Bilteins HDs/stock springs(BTDT, type44)

[Konstantin Bogach]

It sounds like I need stiffer springs.  I will try to get to Bilsteins with question
about springs but any advise would be appreciated.
Thank you for response.

Konstantin Bogach.

>
>
> On Wed, 30 Oct 2002, Konstantin Bogach wrote:
>
> > Hi listers.
> > I installed HDs on my 200tqa a year ago.  I like that stiff ride.  But
> > every bump makes me doubt my decision.  One of this bumps, pretty big
> > one, accelerated door look failure.  But I thought that this comes in
> > the package with better handling... until I drove S4 with Bilsteins
> > Sport/H&R springs.
> > ...
> > Can it be that shocks' valving require certain stiffness and my current
> > setup is not compatible?  Anyone  happy this such setup?
>
> I know that shocks and springs are a system- too much damping for the
> spring rate you have makes for a harsher ride with less handling
> imporvement than you'd get with less damping or more spring.
>
> My anecdote to prove it is the **huge** difference that the BG springs
> made on my 5kTQw. I first replaced all the bushings and end links, and
> added a set of Koni Sport adjustable shocks, set full stiff, keeping
> stock springs. Handling was very much improved, but ride was harsh.
>
> After a talk with the Koni guys and a lot of research online I opted to go
> for the BG instead of HR because listers said the HRs were a bit too
> stiff, and BG was supposedly closer to teh spring rate the Eibachs used to
> have.
>
> Installed these and (on advice from Koni) turned the shocks down to ~60%
> to match them, and the car is positively on *rails* now- with a mich nicer
> ride than before.  Body roll is mostly gone- it's a joy to drive, and the
> wife still likes her luxury car feel.
>
> I now know that the stiff valving was way overpowering the stock spring- a
> big improvement in ride could have been had by just turning the shocks
> down with less handling loss than you'd think, but the reduced roll from
> the springs is just fantastic..
>
> --
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>   Rob Deis                  "Let the people know beforehand what the law
>   MiB3347                      is and what they are to expect."
>   rdeis at io.com                              -- 18th Congress, Rec. 75
>