That would be very apt for my van.post #11
Review: CRS - Koni special actives H&R ARBs
- Thread starter MATT WHEELS
- Start date
I am new to the T6 forum and VW Transporter ownership after I bought a LWB T6.1 camper conversion in September last year when an opportunity that was too good to miss arose.
I just wanted to say thank you to all the T6 Forum members who shared their knowledge and experience so freely. I have found this platform invaluable in helping me find my way and avoiding any expensive mistakes.
When I purchased my van I was hoping the handling would be similar to that of an SUV or MPV Sadly it was not near what I wanted - the light front end, vague steering and excessive body roll front to rear under braking and side to side on corners had me gripping the armrest of my driver's seat on any roundabout.
Reading the posts on the forum about wheels and suspension the name of Steve @CRS Performance kept appearing with nothing but positive reviews so I call Steve to discuss my needs. What a guy! He was so helpful and knowledgeable he lived up to his reputation of giving honest and impartial advice. He explained the reason for my van's poor handling as it was sitting 40mm lower at the rear due to the weight of the conversion and pop top. He advised fitting Koni Active dampers all round, H&R anti-roll bars front and rear, and H&R 40 mm lowering springs on the front only, leaving the standard springs on the rear as it was already 40mm lower.
He had and fitting slot available the following Saturday. I had purchased set of wheels from another T6 Forum member (TSixty) in Nuneaton so set off on Saturday 18th February, I collected the wheels was reassured by TSixty I was in safe hands with Steve, then headed to @CRSPerformance in Cannock. Steve and his son had a whole lot fitted in just under 1 hour. They also fitted side bars and a splitter I purchased from Veedubs transporters for a modest labour fee. The drive back from Cannock to my home in the Northwest on the standard wheels but with Steve having worked his magic on the suspension was an absolute joy! The handling had improved immeasurably body roll was vastly reduced and the suppleness of the the Koni dampers meant I didn't have to spend my time dodging the potholes or cats eyes. The van's handling feels closer to a car now. I fitted new tyres and new wheels at my local tyre fitter and the ride is still just as good on the bigger rims and looks better. I just wanted to let those of you who had the patience to read to the end of this post that if any of you need advice and installation on suspension please speak to Steve @CRS you will not regret it. I have waited a month since Steve worked his magic on my van as I wanted to live with it and get beyond the honeymoon period of buying new stuff. To see if I still feel the same way. All I can say is the honeymoon has not ended, I'm still grinning like an idiot every time I drive a van thanks to the vast improvement in its handling. Thanks to Steve @CRS Performance and thanks to all of those of you who contribute to the T6 Forum giving your time and advice to freely, to a newbie like me.
As I know you all like pics I have attached few.
I just wanted to say thank you to all the T6 Forum members who shared their knowledge and experience so freely. I have found this platform invaluable in helping me find my way and avoiding any expensive mistakes.
When I purchased my van I was hoping the handling would be similar to that of an SUV or MPV Sadly it was not near what I wanted - the light front end, vague steering and excessive body roll front to rear under braking and side to side on corners had me gripping the armrest of my driver's seat on any roundabout.
Reading the posts on the forum about wheels and suspension the name of Steve @CRS Performance kept appearing with nothing but positive reviews so I call Steve to discuss my needs. What a guy! He was so helpful and knowledgeable he lived up to his reputation of giving honest and impartial advice. He explained the reason for my van's poor handling as it was sitting 40mm lower at the rear due to the weight of the conversion and pop top. He advised fitting Koni Active dampers all round, H&R anti-roll bars front and rear, and H&R 40 mm lowering springs on the front only, leaving the standard springs on the rear as it was already 40mm lower.
He had and fitting slot available the following Saturday. I had purchased set of wheels from another T6 Forum member (TSixty) in Nuneaton so set off on Saturday 18th February, I collected the wheels was reassured by TSixty I was in safe hands with Steve, then headed to @CRSPerformance in Cannock. Steve and his son had a whole lot fitted in just under 1 hour. They also fitted side bars and a splitter I purchased from Veedubs transporters for a modest labour fee. The drive back from Cannock to my home in the Northwest on the standard wheels but with Steve having worked his magic on the suspension was an absolute joy! The handling had improved immeasurably body roll was vastly reduced and the suppleness of the the Koni dampers meant I didn't have to spend my time dodging the potholes or cats eyes. The van's handling feels closer to a car now. I fitted new tyres and new wheels at my local tyre fitter and the ride is still just as good on the bigger rims and looks better. I just wanted to let those of you who had the patience to read to the end of this post that if any of you need advice and installation on suspension please speak to Steve @CRS you will not regret it. I have waited a month since Steve worked his magic on my van as I wanted to live with it and get beyond the honeymoon period of buying new stuff. To see if I still feel the same way. All I can say is the honeymoon has not ended, I'm still grinning like an idiot every time I drive a van thanks to the vast improvement in its handling. Thanks to Steve @CRS Performance and thanks to all of those of you who contribute to the T6 Forum giving your time and advice to freely, to a newbie like me.
As I know you all like pics I have attached few.
Can I ask how long you’ve had your Koni Actives fitted?
Best part of a year.
Got a new van 6.1 Cali & it did not drive like the previous T6s. Able assistant was clutching the seat & door and me & the dog were seasick.
Far, far better after a trip to Cannock.
We drive small rough roads occasionally, really helps with stability. I did upgrade the Arb too but van wasn't lowered, Steve said not to bother in our case.
Steve and his team fitted my konis today, already had the anti roll bars done by them last year, absolutely over the moon with them no more pitching and diving under braking, stable and predictable cornering. Absolutely love the ride and combined with the 255 55 r18s it's like an magic carpet ride. Superb service and highly recommended 
Konis + HRBs all the way. Ours is a camper so fairly heavy but it still rides fantastically well.
Koni actives might be at their limit on 60mm springs, CRS also does Koni Short Sports which are specially made for a bigger drop. I had them with Eibach 50/60 Comfort Low springs and there were great .... just not low enough so I ended up getting SoLows later !
Its called the dark side ha ha
Air ride doesnt guarantee comfort the shock does that . if the air ride has poor shocks the result will be very average
Had a good morning @CRS Performance
today went with the st-x in the end and had a ~ 60mm drop
Van feels stable, quieter and planted. Will send some pics when it’s not belting down
today went with the st-x in the end and had a ~ 60mm drop
Van feels stable, quieter and planted. Will send some pics when it’s not belting down
Hi mate think that what i need what was the coat all in thanks bit of a drive but ill go there thanks dave
Hi all, we have just returned from a 25 day , 11 country, 4200 mile European road trip taking in the grosseglochner pass, the susten pass and the furka pass as well as all of Croatia, parts of Montenegro and everything in-between and I can categorically say they have transformed the vans driving experience. It performed faultlessly and surprised quite a few car drivers around the tight hairpins and 180 degree switchbacks. Even my wife was grinning, it may only be a 110 hp but it handled the curves superbly and the ride was comfortable and compliant over some very challenging surfaces. Thankyou CRS for recommending and fitting these mods and if you are thinking about having them done I highly recommended you do.
