Bora V5 suspension thoughts

[Rybky]

I really want to do something to improve the ride of my Bora V5, it is all a bit loose and wallowy at the moment.

I am going to get the ECS Stage 2 refresh kit so hopefully that will help the numb steering feel.

With my previous car (Nissan X-Trail) I had Koni adjustable shocks and a whiteline rear swaybar fitted and the transformation of the handling was amazing even on stock springs. The ability to adjust the damping on an SUV was perfect and when firmed up it really reduced body roll and dive under braking.

Based on that previous experience I am thinking that with the Bora I will do something similar, adjustable shocks are overkill though as I won't need to change handling characteristics. Also I can't lower it as the front already just scrapes a little as I enter my underground parking, any lower and I would rip the front off.

So, if I am looking to just replace the shocks for something with more damping to firm up the ride a little, what would you recommend? The only experience I have is with Koni.

Regarding sway bars, my understanding is that if a car understeers adding a stiffer rear bar will correct that, if it oversteers adding a stiffer front bar will correct that. With the Bora I think it is inclined to understeer, hard to tell as the ESC cuts in! In which case a stiffer rear bar would help to sharpen the steering. Does this sound right?

Oh and new wheels & tyres will be on the cards at some point, will be looking to go 17/18" with around a 235 tyre, so that will help handling too but this is some way off.

Thanks,

Adam

[dylan8]

Think the rear sway bar is the way to go on het FWD boras and golfs.
235 wide tyre will depend on the width of the wheel, most have 225/40/18s on 18x8 wheels. gives a nice straight side wall. (not saying you cant go 235 though)
bigger/wider wheels will help. also if the offset pushes the wheel out more making it a wider stance should help with handling and grip