So after some research on spring/shock combinations...
05-30-2008, 07:40 AM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
So after some research on spring/shock combinations...
Here's the list I've compiled between Koni Sports and Bilstein Sports.
<u>Bilstein Sport Shocks</u>
Costs slightly less ($440)
More "performance" oriented
Slightly firmer ride (depending on who you talk to, can be a pro or con)
No adjustable valves
<u>Koni Sports</u>
Costs slightly more ($540)
More "street" oriented
Firmer than OE sport but not as firm as Bilsteins
Adjustable valves (but a pain & $$ to re-adjust if you don't like as they have to be removed)
For springs, I think I'm leaning towards H&R Sports. Seeing MikTip's car, the drop is perfect IMO. They give the front more of a drop which is what I'm looking for (damn you '05 sport suspension!)
As for a shock, leaning towards Bilsteins for the performance. I think I read the Bilsteins are 50% stiffer than OE non-sport shocks and OE sport shocks are 20-30% stiffer than non-sport shocks. So the Bilsteins should be roughly 20-30% stiffer than my sport shocks now I'd imagine. I've said before that I was leaning towards the Konis but if I'm going to upgrade the ride/handling, might as well be more ride/handling performance oriented.
<u>Bilstein Sport Shocks</u>
Costs slightly less ($440)
More "performance" oriented
Slightly firmer ride (depending on who you talk to, can be a pro or con)
No adjustable valves
<u>Koni Sports</u>
Costs slightly more ($540)
More "street" oriented
Firmer than OE sport but not as firm as Bilsteins
Adjustable valves (but a pain & $$ to re-adjust if you don't like as they have to be removed)
For springs, I think I'm leaning towards H&R Sports. Seeing MikTip's car, the drop is perfect IMO. They give the front more of a drop which is what I'm looking for (damn you '05 sport suspension!)
As for a shock, leaning towards Bilsteins for the performance. I think I read the Bilsteins are 50% stiffer than OE non-sport shocks and OE sport shocks are 20-30% stiffer than non-sport shocks. So the Bilsteins should be roughly 20-30% stiffer than my sport shocks now I'd imagine. I've said before that I was leaning towards the Konis but if I'm going to upgrade the ride/handling, might as well be more ride/handling performance oriented.
05-30-2008, 07:50 AM
#3
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after having tested nearly every spring/shock combination for our car, I'll say this
do not buy a suspension setup unless you have spent a decent amount of time in a car equipped with that exact setup. No matter how you try to figure out how a given suspension will feel/perform on your car based on others' impressions and published specs, you'll be wrong as often as not.
that said, Bilstein sports being firmer than Koni sports is a fair generalization. Whether they are a good match for H&R sport springs on a B6 A4 I cannot say. It is however a wonderful combination on a B5 Passat.
that said, Bilstein sports being firmer than Koni sports is a fair generalization. Whether they are a good match for H&R sport springs on a B6 A4 I cannot say. It is however a wonderful combination on a B5 Passat.
05-30-2008, 07:59 AM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
I agree but it can be hard to find rides that are equipped like yours to take a ride in
to get a feel for it, depending on your area. I know one local AWer (A4AdMan) who has Bilstein & Eibach setup but it's a 3.0.
From everything I've read, Bilsteins & H&R sports are a hit. My mechanic/shop owner recommended the Bilsteins as a shock, no opinion on springs.
From everything I've read, Bilsteins & H&R sports are a hit. My mechanic/shop owner recommended the Bilsteins as a shock, no opinion on springs.
05-30-2008, 09:08 AM
#7
The Koni's offer slight adjustability....
which IMO, is mute on a street driven car, and non-coil-over suspensions.
I run Bilsteins, because over the years they have proven to me they can survive. I had'm on my 1986 Coupe, and my 1993 90. The Koni adjustabilty never appealed to me, and for the extra cost. I had coil-overs on my Coupe. Thought about'm on my 1993 90, but stayed with the Eibach's after trying Vogtlands and Intrax springs.
On my 2004 A4, the H&R and Bilsteins were my choice from day 1. I've often thought about coil-overs, but dont really "need'm" as my driving these days is 100% street.
The H&R/Bilsteins is a very good choice! ;o)
I run Bilsteins, because over the years they have proven to me they can survive. I had'm on my 1986 Coupe, and my 1993 90. The Koni adjustabilty never appealed to me, and for the extra cost. I had coil-overs on my Coupe. Thought about'm on my 1993 90, but stayed with the Eibach's after trying Vogtlands and Intrax springs.
On my 2004 A4, the H&R and Bilsteins were my choice from day 1. I've often thought about coil-overs, but dont really "need'm" as my driving these days is 100% street.
The H&R/Bilsteins is a very good choice! ;o)