H-Sport RS4 sways: Real world review

[johntesi]

So I have had these installed for a while, was planning to do a big itemized review once I get a few more goodies installed (wheels, exhuast, etc.) but today I got the best test in one could ask for.
I took the day off work to go teach an old friend how to fly fish, and on the road (we were actually headed home) there are some nice uphill twisties that I was really giving my car one of its first serious work outs since I've had the sways installed (about 3 weeks). He was in the passenger seat grinning, and holding on because of our obscene lack of seat bolsters. The car was GLUED to the road. After that I told him to relax, I was ready to just take it easy and cruise home. Not a minute later, cruising at a steady 75-80 out on a wide Texas country road, a road runner ran out into the lane about 30 feet ahead. Visibility was great and I LOVE those birds- and all animals really- so I really worked the car in a full lane change avoidance manouver. So stable and secure in this instant flick at those speeds, it elicited another comment from my passenger: "Really nicely done". I am planning to go to my normal country road to give the car a proper work out this weekend, but I wanted to post because although steering precision and understeer have been improved upon greatly, this lane change manouver was the most dramatic change I have noticed. So much so that it made me smile. Thought I'd share... Nice work Hotchkis!!

[HeHateMe]

nice review, what suspension do you have?

[johntesi]

Currently stock sport suspension, pending arrival of wheels to install PSS9s.

[hoganalley]

you have front and rear, or just rear?

what about over/understeer?

[aaaudiprotein]

Nice!!!

[cstarky15]

which sway bars did you get from them? they have 3 or 4 different sets! Thanks

[johntesi]

To answer the questions:
I have front and rear bars, the set intended as an upgrade for the RS4 (believe this is 35/29mm), and it has proven to be a dramatic improvement so far. The front has sharpened up steering accuracy and most importantly retained a good balance with the rear. The size changes definitely make the stiffness more rear-biased, especially on the stiffer of the two settings available on the rear bar. I am pleased with this setup, and I'm sure that big ol' roadrunner is too! Can't wait to get the wheels/tires/coilovers on to really complete the handling improvement aspect.
As far as understeer vs. oversteer: I used to push an almost obnoxious amount on the tighter turns, particularly when trying to come onto the gas. Frustrating, but expected. I haven't gotten to do any 10/10ths driving with these yet, but in every situation so far, it seems to be very close to neutral; depending on the circumstances there might be a hint of (safe) understeer or some controlable oversteer. I'm sure with new suspension I'll be able to dial things in even better.

[Glassnpowder98]

Thanks for the review... I might pick up the front sway to complete the package on my car. Just to make the itch to get your suspension installed even worse... I'll add that once you get everything installed, that "pushing obnoxious amounts" will turn into pushing insane amounts and you will definitely want to add some recaros to your list of mods to keep you from sitting in your passengers lap.

[EuroA4]

Do you bounce alot on road imperfections (bridge gaps, bumps, dips, etc.) with this set-up? With the stock sport suspension you might not, but I'd be curious to see your feedback when you add the PSS9s.

[RedS-line]

i am also interested to know your review of ride comfort and stiffness. 29mm in the rear is huge compared to 18mm stock sport and still a big step up from 22mm rs4 stock that everyone throws on. ive considered your upgrade but am wondering since the sport suspension is pretty stiff already then would you hurt your butt with these?

[jmars]

I just swapped out my non sport for sport suspension on my B7 avant, at that time I added the Hsport S4 kit (fr&RR). I know it's not as burly as the Rs4 Hsport but WOW is the car a night and day difference. The body roll is so much less then on my stock 01 S4. I considered the Hsport RS4 kit but became fearful of it mainly b/c of this board and the posts about adding to heavy of a sway. My thought was considering I have more weight b/c it was an avant that the stock RS4 sway may not be enough so I spluged a bit, glad I did. My butt doesn't get beaten up but like the OP's said, lane changing is fun! On and off ramps are more fun as well. I'm chipped and now my suspension better complements the power increase. Didn't do aftermarket coils b/c I live in VT part of the year (frost heaves are terrible) and CO's are pricey and I couldn't find used in my price range.

To anyone considering this..........do it, its fun. I don't track but I enjoy driving. This makes driving that much more fun..................in a wagon..LOL!!

[johntesi]

Certainly isn't noticeably stiffer, only when your front or rear wheels encounter bumps at different times do you really notice that they're there. This is to be expected as they are trading off some suspension independence for improved handling.