i have a 98 2.8 B5 i have to change the control arms because the bushings are torn. i intend to change the suspension anyway maybe to s4 or aftermarket coilovers depending which is more convenient. since this is my first b5 i was curious if the s4 suspension could be a direct replacement and if theres a height difference between the s4 and the a4 suspension (s4 could just be sport tuned no drop). also id like to change the headlights to the 99-01 projector set, but realized my headlights are a two piece set the 99-01 are one piece, would it bolt right on also?

 

the S4 is lower but a direct replacement.

i dunno about the headlights

 

Two piece lights require fender trimming (no big deal). S4 suspension is about a fingerwidth lower than non-sport A4 struts/springs. Go to the B5 section of audifreaks.com and read my sticky post there called "The 411 on using S4 suspension on an A4 for my impressions on using it.

 

imthedevil i read your sticky, super helpful saving it to my notes (especially since i intend on doing the swap myself). thanks, now im converting from two piece to one piece headlight, exactly how does this fender trimming work and is a possible diy? as for exhaust do u have any recommendations? im a former civic enthusiast so im really lost as to what parts are ideal for these cars and who manufactures the best aftermarket.

 

Actually on the same page as that sticky post, CCA4 made a DIY for the headlight conversion that will take you through it step by step. As for an exhaust, the 2.8 gains nothing from a catback other than a nice sound. For half the price you can replace the resonator and muffler with a Magnaflow 14816 muffler and a 12" Vibrant resonator and get a great tone out of it. Check the sticky posts at the top of this forum for modding info on these cars. Outside of a SpeedTunung chip (which is worth it), for power you're limited pretty much to a supercharger or nitrous, unless you want to swap a 2.7T or a 4.2 V8, or do a balanced/blueprinted build with higher compression pistons and built heads (a guy here did that and claimed dyno-proven output of 241hp, but it had to cost a fortune).