Lowering springs on S3 or not?

[warren_S5]

I know quite a few of you guys on here run lowering springs, and I have been perusing the threads / pics in the 8P section.

Having purchased new wheels/tyres this week, I'm not flush with cash, but was thinking I don't want the car to look like it's on stilts when the 19's turn up.

Some of you are running lowering springs (mostly H&R by the sound of it), and I was wondering when you choose to stick with the OEM dampers, how that affects the damper operation.

As you are effectively lowering the car by 30 odd mm's, the damper is no longer operating across its optimal damper stroke, and is forced to operate in a compressed range. Does this accelerate failure, or any unusual characteristics which mean the car ends up bobbing or unsettled?

Whilst it is a quick and easy job to do, I'm worried that for the sake of vanity I may be knackering the overall ride compliance.

Did any of you have the car realigned after fitting the lowering springs (to offset the change in the geometry of how the car now sits)? , or is this not necessary?

I suppose it may be better to wait until I can get a full kit, as I've approached Damian at DPM for Weitec's Hicon prices, but I won't have cash in the kitty for 3 or so months.

Suspension is a tough one to advise on, and whilst I always value opinions, it's hard to be absolute about these things as suspension is a bit of a dark science. Open to the floor......

 

[Ash B]

Hi Warren

Me personally would save a bit and go with fully matched springs/dampers kit. But i can be impatient at times and want things done straight away so lowering springs could pop up and i could change my mind.

But if i had an S3 i'd wait till i have the funds and 100% go for fully matched springs/dampers kit. Thats just my opinion. The springs/dampers kit may be better over all for quailty in the ride. My knowledge on suspension is not the best, So hopefully some of the other guys be able to answer your questions alot better than i can. Sorry if im just talking nonsene.

Thanks
Ashley

 

[gixxer600k4]

i have just got a set of H&R 35mm lowering springs, the dampers life will be reduced but im going to stick with original for now and when it comes to me needing a new set of dampers, i'l just get the H&R dampers to match. no point throwing out your original dampers when they are in good working order and work fine with the springs. its like i want to get a new exhaust for that meaner sound, but im not going to get rid of the OEM one now as it still works so i will wait till that goes to get a new one!

when fitting springs, it is not necessary to get it realigned but fitting a whole new suspension kit, it will need to be laser aligned, if you do lower it, the ride will become a tad harsh but it will feel much smoother and planted through the corners. suspension is really important so it is worth doing the research and talking to a few people, best person i think to talk to is damian at DPM, he really helped me out, gave me a few choices and his opinions on each make!

 

[IanS3]

Hi Warren

I have recently fitted H&R 25mm springs to my S3. I did not fit different shocks though. The springs are firmer than standard, and they do rattle a little bit, but the ride is good. I had mine fitted by Revolution in Gateshead and also had a 4 wheel allignment done at the same time.

Ian

 

[10blazin]

if your mileage isnt to high and your shock seem ok they will be fine mate i got mine on 35mm h&rs and there spot on with 19s , jamie kip has the 35mm set up to it improves allround..... handling , looks , just so much better pm jamie for advice . he has h&r arbs on to and says its the best setup for the s3 , so does iggu , and jonny c ... so go with the wheels and springs for now and add the arbs at a later date if you want that is ...:thumbsup:

 

[Scott]

i have coilovers and eibach arb's - can't fault em.

 

[Iggu]

You must get a realignment done - but I've thrashed mine on tracks and road for a year on H&Rs and standard dampers. Handling is improved a lot and the ride isn't all that adversely affected. The only effect (for me) is that at 90mph+ there is a bit more bounce.

 

[Jamiekip]

I've said lots on this before, but the H&R set up is fine on the OEM shocks.
JonnyC ran all sorts and said he still thought the H&R springs offered the best balance of ride, handling and visual looks!
Myself and Iggu have compared notes, and I think we both agree.... 98% of the time you can't fault the set up, but there are odd occassions where a more bespoke spring/damper combo would be better.

I've had the set up on my car for around 16 months now I think, without a single issue.
Have you seen the pic's of my car on 19" RS4's and lowered... it my finalise your decision

 

[warren_S5]

Have you seen the pic's of my car on 19" RS4's and lowered... it my finalise your decision

I haven't actually. Seen many other cars, but not yours. Could you send me a link to some photos please. Cheers Warren

 

[Jamiekip]

End of the post are a few pic's

Here

 

[warren_S5]

End of the post are a few pic's

Here

Cheers

I do like the blue, tidy as.....