Desperately want to drop the Octy a little bit but still leave it at a sensible height for 'proper' driving. So been looking at springs from H&R, Eibach etc which all seem to be a similar'ish price. Does anyone on here run lowering springs over coilovers and what do you think? Constantly wish you'd gone for coilovers? Just think the car needs bringing down the 30mm or so the springs will offer but don't want to bugger up the ride whereas reading a bit about coilovers, despite being lower actually improve the handling and comfort. True or marketing rubbish?

lots of info on lowereing already on the forum, do a search and you'll find many threads on this subject!

You don't say what car you have?

For just a small drop, eibach springs with stock dampers would be simplest/cheapest way - ride is very similar to stock but the drop is small ie on a vrs it will be only about 15-20mm. Team these up with bilstein dampers and your ride will prob be better than stock (B12 kit).

If you want to go lower than that, then matched springs and dampers can get you a lower height with good quality ride without the expense of coilovers. E.g. H&R comfort cup kit http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/listing/86/spring-and-dampers or weitec ultra gt : http://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/weitec-20mm-ultra-gt-lowering-springs-shocks-suspension-kitbr-octavia-1z-rs-20t-fsi-rs-20tdi-0106-p-1526.html Daz_pd has these.

If you want complete control of the ride height then yes you need coilovers.

Generally, if the car is lower then the lower centre of gravity will mean it's better at changing direction, and stiffer means it will roll less. A good quality set of coilovers/ dampers can give you a better ride than stock, no question. Buy cheap rubbish and run the car on the deck however and both the ride and handling will suffer. Lots of other factors also make an impact though, its not a simple yes/no!

Cheers Rob. Did have a look but couldn't find anything on coilovers vs springs.

Thinking coilovers is the way to go - just need to do a bit of research into what. Want to go a fair bit lower than stock but keep it driveable and since its the family car, make sure its not dragging its behind around when its fully loaded!

If you're looking for coilovers on a family car I'd recommend the Eibachs. I had them with a 45mm drop on my Fabia VRS and they were more comfortable than the standard set up and improved the handling a great deal.

I got mine from DPM who were excellent.

Cheers - will look into those as well as the Weitecs above which I've heard good things about before.

Cheers Rob. Did have a look but couldn't find anything on coilovers vs springs.

Thinking coilovers is the way to go - just need to do a bit of research into what. Want to go a fair bit lower than stock but keep it driveable and since its the family car, make sure its not dragging its behind around when its fully loaded!

No worries. Mines family transport too - I've done 70k miles on my weitec coilovers with no issues running at -35mm vs stock vRS ride height. It's been loaded to the roof many times plus its more comfortable than SWMBO's mini cooper.

For the new one I've ordered bilstein b16.

If I can be any help just let me know

Damian @ DPM Performance

Will do Damian. Will fire you a mail later!

My Octy Estate is -55mm front / -40mm rear on H&R Cup kit from Damian @ DPM Performance, did me a deal with Whiteline anti-roll bars. After a few K I think I can confidently say whilst they are a smidge stiffer than normal, but the rebound and driveability of the car has increased radically. The car feels fantastic when driven, and really hold the grip when pushed. Driven within limits of the 1.9PD engine, I think it's a great combo. Granted you can drive like a nob and MAKE the car understeer, but drive it spiritedly and it really is a rewarding drive.

Edited 14 December, 201213 yr by myheartbeatsfortwo

My Octy Estate is -55mm front / -40mm rear on H&R Cup kit from Damian @ DPM Performance, did me a deal with Whiteline anti-roll bars. After a few K I think I can confidently say whilst they are a smidge stiffer than normal, but the rebound and driveability of the car has increased radically. The car feels fantastic when driven, and really hold the grip when pushed. Driven within limits of the 1.9PD engine, I think it's a great combo. Granted you can drive like a nob and MAKE the car understeer, but drive it spiritedly and it really is a rewarding drive.

Appreciate that review on the H&R Cup Kit, that's on the shopping list for me in the new year.