Suspension questions for B5 S4

[Sp@z]

I am looking into lowering my car, and I am on a shoe string budget. Can I just install springs? Do I need to install shocks as well, or will springs do? Will springs effect my car in a negative way? Also what is the difference between coilovers, and shocks and springs. Sorry to sound like such a noob, but for some reason I could never grasp the different terminologies used when describing suspensions. Is it possible to piece together a suspension over time, for instance springs now, shocks later, etc...

The reason that I want to lower my car, is because I want to buy larger wheels and I hate the way cars look with bigger wheels when they are not lowered.

[Chard]

Few things...

Yes, you can just put springs on, however, you'll wear out your shocks faster and would have to eventually change them out. If you're doing the work yourself and don't mind, then it's not a big deal. If you're paying for it, you're going to have to end up paying double the labor when you change out your shocks in the future. If that's the case, I'd recommend just waiting until you can afford the springs and shocks and install them at once.

Coilovers, as described/used here, is a spring/shock combo that's supposed to be mated to each other. All are height adjustable (using a threaded shock body and coilover rings/perches) and some are bound/rebound adjustable. The good thing about coilovers is that you have infinite adjustability with respect to height. Since the shocks are mated to the springs, you don't have to worry about premature wear.

When going with larger wheels, make sure to consider the size you're getting as well as the offset. With a low car and a low offset, you'll end up rubbing. You might want to look into getting your front fenders rolled in the future.

[Sp@z]

Chard….thanks for the info. I am going to wait until I can scrape the money together for the coilovers. I just wanted some new wheels in a bad way, but with winter right around the corner, I will hold off and that, and do other things to my car first.

edit: I would not buy wheels until car is lowerd

[jeremy@matrix]

I am looking into lowering my car, and I am on a shoe string budget. Can I just install springs? Do I need to install shocks as well, or will springs do? Will springs effect my car in a negative way? Also what is the difference between coilovers, and shocks and springs. Sorry to sound like such a noob, but for some reason I could never grasp the different terminologies used when describing suspensions. Is it possible to piece together a suspension over time, for instance springs now, shocks later, etc...
The reason that I want to lower my car, is because I want to buy larger wheels and I hate the way cars look with bigger wheels when they are not lowered.

I'd highly recommend STaSIS StreetSport coilovers;

STaSIS StreetSport coilover kit for B5 S4; 4 KONI sport dampers; single adjustable (rebound), narrow band; suspension disassembly required for adjustment; silver chromate plated threaded steel damper bodies; height adjustable; 4 progressive rate KONI springs (400lb. front /390lb. rear spring rate); balanced and adjusted on SPA damper dynamometer
$1095 + s/h

http://www.stasisengineering.com/Admin/MainImage/SSsuspmain.jpg


Here's a testimonial from a B5 client on this setup;
"Prior to having this suspension setup, I used to run H&R ultras which were cool if you wanted to slam your car lower than any other suspension. However, the H&R coilovers provided a very stiff ride w/o dampening adjustability. Regardless, the H&Rs went bad and it was time to replace them. After attending a Matrix Tech Day, and numerous conversations with Jeremy, I decided to go with the STaSIS setup. I have had the suspension for a month now, and am VERY HAPPY with it. The following are just a few reasons I am so satisfied with this product:

1.) Ride comfort very close to OEM
2.) Unbelievable handling - I don't take my car to the track, but have heard many people running this suspension setup on the track with great results.
3.) Provides dampening adjustability
4.) Provides ride height adjustability
5.) Great price

Best regards,
Dima"


LMK how we can help.

[pyongwonse]

does the ride have to be adjustable?

you could always go springs and shocks

h&R/Blis IMO