VASK Forum (VW Audi SportKlub of NZ)

AUDI => A4 - S4 - RS 4 - A5 - S5 - RS 5 => Topic started by: .:R32 on December 22, 2005, 12:40:59 AM

Title: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: .:R32 on December 22, 2005, 12:40:59 AM
hey everyone I'm after a set of lowered springs for my 2000 a4 what do ya recommend i get? H&R, Kingsprings, MTM etc whats the lowest springs i can get and what would i be looking at paying for a set?

thanks very much for your help
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Period_Correct_ on December 22, 2005, 01:01:16 AM
go for H&R
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: beeker on December 22, 2005, 06:39:24 AM
Quote from: NasTnaS on December 22, 2005, 01:01:16 AM
go for H&R

agree H&R lowering springs. If you wanna do it properly, do H&R Coilovers.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: .:R32 on December 23, 2005, 01:32:34 AM
just been looking at the h&r website and when using the Race springs (most drop in height) it says "performance aftermarket shocks or struts is highly recommended in this application"  :-\ would i be OK using the race springs with my Sachs shocks also can anyone shed some light about my suspension set up (Sachs)?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: beeker on December 23, 2005, 07:01:54 AM
Quote from: A.U.D.I on December 23, 2005, 01:32:34 AM
just been looking at the h&r website and when using the Race springs (most drop in height) it says "performance aftermarket shocks or struts is highly recommended in this application"? :-\ would i be OK using the race springs with my Sachs shocks also can anyone shed some light about my suspension set up (Sachs)?

I have SACH shocks on my 2001 A4 TQM Lemans. The lemans has the "quattro GmbH suspension kit" that was higher spec that the older 'Sport'.

If your only going 20>30mm lower than std with lowering springs, you're prob ok with springs alone. However, its always recommended you get a shock/spring combo, so you shocks are working in the correct range of operation. It depends on your budget and goal.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: bsting on December 23, 2005, 07:39:14 AM
For another option email  www.tmtuning.com

See what they can put together for you...btw ask for Robert or Damian (canadians who work there)

:)
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: i wana rs6 on December 23, 2005, 01:11:04 PM
Where can you get sachs suspension systems?

tmtuning hasnt finished there website yet.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: .:R32 on February 16, 2006, 11:51:57 AM
hey dose anyone know how much lower the audi a4 sports suspension kit (sach shock/spring) is compared to the standard spec a4, how much lower will a set of h&r race springs drop my height

thanks very much
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 08:18:12 PM
Look up Eibach....I am fairly certain they support Audi. They provide the VAG sport suspension kit sold by VW of America. Spring/Shock matched combination. If you have the money my recommendation would be Eibach springs w/ Bilsteins.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: hitmanGTI on February 19, 2006, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 08:18:12 PM
Look up Eibach....I am fairly certain they support Audi. They provide the VAG sport suspension kit sold by VW of America. Spring/Shock matched combination. If you have the money my recommendation would be Eibach springs w/ Bilsteins.

Exactly what i am doing this week

Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 09:46:44 PM
Good on you Hitman. I didn't realize the beauty of that combination until AFTER I installed my Pro-kit >:(
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Turbo on February 19, 2006, 09:56:44 PM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 08:18:12 PM
Look up Eibach....I am fairly certain they support Audi. They provide the VAG sport suspension kit sold by VW of America. Spring/Shock matched combination. If you have the money my recommendation would be Eibach springs w/ Bilsteins.

that's what i had in my A4, wicked setup. haven't compared it to H&R coilovers though.

what's the benefit of coilovers compared to a good spring and shock set up other than adjustability?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dubious on February 19, 2006, 09:58:28 PM
Quote from: Turbo NotLo on February 19, 2006, 09:56:44 PM
that's what i had in my A4, wicked setup. haven't compared it to H&R coilovers though.

what's the benefit of coilovers compared to a good spring and shock set up other than adjustability?

I'm looking at the H&R Cup Kit for my next car (whatever it may be  :D), heard nothing but good reviews
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 11:27:57 PM
Quote from: Turbo NotLo on February 19, 2006, 09:56:44 PM
that's what i had in my A4, wicked setup. haven't compared it to H&R coilovers though.

what's the benefit of coilovers compared to a good spring and shock set up other than adjustability?

For street driving, in my opinion, coilovers are the wrong application IF you are trying to use them for what they were intended. Coilovers provide the adjustability to balance the four corners of your car.

For street, a complimentary spring/shock combo is the way to go. IF you are looking to drop your car, then coilovers provide a cheaper solution than airbags. My 2 cents.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Period_Correct_ on February 20, 2006, 06:44:42 AM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 11:27:57 PM
For street driving, in my opinion, coilovers are the wrong application IF you are trying to use them for what they were intended. Coilovers provide the adjustability to balance the four corners of your car.

For street, a complimentary spring/shock combo is the way to go. IF you are looking to drop your car, then coilovers provide a cheaper solution than airbags. My 2 cents.

but airbags are way cooler... for street purpose....

some say they even handle better [ Sarcasm Emoticon ]
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: hitmanGTI on February 20, 2006, 07:00:24 AM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 09:46:44 PM
Good on you Hitman. I didn't realize the beauty of that combination until AFTER I installed my Pro-kit >:(

Im just waiting on the Rear Shocks to arrive.. ive already taken delivery of the front struts...  :o (they have big rods/shafts/pistons)
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Turbo on February 20, 2006, 10:51:38 AM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 19, 2006, 11:27:57 PM
For street driving, in my opinion, coilovers are the wrong application IF you are trying to use them for what they were intended. Coilovers provide the adjustability to balance the four corners of your car.

For street, a complimentary spring/shock combo is the way to go. IF you are looking to drop your car, then coilovers provide a cheaper solution than airbags. My 2 cents.

a few reviews i've read about suspension set ups in audi quattros have all said to stiffen the rear springs to reduce oversteer.
would would this be easier to do with coilovers rather than guessing which springs would be right?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 20, 2006, 05:06:12 PM
Is your A4 a quattro? If so, I could guess what the right answer is, but I'm not really sure. Your weight distribution would be different than what FWD A4's have.

In a FWD car, stiffening the rear end, typically reduces understeer (front from sliding). The stiffer the rear end, the sooner it will typically "break loose" and once the rear end starts coming around, your steering picks up....probably not the best explanation but you get the idea.

I have a rear sway set on the stiffest setting currently, which helps to "balance" the car. By reducing the available traction at the "lighter" rear end, the car behaves in a more balanced manner. With FWD if you lift your foot mid-corner you can typically get your rear end to slide as well. If you want good advise on suspension I would say write to Nuespeed in Camarillo, CA (via the web). I learned a lot from the guys there, just by poking my head in and asking questions.

The point I am making is suspension is a complicated thing, and simply me telling you what to do over the net, won't necessarily address the issue you are trying to correct. Get to the source and see what they tell you about suspension behaviour in general, before making the next decision re: spring/shock or coilover.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Turbo on February 20, 2006, 05:41:53 PM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 20, 2006, 05:06:12 PM
Is your A4 a quattro? If so, I could guess what the right answer is, but I'm not really sure. Your weight distribution would be different than what FWD A4's have.

yeah it was a quattro, i should mention it also had a 32mm sway bar which would also contribute to its keener steering.

that set up was really good as far as i was concerned, but i've read a few things about H&R coilovers (most of it on here) that suggest they're better.
they're more expensive, certainly, but if i don't need adjustability, then surely i don't need coilovers.

this is all academic at this stage, cos i don't think i'll get around to doing anything with my S4's suspension or handling for a while. it's not as good as my A4's was, but not bad by any stretch of the imagination. and lowering it isn't an option unless i move house (i guess that's one case why coilovers would be better than springs)
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 20, 2006, 06:46:01 PM
Quote from: Turbo NotLo on February 20, 2006, 05:41:53 PM
...but if i don't need adjustability, then surely i don't need coilovers.

That is certainly my opinion. Buying coilovers for street use, for any reason other than adjusting the ride height appearance, is using the technology incorrectly. Look, coilovers are fantastic, but for the premium you pay, unless you have your car balanced, it's like buying 285's for a car with 200hp. Yeah they work, but do you need it? Oh, and I don't always take my own advice either, so if you see my car, don't ask silly questions like "Do you really need that"...it would be missing the point :)
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: hitmanGTI on February 20, 2006, 06:50:04 PM
my mate said my car didnt need bilstiens i told him to damn off..

i said his uncles mercedes didnt need brakes.. cos its to heavy to move any where any way.. he told me to damn off lol
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Turbo on February 20, 2006, 07:24:58 PM
Quote from: Dicardo on February 20, 2006, 06:46:01 PM
That is certainly my opinion. Buying coilovers for street use, for any reason other than adjusting the ride height appearance, is using the technology incorrectly. Look, coilovers are fantastic, but for the premium you pay, unless you have your car balanced, it's like buying 285's for a car with 200hp. Yeah they work, but do you need it? Oh, and I don't always take my own advice either, so if you see my car, don't ask silly questions like "Do you really need that"...it would be missing the point :)

yeah cool.
would adjusting coilovers change the spring tension? i.e lower = harder, higher = softer? or is it pretty uniform?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: hitmanGTI on February 20, 2006, 07:38:07 PM
Quote from: Turbo NotLo on February 20, 2006, 07:24:58 PM
yeah cool.
would adjusting coilovers change the spring tension? i.e lower = harder, higher = softer? or is it pretty uniform?

Some coil over kits ie Bilstien PSS-9 come with adjustable Shock Stiffness etc etc..

Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on February 20, 2006, 07:45:32 PM
I don't believe coilovers change spring rate. Coilovers have a threaded sleeve that allows you to adjust their height, and typically they come w/ adjustable shocks as well, which allow you to adjust dampening rate and therefore the "felt"spring rate.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dubious on February 20, 2006, 07:47:57 PM
Quote from: HitmanGTI on February 20, 2006, 06:50:04 PM
my mate said my car didnt need bilstiens i told him to f**k off..

i said his uncles mercedes didnt need brakes.. cos its to heavy to move any where any way.. he told me to f**k off lol

Was that the tourettes flaring up again?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: isnowi on February 20, 2006, 09:42:49 PM
Anyone on here have any experience with vogtland springs? am looking at some 40mm sport springs with koni adjustables, any thoughts or recommendations? What about jamex springs? i know they are cheap, but are they any good?

cheers Dan
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: hitmanGTI on February 21, 2006, 06:45:18 AM
If you look around you can snap up mean deals.. i got my set of eibach springs for 200bux NEW!!
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Period_Correct_ on February 21, 2006, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: isnowi on February 20, 2006, 09:42:49 PM
Anyone on here have any experience with vogtland springs? am looking at some 40mm sport springs with koni adjustables, any thoughts or recommendations? What about jamex springs? i know they are cheap, but are they any good?

cheers Dan

i have jamex... i want to change them, just not happy with them...
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: .:R32 on June 11, 2006, 11:35:47 PM
sorry to bring up an old thread but I'm thinking about getting adjustable coil-overs, whats the price like these days for a set? i got a quote for a set of H&R coil-overs at $3300, what about D2's :-\  any help or ideas would be great
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: JimmyRoyale on July 11, 2006, 07:32:36 PM
Quote from: A.U.D.I on June 11, 2006, 11:35:47 PM
sorry to bring up an old thread but I'm thinking about getting adjustable coil-overs, whats the price like these days for a set? i got a quote for a set of H&R coil-overs at $3300, what about D2's :-\  any help or ideas would be great

Hey there,

I got a quote off TeamFBI the other day for a set of D2's for my '96 A4TQ. I was quoted $1,850.00 + $160 for fitting and then the $300-$350 for certification.

I was probably going to go for this option as I simply can't find any shocks (at any price) on their own that will offer me comparable let alone better handling. 

Bilstein quoted me $699ea for rears and $499ea for fronts. Anothercrowd offered to put cartridges into my existing shocks to rejuvenate them. I can't remember if they were Monroe or Koni but it was one of them.

I have a nice set of lowered springs and I just want to replace my shocks but it is simply too hard to find any for any price and the service I have had from various vendors has been absolutely atrocious!! PM me for more info. So I have decided to get some D2's off Team FBI. D2's seem to be good quality product, they gave me great advice, they got back to me very promptly and the price seems pretty fair.

Thats my piece of mind.
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on August 09, 2006, 08:27:30 PM
Those prices seems like MAD money (recent import here)! I know this an old thread but I couldn't resist the shock! What damper are they using for the coilover kit?
Title: Re: What Suspension Mods To Do?
Post by: Dicardo on August 10, 2006, 08:27:16 PM
Yes indeed. No, been crazy busy at work and moved again (further out; now in Puke). 2 more weeks and work should relax and I'll be able to catch up w/ you guys on Wednesday and look for great advice like where to spend money on my car!