Audi S3:Eibach vs H&R vs Apex lowering springs.

[rolto1822]

good stuff, very helpful indeed!! Sorting insurance atm which is always fun.. thinking eibachs might best suit me as i'm not after a dramatic drop at all, though do want some extra stiffness, but i'm still interested in coilies - seen your posts in other threads though jojo and i get the idea that you're somewhat against them for a car that'll still spend a lot of its time on the road?

 

[jojo]

good stuff, very helpful indeed!! Sorting insurance atm which is always fun.. thinking eibachs might best suit me as i'm not after a dramatic drop at all, though do want some extra stiffness, but i'm still interested in coilies - seen your posts in other threads though jojo and i get the idea that you're somewhat against them for a car that'll still spend a lot of its time on the road?

Personal preference really, I'm all for the Eibachs for it's application, but recently, I'm more focused on the performance and handling of my S3, so the Apex springs suits my current application. Plus at 106 quid posted via eBay, they are amazing value.

 

[Machine212]

Do you need adjustable rear tie arms when just using lowering springs? Or is that just if you're going really low?

 

[westcoast a3]

I've used the apex springs which are 30mm drop and had no uneven tyre wear on the rear, that's since October last year, but have had them checked and are out from standard, but also have two sets of Dave's tie bars to go on

 

[Machine212]

Sounds good, cheers

 

[The Doctor]

Here's mine on 18" rims (no spacers yet) Bilstein B8 dampers with H&R springs and daveS3 adjustable tie bars:



and here it is riding high on original springs & dampers:



Ride is firmer but not what I would call harsh. Maybe it's because I'm carrying less weight than JoJo...?

My springs were used when I fitted them and are unfortunately missing the plastic protectors on the middle coils.

 

[jojo]

Here's mine on 18" rims (no spacers yet) Bilstein B8 dampers with H&R springs and daveS3 adjustable tie bars:



and here it is riding high on original springs & dampers:



Ride is firmer but not what I would call harsh. Maybe it's because I'm carrying less weight than JoJo...?

My springs were used when I fitted them and are unfortunately missing the plastic protectors on the middle coils.

Looking good Paul, though not as OEM+ as I imagined it!

Ps. My weight lowers the centre of gravity, so handles better! (When turning right)

 

[The Doctor]

You mean like Camp Corner at Castle Combe...? Drift it baby!

 

[jojo]

You mean like Camp Corner at Castle Combe...? Drift it baby!

I have learnt to take that corner a bit slower since that bit of sideways action, need to attack it again with my current setup soon!

 

[Bennys3]

Apex springs and kW shocks:

Wish the front end would be even with the rear tho

 

[jojo]

Apex springs and kW shocks:

Wish the front end would be even with the rear tho

Which is why I put a pair of FK lowering caps on the front.

 

[Bennys3]

Where are they from?

 

[jojo]

Where are they from?

FK automotive, they don't list one for the S3, so I got TT ones. I paid £15 or £20 for them ages ago off eBay, they are really expensive now!

 

[rolto1822]

Obviously you're setting trends joe

 

[Bennys3]

That's crazy £25 for every car then £75 for tt or bora! Think I'll go for polybush top mounts that lower the front by 10mm aswell

 

[The Doctor]

Apex springs and kW shocks:

Wish the front end would be even with the rear tho

What spacers do you have on that?

 

[Bennys3]

I have 20mm all round mate tyres are 235/40 on the rear and 215/40 on the front

 

[jojo]

I have 20mm all round mate tyres are 235/40 on the rear and 215/40 on the front

Your front tyre size is what's making the front wheel look small.

 

[Bennys3]

Yea it looks silly I'll be replacing them with 225's all round when they need replaced the tyres came with the wheels when I bought the wheels

 

[jojo]

So I've been rolling on adjustable Gaz coilovers on the hardest setting for the last 6 months, it rides horrible!

But over the last weekend, I fitted a complete Bilstein shocks and Apex springs setup onto @rhubarb4 's car, and we went for Nando's afterwards! I forgot what a great setup that was, great handling and not bad ride!