Springs or Coilovers???

[webb2507]

Hi, I'm after some advice of what will be the best option for lowering my A3 3.2 Quattro. I'm sure plenty of you on here have lowered your A3's and it looks like from what im reading in other posts they need it with the 19's that im intending to put on.

So far i've seen 30mm PI springs and Eibach springs between £120-£140. Has anyone got this setup already, if so what is the ride like compared to standard S-line suspension? Then there's the more expensive option of coilovers which i'd probably prefer so i can adjust the height, but will they be much firmer compared to springs? Any advice on a good setup to run 19" wheels with is appreciated :icon_thumright:

 

[darren_wheeler]

hi
i have been going through this whole exercise myself at the moment, and the views that i have compiled are as follows:

8.5x19
H&R lowering springs (25mm)

this seems to give it the best look, and the H&R come highly recommended. you can run 225/35 tyres and shouldnt get any rub.

Coilovers are of course the best bet and the 2 manufacturers that seem to come most recommended are

KW (v1, V2, V3)
If you do a lot of track work its v3. if its a mix v2 and if all road use v1
Bilstein are also very recommended.

as i say this is just my opinion from the info that i have guaged by speaking to people on here.

Mine are all ready to go, just need a car now. 6 weeks out.

Hope it helps

 

[davej_anderson]

There are plenty of comments on here by peopke who run coilovers and those who run just springs.

Don't forget matching a good set of springs and shocks, can have good results.

Will depend on your budget and what look you're going for

 

[webb2507]

darren - what have you decided on in the end. You going for springs? 25mm seems hardly anything? You found anywhere that sells the H&R springs?

davej - is it a must to go for shocks as well or will the setup of springs and standard shocks work ok. I dont want to spend alot. Also the ride quality is important to me, dont want it to be rock hard.

Thanks

 

[V6Pete]

Hi, I'm after some advice of what will be the best option for lowering my A3 3.2 Quattro. I'm sure plenty of you on here have lowered your A3's and it looks like from what im reading in other posts they need it with the 19's that im intending to put on.

So far i've seen 30mm PI springs and Eibach springs between £120-£140. Has anyone got this setup already, if so what is the ride like compared to standard S-line suspension? Then there's the more expensive option of coilovers which i'd probably prefer so i can adjust the height, but will they be much firmer compared to springs? Any advice on a good setup to run 19" wheels with is appreciated :icon_thumright:

The standard S-Line suspension is very hard. Aftermarket springs will improve handling and the ride.

I went for coilovers on my 3.2 - V-Maxx at around £400, which although quite firm, still give a very good ride, and handles great.

My car was on Eibach springs when I bought it, and it didn't look like it had been lowered...

 

[webb2507]

I was afraid 30mm might not look any different with already having s-line suspension. Can't find anything much lower though? Had seen the Eibach's sportline range, but they dont list anything for the 3.2! There must be some springs out there lower than 35mm...

 

[vw754]

mine was measured before and was measured after it was lowered using 'Apex springs (standard shocks) 30mm springs lowered it exactly 23mm all round and the ride is 'soft' not bouncy handling is wicked,cant fault the springs......only thing i noticed was coil spring very slightly tapping each other (only when going over speed humps) but sorted that heres a pic...give you an idea...

 

[N8]

Coilovers ftw

 

[davej_anderson]

davej - is it a must to go for shocks as well or will the setup of springs and standard shocks work ok. I dont want to spend alot. Also the ride quality is important to me, dont want it to be rock hard.

Thanks

You don't need to but lowered springs may shorten the life of your existing shocks, esepcially more so if you go for a big drop which is also likely to affect the way the shocks work

Eibach and H&R do springs that lower the car slightly (30-35mm over standard susension) but are a improvement in ride quality as well as making springs that drop the car (50mm over standard)

This would be your best bet if you're not spending much but won't give the slammed look you may be after

 

[webb2507]

Thanks all. I think the springs only option is more along my budget atm. I'm not really after the 'slammed look' so 30-35mm springs sound ideal if they wont compromise the ride quality.

Thanks for the pic vw754, gives me a good idea of what to expect - I'm assuming they are 18's on yours?

H&R seem well rated on here, im guessing there's not much between them all really....

The next thing i'm wondering about is 18 or 19 inch RS4 reps? Decisions, decisions....

 

[Lex]

£210 coils, budget yes! but 3 years warrenty so i was happy and it handles amazingly and the ride is firm yes but not much worse that those shockingly bad sport springs and you can lower it as you wish

i will be either knock mine up afew notches because its rubs with anyone in the back or oll my arches and get rid of the inner arches

 

[vw754]

Thanks all. I think the springs only option is more along my budget atm. I'm not really after the 'slammed look' so 30-35mm springs sound ideal if they wont compromise the ride quality.

Thanks for the pic vw754, gives me a good idea of what to expect - I'm assuming they are 18's on yours?

H&R seem well rated on here, im guessing there's not much between them all really....

The next thing i'm wondering about is 18 or 19 inch RS4 reps? Decisions, decisions....

18'S YES !

 

[DPM]

If you'd prefer to be able to adjust the height then I'd say go for something like the Weitec or AP coilovers. Another good choice as mentioned is the V-Maxx who now also offer a damping adjustable set as well.

Damian @ DPM Performance