For the rear suspension we use KYB GR2 shocks made for the rear of a MK1 Cabrio with 36mm Bilstein sleeves/adusters to turn them into coilovers. The springs are 105#, 10" tall, 1 7/8" diameter. This setup is a few pounds lighter than the MK2/3 coilovers, is smaller diameter for more tire clearance, and the extended length is shorter for less suspension droop (important to control body roll).
The sleeves fit over the shocks like they were made specifically for them once you lightly grind down the peaks of the weld beads at the top.
Fully assembled. Notice the tall progressive rate bump stop inside the spring- that helps to limit body roll as the car leans without needing to use a sway bar. I'll trim it to have 1" of free travel before the bump stop engages.
One of the guys on the Festiva forum makes these spring top insulators that fit snugly into the shock tower. The top half is molded soft urethane to dampen noise transmitted through the spring. This is another upgrade over the machined spring hats I have on the white car.
