Hi,

I have an Octavia 1,8 tsi, 180hp, FWD from 2014. It's time to replace the shocks as these haven't been changed jet, the car has done a bit over 130 000km/81 000miles.

As it is now I think the car feels a bit too soft. When hitting the throttle a bit hard the car pushes down at the back and up at the front causing the wheels to spin. In this regard I was wondering if anyone has experience with replacing shocks (and springs) to something more stiff without decreasing the ride comfort to much? Or will a replacement to new standard shocks increase the stiffness sufficient?

Or maybe the vRS has a different set of suspension that I could use on my car?

 

At least in my country (Norway) the combination of 1,8 tsi 180hk and FWD is quite uncommon, most of the 180hk have 4x4.

 

I'm grateful for your thoughts and experience with this. 

1 hour ago, NORSven said:

Hi,

I have an Octavia 1,8 tsi, 180hp, FWD from 2014. It's time to replace the shocks as these haven't been changed jet, the car has done a bit over 130 000km/81 000miles.

As it is now I think the car feels a bit too soft. When hitting the throttle a bit hard the car pushes down at the back and up at the front causing the wheels to spin. In this regard I was wondering if anyone has experience with replacing shocks (and springs) to something more stiff without decreasing the ride comfort to much? Or will a replacement to new standard shocks increase the stiffness sufficient?

Or maybe the vRS has a different set of suspension that I could use on my car?

 

At least in my country (Norway) the combination of 1,8 tsi 180hk and FWD is quite uncommon, most of the 180hk have 4x4.

 

I'm grateful for your thoughts and experience with this. 

 

Does your car have standard ride height, lowered ride height, or increased ride height?

 

Build code 2UA means standard ride height as shown in the chart below.

 

Build codes

2UA = standard ride height

2UC = lowered ride height

2UF or 2UB = increased ride height

It's standard ride height 2UA

4 hours ago, NORSven said:

It's standard ride height 2UA

 

If you get all the build codes, you can work out what the OEM part numbers are for the springs and shock absorbers that were fitted to the car when it left the factory.

 

Knowing this information is invaluable, because it makes it easy to source suitable aftermarket parts.

 

I don't think the car even on standard ride height springs and shock absorbers should behave like a bucking bronco when accelerating and braking.

 

Losing 15mm in ride height by changing to sports/lowered springs and shock absorbers will make the ride quality noticeably less supple, as to compensate for this lose of ride height involves making the springs stiffer so that they don't bottom out easily.

 

However, if you are on 205/55R16 you might still be able to get a decent handling/ride balance even with 15mm lowered suspension. With 225/45R17 (or 225/40R18) I would be inclined to stick with the standard ride height.

 

You might want to take a look at some of the aftermarket spring catalogues from Kilen, KYB, and gknautomotive.

 

Kilen spring catalogue

https://www.kilensprings.com/springs-catalouges/onlinecatalogue.asp

 

KYB spring catalogue

https://kyb-europe.com/catalogue/

 

gknautomotive spring catalogue

https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/home?sessionArticleCountry=GB&sessionTargetCountry=GB

Thanks for your advice!

The car is on 225/40R18 (with brand new tires), so I think i will stick with the standard ride height.

I'll try to install some new standard shocks and springs and hopefully the car will feel better after that.