[Hines Ward]

I was told not to lower my Passat while getting 18 inch wheels.....is this a good idea?
I don't want to have to slow down to a crawl whenever I see a dip in the road.
What should i do? I really like that lowered look.

I have a 2001 1/2 , black Passat. Leather, Sunroof.....looking to get 17's or 18's. (which is better?)

 

[schmove]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Hines Ward)

compromises...look vs. comfort/practicality..harsh is a relative thing. it might be harsh to you but it maybe just fine for me. usually the lower you want to go the less "comfortable" it will be.
anyways i have 18" wheels and it's lowered approx 2". i don't have to crawl over most things. but stuff like deep driveways, large speed bumps, etc. i DO have to go over them easy.

 

[Hines Ward]

Schmoove--Do U have pics of your car?

If u don't mind I'd like to take a look....I think you had them posted on here before.
thanks

 

[schmove]

Re: Schmoove--Do U have pics of your car? (Hines Ward)

here ya go:

anyway you should go to an upcomming passat gathering on march 3rd to check out the cars in person. it's gonna be in Pasadena. check out the events and gatherings section on http://www.clubb5.com
that will be the best way for you to determine what you want.

 

[Jake]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Hines Ward)

Lowering reduces the amount of travel in the suspension. In order to keep the suspension from bottoming out over larger bumps, the springs and shocks have to be stiffer. Keep in mind that there are only a few inches of suspension travel to begin with, so lowering by and inch or two is a significant change.
On the other hand, putting on 17" or 18" wheels without upgrading the suspension is really a waste unless it's purely for looks. The stock Passat suspension is very soft and will be very poorly matched performance-wise to the capabilities of any decent 17" or 18" tires.

 

[EuroFan]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Jake)

What would be a good compromise for speed/ride handling? I was thinking about getting 18s too, and I definitly want a sportier ride, but I can't afford to lower it too much. I basically want to lower the car enough to make the wheel gap even all around, and I want to reduce roll, but I don't have $$$ to buy a full kit. How is are the OE Eibach springs?
Thanks

 

[VWGUY4EVER]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (EuroFan)

I have H&R OE Sports & Bilstein Sports (adjustable height in front) with 17's. The ride is firm but not harsh and still gives me ground clearence should a Nor'Easter decide to roll in.

 

[hotani]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (EuroFan)

quote:[HR][/HR]
I basically want to lower the car enough to make the wheel gap even all around, and I want to reduce roll, but I don't have $$$ to buy a full kit. How is are the OE Eibach springs?
[HR][/HR]​

I'm with you. I am seriously considering the Eibach springs because they don't lower too much, but still give a sporty ride. Anything would be better than the gushy stock springs!!

 

[Jake]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (EuroFan)

The Eibach springs are a good compromise between ride and handling. The ride is firmer than stock but not harsh. Handling is much better (much less body roll). The Eibachs lower by 30 mm, which greatly improves appearance by reducing the fender wheel gap.
Be forewarned, however, that the OEM VW shocks will wear out very quickly with shorter springs. Been there. Done that. Upgrading the shocks at the same time you change the springs is strongly recommended.
When I added Bilsteins to the Eibachs, the ride firmed up another notch, but it's still not really what I would consider sports-car hard. At least none of my passengers has ever complained about ride quality...

 

[Triumph]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Jake)

quote:[HR][/HR]Be forewarned, however, that the OEM VW shocks will wear out very quickly with shorter springs. Been there. Done that. Upgrading the shocks at the same time you change the springs is strongly recommended.[HR][/HR]​

I haven't upgraded my suspension yet, but I agree with this, because it'll save you money. You could either pay springs/shocks plus labor, or springs plus labor, then shocks plus labor down the road. Unless you're doing it yourself, then I guess it doesn't matter.
Also, bigger tires means more rotational inertia, more mass, more rolling resistance....There might be a compromise on acceleration and mileage.
*edit* Schmove: I'm looking through more pics of your B5, and it seems like in one you have the car lowered while using the stock 15" alloys. Am I seeing that right? I've been curious what a B5 looks like lowered on 15 inchers.


[Modified by Triumph, 3:36 PM 2-14-2002]

 

[schmove]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Triumph)

Triumph: yes in some of those pictures my car was lowered on the stock 15" adelaides using Eibach Pro-kits. In some pictures it's with the 18" on eibachs. And finally (my current set-up) some pictures are with 18" wheels on H&R Sports.

 

[EuroFan]

Thanks for the info everyone! If I were to get a full kit (shocks and springs), what would people recommend for best ride quality yet good handling? I remember reading that a certain brand was less harsh than the others, but I can't find the post anymore. Could it be the Eibach Pro-Kit?
Thanks again

 

[Triumph]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (schmove)

quote:[HR][/HR]Triumph: yes in some of those pictures my car was lowered on the stock 15" adelaides using Eibach Pro-kits. In some pictures it's with the 18" on eibachs. And finally (my current set-up) some pictures are with 18" wheels on H&R Sports.

[HR][/HR]​

In your opinion, how did it look lowered on the stock wheels?

 

[schmove]

Re: Does lowering your Passat make it a "harsh" ride? (Triumph)

TRIUMPH: I think it looked great with the adelaide stock wheels. that's also the reason why i went with the MAK Sonics, because they resemble the stock adelaides very much. they're like stock wheels on steroids

EUROFAN: if you want a great matched set pick up the Eibach Pro-Kit and Eibach Pro-damper shocks. I've heard people on clubb5 who are pretty satisfied with them. another candidate are the H&R OE/Bilstein Sport....good reviews as well.