Lowering - Questions and Help Needed

[JS3]

Hi guys, so Ive seen a few motors around that have been lowered and decided to look into it for the S3. Im not going all out and changing to coilovers, reason being that I don't want to change too much of the car.

I have done a little research but to be honest, I need some real simple questions answering from some of the guys who have already been down this line (bear with me...I don't have much experience of this field!).

Car is a 2010 S3, S-tronic, 3 door, standard with no mods (so far!).

So here goes:

1. What is the max lowering I can achieve with lowering springs only on standard 18" alloys? I do not want any rubbing etc
2. I have heard that lowering could affect the 'camber' (?) of the car - will re-tracking fix this?
3. I would like a firm (but comfortable) ride - any suggestions on manufacturer I would choose? Ones to avoid?
4. Scale of 1 to 10, how difficult is the job to do yourself?

Sorry if these sound basic or stupid - still learning!

Thanks in advance.

 

[JS3]

Forgot to ask - I might look at some wheel spacers in the future - how will this affect things?

Thanks again!

 

[DPM]

Morning,

1. The lowest springs available are a 25mm drop
2. A full alignment check after fitting will correct this
3. H&R springs are one of the best suited options for the S3 - H&R 25mm Lowering Suspension Springs S3 8P / S3 8P Sportback 2.0T FSi Quattro 11/06> - £204.00 : The premier online mail order VAG suspension and performance specialists. We offer a wide range of all the best branded suspension and performance parts
4. It depends if you have the correct tools and equipment

Wheel spacers won't alter the handling a great deal, maybe give the car a little more of a planted feel but mainly for looks.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[JS3]

Thanks Damian - so if I were to go for a 25mm drop on the standard alloys plus some wheel spacers, there should not be any rubbing?

 

[MartayMcFly]

I had my S3 (2008, 8P2, 3dr) lowered 25mm on H&R springs, with the standard alloys and tyres. I had 10mm spacers on the front and 12mm on the back with absolutely no rubbing.

Also, fyi, 'camber' is the angle the wheel sits at when viewed from behind (the top of the wheel will be closer to the centre of the car than the bottom of the wheel when it's lowered). If you can imagine that the fixed point on the suspension arm (where the wishbone meets the chassis) is the middle of a curve that the wheel draws as it moves up and down and you'll get an idea of why lowering increases camber.

 

[DPM]

Thanks Damian - so if I were to go for a 25mm drop on the standard alloys plus some wheel spacers, there should not be any rubbing?

You'd be fine on that drop with up to 10mm all round, anything more on the rear and you may get a little rubbing.

Let me know if you need any prices as we have everything in stock.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[kscott24]

Hi Damian ive just seen your post, just bought a new S3 sportback, new to the S3 as ive always had R32's I've been looking at BBS CK's
would i get away with the 25mm H&R Lowering spings and 19's or would it be safer to stick to 18's

 

[DPM]

What width and offset are the BBS wheels?

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[JS3]

Damian (or anybody!), is there a fitting guide for the H&R lowering springs? I can get my hands dirty but I need some guidance before I start!

Thanks in advance.

 

[DPM]

No but they're basically a straight swap for the standard springs.

Damian @ DPM Performance