Sport Suspension to Koni FSD/Eibach kit worth it?

[Alkemix]

Hey... i've been trying to get a good idea of this. Most people seem to agree that "it's a great upgrade", but most of those people went from non-sport suspension to this kit. I want to know if people who had sport suspension to this kit believe the drop and handling changes are worth the money, or do I save a little more and opt for coils?? I would like to hear from actual people who made this transition. I've read through all the other threads and most people don't specify if they went from sport suspension to koni, or if they do specify, then they are usually coming from non-sport suspension.

[excelT4]

Save up your money for coilovers. I got this kit installed a few months ago and as soon as I drove off the lot I knew I should have gotten coilovers. While it is more comfortable than stock sport, I don't think it handles as well. It seems to actually have more roll than the stock set-up, and I've got the S4 h-sports. Depending on the roads you live with its REALLY bouncy going over larger dips. Over the past couple months I've come to hate the ride because of the bounciness. I really don't think the FSDs work well with the amount of lowering the Eibachs give, not enough shock travel. If you don't have to deal with large dips you may never notice this issue though. I had my dealership install it and actually had them re-check everything on my last service because I thought something was wrong, nothing was.

The drop is OK, but I'd actually like to be a little higher . They've settled at about 25" fender to ground and I'd like to be closer to 25.5, I think anything lower than that affects the suspension negatively. I've had coilovers on my last 3 cars and I didn't want to spend the coin, I should have known that was a mistake. Cheap never works out. I finally bit the bullet and ordered some PSS9s that I'll install here when I get a chance. I know they won't be as comfortable, but hell at least I'll enjoy driving the car again, I hope.

[Alkemix]

thanks dude. What i needed to hear, but surprised that you think its too low. The koni/eibach setup only dropped it an inch at best from your sport susp setup? Regardless, i wanted something that would handle better even at a sacrifice of some "comfort", but didn't want to lose too much comfort. I believe i may be headed for some Stasis StreetSport coils.

[TH85]

Save up your money for coilovers. I got this kit installed a few months ago and as soon as I drove off the lot I knew I should have gotten coilovers. While it is more comfortable than stock sport, I don't think it handles as well. It seems to actually have more roll than the stock set-up, and I've got the S4 h-sports. Depending on the roads you live with its REALLY bouncy going over larger dips. Over the past couple months I've come to hate the ride because of the bounciness. I really don't think the FSDs work well with the amount of lowering the Eibachs give, not enough shock travel. If you don't have to deal with large dips you may never notice this issue though. I had my dealership install it and actually had them re-check everything on my last service because I thought something was wrong, nothing was.

The drop is OK, but I'd actually like to be a little higher . They've settled at about 25" fender to ground and I'd like to be closer to 25.5, I think anything lower than that affects the suspension negatively. I've had coilovers on my last 3 cars and I didn't want to spend the coin, I should have known that was a mistake. Cheap never works out. I finally bit the bullet and ordered some PSS9s that I'll install here when I get a chance. I know they won't be as comfortable, but hell at least I'll enjoy driving the car again, I hope.

First time iv seen a bad review on the fsd's/eibach.
everyone else iv seen said they love them but im sure it depends on the driver.

[rnp614]

Wow. More roll than stock? No way. My car was far more buttoned down with the Koni/FSD setup than the sport package shocks and springs. The drop is just right if you're looking for something drivable on almost any city road and arent going for the ultra-low look. I'd say its worth the no fuss no muss. Truly set and forget.

[nramsey]

Save up your money for coilovers. I got this kit installed a few months ago and as soon as I drove off the lot I knew I should have gotten coilovers. While it is more comfortable than stock sport, I don't think it handles as well. It seems to actually have more roll than the stock set-up, and I've got the S4 h-sports. Depending on the roads you live with its REALLY bouncy going over larger dips. Over the past couple months I've come to hate the ride because of the bounciness. I really don't think the FSDs work well with the amount of lowering the Eibachs give, not enough shock travel. If you don't have to deal with large dips you may never notice this issue though. I had my dealership install it and actually had them re-check everything on my last service because I thought something was wrong, nothing was.

The drop is OK, but I'd actually like to be a little higher . They've settled at about 25" fender to ground and I'd like to be closer to 25.5, I think anything lower than that affects the suspension negatively. I've had coilovers on my last 3 cars and I didn't want to spend the coin, I should have known that was a mistake. Cheap never works out. I finally bit the bullet and ordered some PSS9s that I'll install here when I get a chance. I know they won't be as comfortable, but hell at least I'll enjoy driving the car again, I hope.

Did your dealer trim the bumpstops when they installed them? If not, that might be why they are so bouncy. I trimmed 1 1/2" to 2" off mine probably and I wouldn't call my ride bouncy at all. I like them better than the Stasis StreetSport coilovers I had on my B5 which I felt were underdampened, especially in the rear. They would really float a lot on big dips on the freeway. My FSD/Eibachs don't, though they can be a bit stiff on very abrupt, sharp bumps. It's nothing at all objectionable to me.

I also had Bilstein PSS9s on my B5 and they were stiffer and handled better, but the ride was stiffer and they had a real annoying low speed bounce problem.

I hear this "go with coilovers cause they'll ride and handle better" all the time and I don't buy it. All a coilover is is a shock/spring with a threaded collar for adjusting ride height. Unless they use significantly better shocks than the FSDs (which I doubt most sub $1500 coilover kits do) then they really won't drive any different than a decent spring/shock setup, other than being more expensive because of the complexity of the threaded perch.

[aaron1085]

Excellent reviews. I havesport suspension on my 2007 A4 and just purchased some H&R springs. Was going to pair them with the Koni's..think this will work just fine?

[TH85]

Did your dealer trim the bumpstops when they installed them? If not, that might be why they are so bouncy. I trimmed 1 1/2" to 2" off mine probably and I wouldn't call my ride bouncy at all. I like them better than the Stasis StreetSport coilovers I had on my B5 which I felt were underdampened, especially in the rear. They would really float a lot on big dips on the freeway. My FSD/Eibachs don't, though they can be a bit stiff on very abrupt, sharp bumps. It's nothing at all objectionable to me.

I also had Bilstein PSS9s on my B5 and they were stiffer and handled better, but the ride was stiffer and they had a real annoying low speed bounce problem.

I hear this "go with coilovers cause they'll ride and handle better" all the time and I don't buy it. All a coilover is is a shock/spring with a threaded collar for adjusting ride height. Unless they use significantly better shocks than the FSDs (which I doubt most sub $1500 coilover kits do) then they really won't drive any different than a decent spring/shock setup, other than being more expensive because of the complexity of the threaded perch.

Does everyone trim their bumpstops?? having this setup installed very soon and curious if i should or not...

[ataylor]

It seems to actually have more roll than the stock set-up, and I've got the S4 h-sports.

how is that even physically possible?

I went from non-sline so my review probably doesn't help you, but I did the swap along with an RS4 sway bar and couldn't be happier. I'm someone who drives every bit of road like it's a road course.. and this setup is exactly what I wanted, WITH the drivability on poor roads.

[72mako]

As ataylor did, I did the swap from non-sport suspension, however my non-sport with RS4 sway had less roll than the loaners I've driven on sport suspension. Now I have less roll than that set up by a long shot. I couldn't see how you would have more body roll on the Koni FSD/Eibach set up. The comfort driving is, in my opinion, perfect for a daily driver. The roads here are less than desireable and I don't mind the drive on them. I do about 500 miles or more/week and I'm happy with the height and ride.

Overall, compared to the loaners (with sport suspension) that I've had, excellent handling and comfortable ride.

nick

[bergy12]

I'd also like to know about the bumpstops. I'm installing the setup this week.

[scoobycarolan]

Eibach says don't cut the bumpstops.
I had sport before going to this and it a million times better. I've had other kits on my 2 B6s.
Also get the RS4 sway and do it the same time. I did mine 2 weeks later and it buttoned down the backend. I'd say it's the perfect street setup for a B7.

For the guy with the Hotckiss sway. Other members have reported it cracked & broke off their rear sway mount because it's too stiff. You should check yours.

Also, alignment is a HUGE factor. Other people that didn't have an "in-spec" aligent complained. This'll be the case with any aftermarket kit. I had the dealer do it because our cars are tough to get in spec and they'll have the most experience. Ask for your readout before you leave and make sure they explain it.

[dave405nyc]

I went from non-sport oem to the koni fsd/eibach kit and I did NOT cut the bump stops. Ride is definitely firmer, but comfortable over bumps. The only thing I hate is going over hardened snow banks on the streets, doesn't sound too good when I go over them =X

[Alkemix]

Many, thanks for all the responses. I was close to cancelling my order yesterday. So it seems that excelT4's experience is definitely in the minority. I'm feeling better about hearing the other sport suspension to Koni FSD reviews. I'm really looking to tighten up the handling but maintain driveability. I've been trying and trying to piece together from all the other threads what exactly my expectation should be with the Koni FSD/Eibach, without getting a chance to drive in a car with the setup and see if it matches my want out of a new suspension. I did not want a mild upgrade in handling over the sport susp, but I am not looking for a very aggressive upgrade either. The handling difference I believe should be definitely noticeable and noticeably more enjoyable than sport susp. I am willing to sacrifice some comfort from the sport susp.

[TH85]

^^^^^^im getting that setup installed this weekend and will right a review w/pics right away for you.

[Koby]

Since you live in LA, what don't you post up on your local forum and see if you can get a ride in or better yet try some other member's cars in your area? I'm sure there's a ton of 'Ziners who live in SoCal. There's probably a meet you can go to and sample a few cars in one shot.

It's so hard to put something subjective like feel into literal terms. Worse yet everyone has their own idea of what is comfortable or sporty; one man's idea of a perfect sport sedan ride might be your idea of a torture chamber.

[vdubjetta02]

if you don't adjust your suspension OR dont slam your cars, dont waste your money on coils....

cup-kit and sway bar = win

[nramsey]

Eibach says don't cut the bumpstops.

Not that I doubt you, but do you have a source for that info? In all the cars I've come from in the past, it's common practice to trim the bump stops. It makes sense to me, since without doing so you are severely limiting suspension travel, and in some cases even coming close to riding on the bump stops in normal driving, which would make the effective spring rate very high and cause a very bouncy ride.

[Alkemix]

Since you live in LA, what don't you post up on your local forum and see if you can get a ride in or better yet try some other member's cars in your area? I'm sure there's a ton of 'Ziners who live in SoCal. There's probably a meet you can go to and sample a few cars in one shot.

It's so hard to put something subjective like feel into literal terms. Worse yet everyone has their own idea of what is comfortable or sporty; one man's idea of a perfect sport sedan ride might be your idea of a torture chamber.

Yea, i agree that it's subjective, but that is why i started this thread to get at least a minimized level of subjective variance. Going directly from Sport Susp to Koni FSD/Eibach setup. At least people won't have difficulty agreeing if the difference in handling in measurably greater and if the ride quality is harshness is increased greatly. I'm just hoping that it's not such a mild upgrade that the dollars spent don't make any sense coming from an already mildly sporty suspension to a mildly more sporty suspension didn't make sense. I just need some idea that the change in characteristics is worth the dollar amount. I guess that too is subjective as peoples value of a dollar and whats considered worthwhile vary greatly.

I've actually never posted in the So Cal forums, so i just kinda never thought of even trying to test a local persons car out. I'm hoping to start going to the meets soon enough, when i feel my car is more presentable which is why i'm not there already. Once i get my wheels and RS4 grille, i'll probably start seeing some socal people! For now i have a group of enthusiast friends that I get my local fix from, but they mostly drive everything but Audi, so I don't have a good source I can tap immediately to get into a car with this setup.

[Alkemix]

Also, please post pics once you guys get yours kits installed! Or post a link to your new thread (which I'm sure you guys will all want to start).

[72mako]

Also, please post pics once you guys get yours kits installed! Or post a link to your new thread (which I'm sure you guys will all want to start).

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ed-title)-drop

I think mine is the most recent thread with pics of this set up...all stock except for the suspension, 17" stock wheels. The best pics are further down. I cut my bump stops during install as well, if I remember I'll get a pic of how much I cut off each, I still have the pieces lying around my garage....actually, I may already have pics of them. I've only scraped in a few places as it's not as low as some. Not really used to it since this is the first car I've ever had lowered.

nick