How low should i go ???

Hi, mk1 4 door standard , leaving it standard but gonna lower it with 13 / 14" wheels

Now, how low can you go without having to have biceps like the hulk to steer it?

I had a mk1 cabriolet that was in the seeds on 15's and remember it was a knightmare parking etc…..

so , im looking for a noticable drop but without having a workout every time i drive it !

Your advice please

im running 14" wheels and ive lowered mine to about an inch above the arch looks gd, nice drivability and not too much of a work out.
im really happy with it

Up to -60mm from non-GTI height is still practical in my experience. Mine's about that low and it's still good on speedbumps (I do have uprated gas shocks on the front now) and I haven't even noticed the steering get any harder (I'm on 14x6 steels).
-40mm will still be noticeable (yours should look 20mm lower than a standard GTI with that drop) but will be more practical all round, if you're not bothered about looking 'slammed'.  

I was thinking 60ml with 14x8 rims - do you reckon that will be heavy? im not so bothered but the wife will be  

I'm a petite lady and I've never really struggled with parking or slow manoeuvres in Mk1's, even at 17. Although having said that I'm not a weakling in the arms, I've got a monstrous grip that puts my boyfriend's strength to shame and I don't have long nails that get in the way of gripping the wheel properly, so I can't say how your wife might find it.  I'm not sure how 8 inch wide wheels would feel, but I've jumped from 5 inch to 6 before without noticing any difference. Mine's a bit heavier than a small petrol engine would be at the front too. You just learn to make sure the wheels are rolling, even if it's just a fraction, before you attempt to turn the wheel in 3-point turn or parking situations.  

i reckon 8j wide will be very heavy for a female to drive especially if it is going to be a daily driver.

They're certainly not the most practical. Is it a daily driver Woodys? Just lower the suspension and try out the wide wheels. If no good, you'll have to change 'em, but at least it'll still be lowered.  :wink:

low enough so it cuts into your steering gaitor like ive done 8)

I'm right down on coilovers on the rear and 1/2" off the fronts running 165/50/15 on g60 wheels and a 280mm steering wheel and I have no issues with heavy steering.

Cheers dubberz

im gonna drop it 60mm and use my 14x8 wheels and see how i get on. If its too heavy then i'll sell the wheels and get more narrow ones i guess. I know its not a big drop but due to all the problems i had in the past with an 80mm drop its kinda put me off slammin' it , cv joints / drive shafts etc etc etc…………

I will post some pics up when done

mines been as low as it can go, its an auto too so the fronts heavier cos of the box, it couldnt go any lower cos the drive shaft was knockingon the chassis leg - didnt feel any heavier at all, for soem reason cabbies are heavier steering than tintops..

I've never had an issue parking, just make sure your tracking and camber is set up right!!

Lawsy said

mines been as low as it can go, its an auto too so the fronts heavier cos of the box, it couldnt go any lower cos the drive shaft was knockingon the chassis leg - didnt feel any heavier at all, for soem reason cabbies are heavier steering than tintops..

I've never had an issue parking, just make sure your tracking and camber is set up right!!

On a 4 door ? Mmmm any pics?

woodys said

Lawsy said

mines been as low as it can go, its an auto too so the fronts heavier cos of the box, it couldnt go any lower cos the drive shaft was knockingon the chassis leg - didnt feel any heavier at all, for soem reason cabbies are heavier steering than tintops..

I've never had an issue parking, just make sure your tracking and camber is set up right!!

On a 4 door ? Mmmm any pics?

find the thread - project bluey - loads of pics in there mate


havent updated it in ages tho, i've now raised it again tho as I've changed the wheels and needed the clearance..

On whitewalled std tyres




On BBS RA's

AWESOME ! i love the whitewalls too , how much was it lowered with them wheels on (1st pic )

Love it love it love it

woodys said

AWESOME ! i love the whitewalls too , how much was it lowered with them wheels on (1st pic )

Love it love it love it

never measured ride height..

rears if memory correct had about 2 bits of thread showing on bottom of coils

fronts was as low as wheels allowed, think coilies had about 10-15 threads left…

low low low