Need help with suspension quandry...

[BadKenny]

Hey Guys,
So right now I am running the FK Hi-Tec shocks with the FK Race springs. She sits nice and low but rides too harsh (maybe I'm just getting old or I like to complain but its beginning to get on my nerves when even compared to my friend's super-slammed 240sx with the sr20det swap it rides like crap, or compared to my friend's type R it rides like it has cement blocks for shocks).

I've been talking to Simon and he's given some great advice but I also would like to hear from the NVD'ers about what I should do.

Simon and I are leaning towards the H&R Cup kit as an alternative...does it provide a much better ride than the FK gear? Or only marginally? Problem I have is that on the Audiworld forums some people claim that the spring rates are ludicrous (600lb or something like that) and its too harsh whereas others say its soft....?????

Although I roll in an A4, its fwd so literally the same as the B5 Passat (4-link front, torsion beam rear), so anyone who has had experience with both FK and the H&R Cup Kit, please help me out!!!!

TIA!

EDIT: Also anyone know about ride height difference?? H&R's site says the cup kit lowers over 2"....

[Kor]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

First, you're never going to get a suspension that compares to those other cars because of the suspension design and geometry on the Mk4.

Second, when you drop the car you raise the spring rate which makes the ride less soft. You cannot have softer springs at a lower height...

So basically all of the suspension makers are constrained by the same limitations in terms of how soft they can make the ride feel. I am sure they would all feel luxurious if it was possible!

The H&R kit is better imo but only marginally. I am not sure its worth the money to switch from an already aftermarket suspension that you are that dissatisfied with...

[VAG_Tech]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

I have seen a few Cup kits installed and all of the people really enjoy the ride height and the feel. I would go with the cup kit. My $0.02

[James]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

I have seen a few Cup kits installed and all of the people really enjoy the ride height and the feel. I would go with the cup kit. My $0.02

Yup, thats me. Although I do wish I were lower at times, overall Im really happy with the cupkit drop. If I went any lower Id start running into trouble with speedbumps anyways heh

[BadKenny]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Thanks for the responses guys, I gotta mull it over...the drop should be similar if not same I have right now (about 2" drop up front, 1.75" rear) with the cup kit, and even a slight increase in ride comfort would really make a huge difference to me...the shocks I have right now seem over-dampened (crashy ride, quick pop up after a big dip)...for the cost (~900 + install) I'll have to give it some serious thought but considering the kit I am running right now came free (gift certs from work for C1) its not like I'd be paying twice for my suspension....(this is me justifying the cost to myself!)

[Tuna]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Thanks for the responses guys, I gotta mull it over...the drop should be similar if not same I have right now (about 2" drop up front, 1.75" rear) with the cup kit, and even a slight increase in ride comfort would really make a huge difference to me...the shocks I have right now seem over-dampened (crashy ride, quick pop up after a big dip)...for the cost (~900 + install) I'll have to give it some serious thought but considering the kit I am running right now came free (gift certs from work for C1) its not like I'd be paying twice for my suspension....(this is me justifying the cost to myself!)

Well, and you could probably get a couple hundred for your existing setup too so that would bring the cost of the new stuff down too.

[Aleks]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Jeez, for $900 + I would be on coils...none of this spring/shock stuff......I don't know why you're having so many problems with the FK kit, I love mine, in fact think it rides too soft! I've also heard numerous other accounts of FK being the softest setup out there....

[Tuna]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Jeez, for $900 + I would be on coils...none of this spring/shock stuff......I don't know why you're having so many problems with the FK kit, I love mine, in fact think it rides too soft! I've also heard numerous other accounts of FK being the softest setup out there....

I could be wrong but didn't you go for a ride in simons car and think the ride was really good (compared to yours)?

And coils would just make it even stiffer.

[bart]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

go r-line, i want to see the results

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

go r-line, i want to see the results

He has an A4 Bart, you'll just have to do it yourself!!

[Kor]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Since you already have the drop, why not just replace the shocks?!

[BadKenny]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Since you already have the drop, why not just replace the shocks?!

You know, that's a good point....
A VERY good point!
Should I go with Konis? Bilsteins?

I was thinking Konis (as was Simon) since they are adjustable.....

[B5]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

Hey Guys,
So right now I am running the FK Hi-Tec shocks with the FK Race springs. She sits nice and low but rides too harsh (maybe I'm just getting old or I like to complain but its beginning to get on my nerves when even compared to my friend's super-slammed 240sx with the sr20det swap it rides like crap, or compared to my friend's type R it rides like it has cement blocks for shocks).

I've been talking to Simon and he's given some great advice but I also would like to hear from the NVD'ers about what I should do.

Simon and I are leaning towards the H&R Cup kit as an alternative...does it provide a much better ride than the FK gear? Or only marginally? Problem I have is that on the Audiworld forums some people claim that the spring rates are ludicrous (600lb or something like that) and its too harsh whereas others say its soft....?????

Although I roll in an A4, its fwd so literally the same as the B5 Passat (4-link front, torsion beam rear), so anyone who has had experience with both FK and the H&R Cup Kit, please help me out!!!!

TIA!

EDIT: Also anyone know about ride height difference?? H&R's site says the cup kit lowers over 2"....

I’ll give my .02 to help.

Problem with the FK kit eh? Or sounds like you will get an Asian imports next? Trust me, fast mods on those cars cost little.

Do you want to make a claim to FK so they honor you a set of new shocks? Isn’t that they offer lifetime warranty to NA customers? Any oil leaks you find around the shocks? Even if you don’t find any oil leaks there might be a chance of the internal valve is broken. The ride too harsh is the first symptom that either the damping of the shocks lost or you are rocking on the bump-stops. Did you do any measurement on the bump-stops?

If you are unsure about the ride of the H&R Cup-Kit and so much care about how the car will look. Why don’t you just upgrade some top quality shocks? I’m sure TUV approved FK coils are still in good shape.

I’ll suggest you go with Bilstein Sport. I fully aware that the off-the-shelf Koni offer the adjustability for rebound, but in order to find the sweet spot required you to completely remove the shocks from the car(B5). Yet, all four of them and that can be fun to do. You can get the modified Konis that has external adjustment. Only $150 USD extra to do the modification to make it external to 1-Way rebound and another $50 USD if you want 2-Way with compression and 3-way… something like that. Will you make use to it then is another question.

The 600lbs springs people use in AW is not like what you think that not forgiving provided with proper damping shocks go with. It probably will not ride as harsh as what you now choking about on yours.

I’ll put away the discussion that who makes good cup-kits. What suspension components is important to you, is it the springs or the shocks/dampers? And who makes the best springs, who makes the best shocks? You get the idea?

[BadKenny]

Re: Need help with suspension quandry...

I’ll give my .02 to help.

Problem with the FK kit eh? Or sounds like you will get an Asian imports next? Trust me, fast mods on those cars cost little.

Do you want to make a claim to FK so they honor you a set of new shocks? Isn’t that they offer lifetime warranty to NA customers? Any oil leaks you find around the shocks? Even if you don’t find any oil leaks there might be a chance of the internal valve is broken. The ride too harsh is the first symptom that either the damping of the shocks lost or you are rocking on the bump-stops. Did you do any measurement on the bump-stops?

If you are unsure about the ride of the H&R Cup-Kit and so much care about how the car will look. Why don’t you just upgrade some top quality shocks? I’m sure TUV approved FK coils are still in good shape.

I’ll suggest you go with Bilstein Sport. I fully aware that the off-the-shelf Koni offer the adjustability for rebound, but in order to find the sweet spot required you to completely remove the shocks from the car(B5). Yet, all four of them and that can be fun to do. You can get the modified Konis that has external adjustment. Only $150 USD extra to do the modification to make it external to 1-Way rebound and another $50 USD if you want 2-Way with compression and 3-way… something like that. Will you make use to it then is another question.

The 600lbs springs people use in AW is not like what you think that not forgiving provided with proper damping shocks go with. It probably will not ride as harsh as what you now choking about on yours.

I’ll put away the discussion that who makes good cup-kits. What suspension components is important to you, is it the springs or the shocks/dampers? And who makes the best springs, who makes the best shocks? You get the idea?

Thanks for the detailed reply B5! LOL, I doubt I will drive any non-euro car again, but in regards to my current shocks...honestly mechanically incline <> me but as far as I can see, no oil leaks, and as for the bumpstops, I didn't do the install and don't know how to go abouts checking them without having everything taken out...For my car at least, because I do not track it at all, it is more about looks and reasonable comfort...as long as the bilstein sports provide good ride quality, I am fully satisfied with my current ride height with my FK springs....