Springs and Shocks upgrade: Before and After Feedback??

[Black_V!per]

Air ride > rest.

[stactum]

When I was thinking of upgrading my suspension I read one piece of wisdom on forums: "you can take longer route to get to an optimal setup by going springs (god knows what else).... and then coil-overs; or just save the effort (and money in a long run) and go straight to coil-overs"

That is what I did - very happy with Blisteins PSS10, set on 6 for summer tires set up.

[sh!tmagnet]

Just installed Bilstein sport struts and GMG Performance Springs last week(basically Eibach springs), couldn't be happier with the drop and ride quality; car feels a lot more planted. I went stage 2 not long ago and I found at that point the rear would drop a lot and the front would lift and get a little light when you really get on it. Now it just hunkers down and goes like a raped ape. I'm sure I'll see more improvement as soon as I put in the EC Sways and Endlinks

[Vogz]

When I was thinking of upgrading my suspension I read one piece of wisdom on forums: "you can take longer route to get to an optimal setup by going springs (god knows what else).... and then coil-overs; or just save the effort (and money in a long run) and go straight to coil-overs"

That is what I did - very happy with Blisteins PSS10, set on 6 for summer tires set up.

Coil-overs are not optimal for everyone. I daily drive my S4 including in the snow. I've seen what salt does to coil-overs and I know how noisy they can be . The key is matching spring rate to damping. Coil-overs are obviously all matched. The key to a good conventional setup is getting springs that have dampers that they are intended to be paired with. Most people that lower their cars on springs don't do this which is why they get a bouncy and harsh ride.

[SHR]

There is one aspect of my ride that is disappointing. The float and bounciness of the suspension. I installed EC sways, AK, end links, which helps with tightening things up and reducing a bit of the roll, but the springs and dampers are sticking out like a sore thumb.

On my previous '12 S4, I installed OE Sport springs only, and it was a mistake. Dampers were unmatched and it felt bouncy.

I am considering OE Sports and bilstein shocks. Quality components, only about $800-900, and a bit less $$ than coilovers.

Does anybody have feedback about before vs. after with a similar upgrade? I guess mild coilovers (not too stiff) are comparable for feedback. I want to try and confirm that what I am seeking is in this spring/shock mod. I know the S4 is a sport sedan, and not a true sport car, so I can't necessarily expect p-car on-rails handling. But... hoping the springs and shocks will help significantly.

Are my expectations fair?

Thanks!

I installed the Bilstein Eibach B12 kit 15k miles ago and couldn’t be happier. They are well within your budget. The ride is firm but not harsh and while I wish I had more drop it’s not practical for me on my DD. I do not feel any float whatsoever and they plant the car nicely. I’ve had them out on a few track days and they were adequate for my skill level, I never felt that I needed more. The shock casings still look great after two harsh upstate NY salty winters. Bilstein is among the very best in quality and reputation.

I originally installed ST CO’s and pulled them off as quickly as I could. The ride was horrible, they made lots of noise, one corner sagged for months, and they rusted terribly very quickly which I expected but not quite so quickly.

The PSS16 kit is 3x the price of the B12 kit and I am sure it is superior and gives you the flexibility of height and damper adjustments. If I had to replace the B12’s I would do so with either the PSS16’s or air.

[Greg Nelson]

Hi S4 Guys
I have an '09 A4 3.2L P+ Sedan Quattro Tiptronic, owned since new, very low mileage (retired now, don't drive a lot). Don't have ADS, MMI etc.
I've had KW V1 coil overs on for 4-5 years, don't like the harsh ride, and want change to bit more comfort.

Believe weight codes between your rides are similar - my front is 0JJ [range 9], rear is 0YK [range 10], suspension code 1BA [standard - believe S4 is 1BD]

I've looked at OEM A4 S-Line, S4 and Euro S-Line spring and shock/strut changeout and pricing looks quite high AND OEM spring color coding is extremely confusing.

Reading this thread makes me think the Bilstein/Eibach B12 kit might work for my ride and comfort I seek, with lowering I want (approx. 1.2"-1.4").
Any thoughts - all input appreciated - you can PM me to keep this thread 'clean'

Cheers

[4ringnut]

Pm sent

[Audi Advocate]

Just finished a track day at Mosport - shaving fully 3 seconds per lap off from what I could achieve with the OEM suspension last Fall. Credit to KW V2 coilover's and so much more confidence and handling in the corners.

Even if not tracking I'd recommending going all in vs. just springs. Good coilovers totally transform this car. OEM is floaty at best and even Alu Kreuz and sways don't change that much.

This is such a fun car - the OEM suspension setup holds it back from really spirited driving.

IMHO.

[drew4392]

Just finished a track day at Mosport - shaving fully 3 seconds per lap off from what I could achieve with the OEM suspension last Fall. Credit to KW V2 coilover's and so much more confidence and handling in the corners.

Even if not tracking I'd recommending going all in vs. just springs. Good coilovers totally transform this car. OEM is floaty at best and even Alu Kreuz and sways don't change that much.

This is such a fun car - the OEM suspension setup holds it back from really spirited driving.

IMHO.

Great to hear about the results! 3 seconds is solid.

I think most people in this thread are not talking about springs, alone. It is about pairing with a good shock that is matched to the spring.