Leon 1.6 suspension

[LeonTheAssassin]

Hi all, put 18's on a 1.6 Ref today, now looks like a 4x4. The ET on the 18's is 33 so that's not helping as they stick out a little too far. Can someone please tell me what the ideal ET is and how much drop I'll need from the standard ride height. I've dropped a few Golfs before and had issues with the roll bar droplinks, so dont want 60-80mm drops. Would springs from a Ref Sport or similer do the trick, or is it £150 of Eibach kit that I'll need?
Cheers
LTA

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

If depends on the width of the alloys. go to rimstyle website to find out the right offset for your car. from what i've seen your offset for your 18's are way off.
As for a sensible ride height drop, lowering by about 35mm should be enough. Any lower and you'll need to do minor wheel arch liner modding. I'm having to do this to mine.

 

[noktoto]

Isn't ET 33 too low for 1P?

 

[RobH]

I thought et45 was about right however someone on here has et42 i think dont think you can go much lower than that.

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

yeah ET 42-50 are ok i believe on 8" wide wheels. but yes ET33 is definitely too low.

 

[LeonTheAssassin]

Thanks all

Many thanks for the info, I had the ET33 wheels in the garage so thought I'd give them a go. I usually only mess about with the older stuff, Leons seem to share a lot with MK5 Golfs, most of my experience has been with Mk4's
It seems that most people on the forum suggest Eibach springs, always gone for KW or H&R myself, but some manufacturers suit better than others. I've also used Koni kits and Apex, but really want a "plush" ride until the engine mods are done. Can anyone suggest a set of springs that work well with the standard dampers and drop by 20-30mm

Cheers
LTA

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

Try eibach proline springs, they are about a 25mm drop. eibach sportline springs are 35mm drop. Both will work fine with standard dampers and should actually improve the ride.

 

[LeonTheAssassin]

Suspension etc

Hi all, I've now got a choice of two sets of wheels! Got some SEAT Sport BBS 5 spokes in black, and some Cupra multispokes, you gotta love eBay. I'll decide which ones to use when I've put the Eibach springs on. Managed to get some new Proline springs off eBay for £90 delivered. They're a Mk5 Golf fitment so the spring weight will be off 50Kg or so, but then I'm 16 stone so may need the extra allowance!!

Cheers

 

[leon_lib]

i got some apex springs that drop 40mm off ebay £80 delivered from germany, haven't had them fit yet but heard they are good springs.

 

[LeonTheAssassin]

Suspension

I saw the auction, but not an auction, for 1.6 Apex springs @£85 delivered. I think they're a Dutch company and get good reviews. Most places charge £120 for them, still not a bad price. I've gone with Eibach for now, used them before and never let me down.

 

[leon_lib]

i were going for the eibach but i were short of cash and went for the cheaper option, what other mods have you done?

 

[LeonTheAssassin]

Suspension etc

Not done too much to it as yet, having to use the car for school runs etc. Once I get it in the garage the plans are for

Cupra wheels, Eibach Pro springs, FR body kit, rear window tint. FR interior, MFD2 SatNav, Cupra grille and pillar covers.

Just a few little mods for now, will take it off the road in 2010 for engine transplant, brake and suspension mods depending on the engine I go with, heart set on a 3.2 from a MK5 golf if I can get one.

 

[leon_lib]

Not done too much to it as yet, having to use the car for school runs etc. Once I get it in the garage the plans are for

Cupra wheels, Eibach Pro springs, FR body kit, rear window tint. FR interior, MFD2 SatNav, Cupra grille and pillar covers.

Just a few little mods for now, will take it off the road in 2010 for engine transplant, brake and suspension mods depending on the engine I go with, heart set on a 3.2 from a MK5 golf if I can get one.

Sounds good, iv got exhaust system,lower it 40mm, panel filter, cupra grill, tints and map it. Then save up for jap imported civic type r.