@xXDavidCXx , I was able to find and dig into many of your posts on this GTI suspension "journey". Thanks for all the feedback you've given folks like me.
I was looking for more actual user experience on the KONI SA's, in particular, mainly as a comparison against the Bilstein B6 as a fist step upgrade over the OEM shocks. I am definitely in search of a more sporting option over stock dampers, something that brings more control and response when being pushed in fast road conditions (lots of mountain backgroad driving). For example, if the both the SA and the B6 are a step up, handling-wise over OEM (which they are), I would want to choose the the firmer/sportier shock over the the one that may be more comfortable. I understand that many consider firmer to be "harsher", and am fine with that, but I'd like to avoid "harsh-ness" in a non-track oriented car, at this point, if that makes any sense.
Better composure at speed, over stock, is my first goal.
- Wheels and tires coming first.
- Evaluate RSB next.
- Then pull the trigger on a shock upgrade, if warranted.
The car is new. I love being back into GTI's. But, this personalization will be a process, I get it. I am leaning on those who've been there for your experiences. Thanks.
- Bob
The Konis are a better street shock than OEM, because of the valving and the ability to blow off harsh bumps, and still provide OEM levels of low speed rebound which is where suspension "action" happens.
I never raced on them, but they don't have enough rebound to really control body roll.
Also, firmer does not equal better or faster.
I think you need to answer the following questions before you purchase anything.
What about the shock shocks do you not like, exactly?
-- Is it to much bump/rebound or too little bump/rebound, and at what point during the turn is this an issue?
More control and response could just be had with stiffer springs and maybe swaybars, but then with more spring forces the need for more rebound control increases.
Case in point.
Right now I'm running a mixed setup before the autocross season starts.
Koni Special Actives up front on OEM springs, and I've had both the Ohlins rear shock and OEM rear shock with 400 in/lb springs on the rear.
The Ohlins have the correct amount of rebound control, the OEMs do not, but even on the OEM shocks the rear just bounces a few more times over large undulations or bumps than the Ohlins did.
Just raising the rear rate made for a much better ride, even better with the correct shock.
Also, harshness is often the shock not blowing off high speed movement (bumps and dips). The Koni's and Ohlins have this feature which is why they are more comfortable, but don't necessarily lack performance.
You have a few choices, get a cheap shock and deal with a not-great daily experience, but an okay performance experience. Or, get the Koni SA and have a great daily experience, but an okay performance experience. Or, get a high end shock that is adjustable and has a high speed blow off feature and get both, but for more money.
So to recap, springs are what limit body roll and provide quicker response, and if you read my other threads, also determine the ride frequency which is connected to performance, and comfort in my opinion.
Shocks are a timing device for how long the car takes to achieve N-degrees of body roll, and can help with a quick response if stiffened appropriately. And also contribute to ride quality depending on the valving and features.