ChipB
11-01-2010, 07:40 AM
The first question to answer is what qualities are you looking for? You say you want to change the suspension, but why? What's wrong with what you have? How do you use the car? If the majority of your driving is highway to commute to work or take the kids to soccer practice you want something different than if it's a weekend warrior for spirited canyon driving.
Some of the reasons for changing suspension parts are:
1. The original shocks are getting old, and need replacing. If you like the stock ride, then go with stock replacement shocks, or perhaps a nice set of Billstein HD shocks. The HDs are a tad stiffer than stock, but they play well with the stock springs will not be harsh.
2. To lower the car, so it "looks good" in the parking lot. Many of the threads on the various Audi forums are along this vein. People want to lower the cat an inch or so, so that the wheel arches are closer to the top edge of the tire. For many people this is purely an aesthetic choice, and for them a change of springs to a "sport" model does the trick. They may also put on a set of larger diameter wheels, and then post pics on the web of their car sitting still in a parking lot.
3. To make the car handle better in the twisties, and also lower the car - go with both springs and shocks. Be careful however, as mixing the wrong components can negatively affect the performance of the suspension. There are many examples of people ending up with a much harsher ride than they really wanted. So do your research carefully, and make sure the combination of spring and shock works well together for your particular car and provides the type of ride that you are looking for.
4. The high end choice - a set of coilovers specifically designed for your car. You get a matched set of springs and dampers that you know will work well together. Depending on how much you spend you may they may also be adjustable - often the ride height is adjustable, and on higher end models the shock compression and/or rebound rates may be adjustable as well. Recommended for those who do very spirited driving and/or track sessions. Combine with a matched set of anti-roll bars for the optimal handling set up.
Hopefully this will get you started. Now the first thing for you is to describe for us hosw you use your car and what your ideal ride characteristics would be.