Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Tue 11 Jan 2005 14:59
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - FireHawk2
I've recently aquired a '97 Golf Mk3 GTi 8v (Asthmatic version) and am considering upgrading it. I want to fit a lowering kit to improve handling (not to look better) but there are so many on the market at different prices I have no idea which one!?

I also have the same problem with choosing an performance air filter - Any recommendations?

Also, I have worn my tyres dangerously low (Although it's a lot of fun in the wet now), What suits a Mk3 Golf Gti performance-wise, but not scrubbs off too quickly?

Any help will be appreciated :)
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2005 15:43
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - Truckosaurus
I have been very pleased with the Eibach spring and damper combo fitted to my Saab. It seems to have a good balance between ride and handling.

I'd not worry about the air filter, you'd not gain many extra horses.

Tyres. The Goodyear F1-DS3's are meant to be the current 'top pick', if the budget doesn't stretch that fair, I've had success with Toyo Proxes.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 12 Jan 2005 11:41
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - arnold2
Forget lowering the suspension - the resultant 'boy racer' look will result in a car worth £0000.00 when you sell it again. Might be wothwhile looking at Koni shocks. Amd technic - www.auto-amd.com/mk38.asp, have some re-chipping options. Iridium plugs - www.sparkplugs.co.uk, provide increased performance.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 12 Jan 2005 19:10
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - FireHawk2
Thank you both for your advise, between you you are discouraging me to do either with my Gti lol!

Does lowering it make it handle better? Or is it the damping? I suspect a combination of the two! I should know, as I did Car Design at uni!

Has anyone got a Gti 3 and done anything similar to it?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 13 Jan 2005 17:06
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - 3T
Don't touch it!
Had a 96 Gti which had been lowered and it absolutely ruined the ride quality. Was perfect when 'pressing on' but I felt like a right plank being bounced all over the place on the way to Tescos with the mrs. Made the car tricky to sell on as looked like a proper teenagers car. Never mind, we live and learn!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 13 Jan 2005 21:33
Help on upgrading Mk3 Golf GTi - Kevin
The folks here are trying to discourage you because:

1) Simply lowering it will do the exact opposite of what you are trying to achieve. It will adversly affect both the ride quality and handling.

2) Resale value will plummet.

3) 'Performance' air filters are a waste of money on standard roadgoing engines.

4) People will laugh at you.

5) You'd be surprised how much a good set of tyres plus, possibly, new dampers and bushes will transform what you've got at the moment.

Kevin...
Reply | Report as offensive | Link