HYDE161
Go Kart Champion
Suspension Options for an Awesome Daily Driver or Track Car
I have spent a lot of time on the threads learning the ins and outs of our suspension upgrade options. I finally found the time to compile a semi-complete list of the MK5 through MK6 GTI suspension upgrades. My goal here is to provide a comprehensive list of suspension upgrades to help the community. I spent several days compiling these options on my own and I will continue to expand the list to bushings, full coilover, spring and shock & strut options as time goes on. In NO WAY am I affiliated, paid by or benefiting from posting this information. I do not list hyperlinks or product advertisements, only average pricing to give everyone an idea of the costs to make the best choices based on their budget.
For my own build I needed to layout all options and label them either “awesome daily driver” (low NVH, safe for the average driver) or “track car” (possibly higher NVH, stiffer, for experienced drivers). This thread is to pay homage to the heavy hitters such as Simmsled, The Bruce, Bostonaudi, Junker, ViRtUaLheretic, GodSquadMandrake, Tyrol Mike, LePatron and others that have tested these components and provided feedback for the community. I consider them the official suspension gurus and decided to condense their findings into one thread.
I’m personally looking for the “awesome daily driver”, striking a fine balance between a baby daycare shuttle during the week, spirited mountain warrior on the weekends and then an occasional HPDE Green Group track car. I'm trying to increase some stiffness, correct or improve suspension geometry, improve traction, and realize better overall response from driver input while limiting NVH, rattles and feeling beat up from long drives.
MY CURRENT “AWESOME DAILY DRIVER” SETUP:
Springs
Installed Driver Gear springs with new MK6 GTI replacement strut mounts, bearings, nuts, bolts (~3/4” drop)
Sway Bars
Installed H&R 26mm front and 22mm rear, both set to soft
Front Subframe
Installed TyrolSport DeadSet Rigid Collar kit has been installed along with replacing the other subframe bolts with Audi subframe bolt – part number N-908-235-01
Pendelum Mount
Installed HPA red 75 durometer polyurethane lower mount and kept OEM rubber upper mount. Originally had the Autotech metal insert which destroyed my lower mount, installed the HPA mount but realized I still had the OEM rubber upper mount.
Other Factors
New Jersey roads, 4-door MK6 GTI, 30,000 miles with recent Peloquin LSD/USP Steel Shift Forks/Motul Gear 300 fluid installed, Stoptech BBK, South Bend Stage 3 Clutch Disk
Future Plans
APR Stage 3, 19” Hartmann 256 wheels, Continental DW 225/35/19 tires
SUSPENSION UPGRADE OPTIONS:
Shocks & Struts
Option 1 = $657 Bilstein Sport Non-Adjustable Shocks & Struts for lowered vehicles
Option 2 = $717 Bilstein HD Non-Adjustable Shocks & Struts for stock height vehicles
Option 3 = $TBD Ohlins Road & Track
Option 4 = $TBD Koni Sport
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147240
Lowering Springs
Option 1 = $200 Driver Gear Springs (Eibach – Linear)
Option 2 = H&R
Option 3 = Eibach
”Awesome Daily Driver” – Coilovers
Option 1 = $TBD Sachs Performance (rides awesome)
Option 2 = $TBD KW V3
Option 3 = $TBD Eibach Pro Street S
”Track Car” – Coilovers
Option 1 = $TBD Bilstein PSS (B14 and B16)
Option 2 = $TBD Bilstein B16 RideControl
Option 3 = $TBD AST
Option 4 = $TBD Bilstein CSC Clubsport
Option 5 = $TBD KW Clubsport 2-way/3-way
Option 6 = $TBD Eibach R1/R2
Option 7 = $TBD H2sport modded Öhlins
Strut Mounts
Option 1 = $64 ECS Front Suspension Install Kit (MK6 GTI mounts, bearings [part number 6N0 412 249 C], nuts, bolts)
Option 2 = $96 Audi TT strut mounts (part number 8J0 412 331) and $20 bearings (part number 6N0 412 249 D)
Option 3 = $100 034 Motorsport Track Density 75 durometer strut mounts and $20 bearings (part number 6N0 412 249 D)
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172387
Feedback = Considering the Audi TT strut mounts, strut bearings, bolts and nuts
”Awesome Daily Driver” – Sway Bars
Option 1 = Front: 24 - 26 mm / Rear: 22 - 24 mm
”Track Car” – Sway Bars
Option 1 = Depends on you springs rates, tires, track and taste
”Track Car” - Rear Anti-Sway Bar Support Brackets
Option 1 = $90 NEUSPEED RACE SERIES Rear Anti-Sway Bar Support Bracket
”Track Car” - Front Sway Bar End Link
Option 1 = $150 Whiteline KLC167 Front Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Feedback = Not needed for stock height or under 1” drop as per Simmsled
”Track Car” - Rear Sway Bar End Link
Option 1 = $150 Whiteline KLC141 Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Option 2 = $165 034 Motorsport Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Option 3 = $170 Neuspeed Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169881
Feedback = Not needed for stock height or under 1” drop, offer the ability to adjust swaybar preload, but the car is not being setup for the track, more useful with 1” or lower drop with coilover setup as per Simmsled. Whiteline end links are solidly made and very strong, both BSH and Neuspeed are known for knocking noises and non-adjustable as per The Bruce.
”Track Car” - Replacement / Upgraded Rear Sway Bar Bracket Bushings
Option 1 = $98 Hotchkis 23291063 1-1/16" Diameter Billet Sway Bar Bracket Bushings
Feedback = Replace sway bar bushings when they're worn, consider to get new bushings from
your sway bar manufacturer, the Hotchkis BRACKETS are extremely well made as per The Bruce.
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Pendelum Mounts
Option 1 = $190 HPA Street polyurethane lower mount with OEM rubber upper mount
Option 2 = $60 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts
Option 3 = $30 BSH Torque Mount Insert
Option 4 = $40 BFI Stage 1 Torque Mount Insert
Option 5 = $13 Energy Suspension Torque Mount Insert
Option 6 = $20 Autotech Torque Mount Insert
Reference thread = Researched the 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts. I need advice on if the 034 Motorsport 60 durometer rubber upper and lower mounts would be too stiff and have more NVH compared to the HPA 75 durometer polyurethane lower mount and OEM rubber upper mount I currently have installed.
”Track Car” - Pendelum Mounts
Option 1 = $190 HPA Track polyurethane lower mount with OEM rubber upper mount
Option 2 = $60 034 Motorsport Track Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Motor and Transmission Mounts
Option 1 = $240 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer engine mount and transmission mount
Option 2 = $149 SPM engine mount and $149 transmission mount
Option 3 = $190 Black Forest Industries Stage 1 engine mount and $200 Black Forest Industries Stage 1 transmission mount
Option 4 = $180 BSH engine mount and $190 transmission mount
Reference thread = http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?p=911900#post911900
Feedback = Avoid poly engine mounts on a DD, if you drive decent stay with the stock one (or replace them from time to time) as per The Bruce.
”Track Car” - Motor and Transmission Mounts
Option 1 = $240 034 Motorsport Track Density 60 durometer engine mount and transmission mount
Option 2 = $190 Black Forest Industries Stage 2 engine mount and $200 Black Forest Industries Stage 2 transmission mount
Option 3 = $TBD THS
Option 4 = $TBD VibraTech
”Track Car” - Front Lower Control Arms
Option 1 = $TBD VW Passat Alloy LCA
Option 2 = $TBD Audi TT LCA
Option 3 = $TBD SuperPro 'Supalloy' LCA
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123479&highlight=control+arms
”Track Car” - Front Spindles
Option 1 = $200 Passat alloy spindles pair
Option 2 = $800 H2 Sport spindles pair
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Front End Rear Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $250 Audi TT rubber bushings – part number 8J0 199 231
Option 2 = $150 Audi S3 rubber bushings – part number S3CAK
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140113
Feedback = Polyurethane bushings for daily use can squeak over time and bind where rubber would not bind as per Simmsled. Researched the Audi S3 rubber bushings but the reference thread below said there was no real gain. Also researched the Whiteline WALK kit for the slight camber gain but they may be too stiff for daily driving and I don’t want to risk cracking or wear.
”Track Car” - Front End Rear Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $250 Audi TT rubber bushings – part number 8J0 199 231
Option 2 = $395 H2 Sport Spherical Bearings
Option 3 = $90 Whiteline W53196 Polyurethane Control Arm Bushings
Option 4 = $203 Whiteline KCA316 Polyurethane Anti Lift Caster Kit
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140113
”Track Car” - Front End Front Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $52 Whiteline W0503 Polyurethane LCA Bushings
Option 2 = $TBD SuperPro LCA Bushings
”Track Car” - Rear End Trailing Arm Bushings
Option 1 = $50 Whiteline W0504 Polyurethane trailing arm bushing kit
Option 2 = $250 034 Motorsport spherical bearing upgrade kit
Option 3 = $995 H2 Sport Rear End Bearing Kit
Option 4 = $TBD SuperPro Bushings
Bump Steer
Option 1 = $200 Whiteline bump steer adjustment kit
Feedback = Not recommended as per The Bruce
Steering Rack Bushing
Option 1 = $33 Whiteline W13204 Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing
Chassis Braces
Option 1 = $145 Stern Rear Subframe Brace
Option 2 = $TBD Unibrace UB, XB
Feedback = Stern brace preferred as per The Bruce
Front Subframe
Option 1 = $200 TyrolSport DeadSet Rigid Collar kit in addition to Audi subframe bolts – part number N-908-235-01
Rear Subframe
TyrolSport will be releasing this kit between December and January.
Dogbone
Option 1 = TyrolSport will be releasing a kit to work with the OEM dogbone which will limit the front to back movement between December and January
Option 2 = $149 SPM Pendelum Mount
Option 3 = $140 BSH Pendelum Mount
Other
Of course this is not a complete list so please post other daily or track options with average prices and I’ll add them to the list. I need to finish the shock & strut list as well as a lowering springs list and coilover list.
I have spent a lot of time on the threads learning the ins and outs of our suspension upgrade options. I finally found the time to compile a semi-complete list of the MK5 through MK6 GTI suspension upgrades. My goal here is to provide a comprehensive list of suspension upgrades to help the community. I spent several days compiling these options on my own and I will continue to expand the list to bushings, full coilover, spring and shock & strut options as time goes on. In NO WAY am I affiliated, paid by or benefiting from posting this information. I do not list hyperlinks or product advertisements, only average pricing to give everyone an idea of the costs to make the best choices based on their budget.
For my own build I needed to layout all options and label them either “awesome daily driver” (low NVH, safe for the average driver) or “track car” (possibly higher NVH, stiffer, for experienced drivers). This thread is to pay homage to the heavy hitters such as Simmsled, The Bruce, Bostonaudi, Junker, ViRtUaLheretic, GodSquadMandrake, Tyrol Mike, LePatron and others that have tested these components and provided feedback for the community. I consider them the official suspension gurus and decided to condense their findings into one thread.
I’m personally looking for the “awesome daily driver”, striking a fine balance between a baby daycare shuttle during the week, spirited mountain warrior on the weekends and then an occasional HPDE Green Group track car. I'm trying to increase some stiffness, correct or improve suspension geometry, improve traction, and realize better overall response from driver input while limiting NVH, rattles and feeling beat up from long drives.
MY CURRENT “AWESOME DAILY DRIVER” SETUP:
Springs
Installed Driver Gear springs with new MK6 GTI replacement strut mounts, bearings, nuts, bolts (~3/4” drop)
Sway Bars
Installed H&R 26mm front and 22mm rear, both set to soft
Front Subframe
Installed TyrolSport DeadSet Rigid Collar kit has been installed along with replacing the other subframe bolts with Audi subframe bolt – part number N-908-235-01
Pendelum Mount
Installed HPA red 75 durometer polyurethane lower mount and kept OEM rubber upper mount. Originally had the Autotech metal insert which destroyed my lower mount, installed the HPA mount but realized I still had the OEM rubber upper mount.
Other Factors
New Jersey roads, 4-door MK6 GTI, 30,000 miles with recent Peloquin LSD/USP Steel Shift Forks/Motul Gear 300 fluid installed, Stoptech BBK, South Bend Stage 3 Clutch Disk
Future Plans
APR Stage 3, 19” Hartmann 256 wheels, Continental DW 225/35/19 tires
SUSPENSION UPGRADE OPTIONS:
Shocks & Struts
Option 1 = $657 Bilstein Sport Non-Adjustable Shocks & Struts for lowered vehicles
Option 2 = $717 Bilstein HD Non-Adjustable Shocks & Struts for stock height vehicles
Option 3 = $TBD Ohlins Road & Track
Option 4 = $TBD Koni Sport
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147240
Lowering Springs
Option 1 = $200 Driver Gear Springs (Eibach – Linear)
Option 2 = H&R
Option 3 = Eibach
”Awesome Daily Driver” – Coilovers
Option 1 = $TBD Sachs Performance (rides awesome)
Option 2 = $TBD KW V3
Option 3 = $TBD Eibach Pro Street S
”Track Car” – Coilovers
Option 1 = $TBD Bilstein PSS (B14 and B16)
Option 2 = $TBD Bilstein B16 RideControl
Option 3 = $TBD AST
Option 4 = $TBD Bilstein CSC Clubsport
Option 5 = $TBD KW Clubsport 2-way/3-way
Option 6 = $TBD Eibach R1/R2
Option 7 = $TBD H2sport modded Öhlins
Strut Mounts
Option 1 = $64 ECS Front Suspension Install Kit (MK6 GTI mounts, bearings [part number 6N0 412 249 C], nuts, bolts)
Option 2 = $96 Audi TT strut mounts (part number 8J0 412 331) and $20 bearings (part number 6N0 412 249 D)
Option 3 = $100 034 Motorsport Track Density 75 durometer strut mounts and $20 bearings (part number 6N0 412 249 D)
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172387
Feedback = Considering the Audi TT strut mounts, strut bearings, bolts and nuts
”Awesome Daily Driver” – Sway Bars
Option 1 = Front: 24 - 26 mm / Rear: 22 - 24 mm
”Track Car” – Sway Bars
Option 1 = Depends on you springs rates, tires, track and taste
”Track Car” - Rear Anti-Sway Bar Support Brackets
Option 1 = $90 NEUSPEED RACE SERIES Rear Anti-Sway Bar Support Bracket
”Track Car” - Front Sway Bar End Link
Option 1 = $150 Whiteline KLC167 Front Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Feedback = Not needed for stock height or under 1” drop as per Simmsled
”Track Car” - Rear Sway Bar End Link
Option 1 = $150 Whiteline KLC141 Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Option 2 = $165 034 Motorsport Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Option 3 = $170 Neuspeed Rear Sway Bar End Link Assembly
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169881
Feedback = Not needed for stock height or under 1” drop, offer the ability to adjust swaybar preload, but the car is not being setup for the track, more useful with 1” or lower drop with coilover setup as per Simmsled. Whiteline end links are solidly made and very strong, both BSH and Neuspeed are known for knocking noises and non-adjustable as per The Bruce.
”Track Car” - Replacement / Upgraded Rear Sway Bar Bracket Bushings
Option 1 = $98 Hotchkis 23291063 1-1/16" Diameter Billet Sway Bar Bracket Bushings
Feedback = Replace sway bar bushings when they're worn, consider to get new bushings from
your sway bar manufacturer, the Hotchkis BRACKETS are extremely well made as per The Bruce.
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Pendelum Mounts
Option 1 = $190 HPA Street polyurethane lower mount with OEM rubber upper mount
Option 2 = $60 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts
Option 3 = $30 BSH Torque Mount Insert
Option 4 = $40 BFI Stage 1 Torque Mount Insert
Option 5 = $13 Energy Suspension Torque Mount Insert
Option 6 = $20 Autotech Torque Mount Insert
Reference thread = Researched the 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts. I need advice on if the 034 Motorsport 60 durometer rubber upper and lower mounts would be too stiff and have more NVH compared to the HPA 75 durometer polyurethane lower mount and OEM rubber upper mount I currently have installed.
”Track Car” - Pendelum Mounts
Option 1 = $190 HPA Track polyurethane lower mount with OEM rubber upper mount
Option 2 = $60 034 Motorsport Track Density 60 durometer dogbone upper and lower mounts
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Motor and Transmission Mounts
Option 1 = $240 034 Motorsport Street Density 60 durometer engine mount and transmission mount
Option 2 = $149 SPM engine mount and $149 transmission mount
Option 3 = $190 Black Forest Industries Stage 1 engine mount and $200 Black Forest Industries Stage 1 transmission mount
Option 4 = $180 BSH engine mount and $190 transmission mount
Reference thread = http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?p=911900#post911900
Feedback = Avoid poly engine mounts on a DD, if you drive decent stay with the stock one (or replace them from time to time) as per The Bruce.
”Track Car” - Motor and Transmission Mounts
Option 1 = $240 034 Motorsport Track Density 60 durometer engine mount and transmission mount
Option 2 = $190 Black Forest Industries Stage 2 engine mount and $200 Black Forest Industries Stage 2 transmission mount
Option 3 = $TBD THS
Option 4 = $TBD VibraTech
”Track Car” - Front Lower Control Arms
Option 1 = $TBD VW Passat Alloy LCA
Option 2 = $TBD Audi TT LCA
Option 3 = $TBD SuperPro 'Supalloy' LCA
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123479&highlight=control+arms
”Track Car” - Front Spindles
Option 1 = $200 Passat alloy spindles pair
Option 2 = $800 H2 Sport spindles pair
”Awesome Daily Driver” - Front End Rear Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $250 Audi TT rubber bushings – part number 8J0 199 231
Option 2 = $150 Audi S3 rubber bushings – part number S3CAK
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140113
Feedback = Polyurethane bushings for daily use can squeak over time and bind where rubber would not bind as per Simmsled. Researched the Audi S3 rubber bushings but the reference thread below said there was no real gain. Also researched the Whiteline WALK kit for the slight camber gain but they may be too stiff for daily driving and I don’t want to risk cracking or wear.
”Track Car” - Front End Rear Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $250 Audi TT rubber bushings – part number 8J0 199 231
Option 2 = $395 H2 Sport Spherical Bearings
Option 3 = $90 Whiteline W53196 Polyurethane Control Arm Bushings
Option 4 = $203 Whiteline KCA316 Polyurethane Anti Lift Caster Kit
Reference thread = http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140113
”Track Car” - Front End Front Position LCA Bushings
Option 1 = $52 Whiteline W0503 Polyurethane LCA Bushings
Option 2 = $TBD SuperPro LCA Bushings
”Track Car” - Rear End Trailing Arm Bushings
Option 1 = $50 Whiteline W0504 Polyurethane trailing arm bushing kit
Option 2 = $250 034 Motorsport spherical bearing upgrade kit
Option 3 = $995 H2 Sport Rear End Bearing Kit
Option 4 = $TBD SuperPro Bushings
Bump Steer
Option 1 = $200 Whiteline bump steer adjustment kit
Feedback = Not recommended as per The Bruce
Steering Rack Bushing
Option 1 = $33 Whiteline W13204 Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing
Chassis Braces
Option 1 = $145 Stern Rear Subframe Brace
Option 2 = $TBD Unibrace UB, XB
Feedback = Stern brace preferred as per The Bruce
Front Subframe
Option 1 = $200 TyrolSport DeadSet Rigid Collar kit in addition to Audi subframe bolts – part number N-908-235-01
Rear Subframe
TyrolSport will be releasing this kit between December and January.
Dogbone
Option 1 = TyrolSport will be releasing a kit to work with the OEM dogbone which will limit the front to back movement between December and January
Option 2 = $149 SPM Pendelum Mount
Option 3 = $140 BSH Pendelum Mount
Other
Of course this is not a complete list so please post other daily or track options with average prices and I’ll add them to the list. I need to finish the shock & strut list as well as a lowering springs list and coilover list.
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