Morning!

I've recently noticed that my suspension has started making funny noises when my window is down, mostly noticeable whilst passing parked cars or driving through the lanes. It sounds like 'tssst tssst' as though air or pressure is escaping the shock.

I've been looking to lower the car slightly anyway to complement the new rims but just haven't take the plunge yet.

I'm not looking at anything fancy or adjustable and would like to keep somewhat of the comfort but make the car slighty lower i.e. 30mm to reduce the arch and tyre gap.

All recommendations welcome but not silly priced please,

Cheers.

Eibach springs should be a nice OEM+ compromise

Eibach springs should be a nice OEM+ compromise

What about shocks though, I contemplated eibach springs before realising I may need new shocks too?!

I wouldn't mind knowing of some good springs and shocks sets. I have the same issues as you with funny noises from the shocks, and my car doesn't handle that well either, rolls a lot and the front wallows and bounces slightly over bumps, which makes me think the front shockers are on their way out. I'm thinking of getting a H&R Cup kit, heard a few good things about them, from DPM Performance. They do a range of different lowering heights but I was thinking the 55mm front/40mm rear kit. When I had my Mk1 Fabia vRS AP springs and shocks were recommended if you were on a budget, don't know about the Octavia though.

Put your window back up, problem solved.

Seriously though, Bilstein shocks in combination with Eibach springs are a very good upgrade. A Pro-kit is often cheaper than a set of OE springs and IMO the drop is not big enough to warrant a shorter shock absorber and OE spec Bilstein B4 shocks are fine to use with a Pro-kit.

Ride and handling will be much improved and you should be able to get the lot inside £450 plus labour and alignment. You'll need to tell your insurer about the springs but not the shocks as they are OE spec.

As mentioned the Bilstein B12 kit, B8 dampers with Eibach Pro springs, is a very good option.

 

The Weitec Ultra GT kit is also worth while considering and a fair bit cheaper then the B12 kit as well.

Damian @ DPM Performance

Bilstein B4 dampers all round for £226.80 eBay.

Eibach pro springs 30mm for £167.00 eBay.

Are these good prices? Also will the Bilstein B4 be ok with the lowring effect of the Eibach pro spring i.e. durability and longevity? What is the recommended optimum lowering height of the damper, coz I'd go lower if I knew the damper/shock could cope?

There's a B12 kit on eBay but it states that its for an Audi A3 8P, VW Golf Mk5 and Seat Leon Mk2. I know the Octavia Mk2 shares the same platform as them all but will they fit? I've messaged the person but I'm expecting not otherwise it would be stated in the listing?!

Yes the B12 kit on eBay will fit and the prices for the components you listed look alright too.

Cant go wrong with a b12 kit and saves the guess work of matching springs and shocks.

How do I check what size my front strut is? The B12 kit says it needs to be 55mm.

What engine have you got?

I've got B4's & Eibachs on my Octavia estate and they do work although I can't say I'm that impressed by the shocks. They just don't feel as though are are working quite right with the lowered springs.

I'm also considering reverting back to standard springs but not because the Eibachs are no good (they are great) but because I need additional load carrying capacity and ground clearance as we seem to be carrying kids & bikes a lot more now.

IIRC I paid about £450-500 for springs (Caffyns on eBay: £120), Bilstein B4's (one of the site sponsors: £230), fitting and full alignment (Midland VW: £100-150) about 18 months ago.

I bought GAZ GHA's. fully adjustable, currently set at about half setting between hard and soft and they are rock hard, on soft they are really good at damping with a good ride on public roads. All for around £550.

How do I check what size my front strut is? The B12 kit says it needs to be 55mm.

 it will be 55mm for a 2.0tdi

Edited 7 October, 201312 yr by wiilydog

What engine have you got?

2.0 tdi 140 PD BKD

Same as mine then: 55 mm strut; but don't know if the 'Sport' is different.

 

I thought the Sport was lower than standard (and lower than the Vrs)?

 

Fitting Eibachs lowers a standard Octavia by around 30 mm which looks great, drives great and is still practical even though lower. I don't think, if the Sport is lower than a Vrs, I'd want to lower it any further...

I fitted Bilstein B8s and HR sports springs to my Mk II. Handles beautifully. (I now have the OEM springs and shocks with 4 months use sitting uselessly in a box in the garage too!) (2011 1.8 TSI Estate.)

There's a B12 kit on eBay but it states that its for an Audi A3 8P, VW Golf Mk5 and Seat Leon Mk2. I know the Octavia Mk2 shares the same platform as them all but will they fit? I've messaged the person but I'm expecting not otherwise it would be stated in the listing?!

 

cheers for mentioning these B12's as I won them earlier, £181 which is a billy bargain.

cheers for mentioning these B12's as I won them earlier, £181 which is a billy bargain.

 

well done! santa has come early for someone   as the B12 is a superb piece of kit and retails for around £600

cheers for mentioning these B12's as I won them earlier, £181 which is a billy bargain.

Good effort, I was watching it but unfortunately I was playing footy from 7-8pm last night and it ended at 19.20, u had a bargain there mate!

yeah im well happy with that purchase, just bought new mounts so they will be fitted when im off next week, also won some genuine 18" BBS CH alloys for £140 that need a refurb,

 

so a good couple of days on old ebay   

yeah im well happy with that purchase, just bought new mounts so they will be fitted when im off next week, also won some genuine 18" BBS CH alloys for £140 that need a refurb,

so a good couple of days on old ebay

U must be stalking me Mr.......18 BBS CH rims and Bilstein B12 shocks, if u want to buy my car just say lol!

My wheels are black with a silver pin stripe rim, they look lovely on my silver car, not the real deal unfortunately but with BBS centre caps ud never know!

What colour u going to refurb the rims?

Edited 11 October, 201312 yr by billywhiz040480

Here's the rims:

Just missing the Bilstein B12's!

Edited 11 October, 201312 yr by billywhiz040480

Haha im not stalking you mate. And im thinking just plain silver or an anthracite colour?