Suspension recommendation for modest lowering - Mk5 Comfortline

[jaackyy]

upsides
235s are usually a bit cheaper
Speedo will be more accurate
Guards will look more filled
Ride will be slightly softer

downsides
You won't be able to lower it into the weeds (but won't need to)
turn-in will be slightly doughier at the limit (but most people wouldn't notice)

I can't think of anything else but maybe someone else can add.

did a quick shop, and these look to be quite a good deal.
Size is : 235/45 R17 97V XL , I'm not sure what the XL part is , anyone know if they'll fit on VW Classix wheels?
Bob Jane T-Marts Catalogues

[AdamD]

upsides
235s are usually a bit cheaper
Speedo will be more accurate

It's important that we clarify this, in case people get the wrong idea.

The stock tyre size is 195/65 R15. This has a rolling diameter of 1993mm.

Going to a 225/45 R17 will also have a rolling diameter of 1993mm. Identical. This is the best fit (the correct recommended size for the Mk5 on 17s).

Going to 235/45 R17 will yield a rolling diameter of 2021mm, a difference of 1.4% from the above sizes. This will cause the speedo to read lower at a given speed than would the 225s. As your speedometer (as calibrated from factory) is reading over by some indeterminate amount (up to 10%), this may cause it to be more accurate than before. But no guarantees.

I'll definitely be sticking with 225s.

[AdamD]

Just as a quick followup for anyone reading this thread down the track.

I ended up sourcing a set of springs and dampers from a Mk6 GTI (fitment is identical to the Mk5). They've done similar mileage to my car - around 65,000 - and are in great condition; I sourced them from another member on here in the Wanted to Buy section.

Before (stock):


After springs and shocks fitted (yes the drop is minor; an A/B of the images is the easiest way to see the change):


And fitted with a set of Denvers I had lying around from my old Mk6 GTI:


When I was at the tyre shop getting the rims and tyres fitted there was a stock Mk5 GTI also on Denvers parked next to me, and I was able to compare mine and his side by side and the ride height was practically identical. In terms of ride quality there’s certainly more firmness there, but comfort is virtually on par (I’d go as far to say even better while it was still on the 15s), mostly due to the dramatically improved body control and lack of float, and vastly better rebound - it no longer wallows over speed bumps or bounces down the road like the dampers are shot (even though my stock dampers were fine). Needless to say, cornering control is utterly transformed.