I purchased my A4 w/o the sport package simply because I think aftermarket ones are better and I didn't like the rims they had on, does anyone have suggestions on which ones I should go with?

Kevin

I bought my 99.5 A4tq with the sport package but upgraded to the Neuspeed Race/Bilstein Sport/Neuspeed Rear Sway/OMP upper strut package that Greedspeed suggested. MUCH better than the sport package and I was able to sell my sport package with the rear bar for about $500... Hope this helps.<ul><li><a href="www.stepsyndicate.com">The Step Syndicate.... Washington D.C.</a></li></ul>

On one hand getting the sports package or getting the parts and putting on the OEM sports package can give you a decent ride, lowered car, and decent handling. You will also not be harassed by the dealership staff for an aftermarket set-up.

But on the other hand, you will not get a real tight package. I have the H&R coilovers and with them you get height adjustability...and a nice mixture of excellent driveability while a decent track set-up. And, it costs about $1,400 to $1,700 to purchase the parts, get them installed, and then get the car aligned. H&R is apparently offering a more aggressive package for those of us that test our cars limits more frequently.

One vote for coilovers.

Steve S.
97 2.8QM

If you want a great handling and don't mind a firm ride they are the way to go. I got to ride in Dave White's A4 with coilovers (corner balanced) and must say that the setup was excellent from a performance standpoint, and the ride was not uncomfortable at all.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

Correct me if I am wrong, but the coilover is nothing else than an adjustable hight strut/spring combo. And costs about 2x than a strut and spring purchased separately.

Most people would not adjust the hight of their cars (requires disassembly, right?) so they pay for a feature they never use.

In my opinion get info about all kinds of strut/spring combinations, and buy the one that matches your taste. Save $$$.

Indeed, I'm a fairly agressive driver and think that Audi has acheived a near perfect balance (for a near-luxury sport sedan, the A4 is NOT a sports car) between comfort and handling with the factory sport suspension. I will not do anything to my suspension until the components need replacement. However, for those who want the very best setup, coilovers are the best route. Yes, coilovers are basically a combined spring and shock which is height adjustable (how much is involved in the adjustment depends on whose setup you go with). The biggest advantage of height adjustability is to have the car corner balanced (each corner's height is adjusted so that it bears 25% of the car's weight, with the driver in it (they use weights in the driver's seat)). The result is the best possible balance from the car without doing major work (tearing things appart). In addition you can get just the right height for you and your particular situation (road conditions, track useage, etc). Coilovers are certainly not for everyone, but they are an excellent setup for people who demand the most from their cars.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

the A4, when it's front/rear weight distribution is something like 58/42?

It seems to me based on your post that a corner-balanced car would have 50/50 weight distribution.

I just don't get it :(.

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