[aak97]

I don't know which one to get first?
I've just enough $ to get Either the Eibach Pro system (with sways) Or some nicer 15 or 16" wheels (running on Stock Steels now

)
I don't mind having fender gaps... they don't bother me much...
So.. which is it? Wheel or Suspension. I can't decide! Please help! Thanks

 

[GreenVW1.8T]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

When you say wheels, is that tires too? If so then that's my vote.

 

[RandyWalters]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

quote:[HR][/HR]I don't know which one to get first? I've just enough $ to get Either the Eibach Pro system (with sways) Or some nicer
15 or 16" wheels (running on Stock Steels now I don't mind having fender gaps... they don't bother me much... So.. which is it?
Wheel or Suspension. I can't decide! Please help! Thanks

[HR][/HR]​

If you're planning on getting grippy ultra-performance tires then i'd say do that first. You'll get a lot more grip over the stock
tires and you might be surprised to find that the stock suspension works better when the car has some tire grip at it's disposal.
Then once you eventually lower it you'll be further amazed . . . .

 

[catalytic]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

Conventional wisdom says do the tires/wheels first, but I propose that you do the suspension first. Why? Because some people find that when they install a high performance suspension when they already have low profile 16-17" wheels/tires, the ride becomes too harsh and uncomfortable (low profile tires on larger wheels is just like adding a stiffer spring because there is less of a rubber/air "cushion"). You have the perfect opportunity to try out the Eibach ProSystem with your softer stock 15" wheel/tire setup. If you find that you can still handle a rougher ride to get even better handling, upgrade your wheels/tires to a lower profile combination. If you think "this is rough enough", then stick with a 15" setup.
If you do the reverse, that is, upgrade to 16" low profile tires/wheels first, and then install the ProSystem later, what happens if you find that the ProSystem is a little too stiff for your liking? You would have to sell your 16" wheels/tires for a loss.
BTW, forget about the sway bars for now. I really don't think you'll need it after you have the ProSystem installed.


[Modified by catalytic, 9:52 AM 11-30-2001]

 

[aak97]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (catalytic)

hmmm... all you guys have great points. I Do realise the stock tires Blows (I's gonna say they sucks but they don't Suck on to the road AT ALL, spins like hell when I acc from stop) And I Do worry about ride harshness (especially my girl friend, even with stock everything, she still thinks that the ride is harsh!!)
so.. do you guys think that I can get the best of both world by:
Keep the steelies for now, upgrade to some good tires (thinking about Bridgestone Potenza RE950, they any good?)
Then forget about the sways for now, and go with the Pro system (that way I can have $ for the tires too!)
Thanks for the advice! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[98Quicksilver]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

I would change the suspension.. Prior to any modifications I was running the stock GA's. I decided to change the suspension with Bilsteins and H&R sports. The tires actually seemed a little better. In addition, this allowed me to fine tune the suspension components without worrying about getting a new alignment. I knew I would have to replace the stock tires anyway so it gave me some time to find an alignment shop.
Just my .02cent
Later
Mer

 

[2000 TDi]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

Do the suspension. You will get more out of it than bigger wheels. Bigger wheels will not reduce pitch, squat, and roll, but the springs and dampers will. Then put better tires on your current rims if you want more grip. I know bigger wheels will add some performance increase, but in my opinion, most people but wheels for looks, not performance. This is what I did on my old RX-7 Turbo II. Kept stock rims, put on stickier tires, springs, dampers, intake, exhaust, clutch, brakes, etc... and was runnings mid 14's. Two seats were not practical any more and wanted a German car, so the TDI it is.

 

[catalytic]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

Your plan sounds pretty good to me. You probably thought of this already, but if you didn't, I suggest you do a Plus Zero conversion and install 205/60-15 Bridgestone RE950's instead of the stock 195/65-15 size. Inflation pressure should be 28-32 psi.


[Modified by catalytic, 10:02 PM 11-30-2001]

 

[aak97]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (catalytic)

You read my mind.. planning on getting 205/60/15 if I decided to go with 15" rims.
I proabably Won't go to 17" wheel as my engine is a 2.slo. 17" wheel is probably too heavy for the poor engine which has no mods, and not planning on moding the engine anytime soon. AT most my engine upgrade would be a chip and exhaust.. which won't give me that much power anyway... Also, I don't really care about the look of the car. What the point for a very nice looking car that can't go FAST!

Thanks for the suggestions guys

. I think I'll go with the suspension 1st with 15" steelies + 205/60/15 grippy tires! Maybe throw in a set of good Wheel Caps hahahahaha

 

[Return of the Jetta]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (aak97)

I went with suspension then wheels/tires

 

[TooLow2.0T]

Re: Suspension or Wheel first? (2000 TDi)

quote:[HR][/HR]Do the suspension. You will get more out of it than bigger wheels. Bigger wheels will not reduce pitch, squat, and roll, but the springs and dampers will. Then put better tires on your current rims if you want more grip. [HR][/HR]​

I agree http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif I've done suspension first on two cars now and been happy with the results.