H&R Touring Cup vs Bilstein B12 Sportline Kit

[Johnbu]

I'm thinking of upgrading my MkV GTI for better handling.

I do like the compliance of the std suspension, but willing to give some of it up for better handling.

The car feels under damped. The car has done 64k, so it's not like the dampers are worn.

I don't want to lower it with just springs, as that's a recipe to kill the dampers.

So I'm thinking of a matched kit-
H&R Touring Cup Kit 31043T-8 or the Bilstein B12 Sportline 25/20mm Lowering Suspension Kit

I wan't to retain some ride quality so don't want a 40mm drop.

Has anyone used any of these on their GTI?

I've used H&R and Eibach springs and Bilstein B8 dampers before (diff car) and was very happy with them, but haven't used H&R dampers.

Price wise the H&R kit is quite a bit cheaper than the Bilstein kit..

Are they comparable, or is the Bilstein ones significantly better?


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[robbie]

I've heard good things about the H&R Touring Cup Kit. If it was me they would get first preference.

What about Coilovers I.e PSS10's, HPA SHS or KW's. I had the H&R Sports Springs on my previous car (MKV TDI 2.0) and found them to be quite harsh on Sydney roads unfortunately though they were coupled with the stock shocks. Also look into H&R Swaybars or Neuspeed Sways.


Speak to Adzy his running them.

[Johnbu]

Forgot to mention the wheels will continue to be the standard 17inch Denvers


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[Johnbu]

Thanks robbie, not really interested in coilovers.

I don't want to slam my car and there is more room for error.

Plus, good spring damper combo will outperform an average coilover.

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[kaanage]

The car feels under damped. The car has done 64k, so it's not like the dampers are worn.

I don't want to lower it with just springs, as that's a recipe to kill the dampers.

Nice to see someone else with sense on this forum and who also uses the correct terminology
The dampers could be wearing after that mileage - it all depends on how hard you drive it and the condition of the roads.

I've used H&R and Eibach springs and Bilstein B8 dampers before (diff car) and was very happy with them, but haven't used H&R dampers.

Price wise the H&R kit is quite a bit cheaper than the Bilstein kit..

Are they comparable, or is the Bilstein ones significantly better?

Good question. I have an older B12 kit that I'm sure has H&R springs (with B8 dampers) rather than Eibachs so, like you, I would assume the difference would be in the dampers with the cost reflecting this (since they're both German brands).

Have you considered just getting Koni dampers to replace the originals? Then you can increase the rebound damping if you want to do some spirited driving (the rears require getting under the car and undoing at least the lower mounting bolt but the fronts just need a screwdriver under the bonnet).

The better FK coilovers (Konigsport and SilverlineX) come with dampers custom made by Koni and seem to be priced lower than B12 kits. And you don't have to drop the car massively with coilovers - I would run them at their highest position.

I've heard good things about the H&R Touring Cup Kit. If it was me they would get first preference.

What about Coilovers I.e PSS10's, HPA SHS or KW's. I had the H&R Sports Springs on my previous car (MKV TDI 2.0) and found them to be quite harsh on Sydney roads unfortunately though they were coupled with the stock shocks. Also look into H&R Swaybars or Neuspeed Sways.

Speak to Adzy his running them.

I'm pretty sure Adzy is running what I have - an older B12 kit that has H&R springs and B8 dampers. Johnbu hasn't mentioned that roll is an issue so why bring up anti-roll bars? Better damping will improve roll response (though they won't actually decrease the amount of roll).

You experience with the H&R Sports Springs is due to the inadequate damping of the standard dampers when combined with the higher spring rate of the H&R Sports Springs (yet another reason why lowering springs alone are a poor idea)

[thezoneR32]

HPA KW SHS combined with H&R sways. Best vlaue and sport/comfort combo. Cant go wrong. Have a read............WHITE JAMES: Suspension & Wheel Reviews - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com

[Johnbu]

The HPA KW SHS looks good, but to be honest, I'd rather not get a coilover set, as I'm prob not good enough of a driver to adjust them spot on.

The traditional spring / damper combo is better for me, can't stuff the setting up. Plus is cheaper is a bonus.

I've also had H&R coilovers on my previous car, even though they were on the highest setting they were quite crashy as if there was less suspension travel than the Bilstein b8 and KW spring.

Also with the euro to aud conversion rate, buying the H&R or B12 kit is great value. I should also look into KW kits.

End of the day I'm sure any of the German well known brands will offer better handling with little loss of, if any comfort (I'm only looking for a ~1 inch drop)

I'll prob won't change the rear sway bar at this stage.






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