B5.5 Suspension Questions

[B4passatglx]

Almost Tax return time, I am spending mine on the suspension in my B5.5 1.8t. After driving to NH through the twisty roads of VT I came to the conclusion that the stock Passat handles great for a stock sedan, but definatly I am not confident with tossing it into corners. This car has a lot of body roll. I am looking to really get this thing to handle more like my B4 Passat or even better. Heres what I am looking at.

Coilovers a must. Looking at Weitec and Koni. I am leaning towards Weitec because I have their 60/40 cup kit on my B4 passat. I really wish I got the coilovers with the B4 passat but at the time money was tight. Any suggestions?

Considering sway bars, How do these help cornering?

[lotar_6]

Dave and John down here in Ithaca both know the suspension options for the B5 pretty well. Dave did a rear sway and kept the front stock... I think. Voglandt might be another good option, but I don't know what pricing is for the B5's. Have you done the front control arms yet? You might need it and it would be a good oportunity to get it done.

I've helped Pete (Ithaca Pete) and Dave do B5 suspension work and could lend a hand if I can find the time. If you know you're gonna be in I-town and have your parts... LMK ahead of time and I'll try to help. Or, do some DIY research and give it a go... it's not that hard! GL, Ryan!

[20vB5er]

Check out passatworld's classified. they usually have some decently good deals. my brother picked up brand new eibach coils for less than 750 shipped from there.

as far as the rear sway is concerned, i'm going to get one whenever i end up doing something to my car. i want it so when i autocross the car will rotate better than with just coils.

[crew219]

Koni coils are not rear adjustable IIRC. Also, the adjustable valving requires that both shocks be completely removed from the car (front spring decompressed and removed) in order to adjust dampening.

I've heard of a few people blowing out the front weitec shocks . . . . also a few members mysteriously posted their kits for sale with ~2k miles on them.

The Eibach Pro-street S coilover has been on clearance for the B5 for awhile . . . and you may be able to find a new set going for ~ $650. Beware though . . . they do not lower more than 2".

Most people seem to have the best results with KW V1s or Bilstein PSS9s. I'd also look at Vogtland. Their products are newer to the US market than the forementioned, but the Vogtland coilover is quickly becoming the most popular driver's suspension for the B-chassis over on Audiworld. I'm running vogtlands also.

http://www.purems.com/products/product.php/II=945

Dave

[RichB]

Dvae, do you mean the rear Koni coilovers are not hieght or damping adjustable?

The Koni sports on my passat (with european VW 1be sport springs) are rebound damping adjustable... I did some iniital research on where to set the rebound damping, set them then installed em.... never messed with them since as I have been very happy with the set-up.

I have nothing else to add reccomendation wise... Dave's very knowledgable on the B5 B5.5 stuff.

My set-up does not lower much, but the srpings are firmer and combined with the Koni's, body roll is very well controlled. In addtion, even with the summer wheels one the car (17" S4 wheels with good bridgestone rubber) I can take about any train crossing at speed (becuase I have a good deal of suspension travel).

One last thought..... which you are probably already aware of: tires, tires, tires... Some good wide profile (225) sticky tires will help a long way i taking advantage of whatever suspesnion you put on the car.

[crew219]

Dvae, do you mean the rear Koni coilovers are not hieght or damping adjustable?

Height

Dave

[b5crazy]

Be aware that some suspension changes on the Passat end up chewing through a lot tires. The result being several people have gone to the CPP adjustable control arms since the suspension is difficult to adjust.

On my '99 B5 I had Bilstein sport shocks and Neuspeed sport sport springs. The handling was great and the drop was just about right, Two fingers between tire and fender. However, the inner tire wear was noticeable.

A lot of people on PW have used the Neuspeed rear sway bar and recently some members are using the SRS sway bar.