Refreshing suspension and future maintenance

[sol_j]

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]

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.

 

[sol_j]

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?

 

[Dazzalcr]

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.

 

[sol_j]

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]

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]

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

 

[paradyne]

If you’re unsure of when water pump last changed then would be tempted to add that to your list while sorting timing belt.

I recently had rear shocks replaced, albeit with whatever TPS supplied to my garage, and it certainly helped improve the ride quality on the local buggered roads.

 

[Dazzalcr]

Yeah as said takes time and money to build what ever build your trying to achieve but like you said these cars put a smile on ya face for sure soon as you jump in they look great for the age. But enjoy your build pal and enjthe car more.

 

[Battoussai]

If you’re unsure of when water pump last changed then would be tempted to add that to your list while sorting timing belt.

I recently had rear shocks replaced, albeit with whatever TPS supplied to my garage, and it certainly helped improve the ride quality on the local buggered roads.

Hi, INA timing kit here with no issues. My local mech is a pretty professional guy and he always advise INA stuff at least. The above tip to also change the water pump it is a must do!

Keep it rolling.

 

[sol_j]

Hi, INA timing kit here with no issues. My local mech is a pretty professional guy and he always advise INA stuff at least. The above tip to also change the water pump it is a must do!

Keep it rolling.

Yeah I’m going for the kits that have the water pump included. The ina one for my car is about £95 and gates one about £130

 

[Thai-wronghorse]

I noticed the bat signal was shone for me

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[sol_j]

Yeah as said takes time and money to build what ever build your trying to achieve but like you said these cars put a smile on ya face for sure soon as you jump in they look great for the age. But enjoy your build pal and enjthe car more.

One more question- I’m replacing the gear shift knob and I wanted to ask if something like wd40 white lithium grease spray would be fine to use on the gear linkage. (I want it to feel a bit more smoother(?) on the gear changes.) if not do you have any other recommendations?

 

[Thai-wronghorse]

One more question- I’m replacing the gear shift knob and I wanted to ask if something like wd40 white lithium grease spray would be fine to use on the gear linkage. (I want it to feel a bit more smoother(?) on the gear changes.) if not do you have any other recommendations?

Check the condition of the bushes on the end of the gearshift cables at the gearbox end.
They can be perished as they're only soft rubber.
A linkage reset can also work wonders.

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[Alexis27]

I found this tightened things up. Cut out a horseshoe shape out of a credit card and wedge it behind this clip to the right of the gearstick.

And yes, you can use white lithium grease on the mechanism under the bonnet.