I wish to flatten out my car on the corners a bit. In the spring I'll be getting some 17" rims with some 45 profile tires, and that should help the handlig considablly. I was looking at getting a sway bar first, and then maybe some soft sport springs later on. But I have read numerous emails noting the inefectivness of the sway bars. <p>Could someone give me there opinion? Thanks!<p>99 V6 Tip<br>

Mical,<p>The bigger wheels and better tires will certainly be a great improvement. However, be careful with the sway bars. I suggest that you refrain from changing them. There is the possibility of damaging the suspension (see FAQ article). Also, trying to eliminate body roll may not be entirely desirable. Go to the Hoppen web site and read the explanation.<p>In my opinion, get the springs and possibly shocks done first. You will immediately have a great improvement in the handling. Then, if you think that your stock tires (don't know if you have the sport package) are not up to snuff, then replace them when you actually would buy new tires anyway.<p>Hope this helps,<p>Marcin R.<br>---<br>'98.5 A4 1.8Tqms

Sounds like good advice. I looking at summer only tires, maybe the Pirelli P-Zero's on the 17" rims. I think you advice about swaping out the springs and shocks sound like it would be better to do right away. I know this is begining to get off thread, but has anyone noticed an "excessivly harsh" ride as the result of going with the 17" rims and 45 profile tires? Any opinions? Thanks!

booh

You did not mention whether you have sport suspension.If so, definitely do wheels & tires first. I have Toyo Proxes T1+ (225/45 ZR 17) on Momo "Sport" wheels. Dramatic improvement In all respects with minimal (almost unnoticeable) increase in harshness , even at higher tire pressures. I agree with being cautious about replacing sway bars at this time. Remember, tires are the ONLY thing that connect you with the road! Tweak your suspension after tire/wheel upgrade. BTW you should obviously consider Bridgestone S-O2s also.

Primarily correct but remember, "better handling" depends greatly upon whether one wants a car mostly "for the track" or "for the road".