B6 S4 Coilover height adjustment + new owner questions

**pre007** · 12-06-2008 11:02 AM

I recently picked up an '04 S4 and have a huge smile on my face every time I turn the ignition. I'm looking to purchase a set of 19 inch wheels and wrap them in 245/35-19 as suggested. I also want to purchase a set of coilovers to lower the car, but am worried about rubbing on a set of 245s. I've heard that H&R's drop the car too low to run 245s on 19s, and was wondering if PSS9s are height adjustable enough to prevent rubbing and allow me a slightly lower drop on the front wheels than the rear. Ideally I'd like to lower the front .75-1 inch and the rear .5-.75. I don't want to purchase 235 tires, so I'm open to any coilover setups you might have. Also, my stupid newbie question, I have a Tip transmission, can I put it into S mode at any time? For example, shift into S driving on the highway if I anticipate the need for a little extra power. Thanks for any help.

**MOFSTEEL** · 12-06-2008 11:20 AM

Why dont you want to purchase 235's?

**pre007** · 12-06-2008 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by MOFSTEEL

Why dont you want to purchase 235's?

First, I'm not confident that a 235 will adaquatly support the front end weight of the S4, plus considering my driving habits I imagine the tires wearing at a much quicker pace than 245s. Also, a little extra bit of tire for my rims gives me piece of mind, especially if I drop 4k on a set.

**Ill 3.0** · 12-06-2008 01:08 PM

Most B6/B7 A4/S4 owners with 19" wheels use 235-35 tires (with the proper load rating of course). Nothing wrong with 245 but depending on tire they might rub if you're lowered. Just FYI.

**pre007** · 12-06-2008 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ill 3.0

Most B6/B7 A4/S4 owners with 19" wheels use 235-35 tires (with the proper load rating of course). Nothing wrong with 245 but depending on tire they might rub if you're lowered. Just FYI.

I'm definatly going to have a lower car once I decide on coilovers. I find the H&R coilovers attractive due to AWE's excellent price during their holiday sale, but I don't want a car that is heavily slammed. I'd prefer a drop between .75 and 1.25 for the rear and front respectively. Would the H&R coilovers offer this? Any comments on the PSS9 as an alternative? If I had the money I'd go the Stasis route, but for twice the money I might have to wait half a year before I can afford a Stasis coilver/wheel combination.

**dascsh** · 12-06-2008 03:36 PM

I run 245's and was rubbing at 25.5" fenders to ground and had to remove the screw holding the linings in the wheel wells.

**MOFSTEEL** · 12-07-2008 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by pre007

First, I'm not confident that a 235 will adaquatly support the front end weight of the S4, plus considering my driving habits I imagine the tires wearing at a much quicker pace than 245s. Also, a little extra bit of tire for my rims gives me piece of mind, especially if I drop 4k on a set.

It's been proven several times on this board that a 235 tire with XL load rating can support the s4's weight.

No matter it be a 235 or a 245 tire... if both be the same make/model tire and driving conditions are the same then they will wear exactly the same.

If you get a true 235 tire it will be as wide if not wider than a 245 that is not true. EX: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta is a true 235 and wider than most 245 tires.

19x8.5 wheel with a 235/35/19 tire

**pre007** · 12-07-2008 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by MOFSTEEL

If you get a true 235 tire it will be as wide if not wider than a 245 that is not true. EX: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta is a true 235 and wider than most 245 tires.

19x8.5 wheel with a 235/35/19 tire

Thanks for the response. A little further research on my part confirms your position on 235s. Do you have any experience with the H&R's, or care to comment on PSS9s Vs the H&R coilovers offered for the S4? Also, anyone have an answer for my last stupid-newbie owner question on the S mode for Tip transmissions?

**MOFSTEEL** · 12-07-2008 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by pre007

Thanks for the response. A little further research on my part confirms your position on 235s. Do you have any experience with the H&R's, or care to comment on PSS9s Vs the H&R coilovers offered for the S4? Also, anyone have an answer for my last stupid-newbie owner question on the S mode for Tip transmissions?

Sorry, dont have experience with either of those but from what Ive read on the boards over time a lot of people think the PSS9 are a great coilover for a street application. There are a good number of people who haad been or are riding on them currently and im sure someone will shortly chime in.
Personally I have the KW V3's and think the ride is smoother than stock and are a definite upgrade in the performance department.
As for the S mode I have no clue. I have a manual.

**dannyj777** · 12-07-2008 11:54 PM

yes you can put it in S mode any time...except when you are in reverse. :)
just prepare for the vertex wormhole to a parallel universe a la VTEC.

congrats on the car.

**RAudi Driver** · 12-08-2008 10:01 AM

It's all about the offset. You're gonna rub with any offset that is a +35 or below. A +38 for an 8.5" wheel is supposed to be perfect.

I ran a 19 x 8.5, +32 with Michelin PS2's and PSS9's (ride height at about 26") and I would rub once in a while. You have to remove the fender screw on the front and firm up the suspension and you should be fine.

BTW, PSS9's front suspension is a little bouncy on the highway. Corner balancing may help to alleviate the problem but I don't know if it will totally fix it.

**pre007** · 12-08-2008 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by MOFSTEEL

If you get a true 235 tire it will be as wide if not wider than a 245 that is not true. EX: Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta is a true 235 and wider than most 245 tires.

You wern't kidding. Check out this 235/35/19 Ultrac

http://www.motorweb.com/Ultrac-Sessa...VVviewprod.htm

9.25 inches of width should give my 19x8.5 rims enough protection, don't you think? Is this the same Ultrac you've been using, MOFSTEEL, because there are other 235s that have various widths.

To the other poster, thanks for the bit on the PSS9s. I'm considering holding off on even purchasing 19s and investing in the coilovers, then adding that sweet LaBree setup with catless DPs.

**MOFSTEEL** · 12-08-2008 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by pre007

You wern't kidding. Check out this 235/35/19 Ultrac

http://www.motorweb.com/Ultrac-Sessa...VVviewprod.htm

9.25 inches of width should give my 19x8.5 rims enough protection, don't you think? Is this the same Ultrac you've been using, MOFSTEEL, because there are other 235s that have various widths.

To the other poster, thanks for the bit on the PSS9s. I'm considering holding off on even purchasing 19s and investing in the coilovers, then adding that sweet LaBree setup with catless DPs.

Yup, those are what I have sitting in my garage right now.