SamGTi 0 Posted March 1, 2006 Right, after lots of 'umming and arring' about what the best setup to get for my GTi on a VERY limited budget, I have decided to get -40mm Ventura springs (as used in Bilstein kit), group N top mounts and then get the rear beam lowered to match. Does anybody know enough about these parts to say a definite 'NO' and change my mind (again!)? It seems that the group N top mounts make the suspension sit around 5mm higher than OE ones so with the -40mm springs, I should have the car lowered around -35mm which, after numerous searches on here, should give the best all round setup for looks and handling. So unless anybody tells me a better setup for the money, I will go with this! Comments please! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 Which Bilstein kit? The street line rear shockers (cheapest kit) have had some bad reports on here as being to soft & the original ones are better. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted March 2, 2006 Don't get the Ventura springs. Most people use either Eibach or SBC springs when fitting the Bilstein kits. The standard Bilstein springs aren't highly regarded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted March 2, 2006 Change the rear beam mounts while your at it. OEM or Group N. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamGTi 0 Posted March 2, 2006 (edited) I am not fitting the Bilstein kit, just the Ventura springs which come with it (and which can be bought seperately). I have OE shocks on at the moment so they are good enough for what I use it for. Where can I get SBC springs from then? Website? And Butler, you say to change the rear beam mounts 'while I am at it' but surely the rear beam doesn't come off to lower it? I thought they just lowered it whilst still on the car? I do have plans to fit solid mounts at a later date btw. Edited March 2, 2006 by SamGTi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petert 587 Posted March 2, 2006 save your money and just get the std. GTi springs reset 40mm lower. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 I am not fitting the Bilstein kit, just the Ventura springs which come with it (and which can be bought seperately). I have OE shocks on at the moment so they are good enough for what I use it for. Where can I get SBC springs from then? Website? And Butler, you say to change the rear beam mounts 'while I am at it' but surely the rear beam doesn't come off to lower it? I thought they just lowered it whilst still on the car? I do have plans to fit solid mounts at a later date btw. SBC don't have a website currently but they can be contacted on 01829-720492. The rear beam doesn't need dropping at all to lower it or completely just to change the rear sandwich mounts, I'd fit group N though if you are replaciung them. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted March 2, 2006 It's also worth bearing in mind that when you come to lower the beam, you might unearth a whole can of worms if the seals/bearings/shafts are on their way out... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simes 248 2 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 Basically budget in a beam rebuild. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted March 2, 2006 And Butler, you say to change the rear beam mounts 'while I am at it' but surely the rear beam doesn't come off to lower it? I thought they just lowered it whilst still on the car? I do have plans to fit solid mounts at a later date btw. "While your at it", as in while your trying to improve your suspension setup. But agreed, you may need a beam rebuild also. How do you reset standard springs to 40mm lower? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
allanallen 528 2 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 YEAH how do you reset standard springs????????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted March 2, 2006 YEAH how do you reset standard springs????????? There's only one way I know of, and that involves an angle grinder and a whole heap of bad practice... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted March 2, 2006 Or the use of some clamps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamGTi 0 Posted March 2, 2006 So basically, unless I can afford to put a few things right that could go wrong, I should just stick with my current setup which isn't too bad at the moment! (I have had a replacement rear beam which looks and feels in good condition anyway). I might just leave my suspension in the mildly uprated form that it's in then. Afterall, even a standard 205 handles better than most other road cars out there! Thank you all for your advice (again!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 So basically, unless I can afford to put a few things right that could go wrong, I should just stick with my current setup which isn't too bad at the moment! (I have had a replacement rear beam which looks and feels in good condition anyway).Basically yes, even if you have a beam which seems Ok it might be worth spending £60 on it for all the bits that are worth replacing now (bearings & seals) rather than letting it go beyond an economical repair & cost £300+ for a properly rebuild one with everything replaced. Its not hard to do & if you want I could do it for you in a day (as long as the radius arm shafts aren't beyond repair) if you brought your car over to me for a little extra & lower it at the same time. Drop me a pm if you're interested. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonD6B 0 Posted March 2, 2006 Don't get the Ventura springs. Most people use either Eibach or SBC springs when fitting the Bilstein kits. The standard Bilstein springs aren't highly regarded. Which of the Bilstein springs aren't highly regarded? The Streetline or the Sprintline or just Bilstein springs in general? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simes 248 2 Cars Posted March 2, 2006 Which of the Bilstein springs aren't highly regarded? The Streetline or the Sprintline or just Bilstein springs in general? The streetline kit is poor, I binned the springs without trying them and the rear shocks are a joke. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenan 0 Posted March 7, 2006 What about the Sprintline springs guys? got the kit on order due to be fitted next week and will get the SRB springs if required Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
