The BEST way to make your Mk7 Golf GTD + GTI FASTER (Forget Remaps!)

***THE BBS WHEELS ARE NOW SOLD - THANKS RUSS FROM BASINGSTOKE! ***
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In this video I fit some uprated Bilstein B6 dampers to my high mileage Mk7.5 Golf GTD Estate with a view to making the most of its multilink suspension which has a lot in common with that of the Mk7 Golf GTI Clubsport S.
This is the video that covers the front shock replacement;
• MK7 GTI CLUBSPORT S FA...
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[@StevenGodfrey3956]

Good shock absorbers , I would have replaced the top mounts as they've done 130k too !

[@volkswizard]

I think I said I did that :)

[@baggedr32mk5]

Had my Mk7 GTD wagon remapped,now at 225bhp and got the DSG box remapped as well,made a world of difference

[@chrisnahvi2846]

I’ve done exactly this on my Golf R. Was searching for months on end as not many people upgrade the dampers on stock springs. Just couldn’t find enough reviews. Anyway I bit the bullet and bought them and installed them. Been on for around 2 months and it’s the best thing I’ve done. Regarding the rear it removes the skittish- ness over uneven road. As for the front it doesn’t nose dive under hard braking anymore, It’s totally transformed it. Great video. Your comment on the height, let them settle. Mine were the same, back at standard height now.

[@volkswizard]

It's definitely a minority interest changing suspension without lowering and Insta hasn't helped. This video should have been a tribute to the late Peter Noad who wrote for VW Audi mags for decades and went against all the Max Power type advertising in said mags by preaching about uprated dampers and standard springs if you want to go fast. RIP Peter, your legacy lives on

[@benlu3523]

How long does it take to go back to standard height? I am about to install a set of B6s on my GTI this weekend. I am excited

[@chrisnahvi2846]

@@benlu3523 I’d say a few days or so.

[@philsmith2219]

Painting those wheels has totally transformed them and given the car far more presence. I has me thinking about doing my own as mine are very similar on my GTE

[@volkswizard]

Glad you like the wheels Phil, yes it's weird how just changing the colour has made them look like a completely different and much more interesting wheel! And they are now winter proof too!

[@Matt-tf1by]

Totally agree with the remap comment. I think too many people get lost in the figures that these cars can achieve and neglect the things that make them more enjoyable to drive. My springs just arrived today and I can't wait to get them fitted, as much as they are an aesthetic improvement they do also improve the corning ability. I definitely think some lowering springs on yours would look fantastic as it does it higher now for sure, I think just a small drop would be fantastic and wouldn't ruin the ride and compromise it's ability as an estate car. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this one, I think it has just as much content in this car as an Up GTI does.

[@andrewirving9860]

Can you please advise part numbers for the front and rear dampers and where to purchase? When I check on Demon Tweaks it says the B6 dampers are not suitable for my car (2017 mk7.5 golf r estate). Thanks.

[@Pete7.5R]

Bilstein B14 FTW 👍😎

[@jakehammond7972]

Can you get these shocks or any coilovers that you can enable dcc if not fitted already

[@markrennie6659]

Afraid I'm not feeling the Sevilles (eye of the beholder though right, Andrew...?) however 18" wheels are optimal for MQB cars in my experience, giving the best combination of ride and handling. The 7 GTD is a superb all-rounder for sure! I've had two and wouldn't rule out owning another; maybe a 3 door with DSG, which I feel best suits the diesel motor (although I'd prefer manual if I bought another 7 GTI). You are as always on the money with your remap comment. Save your money until tyres, suspension and possibly brakes are sorted first. That said, I'd be curious to know what numbers a good Stage 1 map (Racingline or MRC?) would produce... Thanks for the video, keep them coming!

[@johncroxon]

277bhp and 595lb ft of torque on a 2017 mk7.5 gtd estate had it done in 2018 and it is very quick and usable, still get high 50s for mpg as well. Agree with sorting brakes, tyres and suspension first. Car has been a brilliant workhorse and great for a Saturday blast.

[@dopiaza2006]

One extra benefit of the 3 door is £30/year road tax!

[@Kualeppi]

I paired bilstein b6 shocks with eibach pro kit springs on my 2019 gti pp. Ride hight came perfect for me. Not too low because roads are bad here and a lot of snow in winter.

[@volkswizard]

Eibach are good like that

[@dicksonszeto562]

Ivd got same shocks on my gtd 👍 highly recommend

[@volkswizard]

👍👍

[@ivanb3303]

Another good vids series .Was wondering what would be the time needed for front dampers change? Cheers

[@chrisp4899]

The wheels look better painted , how can the car sit higher as it sits on the same springs

[@volkswizard]

That confused me too but basically the stronger damper is supporting the spring more now and not allowing it to compress as much, I think this helps it have a much better ride too.

[@kieranmanners170]

I have an octavia vRS estate (2018) and i was looking at the bilstein b8 as theyre meant to be "equivalent" to OEM, from your knowledge do you know of any difference of the b6 to the b8?? Mine is a daily so i dont want coilovers.

[@volkswizard]

B8 is designed for lowering springs, B6 is standard springs. For track use and/or looks it’s B8, for going fast on British roads it’s B6👍

[@JIP2087]

I have them wheels on my gtd estate as well. I have racingline performance Springs, they are abit choppy but I like it. They ride great fully loaded. I’m mapped also , mpg takes a hit now .

[@jimmymcgoo8641]

Might get a aer if rhese for my B9 S4, ahout to hit 48k miles.

[@rayfreer2]

Another nice vid Andy, thanks. Feel I need to follow up given I was one of the marmite commenters. Did you keep the original wheels? Still think they look best but as others have said it’s all about what you like and you do seem pleased which is great - also saying that after opting for 19’s on my last GTD so go figure. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Ray, I’m ok with Marmite wheels, just not the spread :) You must have missed it in the video as the wheels on the car now are the originals. Hard to believe but true!

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

How would you dispose of your old shocks ? Landfill ?

[@Dkcode]

Take it to your local recycling centre and put them in the metal recycling bin.

[@volkswizard]

EBay, might useful for someone on a budget as they don’t leak

[@DarrenJMHughes]

I had B12 on my Mk5 GTi and I enjoyed the sporty-ness that they have the car over the standard setup. Bilstein do make fantastic suspension. Like the wheels and who knew they would look that good in plan ol’ silver. I saw a red mk7.5 GTi with Seville in dark grey with the red pin stripe. Looked good.

[@macbook9084]

Great content as usual sir! 👍

[@volkswizard]

Much appreciated!

[@leemace9638]

I could do with ur GTD to drive to Sydney from Brisbane in a few weeks time would be a great road trip car 👍🇦🇺

[@volkswizard]

👍👍

[@Scalbow95]

I put sachs shocks on mine front and back, does make a massive difference keeping shockers in good working order

[@williamyoulad7064]

What are the tyre treads like on the bbs? Could you just confirm the model of them also? 😊

[@volkswizard]

BBS XR, tyres are Pirelli P Zero Nero GT

[@timnewbury1792]

Good video as always thank you You do need to do wheel alignment though

[@volkswizard]

Probably a good idea though tracks nice and true. On mk7 wishbone holes are not slotted like older cars but ride height will have changed something. A good excuse to max out front negative camber 👍

[@dirkdingle7926]

Love them BBS arums would look sweet on me 7.5 gti as I hate the 19” diamond cut things I have on but the governor would kick off

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Wheels look great and the new dampers are superb. Thank you for the demonstration video. Brilliant as always Great channel looking forward to the next episode. Vdub:)

[@volkswizard]

Glad you like them JB!

[@kevin-qm8mm]

Great videos Im also looking to change my shocks to bilstein but what happens to the DCC?

[@volkswizard]

Bilstein do a DCC kit or there’s a delete kit to convert to passive

[@kevin-qm8mm]

I'm not sure if it's worth paying for 4 shock and then the spring on top for the DCC kit and to delete it I'm looking at £300. Does your GTD have DCC?

[@pablopanayi8625]

Sorry, again not keen on those wheels, even though they are your winter wheels, however keep up the good work with the podcasts always good information shared

[@volkswizard]

Hey, no need to apologise, trying to please all the people all the time is not my aim. I like them which is what matters, both in the way they look and in that they don't negatively impact the car's dynamics. The fact they are pretty much unique too is a bonus.

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Wheels look great and the new dampers are superb. Thank you for the demonstration video brilliant as always. Great channel brilliant episode

[@sandipbgajjar]

A big fan of silver wheels. These wheels along with the BBS set the car off nicely! Time to start saving and looking for similar dampers for my GTE.

[@volkswizard]

👍

[@willtam4099]

Ive fitted a few sets of b6 shocks to various VAG cars and it is normal for slight increase in ride height as it is due to higher gas pressure compared to stock shocks, even though it is the springs that are suppose to affect the height.

[@volkswizard]

Every day is a school day🤓Someone on M3 cutters forum fitted B6 to E46 M3 and it was higher which wasn’t a great look but on a diesel Golf Estate it’s neither here nor there. I don’t think rally cars are that low and that was more my inspiration than circuit racers (cos UK roads are like a rally stage!)

[@ScottPC]

Just done the same on my M140i with Bilstein B8. Same as B6 but adjusted for lowering springs. Absolutely transforms it.

[@everythingtechnew7400]

Those BBS wheels were perfect. The Golf's best factory wheels were the MK4 Anniversary BBS,,

[@callummunro5400]

I fitted new shocks on my e46 bmw. And the car sits higher. Like you said I don’t see why really but it’s definitely higher.

[@volkswizard]

Did you post on m3 cutters? If so great work.

[@callummunro5400]

It’s just an ordinarily 325i and I fitted b4 shocks but i am very pleased with the results

[@andym1908]

Is that what you were listening to Andrew . The Straycats ? Great band from the 80s 😂😂

[@Lookbusybuddy]

Lowering suspension and lightweight wheels,front splitter to hold wheels to ground all do the trick. Did the same with a mk2 punto and even saved on fuel.

[@CallumMcK99]

The KW height adjustable springs might come in useful here! Might be able to set the ride height to something that looks OEM if it doesn’t settle as you wear them in

[@j99bgr]

Wheels are actually not too bad to be honest!

[@Scalbow95]

You didn't do the push down test, see how quick they retract or not haha

[@michaelmann6136]

I have a Porsche Cayenne s V8 diesel 2016, very high spec in blue 43,000 miles on the clock full service history anyone interested

[@mrlionrocks]

You don't have very good taste in wheels mate 😢

[@volkswizard]

Each to their own, I’m sure we don’t have a lot in common