Lowering with stock shocks

[lettheirberock]

I am trying to decide my most cost effective option. My first thought was H&R sports on stock shocks. Its my wife's daily driver a 2016 base model A3. I don't want to replace the shocks within a year. The car will see at least 20k a year in mileage . Would a quality set of coil overs be a better Investment? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[INYAUDI]

I just installed Bilstein B14 coilovers for $1000 and it honestly rides better than stock, lowers a good amount, and handles way better now.

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[will13k7]

"do it right or do it twice" definitely applies to miss-matched-springs+shocks vs. a quality set of coils.

[hbracer93]

I didn't particularly care for any of the current coil-over setups as they do not allow for height adjustment other than compressing the spring. Which in my opinion doesn't give you the best ride because you are increasing the preload on the spring and also limiting the travel of the shock. Now if you do not plan to "slam" the car and use the coil-over as designed I'm sure it will be fine, I just prefer the ability to adjust height and preload separately. I went with an Air ride setup instead.

[VWVW]

"do it right or do it twice" definitely applies to miss-matched-springs+shocks vs. a quality set of coils.

+1.

OP, since you drive 20k miles per year, you should go matched springs + shock (Eibach prokit + Bilstein B8 = Bilstein B12) or get the Bilstein B14 if you care for height adjustability.

[Cairo94507]

I think if you put a set of springs in the car, w/o doing some kind of performance strut designed for lowered cars you ae going to hate the ride within 3 months. Do a set of coilovers and you won't be sorry. Just don't try to slam the car.

[roadrunner_oz]

If you do a minimal drop (0.75") on linear springs you should be ok with OE mag ride shocks. I am happy with mine. I first did H&R progressive springs and it was terrible.

Full coilovers would no doubt be better, but 10 x the cost

[XLR8 Craig]

+1.

OP, since you drive 20k miles per year, you should go matched springs + shock (Eibach prokit + Bilstein B8 = Bilstein B12) or get the Bilstein B14 if you care for height adjustability.

We just did two of these setups, one on an S4 and one on an A4. Both B8.5's and the cars rode great afterwards. Its a massive improvement over the stock suspension.

Thanks,

Greg

[EmmanueleDesign]

It is very difficult to properly dampen a progressive spring with the stock shocks & struts. We offer the only linear spring for the A3/S3, which is designed with rates and travel specific to the OEM springs & struts. Many users have noted a much improved ride quality with this setup when compared to other aftermarket options

http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...nt=22065145927

[Nathing32]

It is very difficult to properly dampen a progressive spring with the stock shocks & struts. We offer the only linear spring for the A3/S3, which is designed with rates and travel specific to the OEM springs & struts. Many users have noted a much improved ride quality with this setup when compared to other aftermarket options

http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...nt=22065145927

I agree with this completely. And the ride height is perfect - just the right amount more aggressive without any fender tuck.

[VWVW]

We just did two of these setups, one on an S4 and one on an A4. Both B8.5's and the cars rode great afterwards. Its a massive improvement over the stock suspension.

Thanks,

Greg

The Eibach Prokit + B8 (B12) or B14?

[clerkpalmer]

Fwiw I raised this with my local service manager and he did not think springs would cause premature shock wear. I went with Emmanuel design and couldn't be happier with the ride. Very similar to stock perhaps a bit less harsh.

[XLR8 Craig]

The Eibach Prokit + B8 (B12) or B14?

B12.

For those of you out there that are just looking for springs to lower the vehicle the ED springs will suffice and work well for you.

But do you track your car? Drive super aggressive on the street? Take a look into an option from a brand we embrace and distribute to the North Americas. MSS Spring kits.

DCC designed, track tested, customer approved. We have a few cars running these adjustable springs specifically designed for DCC using the OEM technology locally and have had very positive results. Due to arrive within the month on our shelves.

You can view this link for some information, and as always I am here to help.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...3-S3-PRE-ORDER

Thanks,

Greg

[lettheirberock]

I cant find the bilstein b12 for an 8v A3. I dont think they are available .

[FabianS]

I also went with the Emmanuel Design springs and am very happy with them thus far.

[lettheirberock]

It is very difficult to properly dampen a progressive spring with the stock shocks & struts. We offer the only linear spring for the A3/S3, which is designed with rates and travel specific to the OEM springs & struts. Many users have noted a much improved ride quality with this setup when compared to other aftermarket options

http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...nt=22065145927

So on a non mag ride, FWD only A3 the Emmanuel design springs will lower 1.75 and the shocks will have a decent life span?

[VWVW]

I cant find the bilstein b12 for an 8v A3. I dont think they are available .

You have to get the Eibach prokit springs (recently launched by Eibach US) and the Biltein B8 shocks separately. I have previously emailed Eibach Germany and they confirmed that the B12 kit uses Eibach prokit springs and Bilstein B8 shocks. I have double checked the part numbers to make sure that is the case. If you do not believe me, feel free to email Eibach Germany.

So on a non mag ride, FWD only A3 the Emmanuel design springs will lower 1.75 and the shocks will have a decent life span?

While I think the Emmanuel design springs are good, I have serious doubt about its impact on the standard nonsport A3 shocks. The shocks are constantly under an additional compression of 1.75". I highly doubt that the shocks will last long. Given that you drive 20k miles a year, I'd suggest you get shocks along with it.

[lettheirberock]

You have to get the Eibach prokit springs (recently launched by Eibach US) and the Biltein B8 shocks separately. I have previously emailed Eibach Germany and they confirmed that the B12 kit uses Eibach prokit springs and Bilstein B8 shocks. I have double checked the part numbers to make sure that is the case. If you do not believe me, feel free to email Eibach Germany.




While I think the Emmanuel design springs are good, I have serious doubt about its impact on the standard nonsport A3 shocks. The shocks are constantly under an additional compression of 1.75". I highly doubt that the shocks will last long. Given that you drive 20k miles a year, I'd suggest you get shocks along with it.

Thank you

[VWVW]

Thank you

No worries.

BTW, another path may be to get slightly used OEM S3 springs and shocks. Someone seems to be selling them right now on this forum.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...way-bars-links

[lettheirberock]

Thank you

Eibach shows springs for quatro only

[VWVW]

Eibach shows springs for quatro only

Yes, EibachUS only offers springs for quattro only.

As an alternative, you can import from Eibach Germany pro kit springs for the 1.8TFSI FWD A3. There are many international vendors that sell Eibach prokit springs. The springs will be linear and lowers just 30mm. You just need to make sure you get the right part number (for the saloon and 1.8TFSI FWD A3 8V).

[INYAUDI]

B14 I'm telling you best value you can possibly get. For $200 more than a strut and spring combo why not get a more capable coilover with height adjustability. Keep in mind it takes just as much labor to install springs. Yes they are fwd compatible too.

[VWVW]

B14 I'm telling you best value you can possibly get. For $200 more than a strut and spring combo why not get a more capable coilover with height adjustability. Keep in mind it takes just as much labor to install springs. Yes they are fwd compatible too.

+1.

OP, since you cannot get the B12 easily, I'd probably go with the B14 as well if I were in your position. The only reason why I prefer B12 over B14 is due to the Northern snowy climate, so I do not want to go coilover.

[INYAUDI]

VWVW where up north? Im up in NH and we get hit hard, they are coated so I'm not worried.

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[saxon]

i personally have the b16 and have a friend with the b14

for $950 you can't beat the b14 and for $1500 i am very satisfied with the b16 kit

pm me if you want to know where we found those prices

[VWVW]

VWVW where up north? Im up in NH and we get hit hard, they are coated so I'm not worried.

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Northern Neighbor to the US.

Too much snow....lol

[lettheirberock]

B14 I'm telling you best value you can possibly get. For $200 more than a strut and spring combo why not get a more capable coilover with height adjustability. Keep in mind it takes just as much labor to install springs. Yes they are fwd compatible too.

That's what i'm leaning to.

[INYAUDI]

If you do the install yourself feel free to PM me for questions relating to bolt/nut part numbers; or for any helpful hints that forum threads / youtube vids did not mention.

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[lettheirberock]

B14 I'm telling you best value you can possibly get. For $200 more than a strut and spring combo why not get a more capable coilover with height adjustability. Keep in mind it takes just as much labor to install springs. Yes they are fwd compatible too.

That looks great. Is that set to top height or lower?

[INYAUDI]

I couldn't tell you exactly how much drop I have as I did not measure from wheel center to fender beforehand. Maybe someone can chime in on the exact amount based on the info I provide. B14 Coilover setup has 2" max drop. I have 16 or 17mm 'dropage' left on the collar in the front and 13 or 14mm in the rear. Still has the rear rake but ever so slightly. At this height I can still get out of my driveway which has a 3" curb to it, virtually worry-free. Wheel specs: 17x7 et48 225/35r17
There's a bunch of room in the wheel well still.

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