I've been poking around trying to find a set of coils that would lower the car, but retain factory ride specs. Ultimately, this is naturally impossible, but one can get close.

This all got me thinking, back in my highschool days with all my friends, we used to jack up the cars, compress the springs, cut out the spring isolators, get the car on an alignment rack, and call it a day. In all reality, we did this because we didn't have the cash for new springs, not retain the factory ride. But in doing so, we did retain the factory ride.

Would doing this be a problem for the TT? I'm not looking to gain in handling, more in asthetics while keeping the factory spring rate. Am I out to lunch with this idea?

 

I did H&R springs--dropped the car about 2" and kept the factory ride (save for the performance gain of it being lowered). Oh, and I bumped out the OEM wheels 14mm in the rear and 7mm in the front. That helped with both aesthetics and handling.

 

My GMG springs improved ride on both suspension settings, only dropped 20mm. The harshness of the stock setup was crazy in the sport setting, I never used it. Now I use the stiffer setting all the time unless my wife is in the car.

 

did you use hub spacers or something else?

 

just use lowering springs if budget is an issue. I went with Bilstein coilovers but they cost considerably more than lowering springs. I also installed spacers. 7mm in the front and 15mm in the rear. Used H&R spacers with matching longer bolts.

 

You can go with H&R or GMG springs and call it a day. The ride quality will probably stay the same. I initially went with Cargraphic springs and later switched to coils. I didn't like the cars handling characteristics with just the lower springs.

 

I have Champion springs now... originally got my moton CS stolen, now i got a cheap replacement from Dan, the JIC cross... you may want to contact him, he is wants to sell a set currently on his ride...

 

Yup, spacers. I think they were H&R as well, but not sure. IHMO, 14mm rear, 7mm front is the way to go.

 

I appreciate all the replies, but none really addressed my question. Is there a mechanical reason not to cut out the spring isolators?

 

Are you referring to the rubber isolator on the top portion of the spring? Thats what comes to mind when you say spring isolator. I would figure the harshness and noise you would get from playing with those would be a no no.

You want to retain ride qualities of a stock turbo but drop the car, simply get a set of coil overs and a custom spring rate on par with stock.

But IMO the stock rides so freaking bad I would not throw $$ at it to keep it the same but just lower.

 

Like gmoney said, are you referring to the rubber at the top of the spring? I would NOT recommend cutting that at all.

If you're pretty handy with tools, I'd simply go with a set of H&R lowering springs. I think that will provide you with the ride quality you're looking for, but won't compromise any of the existing components. They will cost you a couple hundred $$ and if you're mechanically inclined (which it seems you are), you can do the install yourself.

If you really want the ultimate control over the ride, I'd go with a set of KW V3 coilovers. You'll be able to lower the car to your desired height, and have independent control over compression and rebound settings on the shocks. Sure, they'll still be a little stiffer then stock, but like some have said, the factory 997TT ride quality does leave a little to be desired.

If you need some prices or info, feel free to let me know. I'd be happy to help you out.