Mk1 Factory Ride Heights

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

Hi All,
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I’ve searched all over the forum and Google this afternoon and can’t find the answer, so please don’t jump down my throat if I am treading on old ground!
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What were the standard ride heights for UK MK1’s?  I understand that somewhere in the mid 90’s it changed.
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Reason I ask is that I have a 97 Mk1 Dakar.  Totally standard as far as I can tell.  Height at the rear is 36mm and front is 35mm.
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I have had the geometry adjusted properly and made a massive difference but I think the ride looks too high and the car still has a tendency to under steer a bit with a bit of roll, especially noticeable on my last track day.
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I don’t want to lower the car too much due to the ride quality as I read Eibachs can be a bit harsh for some.  I read that the early Mk1 springs were shorter so I was thinking of these as a suitable option?
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Car is best part of 12 years and 72K old.  The shock boots are torn but the shocks are not leaking (not picked up at my last {rather strict} MOT).  Springs do not appear to be broken from what I can see of them.  I get the odd knock and diving under braking as well.  Bushes “seem” OK although probably they will be next on the list.
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I just want to get a bit more out of a car that is used as a leisure car and a couple of track days a year.   Am I just getting “forum blindness” and talking myself into something way more than I need or would a fresh set of new standard springs and half decent shocks be a good start to seeing an improvement?

 

3

 Hi,
I’m having exactly the same thoughts (1996 1.8S 128k miles).  I’ve got these figures for standard ride height (centre of wheel to arch):-can’t remember where from.

Front   328-377mm (Mine 345)       Front to rear difference 10-30mm

Rear   346-395mm  (Mine 370)      Side to side 10mm

I too heard that earlier cars had shorter springs, but despite a lot of searching I cannot find any figures to support this. They do have different part numbers, year to year, so it may be true.
I’ve decided to go down the suspension kit route, so that I know the shocks and springs are matched, with a view to lowering the car by 30mm.  Just fitting shorter springs reduces supension travel.  As to which kit to buy…
Pete

4

IIRC

The early cars were lowest, they were then raised a little and then the 96 cars were raised again (to do with crash regs)

 Having tried MANY types I agree that most aftermarket kits are too low and crashy.

Best compromise for a road car is decent std shocks and Autolink or MX5 Parts Trim springs.

You should then be around 13" front 13.5" rear.

 Personally I fit Mk2 suspension and cut down the springs (they are cut ends as std) it is excellent for a comfortable road car.

 

5

Hi,

When you say standard shocks are you talking about something like Monroes ?

Ade

6

Yes, something along those lines. 

7

 Eibachs & Koni Sports adjustable are a reasonable combination - and you’ve not felt “harsh” until you experienced Bilstein shocks!