Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways?

668 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by pen, Feb 8, 2002

pen

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

I'm looking for comfort/handling (aren't we all?) The OEM sport shocks/springs on my 1.8T GTI is as "hard" as I want to get but I want to get rid of this annoying body roll in the corners and the bobbing/porpoising. Well, minimize it, anyway but don't want to run the risk of compromising safety/drivability.
I'm thinking about JUST the 25mm rear sways and upgrading to 205/55/16's (from stock 195/65/15). think it'll do the job?
Don't care about racing, just want handling similar to what I had with my '88 Prelude (I know, I know, but I'm a reformed Honda owner come to the dark side ;-))
Any opinions would be appreciated.
TIA.

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ThunderGolf

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways? (pen)

I have the non-sport suspension on my Golf with the stock 21mm front swaybar and adding a 25mm rear bar reduced body roll and made steering much more neutral. To really improve handling though you'll need to change your springs and shocks. Based on your requirements of not sacrificing ride comfort, I'd check out the Eibach Pro System (Pro Kit springs and Pro Damper shocks).

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catalytic

· #3 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways? (pen)

A rear bar will reduce roll, but to really address all the other stuff (bobbing/porpoising, etc), you would need shocks at the very least. In fact, I would do shocks first, before any other suspension mod. That is priority #1. Go to shox.com and ask for a quote (the prices on their website are not current at all). Tokico are a good lower priced shock, and the Koni and Bilstein are the premium shocks. Upgrading to a 16" wheel/tire set is an excellent idea as well. I think these three mods would result in a great setup for you.
If you are open to the idea of springs and shocks instead, I recommend the Eibach ProSystem (see link in my sig). One of the more comfortable upgrade kits out there. If you get shocks and springs, you wouldn't need a rear bar. A good alternative is the Weitec GT Cup Kit for less $.

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pen

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways? (catalytic)

Thanks. I've been reading the forum for a while now, trying to decide which way to go. My main concern, other than what is in my initial post, is that since I'll be paying to get the work done ($270+ for front, rear, alignment in No. VA) I want to make sure I get what I want the first time around.
Again, I'm not looking for the boy racer look (no offense intended ) but a firm, CONTROLLED ride with minimal sacrifice in comfort. Oh, yeah. Cheap, too.

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catalytic

· #5 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways? (pen)

Well, the desire for a firm, controlled ride with minimal sacrifice in comfort has upgraded shocks written all over it. If you just added a rear bar to your stock GTI suspension, you would have a firm ride, with sharper response, less roll, and reduced understeer, but you would still lack damping control.
I guess you are hesitant to lower your car for several reasons, one of which includes avoiding the boy racer look, but you really need to do a lot more to your car than just lowering it before you get that boy racer look. And besides, a mild 1.25" drop with the Eibach ProSystem or Weitec GT 30 mm cup kit is hardly enough for the untrained observer to even tell. Remember that you are driving a GTI, not an Integra, Prelude, or Civic. You have to try a lot harder than that to take away the mature, classy image of that car (excessively styled rear wing, front spoiler, side skirts, blue headlights, etc).
So what are your options then?
1. If you can get past the fear of lowering, the ProSystem and Weitec GT are recommended.
2. If you must stay at stock height, get the 25 mm rear bar and some good aftermarket shocks.

[Modified by catalytic, 1:10 AM 2-8-2002]

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pen

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Query: Stock "sport" shocks/springs with 25mm Neuspeed rear sways? (catalytic)

Thanks for the help, guys. I really appreciate it.

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