H&R springs - feedback pls

**Tigga1** · 03-02-2010, 05:46 PM

Hey guys
thinking of doing my springs, but no wheels/tyres at this stage.
Already have rear adjustable sway bar, at the highest setting. Just finding it still has a bit too much body roll for my liking.
Would like to hear from you about the difference in ride/comfort, before and after, after having the springs done.
It's not a huge expense, just that last time I did this on my Golf mkv I felt it was a bit too stiff and uncomfortable, especially as roads in Far North are a bit rough.
many thanks in advance
Tigga1
PS will be joining the 189 club in the next little while...

**Sharkie** · 03-02-2010, 06:06 PM

If a comfortable ride is a priority I would not be doing the springs. It borders on unpleasant .... If it wasn't for the fact that it now handles REALLY well, I would be going back to stock springs.

I suggest doing the wheels 1st as better (and wider) tyres will improve cornering a lot, still a bit of body roll but it is a SUV afterall ....

**clip** · 03-02-2010, 07:03 PM

I love them, but agree with sharkie, they do firm it up and if you travel a lot on pitchy bumpy roads then they may get annoying.

maybe wack on a set of 18 or 19" wheels, that makes big difference, and you still get to keep the longer travel suspension.

But then, the lowered sus does make the Tig look so good.

**Pullstarter** · 03-02-2010, 08:18 PM

I disagree guys, I find the H&Rs very comfortable. A little firmer yes, but not uncomfortably so. Certainly cut out quite a bit of body roll and make the steering much sharper. 100% happy with them

**clip** · 03-02-2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Pullstarter

I disagree guys, I find the H&Rs very comfortable. A little firmer yes, but not uncomfortably so. Certainly cut out quite a bit of body roll and make the steering much sharper. 100% happy with them

Can't disagree with any of that Simon. In fact, I reckon the H&R's soak up the sharper, shorter bumps better than standard. So if Tigga sticks with standard wheels then it could be OK. But I know the roads that he is talking about and it could noticeably change the ride comfort factor because of the reduced sus travel, which could be an issue if he’s commuting over it every day for more than a few k's at a time. So maybe a better compromise might be standard sus and bigger wheels (that's what I started with and it was very good). Then again, the reverse that he is thinking about i.e. stock wheels with the H&R sus, might actually be the better compromise? I can't comment on that. Be interesting to test out though!

Either option is going to make a big difference. But IMHO, the H&R's with 19" wheels is a pretty good combination if you travel on ‘normal’ QLD roads (which are not great at best!). I won't go on about it at the risk of sounding like a d'head, but it makes for a formidable "real world" combination and will see the little Tig out handle all but the more seriously dedicated performance sedans or hatches. So if you want a true performance vehicle that can actually go around corners, stop, and has competitive straight line performance (and lets not forget the Tig is still an SUV), the standard Tig is only a few cheap mods away.

There is a unique drivability factor with the Tig (most VW’s in my limited experience), that doesn't diminish after undertaking modifications - like some other of the more popularly modded Japanese vehicles do (IME). In fact they get significantly better with just a few tweaks. And if you ask an engineer why that is the case, they have the explanation – which is rooted in simple math and exemplary design.

Probably am sounding like a d'head now!

**Tigga1** · 04-02-2010, 11:08 AM

thanks for your informative responses.
I would like to meet up with either of you, Clip & Sharkie, to feel what the tig rides like on H&R. I'll be @ Gold Coast from about mid Feb to mid March.
I've also asked Guy on some feedback from anyone who's installed the Haldex upgrade, as I'm keen to change the characteristics on the range (especially in the wet)...
there's no end is there ;-]
cheers

**Pullstarter** · 04-02-2010, 04:43 PM

Good point John, we are somewhat spoiled here in the ACT with good roads. If I was still living in NSW I would have to seriously consider the side effects.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone using the Haldex too, does it really make such a big and noticable difference?

**Tigga1** · 30-06-2010, 12:52 PM

where did you guys buy the H&R springs?
had a look at ECS tuning and, with current exchange rate, comes to about AUD$450 incl. freight.
Does that sound about right?
thanks