I'm looking into getting H&R springs and Bilstein shocks. I currently have the sport optiononmy 1.8T. I noticed that the H&R SPort springs only lower the car like an inch inthe back and 1.3 up front...but the Race option is 1.3 in the rear and 1.9 up front. Anyone have experience (good or bad) with either of these? I would really like to know. Thank you.

Chris

Mine actually lowered 1.5" front, 1.25" rear; I measured before and after. Now all I need to do is get my Konis set a little firmer. The front rebounds a little too much on larger dips in the road. Other than that, it really makes the car a lot flatter in the turns and there is little to no squat/dive. See the link for pix on my A4 page and email me if you need more info.

CraigB<ul><li><a href="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/a4main.htm">Craig's A4 Page</a></li></ul>

is the ride stiffer/softer? more or less roll in turns? i've been considering the h&r coilover package but have seen numerous people with the h&r spring/koni shock package. why choose one over the other?

tia

99.5 1.8tqms apr
-jasyn

When I bought my setup, it was $895 from Autobahn International. Coilovers were well over $1500. From what I just found out (from Steve S), H&R has recently released a stiffer coilover version. I may not have been happy with the softer coilovers anyway. Unless you have the opportunity to ride in or drive many different setups, it's kind of a guessing game as to how it will ride. I lucked out and got pretty close; I just need to stiffen up the Konis a bit.

CraigB

If height adjustability is something you want/need then the coilover is the way to go.

I just had the H&R sport springs and Bilstein shocks installed a couple of weeks ago and I love them. I drive one of the most uneven freeways in Los Angeles (110) and that combination performs flawlessly. Not to say that it as smooth as the stock non-sport setup but it is very close to stock. I would highly recommend this setup if you do not have it yet. My setup cost just around $1000 including installation. If I figure correctly, the new setup lowered my A4 approximately 1.75"-2.00". It has a nice stance and that ugly gap is now mostly gone. I can send "before and after" pics of the gap if you want as I do not have them with me now.

As for coil-overs, it has already been stated that they are more adjustable as far as ride height is concerned. Now for amount of stiffness, you will need to have adjustable shocks installed in the coil-over setup.

Greg

I talked to a local tuner who feels the coilovers are overkill for street cars. Use them if you are using the car for local track events and you need to adjust the car's height. I don't see any need to do this for my A4. I also live in the snow belt and I wonder what salt would eventually do to the threads on the shock tube.

I would go with the Sport springs from H&R and Koni or Bilstein shocks. Better yet, if you already have the Sport Package, use the Sport springs with Bilsteins or Konis. The factory Sport spring rates are almost the same as the aftermarket springs. With the Bilsteins you can also set the front spring perches 10mm lower for a little extra lowering.

I was also trying to figure out which would be better for my money. i ended up purchaisng hte race springs with bilstein struts. the handeling is superb no lean at all! the ride is a bit harsher compared to the sport suspension but i have the sport seats which also makes it firmer. the car is totaly diffrent you could take any turn possible with this set up. i drove a car with H&R Sport and bil. i though it could be a bit firmir in ride and the handeling is just abit more finer than teh stock sport suspension.

I live in LA and the roads in LA is not the best but i love how my car rides perfroms and LOOKS! BTW i have 18" wheels also.

Good luck
JC M.

...A4 "gathering?" Mike, Rick and myself are going to meet (somewhere) this Saturday (9/11) around 12pm. We are thinking maybe Redondo Pier area...I'd like to see your H&R race setup as I have the H&R sports. Email myself or post here.