‘Tuned’ version of Koni FSD sports damper kit for VW Golf 5 GTI. Sounds worthy of investigation!

Posted on 12. May, 2009 by Nick in Suspension, VW

Koni have released a FSD damper kit released for the VW Golf Mk5 GTI 2004-2008 which features a tuned version of the original FSD kit. It sounds pretty damn exciting, wouldn’t you agree?

This kit is designed specifically for the GTi version, which has a slightly stiffer spring rate to the standard Golf. The valving is slightly harder to work in unison with the stiffer springs. It is still designed to give an improvement in ride quality, whilst maintaining the sporty feel of the car.

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What makes Koni FSD so great anyway?

They are gold, so that must mean they’re good right? Well, yes actually they’re the biggest development to shock design since the manual damping knob adjustment. FSD is the latest technology of KONI and has been designed to combine great handling without the harsh compromises of normal shortened shocks. The patented Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) from Koni has a nifty mechanical valve which varies performance depending on the driving conditions. The Germans are good at this stuff aren’t they?

How does the Koni FSD damper work?

fsd_valving I’ve left out 99% of the information on the Koni site as it’s pure advertising speil and tells you jack all (probably so they can protect the secret) but it basically revolves around a ’smart-valve’ which, depending on the car conditions, mechanically adjusts the damping rate to the situation. It is great to see companies who understand the market requirements from a performance shock and invest in developing new products around the big ideas, don’t you agree?

Here’s an interview I found with Koni North America explaining a bit more about how they work.

Who’s used them and how do I know if they’re any good?

Comes as a standard fitment on Mercedes McLaren SLK, Lamborghini and Spyker supercars, so obviously held in very high regard. Also used on the F1 McLaren Team cars.

I’ve got a Golf Mk5. Will I feel the difference? (standard setup not tuned)

Red Robin from Tyresmoke fitted FSD to his Golf V and advised “For road use I would recommend KoniFSD but for track I’d be looking at the Bilstein coil-overs and modding the whole suspension.

“My priority is to improve handling and road holding and not to sacrifice comfort; improve comfort would be a bonus”, then the FSD system would be difficult to beat in my opinion.

To get the most out of a suspension mod I’d also be considering Anti-roll bars and springs, but it’s extra money and a slippery slope Review here

Do ou have a review. I’d love to hear it.

Should I get some?

Yes! Absolutely. After a day enjoying the driving improvements you’ll soon forget the extra couple of hundred quid. That’s not even a night out these days.

Koni FSD Kit, Part no. 2100-4090
Price £464.99 + VAT
Available from stock.

Fitment footnote: Golf GTi with original 55mm struts only.

Part to be added to the shop within the month Golf Fans!
Other Koni items here

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