My 1.8 has multi link rear suspension (I think). Just wondered if the GTI stock springs sit lower than the stock Leon FR, and if they are compatible, basically saving me getting new lowering springs for the Leon!I'm not sure this will work the Leon FR has the rigid transaxle rear suspension setup and the Golf GTi is all round independant. The FR suspension is already hard and bumpy ?!
Yeah I'm trying to avoid shelling out on a set of coilovers or even just some new springs. Just seems a waste that I have a perfectly good set of GTI springs lying around (cba to sell atm). I don't know if a GTI is 'lower' than a Leon, but I guess there are too many variables to factor in. Been trying to research but not sure I can come to a conclusion short of trying to fit them and see, but I don't know if I can be bothered in case they don't make any difference or don't fit!I believe you are correct the 1.4 and 1.5 FR are transaxle and the 1.8 is independant rear suspension. I have a 1.5 FR and the ride is pretty awful. I have done some research and am thinking of Koni shocks.
We have a 1.8 FR and a 1.5 ST and the 1.8 with the indy rear suspension is def more composed over big bumps and uneven surfaces. Tyres are important- a lot of OEM tyres are set up for rolling resistance to get the best results on the WLTP test. We swapped out the tyres on the 1.5 for some Dunlops and it made the car ride much better.Yeah I'm trying to avoid shelling out on a set of coilovers or even just some new springs. Just seems a waste that I have a perfectly good set of GTI springs lying around (cba to sell atm). I don't know if a GTI is 'lower' than a Leon, but I guess there are too many variables to factor in. Been trying to research but not sure I can come to a conclusion short of trying to fit them and see, but I don't know if I can be bothered in case they don't make any difference or don't fit!
What do you find bad about your ride? The ride on the 1.8 is mostly fine. I don't like how much body roll there is so looking at upgrading the anti roll bars. But just want the car sitting a bit lower really!
Oh man, yes I've had two mk7 GTIs (RIP both). All round, the perfect car tbh. It's more refined than a Cupra (which is either a good or a bad thing for some), it's practical, handles fantastically, just really well balanced. I could not fault a single thing about the GTI tbh. Definitely agree that the Mk7/7.5 is peak Golf GTI. However I actually find the Leon actually looks better, imo, the full LED light package is pretty stunning.We have a 1.8 FR and a 1.5 ST and the 1.8 with the indy rear suspension is def more composed over big bumps and uneven surfaces. Tyres are important- a lot of OEM tyres are set up for rolling resistance to get the best results on the WLTP test. We swapped out the tyres on the 1.5 for some Dunlops and it made the car ride much better.
Regarding the springs, sorry no idea. Wouldn’t have thought there’s more than 10mm in it even if the GTI is lower at all. Take a spring off one corner and have a look to see if they’re similar enough to swap?
Did you have a mk7 GTI? If so, how does your Leon compare to it? Was a toss up between a good 1.8 FR and a scabby GTI mk7. Love my Leon but the Mk7 GTI is a highpoint in the Golf’s history imo.
There are many - 20 or 30 from my last count of spring part numbers depending on your PR code for the Leon. These will all vary on length and stiffness depending on the spec of the car and the axle weights.
I doubt there’s much in it, as they both use the EA888 engine.My brain tells me a 2.0l gti will have a heavier engine than a 1.8l fr so will sit nose up with the GTI springs
This is a good point. I considered weight differences but not specifically at one endMy brain tells me a 2.0l gti will have a heavier engine than a 1.8l fr so will sit nose up with the GTI springs
Maybe I won't know if it'll sit lower unless I fit them... I think I just assumed the GTI springs would be lower than the Leon'sI doubt there’s much in it, as they both use the EA888 engine.
The Golf’s extra weight, 1350kg listed, will come from more sound deadening and other minor changes.
1.8 tsi FR’s weight is 1310kg for the 5 door.
40 kg is not much difference, so it the springs fit, you would imagine they would work fine.
Here's my super (un)scientific comparison of my Leon and a Golf 7, both on 19 inch wheels. Maybe the Golf's a little lower, but it's not exactly night and day.