Golf mk2 set up

[Lennard]

Hi, I was recommended to post here from my previous thread in the suspension forums. I really hope you guys can give me some advice!


[quote=me]This is my first track day project and as 19 year old student, as you would expect, funds are kinda tight! I have a golf mk2 8v gti, the car currently has koni adjustable suspension with a -30mm drop.

But I have been told that I need stiffer springs in order to really corner well? Also what should I be looking for? I had the figure of 350 lb/s thrown at me... but I assume that front and back would be set up for different tolerances due to the engine weight for example? And are there any recommended brands?

Also could anyone recommend a place where I can purchase these items as well?

Thanks![/quote]

[quote=me]Just joined the forums! I am currently in the process of setting up my first track day car and I need some advice setting it up:

Bit of a progress log although a little old! Much like my gti :D I have some more photos to add but I haven't gotten round to it.

www.wellcheap.com/gallery/Golf-restoration-racer-project

I have brought (all second hand):

Cobra bucket seat
Urethane bush kit
Sparco Steering wheel
Kent cams
Kent vernier pulley
Koni adjustable suspension (-30mm drop)
Big valve head

I have also located 2.0 block from a mk3 golf gti and some 256mm 16v brake set up with all the necessary parts to upgrade my my pants stoppers, along with a 22mm master cylinder. I was thinking about fitting twin 40mm carbs on a crossflow cylinder head (which instead of pointing the carbs toward the back of the engine over the exhaust manifold, has them angled straight at the cars front grill)

What else would you guys recommend for a track day car and where can I purchase it?[/quote]

[Lennard]

Oh I ment to ask as well!?:

How would you advise I set up my wheels/tyres for dry and wet?

At the moment I have two sets of 16" wheels which are 7" and 7.5" wide with yokoharma tyres although I forget which model.

I have also seen some alloys on the german ebay site for sale which are ET15 9x13" that i figured I could put slicks on for dry days!

[iguana]

Lennard said:

Oh I ment to ask as well!?:

Hi- answered your other question on the vw forum, ref this one- most popular wheel size on track Mk1 & 2 Golfs is 15inch as not only about the best ride compramise, but also tyres are cheap & easy to come across for both road & sticky tyres & slicks, also spare sets of wheels are easy to come across. 16inch not that aweful but stuff not as plentiful or cheap in my experience

For wet you want some nice skinny wheels & tyres with deep tread, stock GTi 14 inch 6j will fit nicely with 185/60/14 tho 195/50/15 on 6 or 6.5j are not too bad, tho skinnyest is best & obviously soften up your damping for the wet.


ref 13inch dunno if you'll fit 256mm brakes under 13s & feck me 9j is wide- you gunna run rallye arches?

ps I dont advice slicks for a track day novice & they also rip the car apart unless you've built it for 'em!

[GVK]

You won't fit 13s with 256mm brakes.

I'm suprised Iguana hasn't told you how he bought a WHOLE SET of 185/60x14 A539s..

< sobs >

>> Edited by GVK on Saturday 3rd September 20:41

[Jay GTi]

Lennard said:

But I have been told that I need stiffer springs in order to really corner well? Also what should I be looking for? I had the figure of 350 lb/s thrown at me... but I assume that front and back would be set up for different tolerances due to the engine weight for example? And are there any recommended brands? Also could anyone recommend a place where I can purchase these items as well? Thanks!

Surely your Koni suspension kit came with stiffer springs as standard? Especially as the car is lowered by 30mm, which is usually achieved by running shorter (and uprated) springs.

Having said that, the springs you have on may still not be stiff enough for the track, in which case Eibach seem to produce some good quality springs, I know a few track 205s that use these with Bilstein dampers to good effect, have a look at what they offer.

I agree with running 15in. wheels if you can, the Golf isn't a heavy car but you will still go through tyres and 195/15/50s are usually the cheapest size available (any savings help if you're track-daying on a budget).

[fergus]

unless you go to coil overs and can run 2.25 inch springs, be careful when selecting springs. Most non 2.25" springs are rising rate and not linear. You don't need to run massive poundage on your springs if your damping is good and you have good body roll control. A compliant car is often faster than one which is rock solid and very nervous.

If you end up with adjustable platform dampers, make sure you set the ride hights up correctly, otherwise you may inadvertantly end up dialling understeer into the car - which isn't ideal! Typically the front will ride a tad higher than the rear, so that under braking the geo isn't affected too adversely. Try a number of setups and settle on one which gives you confidence in the car.