[200q20v] new shocks/springs on order; what consumables should be replaced?

[linust at mindspring.com]

Brett Dikeman <brett at brettd.dsl.speakeasy.net> wrote:
> Okay...h&r's and bilsteins are on order from RD Enterprises(aka
> Shox.com ... <SNIP>
>
> Nearly fainted at the total cost, but I've recovered.  Guess those 
> wheels and summer tires are going to have to wait a bit(have my eye 
> on some ... <SNIP>

Just a comment based on my experiences (which started out exactly like what you are doing)...

You don't say which H&R springs you purchased.  I installed Bilsteins and H&R springs for the V8 on my 91 200q--didn't touch the wheels & tires.  Lowered the car just a touch more than a half-inch all around.  Much stiffer ride from the beginning.  But the car seemed more squirelly--didn't want to take a set and stablize itself on curves and freeway exits/onramps.  Car required much more attention to drive.  I finally got much crisper handling...a year later once I changed over to either 16 or 17 wheels & tires (stock '92 S4 16x8 with 225/50-16 or BBS RX 17x8 with 235/45-17) If you are still running the OEM 15" BBS wheels and 215/60-15 size rubber, you will find that you overwork the tires--too much sidewall height and flex, and the spring's stiffness works them hard.  Essentially, I feel the spring upgrade without wider, lower profile tires upsets the car's overall suspension balance.  

my 2 pennies for the day
--Linus