VR6 vs GTI suspension

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My mate has a standard 1997 GTI 8 valve. Though not as fast as the VR6, I have noticed that its handling seems better than the VR (on standard shocks) and that the stance of the car looks better too (slightly lower at the front). Is this purely because of the extra weight in the VR lump (makes car heavier up front and required taller front shocks)?

I also read in the article below that the 1997 VR models received upgraded shocks and springs but maybe this was only in the American market?

http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/specs/Edmunds_1997_VW_GTI_VR6_DE.htm#stdequip

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[H13VYY 0]

the vr was made for more of a luxury/cruising ride.

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I've heard that, but the springs for the later GTI 16 valves and VR6s actually share the same part number. Did they change the cruiser policy later in the model's life?

What I'm getting at is that I recently put H&R 30mm springs on my car but find the ride too low and bouncy on long journeys and when negotiating unpaved surfaces. What I really wanted was the slightly lowered stiffer ride of the standard GTI. Anyone have any ideas how to do this?

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[H13VYY 0]

well iv got fk silverlines coilovers which are fantastic. the best coilies iv had. a top compromise between racing and daily driving. but they do cost a fair bit.

you could go for the eibach/koni setup which alot of people run. iv heard alot of good reviews about them. plus they way cheaper then coilies.

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I've heard great things about the silverlines but the FK site reckons they produce a minimum drop of around 35mm. I'm lookig for about 20mm drop (just to lose the monster truck look) as I need to keep the car as practical as possible (load lugging and occasional farm track use).

Thanks for the suggestion too, but I'm not sure the koni/eibach setup would be much better than what I have. The H&R springs are supposedly smoother riding than the eibachs (they certainly cost more) and the boge turbogas are a very decent shock to go with them. Don't get me wrong, this combo is awsome on twisty B roads and through roundabouts when you are having fun, it just doesn't do relaxed cruising as well as I would like it to.

I think I'm looking for something in between the ride given by the original springs and the 30mm lowered springs that seem to be the minimum drop. As ever, suggestions gratefully recieved.

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Well, spent all yesterday hungover out in the wind playing with the suspension on my VR and have come up with a set up that I like.

I'd previously tried FK coilovers and found them too sporty and (even when wound up) a little too low. They did handle great though. I sold the coilies and bought a set of new boge shocks and H&R springs. Tese seemed good at fiirst but after settling, they were much lower than the 30mm advertised drop and the ride (especially on the back axle) was bouncy as hell.

So, this weekend I put the original springs back on the rear with the new boge shocks and then fabricated a set of raising spring plates for the front (essentialy two stacked spring plates with 10mm of rubber between them) to use with the 30mm H&R lowering springs. The result is a 20mm lowerig on the front (from standard) and a slight wedge profile since the back remains at stock height. The handling feels much sharper than on the original front springs but the ride is sooth and quiet on the motorway (basically,very similar to my mates GTI 8v). Okay, it's not as racing car like as it was on the FKs but it is a great compromise between looks/handling/comfort and remains very practical too.

Maybe this won't be to other forum users taste but I found it worked really well. If you have a stock VR and would like to slightly sharpen up the handling wihtout lowering the car too much, just get yourself a used set of 30mm lowering springs off ebay, a set of front spring plates and a rubber washer to put between them. Total spend should be under £80 and you can always sell the lowering springs on if you don't like it.

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