Should I restore to factory ride height?

I am driving a GTI Campaign with Bilsteins and lowered 30mm. Drives very, very well with only me on board, but frequently have to refit the spoiler (and tap the front skirt back into shape). With two or more on board it is a harsh, crashy ride.

One of the Bilsteins is needing rebuilding, so I am thinking of replacing the coils with standard GTI springs allround whilst I am at it - keeping the Bilsteins.

I understand others have returned their GTI's to factory height, and am wondering what was the experience. What was lost in cornering? gained in body roll?

Paul

When the mk1 was current bilsteins were accused of being too harsh

abfmk1 said

When the mk1 was current bilsteins were accused of being too harsh

My question is then: should I rebuild the Bilsteins or buy new shock-absorbers? Koni Sport are available.

After speaking with a suspension service today, I understand that it would be good to replace the springs with either genuine, if I can get them still, or H&R from Germany (25-40mm lower, 40% stiffer than standard Mk1).

Does anyone have any experience with any of these options?

Paul

Surely someone has done this before - restored a Campaign to factory ride height. Before I choose to do that, I would like some info on what to expect (eg 'wish I hadn't - too much body roll'; 'rides and corners better than ever)

Anyone got some info?

Paul

Eibach roll bars should help with the body roll problem with standard shocks springs offering a little more comfort than your current set up.

clubsport said

Eibach roll bars should help with the body roll problem with standard shocks springs offering a little more comfort than your current set up.

Thanks for that.
I am running the standard GTI roll bars,plus top and bottom front strut braces.

Nobody is screaming 'don't do it', so I am leaning towards raising it to Factory height

i am thinking of doing the same and would also like someone too say whether they think going back to standard ride height handles just as well as coilovers

millfischk69 said

i am thinking of doing the same and would also like someone too say whether they think going back to standard ride height handles just as well as coilovers

Actually I expect it to have more body roll in cornering than when lowered. I understand that it is all a matter of getting a satisfactory compromise.
The impression I am getting from the posts is it still will be a very sporting drive at factory specs

I can only speak from experience from mk2s here as I've only experienced mk1s at a 40mm drop, but the principle should be the same.

if you raise it back up to standard height you'll almost certainly notice a loss of cornering ability over what you have at current as the car's centre of gravity is raised. It'll feel a bit more 'tippy' if that makes sense - not necessarily rolling too much, but leaning in a different way to before.

I've found that in the choice between stiffer shocks and standard springs or lowered springs and standard shocks, the latter gives the best compromise between performance and comfort on the whole. However as the car's still low you won't get rid of any problems such as arch rubbing, scraping or any other issues related solely to height - if anything they'll be slightly worse as the softer suspension will give you more travel.

As such, it's a choice of whether you want the comfort of a 40mm drop or the lack of hassle running standard height. This is all relative though - remember the chassis itself's nice and nimble, which is why it got such good reviews with factory suspension for handling, so whatever you do you'll have a fun car to drive.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I've ordered new GTI springs from VW and will be able to tell you in a few weeks what I think of the restoration.

Paul

keep us informed how it handles compared to coilovers and what you personally prefer.