B7 S4 Lowered, Need Alignment Opinions

[feelx77]

Hello Guys,

I've read countless threads around here on alignment specs etc but really looking to see if I even need to or should install the 034 Front Adjustable Control Arms I picked up.

Car is a 2005.5 S4 Sedan was rebuilt and replaced & updated almost the entire suspension. Has Bilstein Sport Shocks, H&R Sport Springs, New Front OEM spec control arms kit as far as the suspension highlights go. Tires are 245/40/18 on VMR V710 18x8.5 ET35 Very mild rubbing on really shitty roads. May consider 235/40 next go around but eh depends on my mood later on.

Ok, so the issue if any is once i was finished rebuilding this car and doing my finishing touches to it. I had my go to guy Euro shop do a final alignment, mainly was pulling a little to the right before hand. The guy who happens to be a very anal by the book it's the end of the world if not within specs type of guy, pointed out the excess negative camber in my front he could not adjust with OEM front control arms. So, he said he did the best he could and it drove just fine for him & me.

Now because I appreciate his input and because I don't want to eat through tires cause of excess inner wear. I picked up the 034 Density Adjustable Front Control Arm Kit from ECS Tuning.

But I've been reading on various alignment information listings on here and elsewhere. It seems most people don't consider the negative camber to be a real issue that requires dialing out. It seems most people actually prefer the negative camber and in some case use much more negative camber averaging about -2.50 from some postings. So, I'm torn on whether I should or should not install this kit. A) Removing the camber will probably make it more likely to rub fenders and I don't see the performance gains from it. B) If I do, I'm more likely to be within specs but I hear Audi specs are over tolerant for safety and not performance anyways. C) I could install them to even out camber and add more for fender clearance and tuning perhaps not that I would go aggressive to begin with.

I've linked a copy of my most recent alignment sheet for people to view. If you think it's best to leave as is and get my money back on the adjustable control arms; please advise. Just looking for recommendations and if I return the 034 kit, I could use that dough for other toy parts lol.

From what I understand I think my negative camber is very minor to what i typically see around here and the toe looks close to 0 so I should be good with tire wear and overall driving? I'm not a pro at this but I understand more than most people and just want a very nice daily driver that I can enjoy, take to shows perhaps and not worry about. I'm not the type to change suspension setups regularly. Once I get something ironed out, I tend to just enjoy, maintain, and leave alone.


Photo of Alignment Spec Sheet when done in January:
https://goo.gl/photos/g98jiyXGz6goL8yE6

Car as it sits last week at work:
https://goo.gl/photos/W3B3S3nNcvW3LQFb7

Old original setup (the day I took delivery of it broken and seen the car for the 1st time):
https://goo.gl/photos/Hsa1p5ggHYQfKsLy8

[Lucca M]

I run -2.1 all around and car looks perfect. Until you track your car i wouldnt spend on adjustable control arms.

[feelx77]

Sounds good. Thanks for your input. That's what I was starting to lean on or realize. So will most likely return and get credit back on those. I already installed all new suspension anyways. Might as well get my mileage out of them before tearing into it again just for this.

Seems my car is averaging about -1.50 negative camber all around as is which seems fine from what I'm hearing and reading around here.

05/17 UPDATE:

Thanks for the input. Went ahead and decided to sell/return the adjustable kit. So, consider it done and moving on. Once again thanks for your input. ; )

[Lucca M]

If i remember correctly specs for our cars are -1.3 to -1.6 so you are within specs. My car is pretty low so front was at -2.1 so i just matched the rears to the fronts and i think it looks really good. If the car is low and has no camber at all it doesnt look good imo. Yes it will eat tires a bit on the inside but i dont care.

[James777]

Interesting information here gents when I go down the route of springs/shocks or coilovers.

James