Hi guys,

 

My AP suspension recently decided it didn't want to retain the oil in its dampers. I've found the AP's great for comfort and handling seems ok as well. The car is a 9n3 GTI which is my daily but also used on track. Now needing new suspension and wondering what to buy mainly because I've never had any super expensive coilovers. I've been looking at the ST XA's which are a height and damping adjustable set made by KW and they're supposed to be twin tube. I've been wondering if i will actually feel any difference between those and AP's as the car isn't properly set up as such.

 

Alignment is neutral toe at the front, standard caster and -2.5 degrees of camber with my adjustable mounts.

 

rear is totally stock apart from a whiteline rear anti roll bar but i have plans to try out some toe correction shims as these cars run 2.7mm of toe in as standard I think - the correction shims set it to neutral.

 

 

Damping adjustability seems nice to have since i can mess with it as I please and most probably soften it up for the road. The car is great fun considering the AP's were really a budget coilover. I'd just like to know if you guys reckon i'll feel a difference to justify double the price of the AP's. Is it really a case of just adjusting to whatever suits your needs or is there a 'best fit' that'll be great all round but never optimal for specific tracks.

 

Can appreciate I've not really asked any direct questions but more after some discussion around possible handling improvements and whether just spending more actually will in itself make a difference with minimal messing and or adjustment.

 

PS - Quaife LSD going in the car soon so i imagine that'll make way more of a difference than suspension will.

I rate GAZ and KW.

 

I know @Damian@DPM is always worth an ask to what he can offer, you'll get CP discount with him.

 

I've used Demon Tweaks for coilovers for my Polo (KW) and DPM for coilovers for my Audi (FK).

 

You also get CP discount with DT as you know

 

 

I know Nick @harris.racingis a spring Nerd using GAZ, worth a read.

 

Andy @Andy had done quite a few track days and is half of PPP, worth a read.

Pete @Yoof loves a track day but I don't know what his setup is as I can never keep up and is half of PPP, worth a read.

 

I know they are mk2f's but might be worth a read in the mean time :)

Yeah my mate managed to find some Gaz ones that come in at around £850.

 

problem is I don't want to spend double the money and then find they aren't much better than the AP's :(

Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can be any help with info or prices.

Damian @ DPM Performance 

I wouldn't recommend Gaz at all to be honest.

 

Reputable brands like KW and Bilstein are a good option - you'll find good expensive kits have a lesser lowering range and stuff. 

 

AP are produced by or in KWs factory - it just depends what you want.

 

if you want it good for track it will probably compromise the road, and likewise the other way round