Suspension - Coilovers vs Springs/Shocks all things being equal

[VW2AUDI]

Hey All,

I am in the process of trying to decide what suspension setup I would like to run on my S5. I have used the search and have read various post about OE Sport, Sport, and coilovers. Usually the questions come up about ride height of the options and ride quality. One thing I am curious on (as I am leaning more towards coils) if all things being equal (meaning say a sport spring with shocks drops you 1.3 inches and coils dropping you 1.3 inches) does one still behave better then the other? I like the option that coils provide even though I may only goes as low as what I could get with a spring/shock combo. Thoughts?

TIA,

-Jason

[pnoyworx]

Coils will always be better. The spring and shock of a coil are weight matched. Also coilovers will last longer than mix matched springs and shocks. I see your from Washington, with our roads here, it's better to get coilovers, the shock and spring combo would blow out a lot faster due to our numerous pot holes.

[crisp74]

agreed, although this would be a moot point if he has drive select. in that case, he would have to use springs. eibach and hr oe keep the ride close to stock with minimal lowering, the hr sport drop it more at the expense of ride comfort. btw, welcome to the forum jason.

[bknewtype]

one thing that i learned is that the reason why coilovers are better, the spring and strut in the coilover package is made for each other. when u buy springs and struts separately, it doesn't necessarily mean they are meant for each other. like theres a lot of different brands of shocks and springs out there, its all trial and error before we find out which ones are most compatible with each other.

[VW2AUDI]

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. Helps out a lot in planning on which way to go...

And Crisp - Thanks, good to be here... :)

[Wilbur]

Hey All,

I am in the process of trying to decide what suspension setup I would like to run on my S5. I have used the search and have read various post about OE Sport, Sport, and coilovers. Usually the questions come up about ride height of the options and ride quality. One thing I am curious on (as I am leaning more towards coils) if all things being equal (meaning say a sport spring with shocks drops you 1.3 inches and coils dropping you 1.3 inches) does one still behave better then the other? I like the option that coils provide even though I may only goes as low as what I could get with a spring/shock combo. Thoughts?

TIA,

-Jason

i had H&R sport springs in my B7S4 and it was a little too low and very firm. Car would bottom out on underground garage ramps and I tore off every panel from the undercarriage. Always bottoming out in snow and ice. I would do H&R OE springs for sure a s they are not quite a slow but still look way better than stock.

[gpxluke]

I was debating on springs and coils...i ended up getting coilover for my a5...but havn't put them on yet

[VW2AUDI]

I was debating on springs and coils...i ended up getting coilover for my a5...but havn't put them on yet

Mind me asking what coils you went with?

TIA,

-Jason

[eurocollective]

one thing that i learned is that the reason why coilovers are better, the spring and strut in the coilover package is made for each other. when u buy springs and struts separately, it doesn't necessarily mean they are meant for each other. like theres a lot of different brands of shocks and springs out there, its all trial and error before we find out which ones are most compatible with each other.

Hello Everyone, I was just reading over this thread and wanted to 100% agree with everyone's thoughts here and say how refreshing it is to see good constructive answers here (rather than what I normally see on a lot of other boards)..

In particular, bknewtype, very well put!

The key to a suspension is tuning the components to match to get the most out of the system, and unless it is a specifically engineered shock and spring combo, the coilover is almost always the better way to go.

Not to mention the additional flexibility to adjust the height (and depending on the model of coilover the dampening) to your needs such as wheel and tire combination changes like summer to winter, or even just for the look.

If you are looking for any tech info on any of the brands out there, just let me know

[gpxluke]

Mind me asking what coils you went with?

TIA,

-Jason

KW V1, was going to get ST Coils (identical to KW V1), but was aware that ST offers only 5 years warranty while KW offers lifetime...so ended up with KW V1. If you wanna order a set let me know, I can direct u to a very good reseller of KW coils

[VW2AUDI]

...so ended up with KW V1. If you wanna order a set let me know, I can direct u to a very good reseller of KW coils

gpxluke, I am currently looking at going with H&R coils as I have used there springs on my previous 3 VW's and was always happy with them. Would the KW's provide a better ride or handling in your opinion?

-Jason

[gpxluke]

gpxluke, I am currently looking at going with H&R coils as I have used there springs on my previous 3 VW's and was always happy with them. Would the KW's provide a better ride or handling in your opinion?

-Jason

I have no idea how h&r coils ride but I heard they can go pretty low. I have always been using KW.

[VW2AUDI]

I have no idea how h&r coils ride but I heard they can go pretty low. I have always been using KW.

How low are you running your KW's and how would you describe the ride quality compared to stock.

TIA,

-Jason

[gpxluke]

I havn't put them on yet lol...made an appointment on the 15th..so I hope I can tell you how it ride by then?

I had V2 on my b7, so far it's actually pretty comfy on normal driving but give u a sense of firmness when doing cornering. Used to have shocks and springs on my b7 too, but coilover is totally a different story.

[Blake P]

If anyone is interested in a brand new discounted set of KW V2's send me a PM. My buddy just bought a set for his S4 (same application as A5/S5) and decided to sell his car before getting a chance to install them.