audijess1972

DISCLAIMER: I'm no suspension expert and I don't/won't track the car. I am giving a real world impression of these coilovers in simple terms that all can understand....even me []

These have only been on since yesterday, so this will be an ongoing review as I live with them going forward.

H&R Street Performance Coilover System (P/N 29092-1) $1126 before shipping

Initial Impression: No question on the quality of H&R. They were professionally packed and wrapped in a double box with all the proper instructions and 2 spanner wrenches. The shop that performed the install (European Legacy Motors in Houston) were nothing but prefessional and efficient. They advised that they typically start off with adjusting the height to a two-finger gap between the tire and fender. I agreed, as I figured that would give me a lower stance, but still leave me with an executive looking sporty sedan. I like low cars, but not for my family car/daily driver.

When I picked the car up, I was told that the rears were on the highest/tallest setting, although it was quite low for my taste. It's low to the point that I will now have to slam the front about 1/4 to 1/2 inch to match the rear. The rear just seems slammed to me. Others may disagree. I am just disappointed that I have nowhere to go from the current rear setting.

Driving Impression: I have a C7 A6 Quattro Premium Plus with Sport Suspension, so the car already handles quite well for a somewhat heavy sedan. From what I understand, the Sport Suspension includes S-Line springs, so the car already had a bit of a better stance than the typical A6, I guess.

I first noticed more stiffness on the road. I keep it in Dynamic mode, as I like the sporty feel. Bumps and inconsistencies in the road are more prevalent now. But it's not at all unbearable...just more noticeable. Plus, I am now paying extra attention for differences in the H&Rs and the OEMs.

Cornering is noticably flatter in curves. I really leaned into all of the tighter radius curves that are on my daily commute. It feels more planted. This is also due, in part, to the tires. While they aren't ultra expensive/sticky tires, the Hankook K120s offer a sweet balance of affordability and performance and are NO slouches in my book.

Overall: Other than the issue with limited adjustability in the rear, I am rather pleased with my purchase.

I also considered:

SoloWerks (not available until end of Jan) $549 shipped
STs (not available for 2 or so weeks) $750 shipped
KW V1 (comparable to H&R but $300 more expensive) $1460 shipped

If any of you are looking for more ride height adjustability, I suggest going with a brand other than the H&Rs, at least in the range of fixed damping units. I can't speak on the other models that offer adjustable damping/rebound. If the almost slammed look is what you're going for, then the H&R may be the best bang for your buck, mixing a quality, well-known brand with a reasonable price.

Hope this helps others with their decision...

COILOVERS


BEFORE





AFTER



REAR


FRONT

ColoradoMark

Looks really nice, good job.
BTW, I thought that putting the transmission in sport mode only changed the throttle mapping and had no affect on the suspensions stiffness. Am I wrong?

vizwiz

Also tightens up the steering. Suspension does not change.

audijess1972

True.

But I am referring to the Drive Select modes, not the transmission (S for Sport and D for Drive).

NABS4

The A6 (NA-spec) doesn't have adjustable suspension settings. Just transmission, steering, and seatbelt tensioner settings.

audijess1972

.

Right, but it still feels softer when I select Comfort mode.

jjsC6

It can't feel softer because it has no effect on the suspension settings. And even if it did (which it truly didn't because it's not offered on a A6) it would not have had an effect after you replaced the shocks with the new coil overs.

audijess1972

Then it's my mind's adjustable suspension.

MikeDwerks

I told you the rears would be like that, just embrace it and lower the front.

And ditto's on the OE suspension not being adjustable, anything you though you felt was just in your head.

audijess1972

In my disclaimer, I told you all that I'm no suspension expert.

Thanks for the clarification, everyone.