California dreaming..sorry could not resist!!

[B16 JOG]

Thanks very much. Mind me asking what that cost?

£1145 fitted. And, I'm not a rep for them, but I've heard others spend more on parts alone!

 

[Daytona1977]

As promised, an update following a visit to CRS Performance in Cannock to sort out the suspension on my 2018 Cali DSG.

My needs are quite simple - improve the driving comfort and remove the "skippy-ness" when driving. I'm not looking to lower my 2018 California as I occasionally tow a hoofing great big twin-axle caravan. The Cali is also our "family car" and it is running on 235/55/R17 Michelin Cross Climates.

So, the day came to visit Steve and his team in Cannock and I took my young lad (aged 8.) We were a few minutes late but were directed straight onto the ramp. Two office chairs were wheeled out to give us a front-row view of the work being undertaken and a very welcome cuppa. (Yes, we had the foresight to bring the biscuits - an army marches on its stomach after all!)

Initial measurements were taken: van was 20mm down at the rear and 10mm up at the front. This was essentially unladen weight of a factory California. Up went the ramp and a quick squint underneath: "Ooh, that's a baby!" or words to that effect was the assessment of the rear anti-roll bar. (It was 22mm, the lightest bar for a Transporter, yet it was put onto a California with all that glass and a pop-top raising the centre of gravity???)

No messing about, Koni Active shocks and a set of H&R antiroll bars were put on to replace the originals equipment. This is a slick operation: removing old, preparing new, fitting and checking fitment all happening in parallel. Questions and photos weren't an issue during the work. (They even refitted the wheels I had put on in the wrong rotation.........can we just gloss over that bit, eh?!?!?!!)

Then, it came to checking the levels/rake. Drop the van, meansure it, lift the van, adjust it..........have the work peer-reviewed.......until all were happy. Only then did the LED levelling sensors go back on with new bolts. Steve then takes the van for a test drive before handing it back to us to test drive (yes, he did come with us!) Push the van into a roundabout.......find a pothole..........stand on the anchors.......etc etc!

After a couple of hours of mainly motorways, I finally got to the hilly A-roads before home (approximately 15 miles) and this was where the results of work became properly noticeable. My Cali was now close to "car like" handling. No longer did I feel like I was driving an epileptic armchair mid-fit with the backend twitching while I grip the steering wheel to remain in the seat! (Actually, previously I wondered whether it was my backend or the van's that used to twitch the most!)

Then came the real test: have Senior Management (Domestic Front) drive. Within a few hundred yards: "Yes, that feels different!" After a roundabout (taken normally): "Ooh, that's much better!" Over supper: "That was worth the money!" And, from the back seat my youngest (aged 6) piped up: "It's a lot smoother and kinda like Mummy's car!" The most telling comment was later (again from Senior Management): "Don't you feel a bit aggrieved that you have to fix what comes out of the factory? They should know enough about what a California is used for by now!"

So, some pointers for those considering going down this route:

• rummage around this forum and read what others have to say
• speak with an expert in suspension (like CRS Performance - that's all they do!)
• most importantly, tell them what you want to achieve, what you intend doing with your van and, what you have already done. If you need it for towing or carrying large loads; if you intend to lower it; if you want massive wheels on it.............tell them at the outset and they can guide you on the best options. They aren't mind-readers, but they are experts!

Finally, thank you to the team at CRS Performance for the work done and the care taken with my Cali

Regards,

JOG

Great post and very informative! Thanks for all the detail, definitely going to give them a call if and when mine gets delivered.

 

[66tim99]

I hadn’t thought about it, but see a few doing it. I test drove a 150 and thought it handled well, so not sure I’d want a firmer ride. Good idea for the car park though...

Ive now spoken to Bognor Motors who suggest STX coilovers and upgraded anti-roll bars transform the ride. He's convinced me... will be c.£2k inc VAT mind... but you can choose to lower it between c.40 and 70mm.