AudiS4Wannabe

I currently have a 97 A4 1.8T non quattro.. What are some of your suggestions to improve handling? Aftermarket 17 or 18" rims? Springs? Shocks? Sway Bars? Etc... I would like to spend the least amount of $ possible... Thanks for your help

IronMike

For the least amount of $, buy some Eiback Pro-Kit lowering springs. Mount them on your OEM shocks.

Pelican Pete

If you had the sport package shocks, then you MIGHT be able to get by with the stock shocks and lowered springs.

But the non-sport shocks just do not have enough damping for the lowered ride height, especially that they are 3 years old now.

If you want to improve your handling, it might actually be better to keep your springs, and replace your shocks. If your car is a 97, they might be worn to the point where a set of Bilsteins would be worthwhile.

Of course springs AND shocks would be your best bet, although it would cost a bit more.

-- Peter
98.5 1.8tqms 1 bar, etc

IronMike

If so, I'd be REALLY disappointed. The OEM Boge shocks on my BMW lasted a good 9 years. Those Eibach Pro-kit springs are the same as OEM Audi Eurosport shocks. According to Audi, those can be mounted right on the OEM non-sport shocks.

Mike

Pelican Pete

IronMike,

You're right -- shocks should last more than 3 years. And I also hope they do. But mine seem to be showing some signs of age after only 32k miles and 2 years. (OEM sport package)

The Audi Eurosport springs are indeed made by Eibach, and if those are the springs you refer to, then they will work fine with the OEM sport shocks. They would probably also be okay, with the non-sport shocks, since they don't lower the ride height *too* much.
But stiffer shocks would still be a good idea whenever you lower a car.

Read the European Car series on suspension tuning in the November, December, and January issues.

-- Peter