Suspension

Just purchased an 83 Mk1 and it's got coil overs giving the car a mega hard ride, although it corners like its on rails, but I'm wondering if stock shock absorbers would be better ?
 

mick63 said

Just purchased an 83 Mk1 and it's got coil overs giving the car a mega hard ride, although it corners like its on rails, but I'm wondering if stock shock absorbers would be better ?
 

IMHO you may want to try to adjust the height if it is lowered as the extra height may soften the feel.

But as for me and my bones I prefer the ride of OEM.

I think stock dampers will be too long and likely bottom out...

Colin Chapman " Make the suspension adjustable and they will adjust it wrong -- look what they can do to a Weber carburetor in just a few moments of stupidity with a screwdriver. "

I must admit, I prefer the stock ride and height. It must be my age….

Lowered looks cool on some cars - Americans, hot rods etc, but just not cool on a Mk1 golf. And the compromise  in ride comfort is not worth the trade IMHO

Why do all the coil over lowering set ups give such a hard ride?

 I suppose its because you loose so much suspension travel, that if left as a standard soft ride they would bottom out a lot? Oooh I've answered my own question LoL

I think the only way forward is air ride - you can slam it for looks at shows etc and then lift for a comfy drive  home.

Good luck !!!

Think Colin Chapmans idea of the best setup was long-ish suspension travel but very firmly damped. See also Peugoet 205s for a good example.

MK1s in-da-weeds bobbling down the road with the entire car going up and down instead of the suspension.

Yep. Makes sense. Firmly damped Soft suspension will keep the wheels on the road better and relate to more grip, a common comment regarding Ashley Sutton and his infinity - BTCC 2020 champion. Although the Honda of Dan Cammish - that thing was on three wheels in some of the corners!!!

A racetrack is an entirely different animal to the queens public highway!! Tuning your suspension with no knowledge, for a racetrack that is actually our roads,,,

Erm, yeah….bobble bobble … LMAO!