[simon_reinhardt]

Hi all,
Just to see what would happen, I put stock Scirocco 16V springs into my Jetta, and it turns out that I _really_ like the handling, so I'm gonna keep them. The problem is this: it rides pretty darn high in the front. I figure I have two options: 1. Cut about 1 coil, maybe 1 1/2, off each front spring, or 2. Since I really don't mind ride height, I could put spacers in at the rear to bring it up about an inch or so.
Whaddya think?

 

[lotus7]

Re: 16V springs in an A1 Jetta... (simon_reinhardt)

If you don't have aircon in the car, cutting the springs will likely RAISE the car, because compared to the sci 16v, you have a lighter front end AND raised the spring rate. I tried the same stunt on a Caddy.

 

[simon_reinhardt]

Re: 16V springs in an A1 Jetta... (lotus7)

quote:[HR][/HR]If you don't have aircon in the car, cutting the springs will likely RAISE the car, because compared to the sci 16v, you have a lighter front end AND raised the spring rate. I tried the same stunt on a Caddy.[HR][/HR]​

I do have air conditioning, and I'm keeping it. It's the big, gnarly, square compressor. I get what you're saying about the spring rate, but shouldn't removing some spring height lower the car? And I'm not really trying to lower it, so much as return it to a stock height, so it wouldn't have to get all THAT much lower...

 

[lotus7]

Re: 16V springs in an A1 Jetta... (simon_reinhardt)

There's a paradox involved when you cut stock springs designed for a heavier machine. The spring gets shorter, but it compresses less when cut. If you're doing your own work, then experiment. Cut one coil to start with, fit on car, then in 1/2 coil increments after that. With AC, you might be able to get a very slight drop with the first coil off. After that, it's a crapshoot, and you can't put metal back.