Re: Suspensions

[mpcripps <mpcripps@mediaone.net>]

In keeping with the general tone of the thread, I'll pass along my opinion
on my setup. Keep in my mind that I operate out of my car, so 175 miles a 
day 
is not unusual.

The stock ride was OK, handling needed help. The steel expansion joints 
on an 
interchange ramp reminded every time I pushed her through that turn with 
a very
disconcerting drop of the outboard nose and what I guess others call 
'plowing'.

Scared the hell out of me a few times (said ramp is at least 125' up).
New tires fixed some of it. Having had Bilstein's on my Rabbit sold me on
another set. Ordered HD's and got Sports. Hmmm. Installed them anyway and
man o' man what a difference. Understand my perspective; the sport seats 
have
big bolsters and are firm. This year has seen me in and out of the 
hospital
several times with kidney stones - so I am *sensitive* to jolts and bumps.
(I'm still bruised from the ESWL) The sports report the road surface to 
the 
driver in intimate detail. You can feel the tires step over most stripes 
on the
road. Those strips that make the car growl (the ones before a serious 
turn) are
a new sensation with Sports. But...! The handling is nothing short of 
amazing.
If I had the time and cash, I'd experiment with HD's and Neuspeed springs.
No lowering, just a tad less stiffness. I had planned on HD's for the 
wife's 
twin Jetta, but alas, it was killed in an intersection (sorry to ramble).

If you have the standard seats, the Sports might be just what you want.
I'm in the SE, so if you are nearby, we can set up a test ride.

Mike

'99 Jetta WE 
'99 Jetta WE (deceased)


 
 

>Hi all,
>
>At the risk of rekindling the war of the roses, I wanted to get some
>feelings on suspension set-ups.  I have read the archives from the GTi list
>but they are, obviously, for GTi's.  I realize the cars are essentially
>identical give or take a trunk but the weight may make a difference.  With
>that said, what are people using for a good performing, DAILY driven car.  I
>want good handling, minimal (1 inch) lowering and a ride that I (and the
>wife) can tolerate on daily 70 mile commutes.  So no suggestions that start
>with "3-inch lowering and 400 pound springs are great".
>
>I am leaning towards Bilstein HD's with either Shine 200 (f) and 120 (r)
>springs or Corrado SLC springs (25% stiffer than GLX stock according to
>Uwe's estimates).  Anyone got any thoughts, other suggestions or cars that
>like to be test driven...:-)
>
>I would really appreciate any input.  Thanks.
>
>Marc
>97' Jetta GLX - Red/Black
>
>
>
>