I was talking with a friend about the great handling the A4 that I own has. Its a 99.5 2.8 I love how the car hugs the road on turns in rain or shine. My intrest was if possible to make it even better. My friend suggested that I put a strut bar in the car. has anyone done this is it worth it?Is there a chance of damaging something if I do add this to my car for better handling? Anyone else have any ideas. by the way I know nothing about engines and car parts my friend had to explain what a strut is so if ya can use very very basic english =)

mike Z
a4 2.8 (volcanic black)

The strut tower brace is probably not a good route. A strut tower brace is a metal bar connecting the tops of the strut towers(where the top of the shock connects to the frame of the car), this helps to stiffen the body of the car and allows the suspension to do its job (keeping the tires in contact with the road. The A4 has a double firewall, if you open the hood you'll see a metal wall running across the engine bay in front of the battery. This is pretty close to where a strut tower bar would be installed...the wall is basically doing the job that a bar would do. Also, there were some reports that the bars had problems with arcing (spark jumping to the bar) because of their proximity to the battery terminal (check out Sean G.'s A4 page, he had one). Recent reports have indicated solutions to this problem, and the fact that the S4 comes with upper and lower bars has caused some people to rethink their previous stance against the bars. However, unless you are a VERY agressive driver the benefits will be marginal, if they are noticeable at all. These bars have a far greater impact on cars which are not as rigid, like most Japanese cars, and to a lesser extent some VW's.

Options for improving handling would include antisway bars (the A4 comes with them, but bigger ones are available). These help to reduce body roll, keeping the tires planted on the ground. Some problems were reported with the largest rear ones cracking the subframe when on the most agressive setting (check out Steve S.'s FAQ for more info.).

Another route would be to upgrade the suspension (tons of options here). Stiffer springs and shocks will reduce body roll and better control it, allowing the car to better handle multiple changes in direction. The down side is that the ride will become harsher (how much harsher depends on the setup you choose). Options range from the new Audi OEM Euro spec lowering springs on up to a set of coilovers (matched spring and shock which allows height adjustment).

Finally, and one of the most cost effective options is the tires. The Dunlop SP8000's are excellent tires. By going from 205/55/16 to 225/50/16 you will get a wider contact patch, meaning more rubber on the road, and thus even better traction. You can also go with even better tires like the Bridgestone S02 Pole Positions, or Michelin MXX3 Pilots. Which offer even more grip.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms