Suspension Poll.....

[Silverstreak98]

So I'm finally giving my car the much needed drop that it deserves, and I've narrowed the search down to two options. First some background, I have a 98 2.8TQ with stock non-sport suspension. I live in MN but don't really drive the car during the winter because I am at school. Also the car will never be tracked, but, I would like it to be a bit sportier, but still comfortable for a daily driver, than it is now as it is quite a boat currently.

-V-Maxx coilovers ($ 510 shipped): I didn't even consider these until I read some good reviews on AW and here. Only a 2 yr warranty which isn't as nice as the lifetime warranty on the Bilsteins. I've heard these are fairly comfortable which is a plus, and is comparable to stock S4 suspension (Is this a big difference from stock non-sport A4 suspension?). I don't think I will do much adjusting of the suspension after I have it set though, but it may come in handy. This car will not be going crazy low, as it will be driving in the winter sometimes.

-Bilstein/Vogtland spring shock combo ($680 shipped Ebay): Lifetime warranty on the Bilsteins is nice, and these are two well established companies with quality products. Sportier, but also a lot stiffer right (not a plus for me)?? Lowers my car 1.4" front and rear according to specs, but if I don't like where it is I'm stuck with it.


I know I know ANOTHER poll, but I have been mulling this over for a few weeks and still can't decide! Thanks guys, and feel free to leave all opinions

[biketsai]

from what i''ve read, Vmaxx for looks, the spring/shock for performance

[gq331]

spring/strut. Coilovers are nice if you looking to adjust up and down and track. Useless if you don't. I got the sport suspension on mine, was thinking of riding on coils, rode in my buddies....for a daily driver...blah. See if you can find someone who is selling their sports suspension.

[Silverstreak98]

Sports suspension I feel would not go quite as low as I want, and I'd rather not buy shocks that are 50k old.

[djwimbo]

Bilstiens are typically a stiff damper, add a stiff spring to that and your ride quality will suck.
And yes, VMaxx is designed for looks over performance.

[Silverstreak98]

My one concern is the Bilstein/Vogtland combo will be too stiff, and I'll get tired of it quickly.

Any comments on this? By the looks of the poll it looks like most of you think this isn't an issue.

[Silverstreak98]

So I just looked again and the Bilstein/Vogtland combo is actually $680 shipped, so this obviously makes the Vmaxx coilovers look better......sorry for the mistake.

[Kronic Budz]

sounds like the v max will do the job just fine for what ur looking for. They will be comfortable reliable coil overs that will always give u the choice of changing the stance. They wont be top performers but they will be way better then stock sport susp.

[tdn]

spring/strut. I got the sport suspension on mine, was thinking of riding on coils, rode in my buddies....for a daily driver...blah.

That's a very broad statement.. not all coil overs ride the same.

[erikas3]

So I'm finally giving my car the much needed drop that it deserves, and I've narrowed the search down to two options. First some background, I have a 98 2.8TQ with stock non-sport suspension. I live in MN but don't really drive the car during the winter because I am at school. Also the car will never be tracked, but, I would like it to be a bit sportier, but still comfortable for a daily driver, than it is now as it is quite a boat currently.

-V-Maxx coilovers ($ 510 shipped): I didn't even consider these until I read some good reviews on AW and here. Only a 2 yr warranty which isn't as nice as the lifetime warranty on the Bilsteins. I've heard these are fairly comfortable which is a plus, and is comparable to stock S4 suspension (Is this a big difference from stock non-sport A4 suspension?). I don't think I will do much adjusting of the suspension after I have it set though, but it may come in handy. This car will not be going crazy low, as it will be driving in the winter sometimes.

-Bilstein/Vogtland spring shock combo ($680 shipped Ebay): Lifetime warranty on the Bilsteins is nice, and these are two well established companies with quality products. Sportier, but also a lot stiffer right (not a plus for me)?? Lowers my car 1.4" front and rear according to specs, but if I don't like where it is I'm stuck with it.


I know I know ANOTHER poll, but I have been mulling this over for a few weeks and still can't decide! Thanks guys, and feel free to leave all opinions

Can I ask you where the VMaxx coilovers are priced at $510? On their website, I believe that they are $599..

[Silverstreak98]

I'm getting deal on them, so its not like I found them online someplace for that price.

[erikas3]

I'm getting deal on them, so its not like I found them online someplace for that price.

Oh, Okay. I thought that they were being sold somewhere for such a price and that maybe I could get them too

[CaSp3r9]

If you can afford it, I think it would be smart to invest in a quality set of coilovers that are going to ride nice like STaSIS Street Sports for example. It's not worth the time and money to buy a setup you're not going to be happy with in the long run. If you don't really care to get a brand new setup, search the classifieds. I'm sure you can find a low-mileage setup for pretty cheap, I see them all the time.

From what I understand, VMAXX coilovers aren't worth their weight in feces due to the ride quality; which seems to be one of your main concerns so I'd steer clear of them. As for the Bilstein/Vogtland combo, it'll only lower your car enough to be around where it would sit with stock sport suspension and if it were me, I wouldn't be happy with it.

My vote: Neither, invest in a quality set of coilovers!

Good luck!

[Silverstreak98]

Thanks for the advide CaSp3r9, I'm a little concerned about warranty issues if I buy a used set of coilovers.

If I could get a used set of Koni Coilovers for $575 w/ 15k on them would that be a better deal than either of these?

[Silverstreak98]

Are Koni coilovers generally very realiable?? If I have no warranty I don't want to be running into problems down the road.

[Euro]

silverstreak98,

the only thing I have to say is that suspension is most definitely one of the most important, if not THE most important thing you can do to a car. Dont fuck around looking for the cheapest setup you can find.
Look for something that has ride quality, build quality, a warranty, that fits your needs as a driver, is really what you want (not what the forum convinces you to want) and is in your price range.

Suspension IMO is something you want done perfectly, so with that in mind, Im not a fan of used suspension components at all. I would not buy any thing used because there is no way that I could trust someone across the country to sell me something ever so vital to my cars prefomance and safety. Its important for your safety, to know what the hell is going on to your car and that you can trust 100% of it.

I've owned bilsteins and I can tell you that they make a product second to none. They are stiff, but they keep you planted on the road. I have Koni's Now and they are fantastic. I like them even more than my bilsteins, but thats just me.

I hope that helps.

[Silverstreak98]

well...Any more opinions are definitely welcome, I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

Thanks

[Overboostin]

Coilovers are definitely the way to go. Honestly though, I wouldn't get vmaxx. They are pretty bouncy from what I've read. I mean, if you just want to go lower, I guess its ok, but you won't really have an advantage in handling. Get some used coils if you can't swing the big bucks. I bought used h&r ultralows and they're perfect. A lot of people buy used stuff. You could always get teins, they would be better than vmaxx's.

[sliverwagon]

I would get the Bilstiens, but if you are looking for the adjustability buy a used set of used coilovers from the classified section