergen in germany to plymouth(746miles) with a full car inclusive of dog, roof box wife and kid. the only issue i had was in the UK with all the humps, but thats only because i had them wound down quite low due to eing in germany with all the smooth roads, and no humps etc.

they are certainly very competent.

the dampers im refering to are the B12 kits, you should be able to get them without the springs though

Edited 22 June, 201016 yr by vRSy

Harry: whats the vrs like to drive with AP's on when its fully loaded? I sometimes have to take all the family + clobber, bikes, roof box etc. Is it still ok in terms of ride quality? How would you compare the AP with stock suspension - harder, softer? Thanks.

Rob.

Well, seeing as I don't have any rear seats and I'm a single man in my 20s, I couldn't possibly comment on what it's like to drive fully loaded haha

It is harder than stock, it's bound to be, but by no means uncomfortable. My aim is out right performance so I'm not fussed anyway, but if you had your family in the car I'm sure it would be more than acceptable

Why you remove the rear seats Harry? You going down the weight saving route now?

Haven't had them in for a while, as well as saving weight, it improves the handling, makes it faster and improves MPG

How does removing the back seats improve handling?? Not doubting you just curious

Easier lift off oversteer

thanks all ... working out pricing on the AP's

:p

Ive got FK High-Tec springs and shocks. Great kit together and very good price.

Comfort hasnt been affected but feels tight when throwing it about back roads.

Ok, so it boils down like this:

1. refit the standard shocks, just a fitting cost, say 160 quid or thereabouts.

2. ap coilovers, a little over 600 quid fitted.

3. bilstein b8 with the existing eibachs, a little bit more that 700 quid fitted.

4. weitec gt coilovers, again, circa 700+ fitted.

really struggling to make a decision. i think if money was no object i'd go for the eibachs with bilstein b8, but i just can't get my head around spending ANOTHER 700 quid on the ****ing car suspension.. APs are cheaper but its still a big chunk of money, suppose i could also sell the eibachs that i take off if i go that route.. sensible head says just put the OE shocks back on and cut my losses.

decisions, decisions..!

How does removing the back seats improve handling?? Not doubting you just curious

i woould improve the handling but it would be marginal to be honest. it'll move the weight bias even more towards the front axle, so as harry says it will get lift off oversteer. the guys at the pod all take their rear seats out to get better times and it does seem to make a good difference