suspension question
 

Ok,

I have A8 4.2 97. S line equiped.
question is regarding suspension, as I am on 18' and ride is pretty stiff and our roads are harsh...
I was thinking to swap springs to normal ones? or is there any other idea..air ride?
of course, bear in mind that I live in Europe and most of the stuff in states are unfamiliar to me, so any< suggestions and prices are welcome...:D

bump.......

You might try switching to a 17" wheel/tire combo. In effect, going -1 (negative 1). Down one inch/UP 10 in aspect ratio, and down 10 in tread-width, roughly. A good tire store (don't know if those exist in eastern Europe, or not... you're in teh Balkans, right?) will be able to help with teh numbers, to make it so your speedo reads true. But, that will give you a bit more compliance, without sacrificing road-holding/suspension setup. The only thing to be careful about is brake clearance. I do not know if teh S-line brake setup fits within a 17" wheel. Maybe test-fit a wheel, or two, before committing loot for a purchase.

Switching to softer springs would be, to my mind, a more radical step, and taken only after I've tried smaller wheels/more tire. Besides, I can't offer any decent advice in that regard. Never played with spring-rates before.

so basically I should change to 17' s , from 245/45/18 to 225/45/17 ?or tighter?

dont worry, we have fire, central heating, cell phones and internet, I am shure I will find good store with tires, I already sought for winter and 17'option on steel rims...it would go with Dunlop Winterstar or similar for around 600-650$/ 4 tires , but I really like my 18' 245/45/18 with Haankok Icebear / Bridgestone Potenza

I was j/k about the tire stores, old friend. You want a taller sidewall, which will give you a smidgen more compliance, without compromising the general suspension abilities of your S-line. Go here:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

...and play around with aspect ratio, 50 or 55, or, if you wanna look goofy, 60.

I offer no guarantees you'll suddenly be able to absorb washouts, potholes, or bomb-craters (again, kidding!) with aplomb, but it's cheaper than installing new springs all teh way around, I believe.

If you've got brand new rubber it might not be worth the money to re-fit something else. Maybe plan ahead for next year, or incase you BTFU a rim or two @ 18".

Your call, Cowboy. Auditech79 may be able to give you a good answer on teh spring-swap. As I said, I've never fooled around in that area.

Good luck!

thx

I ll try to borow 17' set and will se after that.
:-)

just swing by your local tire-joint and ask if they've got a 17"-er you can test fit, to see if it'll clear your calipers.

well, we arent that kind of country....yet..
but hopefully I ll fidn guy or two with Audis around me to help me, but still like mine 18' smrc smrc