i have a 98 a4 2.8, and in the process of changing the vcg's, i managed to crack the crankcase breather hose on several places (more like shattered). it was very brittle and just fell apart when i removed it from the valve cover. i know i can get a new one on ecstuning, but im wondering if i will have the same problem with that hose. are they that brittle new? has anyone replaced it with a more flexible piece of hose? if so, what did you use?

also plan on upgrading my suspension very soon. it is all stock right now. i dont really want to break the bank...but i dont want to get a shitty, cheap suspension either. any suggestions for a happy medium? anybody have the ecs coilover kit? is it worth it?

thanks

 

a nice, not really expensive, suspension would be your choice of springs (most people do H&R) on some bilstein sport shocks. probably about $700 total.

and check out this breather, i think its the one your looking to replace...
http://www.034motorsport.com/product...ducts_id=18010

 

That breather hose doesn't start out brittle, but it becomes brittle before long due to the heat in the engine bay. It's going to be tough to create an alternate hose because of the specialty connectors on the end, but it could probably be done with silicone hose and small band clamps.

As for suspension, what don't you like about it? If you just want a tighter road feel but not necessarily to go lower, get OEM S4 springs and swap them on. I have that currently and it's a great way to tighten up the handling and ride for not much money. I'll be going with aftermarket suspension in the near future to lower the car, but if you're on a budget or just want better road feel, you can't beat OEM S4 springs on OEM A4 struts. A few of us on here have it and love it.