audi49

Has anyone gone from the stock sport package ('98 A4 1.8T quattro) to either Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks or Sport shocks (only, no spring mods)? I'm interested in your experience for ride/handling trade-off? Are HDs too soft or softer than stock sports? Are Bilstein sport shocks too stiff, just right???

Thanks!
Tom

icsamerica

Bilsteins are very harsh but do offer good body moton control. You'll feel every road detail. Consider Koni FSD, I did and they are great.

EBG 18T [Eric]

HD are designed for OEM ride height. The sports are designed for lowered ride heights. Since you are on the sport package it would be better to suse the Bistein sport. It will have the proper stroke and will not bottom out like the HD will on a lowered car.

BrianT

I agree with John's comment - pretty harsh ride, but nice control. Also puts the car as low as it should go (IMO). I've had to replace the engine belly pan once already, and the last snow we had I went down a side street with a bunch of snow in the center and it ripped a couple of the mounts on a pretty new pan.

Brian