In an effort to find more info about this car and make it easier to decide and select what will work best for your car, this will be the first thread I'm making dedicated to all the specs, data and details for suspension related products. I will update this OP as more info is found and most importantly, I would like to at least get the info down for the stock OEM components including stuff like:
Spring rates
Sway bar thickness and rates
Any other suspension related data
Dyno graphs showing damper and spring characteristics at different settings
Here is an interesting point that I will leave here:
**
...A statement that many people who care about the handling of their cars have pointed out and agreed on before so it is interesting to now hear the same thing directly from VWR.
Update: A good read by @MaysEffect called Tuning woes & fundamental tuning guide. Read here.
Stock OEM
Spring Type/Rates: 180F/250R according to measurements by yellow bunny
Or 275F/225R based on rough estimates courtesy of ryeboy
Additional: Dampers Made by Sachs
Sway Bars:
Front 22mm Solid, Rear 21.7mm, 3mm wall thickness
Source
Note: You can replace OEM control arms and spindles (front only) with TT or Passat parts, which are aluminum and will save you unsprung weight. Passat parts are direct replacement with no change besides the weight reduction, TT parts add camber adjustability but they also widen your track by about 10mm per side (? please confirm about extra track width):More info here
SuperPro Control Arms are also available. See info below and here
R32 OEM LCA's are 10.25 lbs/ea and Passat are 6.4 lbs/ea
R32 Spindles are 9.8 lbs/ea and Passat are 6.4 lbs/ea
(weights according to ryeboy's calculations linked to above)
AST 4100
Spring Type/Rates:
2 Front 60mm Coilover Springs, 7" Long
2 Rear Swift 60mm Coilover Springs, 9" Long
The GTS package is 350 lbs/in front, 250 lbs/in rear
We can provide any available spring rates upon request...
for the R32 I'd suggest ordering with stiffer rates. They go for $2,099.00
Additional: Monotube design, http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=120_203&products_id=260
AST (other series)
Spring Type/Rates: N/A
Additional: Monotube design
Bilstein PSS10
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: E4-FD1-Y704A00 = progressive; initial rate 32.8N/mm (approx 190lbs/in), secondary rate 43.4N/mm (approx 250lbs/in)
Rear: E4-FD1-Y754A00 = progressive; initial rate 33.0N/mm (approx 190lbs/in), secondary rate 50.1N/mm (approx 285lbs/in)
Additional:
Adjustable compression & rebound dampening
Note about changing spring rates: Simply replacing the progressive rate springs with linear rates will significantly alter the ride characteristics, firmer without over powering the dampers (perhaps 300lbs/in front and 350lbs/in rear). 350#/in front springs (linear) and 400lbs/in rear (linear) would be the maximum I would recommend.
*I originally forgot to add this but thanks to JRutter for the info on the Bilsteins. I hope you don't mind me sharing this info with everyone.:thumbup:
Dyno Graph
B&G
Spring Type/Rates:
Linear Springs...rates?
Additional:
18-way adjustable dampening (rebound and compression)
Anodized aluminum alloy and powder coated steel
They also come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Height adjustable
Front 1.25-3.5" (32 - 89mm)
Rear 1.25-3.5" (32 - 89mm)
Effect Adjustable Control Arms
Only available in the Japanese market as of the posting.
More info?
Epic Euro Tuning Ultra Adjustable Control Arms
Camber Adjustment made by sliding moving ball joint in or out.
Additional camber adjustment can be made without having to touch the ball joint via the linkage adjuster.
Caster can be adjusted by turning the single long tube.
Adjustments are made much more precise by being able to turn the adjusters as little or as much as you'd like.
Weighs 4.5lbs vs. 7lbs stock arm.
Fully tig welded.
Discussion starts here.
Ground Control
Camber Plates
Additional: Allow camber and caster adjustment, as well as access to adjustable struts. There is No change in ride height, and NO LOSS OF SUSPENSION TRAVEL. An oversize American central bearing to reduce flex, yet using a waterproof German steering bearing which is rebuildable (unlike the stock parts) for smooth steering. .Designed for track use, and utilizing quality Aurora spherical bearings, the Ground Control camber/caster plates are machined only for use with coil-over springs. More info here: http://performanceshock.com/--c-41_139/ccpmkv
HPA SHS
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: Linear/NA
Rear: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 25-55mm
Rear: 35-60mm
ISC N1
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: Sport/Street: 560 lbs, Track: 672 lbs
Rear: Sport/Street: 336 lbs, Track: 448 lbs
Additional:
Height, Pre-load and Dampening adjustable
Sport Springs or Track Springs (dampening builds are different from each other)
JIC ZMS coilovers (one of the newer options)
Stainless steel Front 43mm piston rod w/Inverted Monotube + Caster/Camber plates (spherical bearing top mount/roller bearing spring perch) - rebound/compression adjustment (top)
Aluminum Rear 48mm Upside-down Monotube rear spherical bearing lower mount - rebound/compression adjustment (bottom)
2.5inch i.d Linear front (8kg x 6.5") and rear (6kg x 8") + *low rate tender springs front- optional spring rates available
JDM style shock body height adjustments.
Adjustable spring perch with integrated endlink mount. Adjustable endlinks with metal/metal ball joints
Contact @MaysEffect for more details
Koni 2100 FSD 4020 kit
Spring Type/Rates: Dampers only. Made to use with stock springs/height, can also be revalved to match any spring rate like any other dampers, but...
Additional: Dual Flow Valve (similar to Ohlin design). Should be able to use with slightly different from stock height and spring rates. More info.
KSport Kontrol Pro Damper System
Spring Type/Rates: Seem to be Linear
Front: 504 lbs (optional 672, 896)
Rear: 252 lbs (optional 336, 448, 1008)
Additional: Height/Compression/Rebound adjustable, Monotube construction, Camber Plates built in front mounts.
KW V1
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
ST Coilovers have the same specs, just different finish (inox-line on KW for "100% rust free" or just Galvanized for ST)
KW V2
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
Adjustable rebound dampening
KW V3
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
Adjustable compression & rebound dampening
KW Clubsport
Spring Type/Rates: Linear Springs / 514lb front / 400lb rear
Additional: Come with Front Camber Plates
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8" TUV Approved Ride Height (can go a lot lower)
Rear: 0.4"-1.4" TUV Approved Ride Height (can go a lot lower)
2-Way adjustable
Moton
Spring Type/Rates: NA
Additional: These should be comparable to Ohlins and most likely custom setup.
Neuspeed Spring Kit
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive Springs / 300lb Front / 330lb Rear
Additional:
Lowers approx. 1.4 (F) & 1.4 (R) (I'm assuming inchs)
Neuspeed Rear Anti-Sway Bar - 25mm
Additional:
2 Hole adjustable (would love to know at least how much it increases stiffness at different settings)
Neuspeed Front Anti-Sway Bar - 25mm
Again, would like to know how much stiffer it is compared to stock
Ohlin VWS MI00 (OEM replacement dampers)
Spring Type/Rates: Made to use with stock springs, can also be revalved to match any spring rate like any other dampers, but...
Front: 450 lbs is recommended by Ohlin and other suspension specialists
Rear: 350 lbs is recommended by Ohlin and other suspension specialists
(See discussion relating to spring rates later in this thread, starting here)
Additional: Dual Flow Valve, Monotube design
Dyno Graph and links to more info/discussion HERE.
Ohlin VWSMI10 Coilovers
Spring Type/Rates: Linear
Front: 70 N/mm or ~400 lbs
Rear: 60 N/mm or ~350 lbs
Additional: Dual Flow Valve, Monotube design
These ARE NOT AWD tested yet but are made by Ohlin from what seems to be the same Dampers above (Ohlin VWS MI00) and I would imagine they will work fine (don't trust me).
Details Here.
Ohlin/PSI Coilover Kit
Spring Type/Rates: Linear/TBA (PSI usually works with their customers to determine the right spring rate for each individual's needs)
Additional: External Canister Dampers up Front, TTX Inline Dampers for Rear. Camber plate included for mounting strut and canisters.
Announcement and info starts Here.
This should be the ultimate suspension currently available off the shelf for our cars but I'll wait for more details...
Sachs Performance Coilover Kit
Spring Type/Rates: NA
Additional:
Housing diameter: 50 mm
Chass. lowered from: 30mm to: 50mm
More: http://www.sachsperformance.com/Sac...n::446.html?XTCsid=lv979reuthqrnvmfcjo90aqt77
SuperPro Performance Control Arms
Highlights:
7.5 lbs/ea (compared to 10.25 lbs/ea for OEM R32 LCAs)
Corrosion resistant Supaloy
Smart Bushing and Mount Design
Special low friction stainless steel insert
Bushing bonded direct to high-stress alloy bracket
Smart Bushing and Mount Design
Special low friction stainless steel insert
Bushing bonded direct to high-stress alloy bracket
Performance Grip Dynamics
Up to 1.5 Deg extra dynamic positive caster
Supertrac Anti-lift geometry for more traction
SuperPro Ball Joint Roll Control Roll Centre Kit
Highlights:
-Corrects roll center geometry compromised by lowering a vehicle (Designed for standard Golfs so with already slightly lower R32s, these are fine at stock height for R32s. Explanation here.)
-Adds adjustable camber
-Dramatically improves mid-corner stability
-Raises roll center
-Improved weight distribution and front end grip
-Reduces understeer through reduced front wheel compression
-Improves steering, precision & vehicle stability
EXPLANATION: Each suspension system front and rear has a roll center. The vehicles roll center greatly influences how the body of the vehicle will perform. Roll centers are set by engineers in the design process of a vehicle to give optimum handling with minimum body roll at the required ride height and center of gravity position. Lowering a vehicle does not necessarily improve handling. If a vehicle is lowered beyond its ideal roll center, this change increases the rate of change to the suspension causing faster and greater body roll. The vehicles stability and traction is adversely affected. When these ball joints are fitted to a lowered vehicle, the roll center position is improved, helping to reduce body roll and improve the vehicle’s handling and balance by maintain maximum tire road contact. More info here and here.
Tein Spring Kit SKV90-AUB00
Spring Type/Rates:
Progressive
Front: 207 lbs/in
Rear: 286 lbs/in
Additional:
Lowers 1" (some specs say 1.5"?)
http://www.tein.com/products/s_tech_price_list.html
Tein seems to have a coilover kit with 450lbs/in front & rear springs.
VW Racing Springs
Spring Type/Rates:
Linear
Front: 35 N/mm or ~200 lbs/in
Rear: 45 N/mm or ~257 lbs/in
Additional:
Front Lowering - 10-15mm or .4" - .6"
Rear Lowering - 8-13mm or .3" - .5"
**The comment above about VWR not recommending lowering springs for the R32 seems to have been negated due to this new spring design.
VW Racing
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive or Linear options available no rates currently available
Front: ?
Rear: ?
Additional: Fixed or adjustable damper options available. Camber plates available but they only work with VWR coilover components.
More info here: http://www.volkswagenracing.co.uk/vwcore/suspension/
Sway Bars:
Front: 26mm solid, Rear: 23mm solid (these seem to be for FWD applications at the moment but AWD supposed to be coming soon)
Air Suspension
For those interested, check this post
Some updates regarding Air Suspension starting here.
There are several other brands and products I have not listed so please add on and provide as much info as possible to make this thread as useful as it can be. We need threads like this for other stuff like exhaust too...
Here are some good suspension shops that can help with questions and customizations for many of the setups:
http://performanceshock.com/
http://www.vorshlag.com/
Spring rates
Sway bar thickness and rates
Any other suspension related data
Dyno graphs showing damper and spring characteristics at different settings
Here is an interesting point that I will leave here:
**
Source
...A statement that many people who care about the handling of their cars have pointed out and agreed on before so it is interesting to now hear the same thing directly from VWR.
Update: A good read by @MaysEffect called Tuning woes & fundamental tuning guide. Read here.
Stock OEM
Spring Type/Rates: 180F/250R according to measurements by yellow bunny
Or 275F/225R based on rough estimates courtesy of ryeboy
Additional: Dampers Made by Sachs
Sway Bars:
Front 22mm Solid, Rear 21.7mm, 3mm wall thickness
Source
Note: You can replace OEM control arms and spindles (front only) with TT or Passat parts, which are aluminum and will save you unsprung weight. Passat parts are direct replacement with no change besides the weight reduction, TT parts add camber adjustability but they also widen your track by about 10mm per side (? please confirm about extra track width):More info here
SuperPro Control Arms are also available. See info below and here
R32 OEM LCA's are 10.25 lbs/ea and Passat are 6.4 lbs/ea
R32 Spindles are 9.8 lbs/ea and Passat are 6.4 lbs/ea
(weights according to ryeboy's calculations linked to above)
AST 4100
Spring Type/Rates:
2 Front 60mm Coilover Springs, 7" Long
2 Rear Swift 60mm Coilover Springs, 9" Long
The GTS package is 350 lbs/in front, 250 lbs/in rear
We can provide any available spring rates upon request...
for the R32 I'd suggest ordering with stiffer rates. They go for $2,099.00
Additional: Monotube design, http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=120_203&products_id=260
AST (other series)
Spring Type/Rates: N/A
Additional: Monotube design
Bilstein PSS10
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: E4-FD1-Y704A00 = progressive; initial rate 32.8N/mm (approx 190lbs/in), secondary rate 43.4N/mm (approx 250lbs/in)
Rear: E4-FD1-Y754A00 = progressive; initial rate 33.0N/mm (approx 190lbs/in), secondary rate 50.1N/mm (approx 285lbs/in)
Additional:
Adjustable compression & rebound dampening
Note about changing spring rates: Simply replacing the progressive rate springs with linear rates will significantly alter the ride characteristics, firmer without over powering the dampers (perhaps 300lbs/in front and 350lbs/in rear). 350#/in front springs (linear) and 400lbs/in rear (linear) would be the maximum I would recommend.
*I originally forgot to add this but thanks to JRutter for the info on the Bilsteins. I hope you don't mind me sharing this info with everyone.:thumbup:
Dyno Graph
B&G
Spring Type/Rates:
Linear Springs...rates?
Additional:
18-way adjustable dampening (rebound and compression)
Anodized aluminum alloy and powder coated steel
They also come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Height adjustable
Front 1.25-3.5" (32 - 89mm)
Rear 1.25-3.5" (32 - 89mm)
Effect Adjustable Control Arms
Only available in the Japanese market as of the posting.
More info?
Epic Euro Tuning Ultra Adjustable Control Arms
Camber Adjustment made by sliding moving ball joint in or out.
Additional camber adjustment can be made without having to touch the ball joint via the linkage adjuster.
Caster can be adjusted by turning the single long tube.
Adjustments are made much more precise by being able to turn the adjusters as little or as much as you'd like.
Weighs 4.5lbs vs. 7lbs stock arm.
Fully tig welded.
Discussion starts here.
Ground Control
Camber Plates
Additional: Allow camber and caster adjustment, as well as access to adjustable struts. There is No change in ride height, and NO LOSS OF SUSPENSION TRAVEL. An oversize American central bearing to reduce flex, yet using a waterproof German steering bearing which is rebuildable (unlike the stock parts) for smooth steering. .Designed for track use, and utilizing quality Aurora spherical bearings, the Ground Control camber/caster plates are machined only for use with coil-over springs. More info here: http://performanceshock.com/--c-41_139/ccpmkv
HPA SHS
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: Linear/NA
Rear: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 25-55mm
Rear: 35-60mm
ISC N1
Spring Type/Rates:
Front: Sport/Street: 560 lbs, Track: 672 lbs
Rear: Sport/Street: 336 lbs, Track: 448 lbs
Additional:
Height, Pre-load and Dampening adjustable
Sport Springs or Track Springs (dampening builds are different from each other)
JIC ZMS coilovers (one of the newer options)
Stainless steel Front 43mm piston rod w/Inverted Monotube + Caster/Camber plates (spherical bearing top mount/roller bearing spring perch) - rebound/compression adjustment (top)
Aluminum Rear 48mm Upside-down Monotube rear spherical bearing lower mount - rebound/compression adjustment (bottom)
2.5inch i.d Linear front (8kg x 6.5") and rear (6kg x 8") + *low rate tender springs front- optional spring rates available
JDM style shock body height adjustments.
Adjustable spring perch with integrated endlink mount. Adjustable endlinks with metal/metal ball joints
Contact @MaysEffect for more details
Koni 2100 FSD 4020 kit
Spring Type/Rates: Dampers only. Made to use with stock springs/height, can also be revalved to match any spring rate like any other dampers, but...
Additional: Dual Flow Valve (similar to Ohlin design). Should be able to use with slightly different from stock height and spring rates. More info.
KSport Kontrol Pro Damper System
Spring Type/Rates: Seem to be Linear
Front: 504 lbs (optional 672, 896)
Rear: 252 lbs (optional 336, 448, 1008)
Additional: Height/Compression/Rebound adjustable, Monotube construction, Camber Plates built in front mounts.
KW V1
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
ST Coilovers have the same specs, just different finish (inox-line on KW for "100% rust free" or just Galvanized for ST)
KW V2
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
Adjustable rebound dampening
KW V3
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive/NA
Additional:
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8"
Rear: 0.4"-1.4"
Adjustable compression & rebound dampening
KW Clubsport
Spring Type/Rates: Linear Springs / 514lb front / 400lb rear
Additional: Come with Front Camber Plates
Height adjustable
Front: 0.8"-1.8" TUV Approved Ride Height (can go a lot lower)
Rear: 0.4"-1.4" TUV Approved Ride Height (can go a lot lower)
2-Way adjustable
Moton
Spring Type/Rates: NA
Additional: These should be comparable to Ohlins and most likely custom setup.
Neuspeed Spring Kit
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive Springs / 300lb Front / 330lb Rear
Additional:
Lowers approx. 1.4 (F) & 1.4 (R) (I'm assuming inchs)
Neuspeed Rear Anti-Sway Bar - 25mm
Additional:
2 Hole adjustable (would love to know at least how much it increases stiffness at different settings)
Neuspeed Front Anti-Sway Bar - 25mm
Again, would like to know how much stiffer it is compared to stock
Ohlin VWS MI00 (OEM replacement dampers)
Spring Type/Rates: Made to use with stock springs, can also be revalved to match any spring rate like any other dampers, but...
Front: 450 lbs is recommended by Ohlin and other suspension specialists
Rear: 350 lbs is recommended by Ohlin and other suspension specialists
(See discussion relating to spring rates later in this thread, starting here)
Additional: Dual Flow Valve, Monotube design
Dyno Graph and links to more info/discussion HERE.
Ohlin VWSMI10 Coilovers
Spring Type/Rates: Linear
Front: 70 N/mm or ~400 lbs
Rear: 60 N/mm or ~350 lbs
Additional: Dual Flow Valve, Monotube design
These ARE NOT AWD tested yet but are made by Ohlin from what seems to be the same Dampers above (Ohlin VWS MI00) and I would imagine they will work fine (don't trust me).
Details Here.
Ohlin/PSI Coilover Kit
Spring Type/Rates: Linear/TBA (PSI usually works with their customers to determine the right spring rate for each individual's needs)
Additional: External Canister Dampers up Front, TTX Inline Dampers for Rear. Camber plate included for mounting strut and canisters.
Announcement and info starts Here.
This should be the ultimate suspension currently available off the shelf for our cars but I'll wait for more details...
Sachs Performance Coilover Kit
Spring Type/Rates: NA
Additional:
Housing diameter: 50 mm
Chass. lowered from: 30mm to: 50mm
More: http://www.sachsperformance.com/Sac...n::446.html?XTCsid=lv979reuthqrnvmfcjo90aqt77
SuperPro Performance Control Arms
Highlights:
7.5 lbs/ea (compared to 10.25 lbs/ea for OEM R32 LCAs)
Corrosion resistant Supaloy
Smart Bushing and Mount Design
Special low friction stainless steel insert
Bushing bonded direct to high-stress alloy bracket
Smart Bushing and Mount Design
Special low friction stainless steel insert
Bushing bonded direct to high-stress alloy bracket
Performance Grip Dynamics
Up to 1.5 Deg extra dynamic positive caster
Supertrac Anti-lift geometry for more traction
SuperPro Ball Joint Roll Control Roll Centre Kit
Highlights:
-Corrects roll center geometry compromised by lowering a vehicle (Designed for standard Golfs so with already slightly lower R32s, these are fine at stock height for R32s. Explanation here.)
-Adds adjustable camber
-Dramatically improves mid-corner stability
-Raises roll center
-Improved weight distribution and front end grip
-Reduces understeer through reduced front wheel compression
-Improves steering, precision & vehicle stability
EXPLANATION: Each suspension system front and rear has a roll center. The vehicles roll center greatly influences how the body of the vehicle will perform. Roll centers are set by engineers in the design process of a vehicle to give optimum handling with minimum body roll at the required ride height and center of gravity position. Lowering a vehicle does not necessarily improve handling. If a vehicle is lowered beyond its ideal roll center, this change increases the rate of change to the suspension causing faster and greater body roll. The vehicles stability and traction is adversely affected. When these ball joints are fitted to a lowered vehicle, the roll center position is improved, helping to reduce body roll and improve the vehicle’s handling and balance by maintain maximum tire road contact. More info here and here.
Tein Spring Kit SKV90-AUB00
Spring Type/Rates:
Progressive
Front: 207 lbs/in
Rear: 286 lbs/in
Additional:
Lowers 1" (some specs say 1.5"?)
http://www.tein.com/products/s_tech_price_list.html
Tein seems to have a coilover kit with 450lbs/in front & rear springs.
VW Racing Springs
Spring Type/Rates:
Linear
Front: 35 N/mm or ~200 lbs/in
Rear: 45 N/mm or ~257 lbs/in
Additional:
Front Lowering - 10-15mm or .4" - .6"
Rear Lowering - 8-13mm or .3" - .5"
**The comment above about VWR not recommending lowering springs for the R32 seems to have been negated due to this new spring design.
VW Racing
Spring Type/Rates: Progressive or Linear options available no rates currently available
Front: ?
Rear: ?
Additional: Fixed or adjustable damper options available. Camber plates available but they only work with VWR coilover components.
More info here: http://www.volkswagenracing.co.uk/vwcore/suspension/
Sway Bars:
Front: 26mm solid, Rear: 23mm solid (these seem to be for FWD applications at the moment but AWD supposed to be coming soon)
Air Suspension
For those interested, check this post
Some updates regarding Air Suspension starting here.
There are several other brands and products I have not listed so please add on and provide as much info as possible to make this thread as useful as it can be. We need threads like this for other stuff like exhaust too...
Here are some good suspension shops that can help with questions and customizations for many of the setups:
http://performanceshock.com/
http://www.vorshlag.com/