H&R Sport Springs vs Eibach Pro-Kit

madmads said:
Just bought Koni FSD's and Eibach Pro Kit 30mm. And I'm going from some TA-Technix coilovers, and they are horrible, so im really looking forward to the swap! Now you got someone to talk about FSD's with :p
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Hiya. Oh cool, when are you getting the Eibach/FSD's fitted? I'm having the pro kit fitted on Saturday!
 
Gonna be in my mailbox next week (or rather at the post office, imagine fitting shocks and springs in a mailbox.. lol)

So prob fitting them next weekend :) Let me know what you think after your test drive!
 
madmads said:
Gonna be in my mailbox next week (or rather at the post office, imagine fitting shocks and springs in a mailbox.. lol)

So prob fitting them next weekend :) Let me know what you think after your test drive!
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Will do. I'm getting them fitted on Saturday morning and then driving from London to Bristol on Saturday afternoon so by the time I get there I'll know for sure whether I like them or whether I've made a terrible mistake! :p
 
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yeah, the S-Line is notoriously unforgiving.. just be glad you didn't fall into the trap that is coilovers, more spesifically cheap coilovers... never again!
 
Sayam said:
Where - I believe it was the services at J10 on the M25

What - Nigel ( @NHN ) came and retrofitted it including coding, testing it works etc

How - ask Nigel

Jokes aside, easily the best money I've ever spent on a car. So useful for doing 30 in a 30 zone when there's a speed camera van there, or 50 in an average 50 on the motorway, etc etc...

On the A404 (links the M40 to the M4) if you get it just right you pause the cruise control up to the round about, go round and as you take the exit if you flick it at just the right time the DSG box will kick down, the cruise will sort the speed out and all I have to do is steer its awesome lol.
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How does this work mate do you have to have a separate instrument added to the steering wheel or?? I'm wanting to do this but don't know where to start lol
 
TDents84 said:
yes, otherwise I'm selling the car! lol.. The S-Line ride is far to firm for my liking. Fingers crossed indeed.
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madmads said:
yeah, the S-Line is notoriously unforgiving.. just be glad you didn't fall into the trap that is coilovers, more spesifically cheap coilovers... never again!
Click to expand...

Oh the pain of S-Line suspension!
 
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TDents84 said:
Hiya. Oh cool, when are you getting the Eibach/FSD's fitted? I'm having the pro kit fitted on Saturday!
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Might have the shabang in my mailbox before the weekend! Lets race to fit it! :p
 
TDents84 said:
Will do. I'm getting them fitted on Saturday morning and then driving from London to Bristol on Saturday afternoon so by the time I get there I'll know for sure whether I like them or whether I've made a terrible mistake! :p
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I'm curious, what's the verdict?
 
madmads said:
I'm curious, what's the verdict?
Click to expand...

Better. It's maintains the firm ride and and improves upon some of the positive aspects of having sports suspension but the progressive rate springs really help in calming the vehicle down over uneven camber. It certainly doesn't turn the car into a rolls Royce Phantom and there have been times this weekend that I've still had that wince you get when you hit a particularly bad patch of Tarmac but it's a noticeable improvement over the S line springs and in my opinion, totally worth the price. I had AMD Essex fit them and can really recommend their service too.

I don't love this car, there are a number of design flaws, it's cramped and I find the driving position to be uncomfortable, but as I've only just bought the bloomin thing, I've got to keep it for another year or two at least. Installing these springs have basically helped not only soften the ride but also my feelings towards the car, at least until I can justify the purchase of something else! Next time I'll know to take the vehicle out for a much longer test drive.

Keen to hear your thoughts on them after the installation!
 
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that sounds promising! the springs didn't turn up in the mail yesterday, so I'll have to wait for Monday I guess. I'll let you know what I think! :)
 
TDents84 said:
Better. It's maintains the firm ride and and improves upon some of the positive aspects of having sports suspension but the progressive rate springs really help in calming the vehicle down over uneven camber. It certainly doesn't turn the car into a rolls Royce Phantom and there have been times this weekend that I've still had that wince you get when you hit a particularly bad patch of Tarmac but it's a noticeable improvement over the S line springs and in my opinion, totally worth the price. I had AMD Essex fit them and can really recommend their service too.

I don't love this car, there are a number of design flaws, it's cramped and I find the driving position to be uncomfortable, but as I've only just bought the bloomin thing, I've got to keep it for another year or two at least. Installing these springs have basically helped not only soften the ride but also my feelings towards the car, at least until I can justify the purchase of something else! Next time I'll know to take the vehicle out for a much longer test drive.

Keen to hear your thoughts on them after the installation!
Click to expand...


Good review. 'Tis a shame the ride isn't like a Rolls-Royce phantom! Agree with the fact that the driving position can be uncomfortable at times, I don't know if an armrest will sort it. Seats could do with some lumbar support and better cushioning. I reckon I will have to spend some time just experimenting with the steering wheel rake/reach, seat height and distance.

I know exactly what you mean by your second paragraph, you don't love your car, but at times there's things about it that it does right which increases your feelings for it. For me it's the way the car looks from certain angles and when it's clean. Like when it's parked at work and I see it from the window, I do a little nod and think "hmm it does look good doesn't it?" I love the build quality, the great interior and the gearbox, but I don't love it as much as I loved my old Fiesta. If that car were still around (showing up as uninsured on MID so it might be scrapped) I would seriously make an offer for it and buy it back! Wonderful ride in that car!

Take it for a drive on some twisty roads and faster corners and let us know how it goes!
 
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DJ_26 said:
Good review. 'Tis a shame the ride isn't like a Rolls-Royce phantom! Agree with the fact that the driving position can be uncomfortable at times, I don't know if an armrest will sort it. Seats could do with some lumbar support and better cushioning. I reckon I will have to spend some time just experimenting with the steering wheel rake/reach, seat height and distance.

I know exactly what you mean by your second paragraph, you don't love your car, but at times there's things about it that it does right which increases your feelings for it. For me it's the way the car looks from certain angles and when it's clean. Like when it's parked at work and I see it from the window, I do a little nod and think "hmm it does look good doesn't it?" I love the build quality, the great interior and the gearbox, but I don't love it as much as I loved my old Fiesta. If that car were still around (showing up as uninsured on MID so it might be scrapped) I would seriously make an offer for it and buy it back! Wonderful ride in that car!

Take it for a drive on some twisty roads and faster corners and let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...

I have the armrest and whilst it's useful at times it's terribly designed as it covers the useless cupholder and the handbrake meaning that you're constantly having to lift it up and down. And then there's the cupholder it's self... Why oh why is there only one tiny one? It's a real ball ache on longer drives. I have a 3 door and the space for passengers in the back is woeful, especially when compared to something like your old fiesta! incidentally, I ran an old 02 plate Zetec for many years and I completely agree with you, they're such competent, comfortable cars.

But, for me, it's the driving position and drivers seat on the A3 S-Line that I'm most disappointed with, I just didn't think to check for Lumbar support when I bought the car from West London Audi and they only let me take it out for about 15 minutes. It just isn't comfortable and I've had to buy a Mackenzie lumbar roll which has helped massively.

I've done a fair bit of playing around and also some research. If you're after the best position it's this: Seat lowered as far as it will go. Steering wheel lowered as far as it will go and then the drivers seat pulled slightly further forward than you'd have it usually – This keeps your lower back planted into the rear of the seat leaving little gap between the seat back and your back.

Despite all of my complaining, you're absolutely right, it's a handsome car, especially when cleaned up! (Mines currently filthy). As I've said above, because I only bought it in December I'll be keeping it for a couple of years to justify the expense so I'll have to learn to make my peace with all it's foibles in that time.

I plan to do a few small jobs to improve the aesthetic further, I'm going to get the chrome radiator surround and fog surrounds blackened, I'm also going to lightly blacken the windows and then finally have the wheels powder coated in gloss gunmetal! :)
 
If you like to crank up the stereo, the cabin in the A3 is good for installing some decent stereo! Ive upgraded quite a bit, and used a stealth install similar to what Andymac(may he rest in peace) did, and the sound is brilliant! :)

I also am going to get the car wrapped this summer, in kind of an azure blue color with ice white accents (so looking forward to that!!)
 
madmads said:
If you like to crank up the stereo, the cabin in the A3 is good for installing some decent stereo! Ive upgraded quite a bit, and used a stealth install similar to what Andymac(may he rest in peace) did, and the sound is brilliant! :)

I also am going to get the car wrapped this summer, in kind of an azure blue color with ice white accents (so looking forward to that!!)
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Nice! I'm actually thinking about up-grading the speakers as i'm fairly sure my tweeters and the small speaker on mounted in the middle of the dash have blown - apparently it's a very common problem with VAG cars of this vintage. I was thinking about also swapping the head-unit to one that had DAB but then I really like the Stock look so may just get a DAB adapter.

What's your set up? And, purely out of curiosity, what does it cost to wrap a car these days? DUB customs is where I'm getting my work done.
 
like this, just with white details! (img from rdtintwrap)
 

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My audio setup is:
- 8" punch sub just behind the left rear wheel with a 800W infinity amp
- Pioneer DEH-8400BT
- A focal comp set in the front
- infinity comp set in the back
And for the love of god, cut out that gnarly middle screamer, made a hell of a difference in my car :)

Im going to do some sound dampening as well this summer. Ripping out most of the interior :p

For the wrap; I got a friend that works as a "wrapper" (pun intented), and for the foil alone, im looking at about 500 quid, I'm in norway, so around 4500 NOK. And i buy him a jumbo pack of beer, and we do it together ;)
 
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TDents84 said:
I have the armrest and whilst it's useful at times it's terribly designed as it covers the useless cupholder and the handbrake meaning that you're constantly having to lift it up and down. And then there's the cupholder it's self... Why oh why is there only one tiny one? It's a real ball ache on longer drives. I have a 3 door and the space for passengers in the back is woeful, especially when compared to something like your old fiesta! incidentally, I ran an old 02 plate Zetec for many years and I completely agree with you, they're such competent, comfortable cars.

But, for me, it's the driving position and drivers seat on the A3 S-Line that I'm most disappointed with, I just didn't think to check for Lumbar support when I bought the car from West London Audi and they only let me take it out for about 15 minutes. It just isn't comfortable and I've had to buy a Mackenzie lumbar roll which has helped massively.

I've done a fair bit of playing around and also some research. If you're after the best position it's this: Seat lowered as far as it will go. Steering wheel lowered as far as it will go and then the drivers seat pulled slightly further forward than you'd have it usually – This keeps your lower back planted into the rear of the seat leaving little gap between the seat back and your back.

Despite all of my complaining, you're absolutely right, it's a handsome car, especially when cleaned up! (Mines currently filthy). As I've said above, because I only bought it in December I'll be keeping it for a couple of years to justify the expense so I'll have to learn to make my peace with all it's foibles in that time.

I plan to do a few small jobs to improve the aesthetic further, I'm going to get the chrome radiator surround and fog surrounds blackened, I'm also going to lightly blacken the windows and then finally have the wheels powder coated in gloss gunmetal! :)
Click to expand...

Don't you have the dash cupholder that pops out? I think the space in the back of my 3-door is quite good, provided that the front seats aren't all the way back. Ah, 2002 was the changeover year for the Fiesta, which one did you have? The 1999-2002 or the 2002-2008? We've had both (still have the 2007 one) and I love them, but the older one just pips it!

Thanks for the tip for the seating position, I will try it. Plans sound good, maybe you could wrap the B-pillar trim pieces in gloss black too.I will hopefully be refurbing my wheels in the next few months too.
 
DJ_26 said:
Don't you have the dash cupholder that pops out? I think the space in the back of my 3-door is quite good, provided that the front seats aren't all the way back. Ah, 2002 was the changeover year for the Fiesta, which one did you have? The 1999-2002 or the 2002-2008? We've had both (still have the 2007 one) and I love them, but the older one just pips it!

Thanks for the tip for the seating position, I will try it. Plans sound good, maybe you could wrap the B-pillar trim pieces in gloss black too.I will hopefully be refurbing my wheels in the next few months too.
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I've got the 8p3, It's an 09 plate and I believe they changed the dash slightly, removing the cup holder. I just have a coin draw where that used to be. Refurbing your wheels is always such a joy, a bit like getting new shoes! Powder coating is the way to go, gives it such a great finish.

As for the fiesta, I had a run out model of the 1999 - 02 mark, so a final edition. I absolutely should have just kept it. It didn't cost me a penny, hadn't rusted, etc.. I sold it for £400 in the end, an absolute steel as I'm sure it's still going strong somewhere.
 
TDents84 said:
I've got the 8p3, It's an 09 plate and I believe they changed the dash slightly, removing the cup holder. I just have a coin draw where that used to be.
Click to expand...

Is true but mines 09 too and we can retrofit the cup holder :)
 
audi upgrades
Cheers mate! I might ask Nigel about that when he fits cruise control for me next month! :)

I've got the standard Audi Concert head unit - Toying with the idea of an 8-inch Pioneer unit as I really like having a screen but also DAB and Bluetooth. They're pricey though so will be on the look out for a 2nd hand.
 
TDents84 said:
Cheers mate! I might ask Nigel about that when he fits cruise control for me next month! :)

I've got the standard Audi Concert head unit - Toying with the idea of an 8-inch Pioneer unit as I really like having a screen but also DAB and Bluetooth. They're pricey though so will be on the look out for a 2nd hand.
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I want front and rear PDC eventually and the modules to recreate the PDC on the newest Alpine screen (8 inch one) are about £200 on their own which is just madness, hence I've kept the RNS-E.

I don't listen to DAB or radio so that doesn't bother me either :)
 
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TDents84 said:
Better. It's maintains the firm ride and and improves upon some of the positive aspects of having sports suspension but the progressive rate springs really help in calming the vehicle down over uneven camber. It certainly doesn't turn the car into a rolls Royce Phantom and there have been times this weekend that I've still had that wince you get when you hit a particularly bad patch of Tarmac but it's a noticeable improvement over the S line springs and in my opinion, totally worth the price. I had AMD Essex fit them and can really recommend their service too.

I don't love this car, there are a number of design flaws, it's cramped and I find the driving position to be uncomfortable, but as I've only just bought the bloomin thing, I've got to keep it for another year or two at least. Installing these springs have basically helped not only soften the ride but also my feelings towards the car, at least until I can justify the purchase of something else! Next time I'll know to take the vehicle out for a much longer test drive.

Keen to hear your thoughts on them after the installation!
Click to expand...

Had an opportunity to get it on some winding roads or any other thoughts? I'm installing mine this weekend, since the Norwegian Post f***ed up the shipment, and its quite delayed...
 
madmads said:
What did you use for the soundproofing?
Click to expand...

Sound deadening material to add mass to the panels and another layer over the top to block noise. Both products made by a company called Skinz. Let me know if you want some.

I'm an audio geek - thats my main thing over looks or performance so the doors are done and the roof too :)
 
How much did you use for your sound deadening project then?
 
TDents84 said:
I've got the 8p3, It's an 09 plate and I believe they changed the dash slightly, removing the cup holder. I just have a coin draw where that used to be. Refurbing your wheels is always such a joy, a bit like getting new shoes! Powder coating is the way to go, gives it such a great finish.

As for the fiesta, I had a run out model of the 1999 - 02 mark, so a final edition. I absolutely should have just kept it. It didn't cost me a penny, hadn't rusted, etc.. I sold it for £400 in the end, an absolute steel as I'm sure it's still going strong somewhere.
Click to expand...

Yeah definintely like getting new shoes. Still can't choose the colour, I like silver, because it reflect well and suits the 18" RS6 style wheel. But I would like some purple in there too because my car is Akoya Silver.

Ah last of the lot! Same, wish I kept mine, it was a Y-Reg on 65k miles in 2014! Arches were only just starting to rust. I remember test-driving my mates A3 8P 2.0TDI (first time I drove an Audi) thinking that it was decent, but when I got back in my Fiesta and drove home, I had a massive smile on my face, no other car has come close since! Was a very reliable car with a lot of character. It was in our family for 13 years, my dad used it for driving instruction before passing it on to my mum and then I used it on and off for a short while, before my parents forced me to get rid of it! Should have insured it and kept it on the street! Willing, revvy engine, comfortable, great gearbox, nice cocooned interior, excellent heaters, the list goes on! Done some little mods to it too. It did me proud on the rollers at AMD! Did you modify yours at all? here is an old video I've got on Youtube. Got a video of it on the dyno too.



Sorry for hijacking the thread and going off topic, but it seems like we all are!
 
madmads said:
Had an opportunity to get it on some winding roads or any other thoughts? I'm installing mine this weekend, since the Norwegian Post f***ed up the shipment, and its quite delayed...
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I haven't taken it on any fast, country roads yet. I was driving around with my GF in the car this weekend and when she's in it's all very civilised. 10 and 2. I'll be really interested to hear what you think of them once installed. I live in SE London, there are potholes and speed bumps absolutely everywhere so given the circumstances, the new springs are coping very well! Although, I was out in the car last night, it was cold, probably 3 degrees? And the springs where a little noisy over speed bumps! I don't know if that's normal for the first few weeks until they've settled in?
 
TDents84 said:
I haven't taken it on any fast, country roads yet. I was driving around with my GF in the car this weekend and when she's in it's all very civilised. 10 and 2. I'll be really interested to hear what you think of them once installed. I live in SE London, there are potholes and speed bumps absolutely everywhere so given the circumstances, the new springs are coping very well! Although, I was out in the car last night, it was cold, probably 3 degrees? And the springs where a little noisy over speed bumps! I don't know if that's normal for the first few weeks until they've settled in?
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I'll give you a run down of what I think when i get them installed. Shipping company tells me they're gonna be in my mail by the weekend.

For the noise, yeah i definitely think the noise is normal, not quite sure though. We have -10 here regularly, and A LOT of speed bumps, so I'll listen for that as well.
 
madmads said:
If you could give me a rough estimate, that would help a bunch!
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Yeah of course. I'll go to the workshop at the weekend so I can read the Sq ft coverage one box provides then I can calculate how much I used using that ;)
 
Sayam said:
Yeah of course. I'll go to the workshop at the weekend so I can read the Sq ft coverage one box provides then I can calculate how much I used using that ;)
Click to expand...

Cheers bud! and yeah... sry for the hijack! :p
 
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audi upgrades
Sayam said:
Thank you everyone who has replied so far.

I had 19" with 225/35/19 but these might as well have been made from concrete, since then I've changed to 18" wheels with 225/40/18 they improved the comfort loads!

If I don't have the budget for springs and dampers would what do you think of just changing back to the factory black edition springs? And living with the arch gap...
Click to expand...

Hi Sayam,

So as you know, I've had these Eibach pro's fitted and the ride is way better but as mentioned, they're making a noise when driving over speed bumps. It's not a terrible but audible enough to enter the cabin. Also, they will have been on the car a week tomorrow and the ride height doesn't appear to have dropped in the slightest. I'm fine with that as comfort was my main priority but I'm just wondering if you experienced this when you had them fitted to yours?

AMD reckoned that because I've got the Koni FSD's which keeps the ride height slightly higher than if I had it on OEM shocks.
 
TDents84 said:
Hi Sayam,

So as you know, I've had these Eibach pro's fitted and the ride is way better but as mentioned, they're making a noise when driving over speed bumps. It's not a terrible but audible enough to enter the cabin. Also, they will have been on the car a week tomorrow and the ride height doesn't appear to have dropped in the slightest. I'm fine with that as comfort was my main priority but I'm just wondering if you experienced this when you had them fitted to yours?

AMD reckoned that because I've got the Koni FSD's which keeps the ride height slightly higher than if I had it on OEM shocks.
Click to expand...

Looking forward to fitting mine! Btw, do you have any pics of how it looks with the eibachs on?
 
TDents84 said:
Hi Sayam,

So as you know, I've had these Eibach pro's fitted and the ride is way better but as mentioned, they're making a noise when driving over speed bumps. It's not a terrible but audible enough to enter the cabin. Also, they will have been on the car a week tomorrow and the ride height doesn't appear to have dropped in the slightest. I'm fine with that as comfort was my main priority but I'm just wondering if you experienced this when you had them fitted to yours?

AMD reckoned that because I've got the Koni FSD's which keeps the ride height slightly higher than if I had it on OEM shocks.
Click to expand...

There should be no noise from the suspension at all...

In my experience you need to encourage them to go down, otherwise they'll stay roughly where they are although it'll take 2-3 weeks for them to reach the height they'll remain at. I wouldn't worry about it because over S-line they're only going another 5-10mm which you may not notice with the eye. Its the extra stiffness and improved handling they bring that we want.

I don't like the sound of AMD's explanation to you. It doesn't sit right in my head that the FSDs you have should be taller than the OEM damper. At the very least they should be the same height or shorter depending on design.

And yes 2mm makes a difference. On my sister's Ibiza, the parts shop sent SE dampers when her car is FR and when fitted they made a noise. After the sport or FR dampers were fitted the noise went away. The SE damper was about 2mm taller than the sport version, but it made all the difference.

Don't forget to leave it 2-3 weeks before you go for a Hunter alignment but perhaps wait until this noise issue is sorted. No point paying for the alignment and then having to pay for it again if AMD open the suspension up.
 
So I've had mine on for about 6 months - they have settled nicely. Mine also squeak when cold but I'm not sure if this is more to do will the shocks than the springs ...
 
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