Suggestions on MK1 race suspension

[tkolbo]

I road race a 1981 Jetta FP in the PNW. I swapped over a Bilstein HD suspension from the race rabbit that got wrecked. Any suggestions on an alternative to the Bilstein kit? the fronts are Bilstein HD strut inserts with coil over sleeves installed running eibach springs. the rear are bilstein HD with sport springs overtop.

the inserts wear out fast and the strut bodies have to be modified to accept the coil over sleeves.

looking for a more tunable option with out getting laid away on $$$

[ITB45]

If you want real racing dampeners, with adjustability look into the Koni 8611 series. They are a night and day difference compared to non adjustable suspension or compared to regular off the shelf street suspension.

Can get them with custom housings here:
https://lellaautosport.com/Custom-St...ings_p_26.html

[flyinglizard]

Are you saying that you have worn out the Billys?? I have never worn out a set on my Mk 1, 100track days or more, and they are great.
Please expand. TIA, MM
From the side view, it look like the control arm is just under flat, maybe 1 in .
(I use the rocker to hub relationship) It is not too low.
The rear can come down some but the front looks about right. IMHO. MM

[chois]

Not a budget answer, but we have been very happy with the Ground Control Advanced Design dampers, with relatively high rate springs (850# or so) on a sub 1700# FP A1.

[tkolbo]

Turns out the bushings between the strut body and insert were worn. New ones from Bilstein fixed the rattle.

I know you (flying lizard) provide a car setup book but you needed my corner weights and spring rate. I really don't have the means of getting corner weights or spring rates. I do know the front inserts have a stamp of 300 100 on the top of the tube and rear billy HD don't have any marks. Can you work with that information, or do you need the stats? I can probably beg for corner weights when I weigh in after my first qualifying session in mid-May, but that is the soonest. The rear springs have no markings. The front Eibachs have the numbers 0300-250-450 on them.

Thanks,

Tyler

[1stgen]

Is geometry corrected in this car? The control arms are definitely below level in that picture. Ballpoint extensions and a tie rod flip kit will help immensely with your handling issues. The bill steins are working as long as there is no oil leaking from them. I'd stick with the shocks if they Are still good. Sounds like you have other issues going on.

[1stgen]

Ps those numbers mean the spring rAte is 450 lbs per

[tkolbo]

Thanks for the input. Since the initial post, I have replaced the strut insert bushings, installed tie rod flip kit and ball joint extednders. I am admittedly not a rocket scientist when it comes to setting up a car and fine tuning things. I also have rare occasions to go to open track days to make small tweaks then monitor the changes. I am willing to throw down $20.00 to gain some wisdom of experienced racers with engineering-minded approach to set-up and driving.

I am running Kumho V710 ecsta 215/50/13. FWIW

Tyler

[ITB45]

the corner weights you get from tech won't be accurate. They don't level there scales, which is needed to get accurate corner weights.

There scales are good for getting the total weight of the car, but not corner weighing.

[tkolbo]

Good to know.

Thanks.

[flyinglizard]

Roll the car both ways over the scales. It will be close enough to repeat.

[1stgen]

Have u driven the car yet with the pmw flip kit and balljoint? Night and day difference isn't it?

[tkolbo]

Not yet. Jetta is not street legal and test-n-tune is not until May 18. I will try to get it out soon and sneak in on the streets. Still in the process of setting the car up after the mods. Juggling long hours at work, 3 young boys, wife training for a marathon and a looming racing deadline. Wheee. I will report after testing though.

Tyler

[1stgen]

Cool...good luck with e everything

[-RalleyTuned-]

Dude you know we can help you with your car setup anytime, just ask! Tire temps and some time at each track will help you dial in the alignment you need at each track or at least help you find something that you like.

Brad had a set of scales he could use from time to time but im not sure he can get them anymore. The spring rate, ride height and alignment will make the biggest difference. Keep the shocks you have, but have the valving adjusted to accomodate the weight and spring rates you end up with. Everyone will have different opinions on setup and spring rate, just happens that between brad an myself we have a plethora of springs and sway bars

[tkolbo]

I would love the help. I will at least be at PR in May and Sept. The Ridge whenever the Ridge race is. I will hit test n tune May 18 and the friday before the Ridge. I could stand to learn something from you regarding taking notes and tracking changes. This will be the first time in years the car will have a good baseline before the track weekend. Time to tweak some seconds off my fast lap. Or at least haul ass trying.

Call me if you plan on attending either test n tune or the PR weekends. 253-312-1759

Thanks B

TK

[Vegeta Gti]

GAZ or hotbits

also, who is this PMW that makes flip kits,etc?

[1stgen]

Performance machine works in Colorado, good stuff.

[flyinglizard]

The tie rod flip kit is standard beetle . Should cost about 20$, plus the 5/8in drill bit.
The parts that I have in house now have " BugsN Buggies" on them marked @ 18.50$
Search for BUG6613-11
520 741 7231 , Jim.