Coilovers -- was Re: [s-cars] Installed the HRSB

[Robert Rossato]

In principle they don't differ from the stock coil suspension in that coilovers are exactly that - coils over shocks.  

The difference lies in that "coilovers" have threaded bodies to allow height adjustment by raising and lowering the lower spring perch.  Typically coilovers use 2.25" or 2.5" I.D. springs all around, so the front springs will be much smaller in diameter than stock.  And there are literally 100's of different spring rates and length combinations you can readily get.  

They're really designed for race cars where you might need to constantly change spring rates depending on which track you're at, or weather conditions.  

If all you're trying to fix with coilovers is a potential rubbing problem with the HRSB all you need to do is pick up a set of slip-on threaded sleeves for the rear shocks and set of appropriate springs.  These sleeves allow you to turn your shocks into an adjustable "coilover" and will fit right over the Bilsteins, which have a removable lower perch.  A pair of sleeves and springs can be picked up at automotive swap meets for about $150 or less.

Bob

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Bill Clancy" <clancybill at yahoo.com>
> Speaking of coilovers...
> Forgive me if I am behind the times but I have to ask, what are the
> advantages of Coilovers?   I'm not even sure I understand how they hold the
> car up...or how they differ in principle from the original design.
> 
> And... I didn't think that they were available (from the usual sources) for
> the C4 chassis.    Can someone shed some light.   :-)
> 
> thanks...
> -Bill
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bob DG" <bobs6 at msn.com>
> To: <gregsj2 at comcast.net>; <s-car-list at audifans.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 3:35 PM
> Subject: RE: [s-cars] Installed the HRSB
> 
> 
> My $.02- these bars are way to snug for a car without coilovers. Mine is
> sitting in my garage waiting for a rear coilover install.
> 
> >From: GregJ <gregsj2 at comcast.net>
> >To: S Cars <s-car-list at audifans.com>
> >Subject: [s-cars] Installed the HRSB
> >Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 18:57:53 -0800
> >
> >Friends (with a lift) and I installed an HRSB on my '93 S4 this
> >   weekend.  As a result of pre-install research, I obtained the rear
> >   sway bar sub-assembly and associated connective parts from a wrecked
> >   '95 Avant.  I also obtained John Tilden's heavy duty brackets to
> >   replace the factory brackets.  Other than having to tap a place for
> >   the second screw for JT's HD brackets, everything bolted right up.  We
> >   noticed the bar was favoring the right side and was just touching the
> >   left spring, however there was plenty of clearance on the right side,
> >   so we loosened everything up and pushed the bar more to the left so as
> >   to clear the spring and make the clearance on both sides more even.  I
> >   crawled up under the car with a light to check everything this
> >   afternoon and the bar has shifted back to the right and the inner part
> >   of the left side is very close to contacting the left spring again.
> >   Any ideas on how one solves this issue  Any BTDTs?
> >   Other questions: on the bar ends, does it matter on which side of the
> >   bar you connect the hemi-links ends.  Which is preferred?  I'm
> >   assuming they should they both on the same side (e.g. the outside).
> >   TIA for your collective help and wisdom
> >   Greg J
> >   BIRA.ORG <http://BIRA.ORG>
> >
> >
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> 
> 
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