Improve 3.2 handling

*P3nfold*

*P3nfold*

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Hi all,

I've been looking into doing the mods on my 2006 3.2 to improve the handling,

So I've started my journey today with just simply changing the s-line springs to H&R 35mm springs but keeping the OEM shocks.....right or wrong I went with this option..

I've just received my 10mm rear spacers to step out the BBS CH 8J Reps so these are flush and fill the arches.

Next I am looking at upgrading the front bushes to powerflex's, which leads me to my next question;

I was going to get the H&R anti roll (sway) bar kit until I needed to drop the front subframe and basically I cannot be ***** so now I am considering the Neuspeed rear sway bar but I am not sure what this means to the handling beside reducing understeer.

Does anyone have just a similar setup and could share there experience or tips please?
 
1. Change to Bilstein B8 shocks
2. Stiffer rear anti-roll bar - reduces understeer
3. Anti-lift kit - more static camber
4. Hunter 4-wheel alignment after this work, or after each step if doing separately.

Also, if it hasn't already been done, as the car is 2006, check/replace wishbone bushes, ball joints, etc.
 
Good front tyres, proper matched springs and shocks. Huge improvement for me in the S3.
 
ARBs make the biggest initial improvement together with a decent set of coilovers.
 
What ARB's would you recommend as i'm looking towards neuspeeds for front and rear
 
Slovicej8 said:
What ARB's would you recommend as i'm looking towards neuspeeds for front and rear
Click to expand...

I don't think the actual brand matters much as long as the roll stiffness is higher(which any uprated ARB should do).

Mine are Eibach as far as I can remember.
 
Sayam said:
1. Change to Bilstein B8 shocks
2. Stiffer rear anti-roll bar - reduces understeer
3. Anti-lift kit - more static camber
4. Hunter 4-wheel alignment after this work, or after each step if doing separately.

Also, if it hasn't already been done, as the car is 2006, check/replace wishbone bushes, ball joints, etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks all for you responses.

Sounds like I am on the right track so far...I looked at the ALK but I thought you get less lift anyway with polybushes compared to OEM so I cannot justify to the boss at home the additional spend circa £155. Has anyone got experience with this kit for fast road use?

But I did negotiate B14 coil-overs, this depends on how the car sits after the springs are fitted next Tuesday, its an experiment lol, if its right then I will just go with the B8's as it works out cheaper

I am going to order this http://www.awesomegti.com/car/audi/...ti-roll-bar-s3-8p-go5-r32-4wd-25mm-25-02-25-4 due to simplify I hope, I have not changed an anti roll bar on the 8P before?
 
*P3nfold* said:
Thanks all for you responses.

Sounds like I am on the right track so far...I looked at the ALK but I thought you get less lift anyway with polybushes compared to OEM so I cannot justify to the boss at home the additional spend circa £155. Has anyone got experience with this kit for fast road use?

But I did negotiate B14 coil-overs, this depends on how the car sits after the springs are fitted next Tuesday, its an experiment lol, if its right then I will just go with the B8's as it works out cheaper

I am going to order this http://www.awesomegti.com/car/audi/...ti-roll-bar-s3-8p-go5-r32-4wd-25mm-25-02-25-4 due to simplify I hope, I have not changed an anti roll bar on the 8P before?
Click to expand...

I've got the Supaloy ALK on my car,along with kW Clubsport suspension and adjustable topmounts,plus full bush set(LOL).

I think in order of the biggest difference in handling(assuming decent tyres etc),it runs like this:

1.ARBs and coilovers
2.Bushes.
3.ALK
4.Diff controller.

The ALK does make a difference,but not a big one.....by far the biggest improvement over the sloppy stock suspension is the ARBs and coilovers.
 
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S3Alex said:
by far the biggest improvement over the sloppy stock suspension is the ARBs and coilovers.
Click to expand...

I nominate myself to be your orthopaedic surgeon on a private basis :p


Having said that I wish no ill on you mate, just being childish :)
 
Sayam said:
I nominate myself to be your orthopaedic surgeon on a private basis :p


Having said that I wish no ill on you mate, just being childish :)
Click to expand...


LOL

I've seen some people who need a proper suspension upgrade!
 
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Has anyone used creation motorsport 10mm spacers, does anyone know if 40mm long bolts are ok?
 
Does the ARB's affect ride quality by any means?
 
S3Alex said:
I've got the Supaloy ALK on my car,along with kW Clubsport suspension and adjustable topmounts,plus full bush set(LOL).

I think in order of the biggest difference in handling(assuming decent tyres etc),it runs like this:

1.ARBs and coilovers
2.Bushes.
3.ALK
4.Diff controller.

The ALK does make a difference,but not a big one.....by far the biggest improvement over the sloppy stock suspension is the ARBs and coilovers.
Click to expand...

I agree with the above.
try H&R coils with H&R ARB's. I like solid ARB's not hollow. Set rear on light setting
HPA haldex controller with remote and a DSG upgrade
 
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I'm staying away from ARB for now as they can make driving at low speed on bad roads uncomfortable.

I did the works on my last car and it handled well but was not comfortable. Good coilovers should be fine for most of the improvement youre looking for, it makes sense to get it done at the same time, but not hard to go too far.

ALK is most relevant for fwd cars, helping the front tyres get the power down.

Poly bushes can be good, can add extra vibration and noise.
 
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Thanks Guys,

Spacers are on, I am leaning towards getting the BILSTEIN B14 they look good for the money, on my MK3 1.8T Golf and my 8L S3 I ran AP's but I have heard good things about the B14, is anyone running a set?

So far my list consists of

Neuspeed 25mm Rear Sway Bar (on order from Awesomegti)
Bilstein B14 Coilovers
Powerflex Front Wishbone Bushes
10mm Rear Spacers (Rims looks flush + OEM = sweet)
Uniroyal RainSports 3 (already fitted)

I think thats enough for now, and then I am considering changing out the rims to 18in Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 in Anthracite, I am not feeling the BBS CH Reps.
 
I had AP coilovers on my S3 and then after a warranty issue with them (all 4 leaking) i decided to ditch them and get the Bilstien B14's.

Firstly the B14s are a lot stiffer so make the ride a lot bumpier... The car does feel more planted tho but obviously on uneven back roads where theres pot holes etc, the car can feel less stable and jump around a bit...
You get less wobble with the B14's too which is good but if you want a low ride with a smoother comfier ride, then the APs were better in all fairness...
I wanted a more performance orientated ride where i actually felt like im in a performance car and where the power i now have is suited to the ride. ;-)
 
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Anyone know how does the AP coilovers compare to ST's?
 
Compkiler said:
I had AP coilovers on my S3 and then after a warranty issue with them (all 4 leaking) i decided to ditch them and get the Bilstien B14's.

Firstly the B14s are a lot stiffer so make the ride a lot bumpier... The car does feel more planted tho but obviously on uneven back roads where theres pot holes etc, the car can feel less stable and jump around a bit...
You get less wobble with the B14's too which is good but if you want a low ride with a smoother comfier ride, then the APs were better in all fairness...
I wanted a more performance orientated ride where i actually felt like im in a performance car and where the power i now have is suited to the ride. ;-)
Click to expand...

Do you mind if I ask how low down did you wind them?
 
We didn't measure tbh mate, just made sure it looked good and front And rear were the same
 
Erm Ye but I've got them as low as I want to go but they will go a lot lower if need be
 
Check the last page of the pictures section, then my cars on there mate.
 
B14 installed for about a week, I must say it feels very planted in the corners, extremely impressed, so next is the ARB and then wheel alignment....Happy to post pictures if anyone is interested?
 
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*P3nfold* said:
B14 installed for about a week, I must say it feels very planted in the corners, extremely impressed, so next is the ARB and then wheel alignment....Happy to post pictures if anyone is interested?
Click to expand...
pics pls What springs do you use'? still HR?
 
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