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It hangs about an inch below the rear LCA. It's still a good 8" above the ground. My front mud flaps hang lower and don't catch on much, plus the car has a slight rake - so if the adjusters are going to contact anything, I'm gonna need a new front bumper
Quick update - the top hats are coming out this coming weekend. I had gotten them because of the increased negative camber, and as far as handling goes, the car is on rails. But from an NVH standpoint, I can't stand them. The car clunks over expansion joints and just sounds cheap. I've ordered these:
Basically, you remove the metal washer from the OEM top hat and slide in the new "washer", which has an offset strut mounting hole, which gives the car -.8* of added camber. It's not as much as the SuperPro top hats added (-1.4*), but since this retains the stock top hat bushings, it should be nearly stock in terms of NVH.
This exercise sucks because VW loves their stupid torque to yield bolts, so everything that I replaced when I did the suspension a month ago will need to be replaced again But I'll also be using this time to install the subframe deadset kit along with the rear camber arms, and then it's off to get an alignment at the start of next week.
Also - I'll probably be selling the Pretorias soon
No. I'm actually going the inexpensive route, and one that may not be very popular. I'm getting 17s
The wheels are under $200 each, so if one bends, it's no big deal to replace it. And tires are about $400 less for the set compared to a 19". Down sizing the wheels adds to the overall comfort of the car, which is my goal. I love a lowered car, but - in most cases - I hate the ride. Another benefit is weight. The wheels I'm looking at are 17lbs, and the tires are 22lbs. However, that's not happening right away. I'm waiting until until July 4th to see if there are any sales I can jump on.
In the meantime, I've ordered new struts. I wanted to replace them eventually, but since I'm replacing most of the torque to yield bolts now, I might as well do it all in one shot. I opted for some Bilstein B6s - they're intended to be used with lowering springs and they retain DCC. Pricey ($1300 for just the struts), but supposedly worth it. I'm hoping they get here by the weekend, if not, I'll be working late nights next week to get them in before taking a road trip Wednesday.
No. I'm actually going the inexpensive route, and one that may not be very popular. I'm getting 17s
The wheels are under $200 each, so if one bends, it's no big deal to replace it. And tires are about $400 less for the set compared to a 19". Down sizing the wheels adds to the overall comfort of the car, which is my goal. I love a lowered car, but - in most cases - I hate the ride. Another benefit is weight. The wheels I'm looking at are 17lbs, and the tires are 22lbs. However, that's not happening right away. I'm waiting until until July 4th to see if there are any sales I can jump on.
In the meantime, I've ordered new struts. I wanted to replace them eventually, but since I'm replacing most of the torque to yield bolts now, I might as well do it all in one shot. I opted for some Bilstein B6s - they're intended to be used with lowering springs and they retain DCC. Pricey ($1300 for just the struts), but supposedly worth it. I'm hoping they get here by the weekend, if not, I'll be working late nights next week to get them in before taking a road trip Wednesday.
I have 17's and Conti's on my A3. rides beautiful.
J was probably closest since the wheels I'm going with are under the same ownership as American Racing
I plan on getting Motegi MR131 Traklites. They're 17x8 +40. I'll also be running either a 235/45 or 245/45 tire - one spins 5 revolutions per mile less then stock while the other spins 6revs/mile more, so the difference is negligible.I'm inclined to run the 245s, but I plan on getting Michelin Pilot Sport 4S', and I'm not sure how true to size they are.
But yeah, they're 17.6lbs and the tires are 22lbs. That's only 2lbs per corner less then the Pretorias on there now, but the comfort and (hopefully) better pothole resistance is appealing.
This is what they look like (not my car):
They barely clear the R front brakes, and the wheel weight needs to be placed towards the center or rear of the barrel, not towards the face - otherwise it'll hit the calipers. It's a tight fit for sure, but I love the meaty tire look.
Your tires are really gonna be heavier than your rims
That's a pretty wheel! I was kinda apprehensive about you going that small but I think it works with a simple 5-spoke design like that. It's got a nice no-bullshit look with the blank rotors.
The height is about the same, maybe. Hard to tell due to the different tire profiles, but I'll tweak the height once everything is mounted to get it right.
Remind me of AP1 wheels...lightweight AF.
Nice, man...don't sell the other wheels just yet in case you hate how it looks.
Nah, fuck it - full send. Once I wash the car (after installing the suspension upgrades), I'm going to take some pics of the Prets and list them on Facebook. I've already sold the spare wheel for $300, so I'm only in the Prets for $650 right now. I should be able to come out ahead on them. I still have the stock Englishtowns too, so it's not like I won't have a backup. I may try to source some paint to touch up those scratches first though.
Speaking of the suspension parts, the new top mount inserts and struts are going to be delivered tomorrow. I'm still waiting on. The bolts to come in at the dealership. Really hoping they have them by Friday.
Last edited by civicdrivr; Jun 19, 2019 at 12:00 AM.
But I'll also be using this time to install the subframe deadset kit along with the rear camber arms, and then it's off to get an alignment at the start of next week.
Volks inbound
