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Refreshing suspension and future maintenance

sol_j

Active Member
Aug 16, 2024
9
2
Hey, I need some advice on what to do.

Now that the major mechanical servicing is done, I’m planning to update the suspension next year after tackling the timing belt. If anyone has recommendations for the best brand kit, or knows of any ancillary parts to replace along with the belt—like the aux belt, stretch bolts, etc.—let me know.

Currently, I have JOM coilovers, which are budget from my research and not the most comfortable to daily, so I’m looking to switch back to OEM suspension for comfort—the roads here aren’t the best, and I’m nearly scraping the car on each bump. I’m considering Bilstein B4 shocks (around £200 for a set) with LCR springs to keep it slightly lowered but still OEM. If that doesn’t work, I could go with OEM/B3 springs instead. Anyone know if LCR springs will fit my Cupra? I have the 180 BHP 20VT model.

TIA!
 

Dazzalcr

Active Member
Aug 10, 2019
297
278
Lancashire
Hi mate, timing belt kit I've always used the gates kit think it's a well used and trusted kit.

Suspension wise I'm using fk shocks with h&h 20 mm springs and it's a much nicer ride comfort wise over standard Suspension mine is a lcr, I was going to go bilstein route but these have been great the best person yo speak to would be @DamianPM he sorted me out and others on here, I'm sure he will be able to sort this for you.
 
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sol_j

Active Member
Aug 16, 2024
9
2
Hi mate, timing belt kit I've always used the gates kit think it's a well used and trusted kit.

Suspension wise I'm using fk shocks with h&h 20 mm springs and it's a much nicer ride comfort wise over standard Suspension mine is a lcr, I was going to go bilstein route but these have been great the best person yo speak to would be @DamianPM he sorted me out and others on here, I'm sure he will be able to sort this for you.
Nice one. Never really heard of fk. So you got them from damian? How much should I expect to pay for a whole set? Thanks very much for the help. At the moment I have an ina timing belt kit and gates. The difference is about £45 on eBay, I’ll be getting either from parts in motion when I do so. Is there anything else recommended to change while doing so with the timing belt? Also, when I got the tie rods done, i was advised to eventually do bushings etc. I found this kit, would it be fine? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18458394...2XVnQv_R2q&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY if not any other recommendations? Also with the suspension what other items would I need to get to do as well as the shocks and springs?
 
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Dazzalcr

Active Member
Aug 10, 2019
297
278
Lancashire
Hi well fk automotive as they go by are lower value offering from kw suspension which are very good, ive had no issue with my set up made a difference never going to get perfect. I replaced all the suspension mounts with original rubber mounts as aftermarket 1s can lower car by 10mm which on these cars can be difference getting over a bump lol.

I upgraded all my wish bones to psb bushes great value and come with lifetime warranty on them. Depending on suspension you choose you may need shorter or adjustable droplinks( again damein will advise on this with what you want to achieve)

With regards to the timing kit gates is very well used, some people sometimes advise to change oil pick up pump and pipe whilst all that's being done, ive not but maybe next time.

The only other thing to complement the suspension and it does help massive would a rear whitelines anti roll bar, upgrade the front anti roll bar and engine strut brace.
 

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sol_j

Active Member
Aug 16, 2024
9
2
Hi well fk automotive as they go by are lower value offering from kw suspension which are very good, ive had no issue with my set up made a difference never going to get perfect. I replaced all the suspension mounts with original rubber mounts as aftermarket 1s can lower car by 10mm which on these cars can be difference getting over a bump lol.

I upgraded all my wish bones to psb bushes great value and come with lifetime warranty on them. Depending on suspension you choose you may need shorter or adjustable droplinks( again damein will advise on this with what you want to achieve)

With regards to the timing kit gates is very well used, some people sometimes advise to change oil pick up pump and pipe whilst all that's being done, ive not but maybe next time.

The only other thing to complement the suspension and it does help massive would a rear whitelines anti roll bar, upgrade the front anti roll bar and engine strut brace.
Nice one! Tbh I want to keep it with decent price to performance and an oem plus feel as right now it can get harsh. It’s mainly stock except for Audi s sline wheels and the Jom coilovers (previous owners) I’ve refreshed many bits including various interior bits and mechanical stuff. I want to still keep solid handling and maybe a similar stance but still be comfy for daily driving. Thanks for all the info. I think I’ll be doing this after the timing belt change. Stuff like head bolts is not needed right? Also do you have any recommendations for specialists that do the timing belt service for a reasonable price?
 

Dazzalcr

Active Member
Aug 10, 2019
297
278
Lancashire
Yeah the suspension and all what I kind of suggested will make a difference but won't be a harsh ride like being on track but with comfort lol,
It takes time pal I've owned mine for just over 10 yrs but it sounds like your on it by the sounds of it. I don't intend to get rid of mine like many on here, some very knowledgeable guys on here, if you ever need 2nd hand parts like strut brace or roll bars and what not then @Thai-wronghorse is a good bet a d the vag yard on Facebook.
Timing belt specialists I don't know any, I use my trusted local garage who I know, I wouldn't say you need a specialists just a good garage should be able to do and won't over charge you.
 

sol_j

Active Member
Aug 16, 2024
9
2
Nice one! Yeah this is my first car I’ve owned after sharing the family one. Thai wrong horse has come in clutch for me,loads of advice/ help and got a lot of parts from him on eBay. Yeah I was thinking of also going to my local mechanic too and makes sense to save some money too. I’ve made an excel doc on everything I’ve done which makes me wince at the price but goes away once I drive the car lol
 
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