[V8] Lowering thought

[qshipq at aol.com]

 Whoa up boys.  I don't agree that 100/5ktq/200tq's springs are all the same, and the lowering advice using 5ktq springs may be doing more bad than you may think.....  Some perspective from a well seasoned v8/typ44 suspension guy.  A 91 200tq has the same springs as a v8.  Any pre 91 200q/t/100q, will have a less-stiff spring than the v8, which will 'also' lower a v8.  Problem, the 100/200q's are also a good 500+lbs lighter than a v8, so the resultant reduction in the spring rate creates another problem (read:  Less spring rate + More bottoming of front suspension +  lowered front suspension = crashing and wheel bashing).  I see nothing wrong with lowering the spring perch of a stock spring to lower a v8 and retain the proper stock spring rate.  The issue is really the shock travel and bumpsteer in doing so.  A lowered spring perch, stock v8 spring, ECS camber correction kit, and Sport Shocks will allow the full 1.5inches the OP is looking for with the least amount of bumpsteer.  But, that's a lot of jake for a 'look'.

I've spent a lot of time on the alignment rack with 5ktq/200tq/v8's.  Audi put those suspensions pretty close to optimal ride height for minimal bumpsteer.  Interesting to note, you can go 'up' almost a full 2inches from stock ride height and dial the suspension in well.  You can go down about .5inches, then bumpsteer begins to raise it's ugly head.  Fine for a race car, btdt, but I'd be careful going after this without complete thought to what the consequences may be.  

My .02

Scott J


-----Original Message-----
From: J123fs at aol.com
To: v8 at audifans.com
Sent: Tue, Mar 30, 2010 4:08 pm
Subject: Re: [V8] Lowering thought


 
I concur with Ron, a set of springs from a 5000TQ (or 100, 200 type 44's)  
will lower the front end nicely, as a set of V8 springs raised my 5000 TQ 
front  end about 2 inches for rally-crossing.
Though as a racer I have seen many cut coils- and they work fine as long as 
 you don't cut them too short- a 1/2 - 3/4 coil gone from the spring will 
still  fit tight in the perches at full droop and raise the spring rate 5-10% 
along  with dropping the car an inch or so.
Cutting the perches make no sense - way to much effort and not easily  
reversible.
Dollars to donuts I bet you can find some stock springs in the marketplace  
of Audifans, MoterGeek, or Audiworld , or Ebay from a 5000/100/200 10V for  
cheap.
Jason, I may have some and will look for you- they will cost a 6 pack  
though.... :-)
-Jack