[ColoradoGTIboy]

Hi all!
I need your input to a gnarly situation. I have a stock (except for the Neuspeed upper strut tie bar) '97 GTI VR6 and would like to eliminate as much of the body roll when cornering as possible without having to refinance my home or sell my children into slavery.
Some have told me that I'll get the "biggest bang for the buck" by replacing the front and rear anti-sway bars w/beefier versions. Others have said that replacing the springs/shocks/struts is the only way to make a significant difference in body roll. I'm confused because both conflicting opinions are coming from "reputable" sources.
What are YOUR thoughts?????

 

[GTI2.0]

Re: GTI Suspension - Help!!! (ColoradoGTIboy)

I would replace your stock suspension with something like a H&R cup kit or a Weitec setup of some sort these cost about $700 or so then i would go with front and rear sway bars those for a pair will be a bit of dough about $400 then if you want a really stiff chassis i would go with stress bars in the front and rear. Hope this is any help to you
OH yeah Welcome to the Vortex


[Modified by GTI2.0, 3:33 PM 2-11-2002]

 

[VR6 Mk3]

Re: GTI Suspension - Help!!! (GTI2.0)

from what I have read, replacing your FRONT strut bar will make your car understeer even more than it already does. putting just a large rear on will help your handling to be more neutral, or even lean towards some over steer. I talked to someone who drove a (i think Mk4) GTI with a Shine racing rear anti roll bar and he said he got the car completely sideways

 

[Zwoobah]

Re: GTI Suspension - Help!!! (VR6 Mk3)

You should get new shocks and springs, easiest way to reduce body roll and improve handling. If you want to go low, try the H&R Cup Kit (2"+ drop), a matched set of springs and shocks for about $650. If you want a mild drop (1"-1.5") try either H&R sport, Neuspeed SofSport, or Eibach Pro-Kit springs with your choice of Bilstein, Koni, Boge or Sach shocks. Some of these shocks have ride-firmness adjustment and allow more ride adjustment, but also cost more. If you're not sure what height you want, or want to be able to adjust your ride height and still greatly improve handling, get a set of ride height adjustable coilovers (total with shipping and some new parts was a little under $1000 for mine, and I did the installation myself). If you want the ultimate, get a set of ride and height adjustable coilovers, for about $1200 shipped and installed yourself.
VR6 Mk3, I think you mean a front anti-roll bar is unecessary (I see you've been indoctrinated with the SRS philosophy too). A front strut bar ties the strut towers together and is a nice improvement.