Coilover; to do or not to do

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shamrock

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I have a S3 2008 stage 3 APR with stock rims/suspension. I am not interested on improving the handling of the car in regards to suspension due to the fact that I don't race it or drive if hard in turns. What I would like to do is lower it. The car looks pretty anemic and there is not much to be done to spruce if up. Two big things to do to "cool" it up are rims and lowering it. Lowering will make my ride bumpier, I think. The roads here are so sh@&$y and I don't want the ride worse. K&W make something called the comfort ride. Please, anyone have any experience. Will these make ridee less comfortable? Any other setups recommended to make the car lower and at least as comfortable? Thanks!
 
Just get KW V2 adjustable coilovers, it will improve not only the handling and looks, but more importantly ride, you can tailor it to your needs.
 
I thought the comfort ride series was the more comfortable option, not the v2
 
I got v1's on mine with a 40ish mm drop, ride is the same if not better than standard.
 
Last edited:
Here is mine in H&Rs, 25mm drop, decent ride and handling, much sharper front end and better turn-in.
Relatively inexpensive too. Cost me £280 inc fitting + £60 for a 4 wheel geometry. Few used sets of these kicking about for £100 or less. iirc there is a set on VAGOC for £80 and I know of some else who might have a cheap set.

SAM_0221.jpg

SAM_0219.jpg

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Good luck
Paul
 
Good grief !! they still have cobbled streets up north ! :
 
Ideal for the horses to get purchase when pulling carts, Outside toilets too, cant whack an alfresco cack.
 
The KW Street Comfort kit is a very good option and a more comfortable choice over the KW V2 kit but doesn't go quite as low.

Give us a shout if you'd like any prices.

Damian @ DPM Performance
 
How low can the v2 be dropped as opposed to the comfort ride series. In essence what is the difference between the two making the comfort ride more comfortable?
 
i've got Weitec Hicon GTs on mine. can go low enough to scrape it's nose on relatively modest speed bumps.

i've got them at a more sensible height than that. got them nearly new off smudge_don at a reasonable price (and he kindly threw in new top mounts) and i had them fitted (including full 4 wheel laser alignment) for £200 at a VAG specialist. they take the edge off sharper lumps and bumps in the road, but have the added benefit of allowing the car to corner flatter and inspire more confidence.
 
I would recommend weitec too.i had a set on my old golf r32 mk5 an the ride was great,they where slightly firmer than stock but it didnt crash around and comfort was great for everyday use.Kw are the dogs but could be overkill for your needs.weitecs are cheaper too.
 
PaulAr said:
Here is mine in H&Rs, 25mm drop, decent ride and handling, much sharper front end and better turn-in.
Relatively inexpensive too. Cost me £280 inc fitting + £60 for a 4 wheel geometry. Few used sets of these kicking about for £100 or less. iirc there is a set on VAGOC for £80 and I know of some else who might have a cheap set.

SAM_0221.jpg

SAM_0219.jpg

SAM_0222.jpg

SAM_0223.jpg


Good luck
Paul
Click to expand...

Paul - are yours 18 or 19" CHs?

Also, when you say 25mm drop, is that H&R specific S3 springs. I've read elsewhere about people asking if the drop is from standard or s-line height etc. and am confused! In short, which H&R springs do I get for a 25mm drop on a S3?

Cheers

Pete
 
If you don't want to reduce ride quality go with a good quality shock and spring kit which will cost roughly the same as a set of coilovers.

Give this company a call:

Motorsport & Car Tuning Performance Parts - Bilstein Suspension B12, KW Coilovers. EBC Brakes, Motorsport preparation,Speedline Turini, Ferodo DS2500 / DS3000

They really know their suspension and will above to give you fairly unbiased advice, they stock most of the major brands.

I've had good results on other VAG cars with Koni FSD dampers and H&R Springs.
 
One Spoke said:
Paul - are yours 18 or 19" CHs?

Also, when you say 25mm drop, is that H&R specific S3 springs. I've read elsewhere about people asking if the drop is from standard or s-line height etc. and am confused! In short, which H&R springs do I get for a 25mm drop on a S3?

Cheers

Pete
Click to expand...

Yeah, S3 H&Rs they are specific to the S3 to suit the dampers, so 25mm drop compared to Stock S3 suspension.

Rims are 18s. Look just right with the ride height IMO, with the obvious handling, rubbage, tyre price benefits.

Cheers
Paul
 
PaulAr said:
Yeah, S3 H&Rs they are specific to the S3 to suit the dampers, so 25mm drop compared to Stock S3 suspension.

Rims are 18s. Look just right with the ride height IMO, with the obvious handling, rubbage, tyre price benefits.

Cheers Paul. For those same reasons I am thinking 18s rather than 19s.

Cheers
Paul
Click to expand...

Cheers Paul. For those same reasons I am thinking 18s rather than 19s.
 
PaulAr's stance is exactly what i'm after - but i've got BBS Pescaras.

been meaning to get my spacers for ages now.
 
I have put a set of the H&R shocks and springs on mine and apart from the lack of a rebound the ride is no harsher than standard, it corners and drives so much better though. not coilovers i know but for 50mm there's no catching and it looks great too.

IMG_1397.jpg


Kit curtsy of Damian. sorry pic is pants but been to ill since last week to get any cleaning or pictures done.
 
Just picked up my S3 sportback from getting the KW V1 inox and it is dropped almost to the bottom -40mm.

It is really low but it feels sos so perfect. it is a little bit stiffer on the smaller bumps but I like it. I think the standard S3 suspension is quite stif and I you like it as it is now you wont regret taking coilover. It is a little bit more stif but you can lower it as much af you want to make it look perfect and that is what you want if it is not for the performance. You want it for the best looks you said
 
Richy_C said:
I have put a set of the H&R shocks and springs on mine and apart from the lack of a rebound the ride is no harsher than standard, it corners and drives so much better though. not coilovers i know but for 50mm there's no catching and it looks great too.

IMG_1397.jpg


Kit curtsy of Damian. sorry pic is pants but been to ill since last week to get any cleaning or pictures done.
Click to expand...

The cars looking good!

Damian @ DPM Performance
 
My KW V1 is max -55mm and he said the back is on his max. He measured before and after direct after fitting and the difference was 40mm.

It will drop a bit more maybe after fitting.
 
That must be the case. Drivability is so great, like it is on a rail:D

Now I am searching for my new rims. I bought the BBS Speedlines at the same shop but they were damaged so I ended up with the originals including winter tires. They could keep the wheels because they told me they were like new. ********
 
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