FSD'sw/euro s/Neuspeed?

Hello Everyone,
 
First of all, I have done a search and I did not get a satisfactory answer.  I have a new 07 2.0T with MT.  The only think I don't like is the suspension.  It is a little too soft for me.  After reading the forums quite a bit, I have decided on going with thr Koni FSD's.  I also would like to lower the car just a bit.  I have read some good things about the euro s-lines, but I have a feeling they are difficult too find(?). Anyone know where to purchase these?  I have also read some good and bad about the Neuspeed Springs with FSD's. I think from my research my initial slant for a set up would be Koni FSD's, euro s-line springs and a rear sway bar. Any insights would be appreciated.
 
I also have thought about coilovers but I feel the drop may be too low.  Also I do not know of a shop here in southern Louisiana that I would trust with them.
 
Thanks guys, I am just trying to do this right.

Here's a thread from the Fourtitude A3 forum regarding Euro S-LIne springs:
 
http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=3803639
 
That thread mentions that they cost about $375.
 
Maybe you've already seen these threads elsewhere about different springs with FSDs:
 
http://forums.audiworld.com/a3/msgs/101666.phtml
http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=2684495
http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=3715731
http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=3435043
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3363764
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3208612
 
I'm really enjoying the improvements from FSDs with OEM (US) Sport (=S-Line) springs.  And the latest change to lighter wheels (20.5 lbs versus 27 lbs for the OEM 16-spokes) made a noticeable improvement in ride, too.

Thanks dfrost,
 
I wasn't aware of several of these.  I guess I just need to decide if the additional cost of the euro springs are worth it over the neuspeed's. 
 
BTW, what wheel and size/offset did you go with?
 
Any other comments welcome.

Ask me in a week- I'll have the Euro springs on.
 
I'm currently using S- line springs, FSD's, and a Neuspeed rear bar, along with Bridgestone RE050A's and 17 lb, 17"  wheels. This is a very good, trouble free setup for agressive street driving in a daily use car, and I'm hoping the Euro S line springs will give a bit better stance without a sacrifice in ride quality.
Bear in mind that you can buy Koni or other coilovers for what you'll spend on the Euro springs and FSD's ( $900 or so). The coilovers are gonna be better for autocross, track, or lowering the car to that perfect slam.
If you already have S line, then the FSD's plus a rear bar are a really good, cheap upgrade - enough to keep me smiling, and I'm used to track and autocross setup Porsches.

astrox,
 
Those wheels are 17x8 with a 45mm offset - no rubbing problems with 225/45 Toyo T1Rs.  Already had the tires, and didn't want to harshen the ride with anything bigger then 17's anyway.  As you're probably aware, the unsprung weight of the wheels + tires typically increases with larger diameter wheels, unless you're using much more expensive forged wheels.
 
I would have liked TR Motorsports wheels like hesaputz', but couldn't get used to the matt grey color on my garnet red A3.

Thanks guys.
 
I will check back with you in a couple of weeks hesaputz.  I don't have the s-line, I have the premium.  I wasn't so much concerned with cost but rather I was worried that with the coilovers the minimum drop would be more than what I was willing to go.  I was hoping to drop the car about a 1" to a 11/2".  Please correct me if I can get this kind of drop with coilovers.
 
I am well aware of the unsprung weight issue, but thanks for bringing it up.  I autocross as well but my Mini Cooper S serves me well for that purpose, this is mostly for spirited/agressive street driving.

I've seen posts on other forums from guys with coilovers, who say that they're running at 25.5" all around (ground to fender lip) - but I don't know what wheel size and tire height they're using. Standard S Line is about 26" rear/ 26.5" front with the stock 17's and 225/45 - 17 tires. Hope this helps. From what I remember, some coilovers will let you get close, but not quite up to S line height - varies by manufacturer.
Do a search on Fourtitude or Audiworld; you're bound to come up with some good info.

I will measure my drop with the KW V3s. As you can see on the pic, the back is pretty low, but the front is fairly high, and it is still not at its maximum height. I will measure the drop when I go out today. As for ride quality, with the 17s, it was indistinguishable from stock in terms of comfort, performance was substantially improved. With the 18s on 40 sidewalls, the ride is stiffer, but not harsh, and this is on Taipei streets.

This is with 18 225/40 PS 2s on OEM Audi RS4/Titanium package rims. These rims were actually lighter than the 17" stock "excalibur" rims that came with the car.

Ok, I did a measure. Fronts are 25.5inches and rears at 25 inches. No rubbing EVER. Scraped one (not the front chin, under the car) on a VERY steep parking ramp when it met the level surface at the bottom.

Another vote for FSD + Neuspeed springs. You may also enjoy the OEM sport dampers over the FSDs... a tad more feedback over rough road surfaces, but less jarring than the FSD over larger irregularities like potholes, divots, etc. I have a lightly used set for sale if interested.

quote:

ORIGINAL: TPE_A3

I will measure my drop with the KW V3s. As you can see on the pic, the back is pretty low, but the front is fairly high, and it is still not at its maximum height. I will measure the drop when I go out today. As for ride quality, with the 17s, it was indistinguishable from stock in terms of comfort, performance was substantially improved. With the 18s on 40 sidewalls, the ride is stiffer, but not harsh, and this is on Taipei streets.

This is with 18 225/40 PS 2s on OEM Audi RS4/Titanium package rims. These rims were actually lighter than the 17" stock "excalibur" rims that came with the car.

Ok, I did a measure. Fronts are 25.5inches and rears at 25 inches. No rubbing EVER. Scraped one (not the front chin, under the car) on a VERY steep parking ramp when it met the level surface at the bottom.

Hi TPE,

Does your rear go down much when you have 2 adult passengers in the back and/or heavy luggages in the trunk?

Ok - 225/40 - 18 is the same diameter as 225/45 -17, so you're an inch down at both ends from the stock US S Line height. Can your KW's come up another inch or so, to equal stock S Line?

quote:

ORIGINAL: lectrolink

Another vote for FSD + Neuspeed springs. You may also enjoy the OEM sport dampers over the FSDs... a tad more feedback over rough road surfaces, but less jarring than the FSD over larger irregularities like potholes, divots, etc.

That's the second time I've read about FSD + Neuspeed springs giving a jarring ride over large irregularities (don't have a link to that thread anymore).
 
I have no such complaint with FSD + OEM Sport springs - the ride is noticeably better then the OEM Sport shocks everywhere.  I'm interested to hear hesaputz' opinion after he installs the Euro S-Line springs.

Hi Omni,

I had two heavy bags (I'd estimate about 80kg total in the hatch) and 1 adult and a baby in a baby seat, and had no issues. Visually, can't notice a difference, and never scraped or rubbed even over speed bumps. I actually hit a couple of unforeseen heavy bumps and still had no problems with this load.

Hesaputz, Yes, my KWs can come up about an inch, the height setting right now is somewhere in the middle of the range, so bringing the car up an inch is no problem. BUT...I'm thinking of putting the front down another 1/2 inch...just measuring some parking ramps to make sure I won't scrape the chin.

I'm going to keep playing with the settings on my coilovers. The independent rebound and compression damping really help you dial in the car for the height you have it set at and the ride quality you are looking for on the roads that you drive on most. With the V3s, lots to play with in terms of adjustments, so it takes some time, experience, and a bit of lucky guess work to get it absolutely perfect. Ride quality, I'm there. I just want to set the front a bit lower and see if I still won't scrape and keep a great ride quality.

FSD + Euro spring on a 3.2 though:
 
 

Thanks to everyone!  I am now anxiously awaiting the report from hesaputz on his setup.  BTW, where did you get the euro springs from?  eltonsi, thanks for the image!  Do you happen to have a side shot?
 
The only thing keeping me from the neuspeed springs is the comments about large irregularities.  Where I live, we have road in between the irregularities!!
 
Love your car TPE_A3
 
Thanks again, the help is greatly appreciated.

I got them through Marty from vagparts.
 

Thanks eltonsi.
 
Vagparts-Is that the English Company?  If not, where are they located?
 
Thanks Again!

Being a pain again,,,
 
Can anyone recommend a good place to purchase the Koni FSD's?
 
Thanks!!

I bought my FSDs (no springs) from http://www.wrdusa.com/ when they were having a nice sale on them last winter.  Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com) has them, including a package with Eibach springs, as do others.  Beyond that, Google's your friend.

quote:

ORIGINAL: astrox

Thanks eltonsi.

Vagparts-Is that the English Company?  If not, where are they located?

Thanks Again!

 
Yes, it's in England somewhere.  As for the FSD, do a search on vortex, the prices are pretty competitive.

I ordered them today.  I just thought there may have been a vendor or group of vendors that most people purchased their products from.

hesaputz,
 
Did you get your euro springs installed?  Just wondering.

Nope - shop got busy this week in preparation for our PCA track weekend; we've got Hallett Sat and Sun. I'm now scheduled to get them on Monday.

Just got my car back with the Euro springs installed- my impression so far is that it's a subtle but significant improvement. It's difficult to give a detailed analysis of the spring difference, because I put my summer stickies and light wheels back on, reset my Neuspeed rear bar to soft, and hung a 40 lb. trailer hitch on the rear.

The car does feel great, though - feels like the FSD's work more in harmony with the Euro springs. A bit more compliance on small road irregularities, a bit less weight transfer braking and cornering. The car feels slightly more secure, and very neutral. Drop so far is about 1/2".
I'll report more later on - I need to try it out on some large dips and irregularities, and take a tour through the local twisties.

Thanks for the report.  I have already ordered the FSD's and Neuspeed RSB.  I will order the euro springs tomorrow.  I noticed that you mentioned you had the sway bar set at the soft position.  Is this what you usually run?
 
Thanks again to everyone-I really appreciate the input.