Coilovers for 04 V6 Sedan...

[dublax44]

My struts are going to be replaced within the next year or two and I am playing with the idea of coilovers for it so I can get that low look and be able to adjust it. Any ideas on brands or other info I should know about?

[passatv6AF]

I can name you a lot of brands but that will be pointless. Depends on what you're willing to spend...

[dublax44]

I think ill go 600-800ish

[passatv6AF]

Id suggest fk, v-maxx, st Coilovers

[dublax44]

Ok are the good for the price? How long do they usually last?

[passatv6AF]

That I do not know. That's why you get warranty. I just ordered racelands for $412. 2 year warranty. Everyone has different opinions because not every car will have the same outcome. They could last for years or could go wrong in a few months. It all varies

[sdavis872]

I have STs, no complaints besides they ride kind of soft (but a W8 is pretty heavy) and they don't go as low as I'd like in the rear (I am about 24.5" rear ftg)

[dublax44]

which ones come with lifetime warranties?

[passatv6AF]

As far as I know none do. They usually give couple years warranty.

[sdavis872]

Bilsteins I think do, but they are pretty pricy.

[dublax44]

ok, any with a warranty better than a two year?

[Rathroe]

ST's come with a 5 year limited warranty.

[dublax44]

ahhh thats awesome I think I'm going to look into the STs

[Rathroe]

ECS was having a sale on them a couple weeks ago so you might check there or PM VAD@HPA. HPA Motorsports runs a discount for Vortex members.

[dublax44]

oh ok sweet I just looked on ECS and they are 799.99 I'll look on HPA

[dublax44]

bump

[keithwbloom]

Don't bargain shop your suspension components. If you want an aggressive look but no ride, then $600-$800 coil overs will do the job. If you want your car to feel like a Porsche sedan, then coil overs based on quality dampeners are key.

Bilstein PSS9s are expensive ($1,800ish) but well worth the investment. I expect Koni-based coil overs have a similar feel.

I have a 2004 V6 FWD with Bilstein PSS9s that I installed a few months ago after having my Passat for almost 6 years. Totally new experience. Feels more like an M3/M5 or an RS4 than a FWD VW. Worth every penny (I picked them up new in box for $1,350, uninstalled from the original buyer who wrecked his B5 before he had a chance to install them). Will likely keep the car another 6 years, because honestly, I can't think of another, newer option that would offer the same quality ride and excitement for the money. It complete transforms the car. I have had owners of lesser coil over setups drive my car to check my sanity, and they have unanimously agreed, nothing equates to the quality of Bilstein except maybe Koni.

If you can find a deal on the Bilsteins or Koni coil overs, jump at it. If you can't, consider strongly another quality static low non-coilover setup featuring Bilstein or Koni dampeners and Eibach or H&R sport springs. Anything less is going to feel like... less.

My 2¢.

[dublax44]

Great points... What exactly is static? I've heard about it but don't know details about it..

[keithwbloom]

Static means non-adjustable height lowering springs that rest on your stock perches and compatible dampeners. Coil overs offer adjustable height spring perches, specially tuned springs and compatible dampeners. Static means the ride height is set by the profile of the lowering springs used.

[sdavis872]

Not really, static applies to coil overs too, anything that's not air ride or hydraulics would be static, because you set it at one height and leave it there. You can not slam it down while parked then raise it up to drive off.

[dublax44]

ok so how much would a static set up run?

[sdavis872]

Racelands start at around $400. If you're 4mo then you'll have to spend like $800 (since no cheap companies make 4 mo coil overs).

[dublax44]

So static is coilovers that arent adjustable?

[sdavis872]

So static is coilovers that arent adjustable?

No, static is anything that is not adjusted easily, say, by a switch. Coilovers are "static" because to change ride height you need to lift the car, and manually adjust the perches. That is not something you're going to do ever time you park and then go to drive off. There for your parked ride height and riding ride height is static.

[dublax44]

Ok so coilovers are considered static? what would static be without coilovers? I want to be able to go lower without having to spend the money on good coilovers. I have OEM sport eibach springs with the original struts and dampeners. Would I just get sport lowering struts and dampeners?