double whammo

[jivebug]

Sorry I am sure it has been asked but would appreciate if anyone in the know, can give me information regarding the 'softening" of my 2010 6R GtI suspension. Im not too fussed if I lose a bit of handling just that my neck cant` handle it anymore and I would rather not sell the car. Have had it now since new for five years and had a new motor put in (long hard fight)around 55000 of my 74000kms. Most suspension places know how to stiffen rather then soften suspension. Someone mentioned coilover with Bilson dampers??? Just want it less jarring and more comfortable for my old fart bones and approx cost?.

Second request if for advice on a remap. If I cant afford MY16 I should just hang onto my car (in great condition) and up the power a bit. I have only seem to come across these ones (my warranty finishes in three months anyway): ABT, BSR, APR. Any recommendations for any? Would like ease of use, stealth, reliable, naturally more power and under $2000?. Thanks. Brisbane two+ hours from me Gold Coast closer.

[seangti]

Well Koni make adjustable dampers, worth considering as a start point to allow adjustability. Bilstein struts aren't adjustable until you go to their coilover range. I haven't been in the 6R polo to know how it rides and whilst I'm happy with the ride of my bilstein/H&R set-up, it's not well suited to B roads as it lacks wheel travel - so best to avoid a lowered spring as to retain travel. My H&R coilover'd car actually rides the undulations better and doesn't hit the bump stops on big hits.

You may be able to get away with a softer spring (say a progressive spring rather than linear) and retain the current struts, King springs are made locally and can be custom made.

Best to chat with some suspension specialist as to the best approach.

As for tunes, that's a can of worms. What I would encourage with whoever you go with, and ensure they do it, is to log the car, ideally before, but at the least after being tuned so you can see what your boost levels are, AFR and fuel trims, timing, etc. The tuner may not want you running off with print outs of that data, but should be happy to discuss it with you so you know what parameters have changed and by how much. Plus gives you somewhat of a health check of your engine.

[brad]

At 70,000+km your dampers are nearing the end of their life. Get some Koni dampers. Normally I'd recommend the adjustable Sports on half a turn from soft but in your case the FSD might be a better pick.

Bilstein are a great damper but not for your application.

progressive springs are nice when they are new but they soon lose the soft part and the progressiveness confuses the damper. If you really wanted to experiment then you could try some springs off the less sporty models but the car will ride high.

Have a chat to Wholesale Suspension in Sydney or maybe ring the importers direct, Toperformance in Vic.

Can't help with the tune - are you sure Custom Code or DNA don't have a solution?

[jivebug]

Thanks, any preference and why for CC or DNA (or REVO)? ta

[brad]

Thanks, any preference and why for CC or DNA (or REVO)? ta

Cheaper but still a good product.

The APR product is very good but a lot of the purchase price is marketing costs.

[jimmedy]

The APR product is very good but a lot of the purchase price is marketing costs.

APR price includes a lot of support and helping customers take their tunes off / on again for trips to dealers etc, free upgrades in the case a revised firmware comes out and free upgrades to higher 'stages' if you go the whole enchilada with other mods.

Of course, to some people that will present value for money, to others none of those things will appeal to you whatsoever.

With a 2014 car starting out with the first of many intended mods, all that support from APR appealed to me.
You with an older car, a few years out of warranty and perhaps not chasing further mods might not see the same value.

I'm not super thrilled with the 'sports' suspension on my Audi either, but I acknowledge I bring a lot of that on myself by running 18" wheels and tires @ 40psi. I just ordered a Bilstein B14 kit after a lot of research, but then I'm not trying to solve neck pain, so perhaps not the option for you. Common opinion seems to be that it makes the suspension less 'crashy' though, which is a key part of what I'm after.

Final thought, seeing as you're in QLD - you're not far from APR HQ. Go in and talk to Guy or one of his team. IIRC from the website they actually offer the APR ECU upgrades as a try-before-you-buy for half a day. Maybe that's an option for you?

[jivebug]

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies I shall "mull" over them . I suppose the Konis FSD`s with labour would be nudging the 2k mark? Changing rib size is good except I would have to not only buy the rims (any suggestions re style and places to buy?) but would have to let go my specially painted Denver ones (to look like Detroit ones) damn good job to! Are tyre sizes, range, cost cheaper with the measurements you suggested? Ta

[trive2]

I've found the Polo suspension is poorly set up. It's bumpy and lurchey. You'll find if you go for one of the softer aftermarket shocks (and maybe springs) you'll get a more compliant ride and maybe even better handling- FSD's have a good reputation for comfort. Avoid Bilstein, generally harder than Koni's (which are also adjustable).

[jivebug]

I've found the Polo suspension is poorly set up. It's bumpy and lurchey. You'll find if you go for one of the softer aftermarket shocks (and maybe springs) you'll get a more compliant ride and maybe even better handling- FSD's have a good reputation for comfort. Avoid Bilstein, generally harder than Koni's (which are also adjustable).

Thanks for the feedback to both responders
.

[tc831]

I don't know about suspension going @ 70K Ks, that's abit absurd. Softening will mean a lower weight rating spring. Most professional suspension shops should know that.
As for Chip, I think you could research into Revo?