buying A4, suspension advice?
08-28-2008, 08:40 AM
#1
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buying A4, suspension advice?
I am buying an 09 A4. Trying to figure out whether I should buy the sport suspension package or spend the money on a non-OEM because that will give better performance. I am not intending to take this to the track, but want something with noticeably better handling than the standard. Can anyone provide me some direction on the better manfacturers, web sites (if allowed on this forum), cost, etc. Also what should I expect to spend to have someone install it for me.
Thanks
Randy
Thanks
Randy
08-30-2008, 07:17 PM
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Re: buying A4, suspension advice?
Talk to Ryan at ICS. He has a few STaSIS kits. I just purchased and installed with him. STaSIS is the only kit you want, nothing but great things to say about STaSIS and ICS Performance.
09-01-2008, 07:24 PM
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Re: buying A4, suspension advice?
As for brands: Stasis, KW, Bilstein... in that order.
The best route to take if you want a well handling vehicle with adjustability is to go with aftermarket coilovers. and if your saving a good amount on going with the non sport suspension from the factory... it is reason enough.
as for install pricing, it depends on your location. we charge $600 including the alignment
The best route to take if you want a well handling vehicle with adjustability is to go with aftermarket coilovers. and if your saving a good amount on going with the non sport suspension from the factory... it is reason enough.
as for install pricing, it depends on your location. we charge $600 including the alignment
09-09-2008, 06:20 AM
#4
the B8 A4 ('09) has a great suspension already and a "dynamic" mode, which should be plenty sporty
for a non-track guy.
If you want something right out of the box, check with STaSIS as they offer packages that are covered under Audi's warranty with the parts already installed at select dealers.<ul><li><a href="http://www.stasisengineering.com">http://www.stasisengineering.com</a</li></ul>
If you want something right out of the box, check with STaSIS as they offer packages that are covered under Audi's warranty with the parts already installed at select dealers.<ul><li><a href="http://www.stasisengineering.com">http://www.stasisengineering.com</a</li></ul>
09-10-2008, 01:13 PM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
Agree with Silver. Obviously this depends on your model choice. The Audi Drive Select (ADS) is..
as good as it gets for 'real world handling'. You're not tracking, therefore no need for a suspension upgrade and "waste" the engineering effort of the Audi engineers and $$millions in development.
I put in several hours seat time in the A4 at Pocono and the ADS took everything I put into it. ADS modifies the throttle, steering and suspension depending on what you select OR you can customize the settings to your wants & needs.The handling was nothing short of amazing and the ride was superb.
Do yourself a favor and give the A4 with the ADS an extensive test drive. .02
)
I put in several hours seat time in the A4 at Pocono and the ADS took everything I put into it. ADS modifies the throttle, steering and suspension depending on what you select OR you can customize the settings to your wants & needs.The handling was nothing short of amazing and the ride was superb.
Do yourself a favor and give the A4 with the ADS an extensive test drive. .02
)
09-11-2008, 05:27 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Non oem gives better handling? Read this info from Fourtitude =>
Audi drive select - up to four different cars in one
Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology - the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers - another new feature.
The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, "Individual", is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars - a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category.
As fast as a professional rally driver -Audi dynamic steering
The new A4 features yet another pioneering technological development: Audi dynamic steering. Its key element is a superimposed gear system that alters the overall ratio according to road speed and the chosen Audi drive select setting. This concentric-shaft steering gear is extremely compact and light in weight; it has a precise action free from any slack. It was first developed for use in robots and for space travel applications; the expedition vehicles on which it was installed have already traversed the surface of the moon and Mars.
Audi dynamic steering makes the steering ratio more direct at low speeds, with a higher level of power assistance. This renders the steering extremely light when manoeuvring, and only two turns of the wheel are needed from lock to lock. As the car's speed increases, however, the steering ratio becomes gradually less direct and in parallel with this the amount of power assistance is reduced. At high motorway speeds the A4 can therefore be driven smoothly and has excellent straight-line stability.
Audi's high-tech steering can do even more. It is closely networked with the ESP and therefore receives precise information about the car's attitude as the handling limit is approached. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, for instance after an abrupt avoidance manoeuvre, the steering performs slight corrective impulses in the direction needed to reduce this tendency. Such corrective action takes place faster than even an experienced rally driver could react. This rapid response means that brake applications are often not needed, so that the car continues its journey more smoothly and dynamically.
The system also takes action if the car understeers: it selects a more indirect steering ratio for a short time, the aim being to prevent the driver from turning the steering beyond the point at which the tyres still have plenty of road grip. With these capabilities, Audi dynamic steering represents leading-edge technology in this car market segment.
The optional-extra damping control permits individual suspension settings to be chosen. These are based on the lowered sports suspension. Continuously adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers permit the damping characteristic to be varied individually at each wheel. This means optimal contact between the tyre and the road in almost every situation, for greater safety and more dynamic road behaviour.
Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology - the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers - another new feature.
The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, "Individual", is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars - a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category.
As fast as a professional rally driver -Audi dynamic steering
The new A4 features yet another pioneering technological development: Audi dynamic steering. Its key element is a superimposed gear system that alters the overall ratio according to road speed and the chosen Audi drive select setting. This concentric-shaft steering gear is extremely compact and light in weight; it has a precise action free from any slack. It was first developed for use in robots and for space travel applications; the expedition vehicles on which it was installed have already traversed the surface of the moon and Mars.
Audi dynamic steering makes the steering ratio more direct at low speeds, with a higher level of power assistance. This renders the steering extremely light when manoeuvring, and only two turns of the wheel are needed from lock to lock. As the car's speed increases, however, the steering ratio becomes gradually less direct and in parallel with this the amount of power assistance is reduced. At high motorway speeds the A4 can therefore be driven smoothly and has excellent straight-line stability.
Audi's high-tech steering can do even more. It is closely networked with the ESP and therefore receives precise information about the car's attitude as the handling limit is approached. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, for instance after an abrupt avoidance manoeuvre, the steering performs slight corrective impulses in the direction needed to reduce this tendency. Such corrective action takes place faster than even an experienced rally driver could react. This rapid response means that brake applications are often not needed, so that the car continues its journey more smoothly and dynamically.
The system also takes action if the car understeers: it selects a more indirect steering ratio for a short time, the aim being to prevent the driver from turning the steering beyond the point at which the tyres still have plenty of road grip. With these capabilities, Audi dynamic steering represents leading-edge technology in this car market segment.
The optional-extra damping control permits individual suspension settings to be chosen. These are based on the lowered sports suspension. Continuously adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers permit the damping characteristic to be varied individually at each wheel. This means optimal contact between the tyre and the road in almost every situation, for greater safety and more dynamic road behaviour.
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09-13-2008, 12:17 AM
#8
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I am VERY impressed with ADS. )
)
09-29-2008, 12:09 PM
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OK, i read the press relase.
But the reality is that neither spring rate nor height ( center of mass) can be varied dynamically, and those are the two most influential parameters on handling. So I still believe that you can get better handling from an aftermarket kit. But likely ata big "price" in comfort.
That said, no rough roads, many aftermarket kits are too low and too stiff, and randomly selected dampers and springs give really bad results. You can count on Audi's sport package to be about 15-20mm lower and about 30% stiffer - which goes a long way. But probably ( no, clearly) insufficient for the track.
Keep in mind a good track car is a lousy street car. except maybe a boxster or a vette, which are remarkably good compromises.
Grant
That said, no rough roads, many aftermarket kits are too low and too stiff, and randomly selected dampers and springs give really bad results. You can count on Audi's sport package to be about 15-20mm lower and about 30% stiffer - which goes a long way. But probably ( no, clearly) insufficient for the track.
Keep in mind a good track car is a lousy street car. except maybe a boxster or a vette, which are remarkably good compromises.
Grant