[V8] Lowering thought

allanvega at comcast.net allanvega at comcast.net
Wed Mar 31 10:38:04 PDT 2010 

"WRT spring stiffness, given the alternate suggestion of using a lower rate 5k spring, isn't lowering the perch 'better' since it is done with a higher spring rate vs a 5ktq? So the 5ktq spring would be 'just plain retarded' comparatively speaking, yes? " 

My argument,is that the end result would be the same. While lowering the perches with stock springs wont cause the car to come crashing down on the bump stops, like the softer 5k springs may. They will both cause the car to be more prone to bottoming out. 

As for swapping the damning rings, Hardly a hack, as Audi listed several thickness for the V8 according to ETKA last time I checked, though I haven't checked lately. 

Another thought (and this is just a thought) While I don't particularly care for the Billstien mono-tube design in our cars or as inserts, they do offer a sport shock that is shorter in length (their sport shock made for lowering springs) I'd bet that a set of those installed with a stock spring, may give you the 1/2" your looking for while increasing the spring rate (through further pre-loading?) Just thinking out loud 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: qshipq at aol.com 
To: allanvega at comcast.net, chance9121 at gmail.com 
Cc: "wilke jb" <wilke_jb at yahoo.com>, v8 at audifans.com 
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 1:15:47 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [V8] Lowering thought 


For slight variations in ride height the spring dampers can work. IME that's less than .5in using 'damper' mods. 

WRT spring stiffness, given the alternate suggestion of using a lower rate 5k spring, isn't lowering the perch 'better' since it is done with a higher spring rate vs a 5ktq? So the 5ktq spring would be 'just plain retarded' comparatively speaking, yes? 

IME/O on 44/V8/C4 suspensions, wheel travel is what makes them great. There are a lot of ways to make these cars handle better at stock ride height, btdt. But, to the original poster, given the alternatives, the perch mod accomplishes the task well, and is hardly a 'hack'. 

Scott J 








-----Original Message----- 
From: allanvega at comcast.net 
To: 7013885254 <chance9121 at gmail.com> 
Cc: qshipq at aol.com; wilke jb <wilke_jb at yahoo.com>; v8 at audifans.com 
Sent: Wed, Mar 31, 2010 11:09 am 
Subject: Re: [V8] Lowering thought 



If one was just looking to drop the front end down just 1/2", you could just swap out the dampning ring between the top of the front spring and the mount. There are various thicknesses. I if you dont want to buy the thinner ones from audi, or you already have the thinner ones (indicated by two notches I believe) you can always turn them down a half inch. Its allot more easier for the average do-it-your- self-er than moving and re-welding the perches. 

now my .02 on lowering the v8 via "ONLY" lowering the perches (i.e. keeping stock spring rate) . It's just plain retarded period. Think about it. By not stiffening up the spring rate, all you did was reduce ground clearance. That cars suspention is going to travel the same distance it did before when it hits a pothole. It will be more likely to bottom out, cause its that much more closer to the ground. This would be the same effect as putting a softer spring in. 

If your going to lower your car, you should go with a stiffer than stock spring. 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "7013885254" < chance9121 at gmail.com > 
To: qshipq at aol.com , "wilke jb" < wilke_jb at yahoo.com >, v8 at audifans.com 
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 11:20:07 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [V8] Lowering thought 

for adjustable perches, aren't the front springs 3in dia.ater? Most aftermarket stuff is for 2.5in springs, no? Or are you saying a non adjustable sleeve? That's a curious idea. 

My thought was not everyone can weld, so I don't usually I don't suggest it right off to someone for a simple mod. But no worries if he's got the resources. 

---- Original Message ---- 
From: " qshipq at aol.com " < qshipq at aol.com > 
Date: 3/31/10 11:08 am 
To: " wilke_jb at yahoo.com " < wilke_jb at yahoo.com > ; " v8 at audifans.com " < v8 at audifans.com > 
Subj: Re: [V8] Lowering thought 

Jason 
Not sure what the big deal is relocating spring perches, I've done it several times, with stock mounts and with plenty of coil over conversions. As I'm sure you know, grinding the bead off the perch is not a huge job, and a good re-weld (better than audi delivered) is straight forward and not time consuming at all. In fact, what I might suggest is welding the removed perch to a sleeve, then trimming the sleeve to find your ultimate 'look', then make it 'permnent'. It is *not* a hack IMO, and you get the added benefit of using the stock spring rate. Let us know what you end up using. I run 255/40 on 17x8.5 on my v8 with stock springs, and don't share the 'big well' problem you opin (and you made me look again). 




I will reiterate 1.5in is a extreme drop on a 44/v8/C4, I'd go down only enough to get the look right, then stop. Beyond .75in you are out of the valving of a stock height shock, and really should get a sport (shorter) shock. 

Good luck, and don't worry about the free opinions on this list... Now, another cup of coffee, so I can look at my wheel wells 
again :) 

Cheers 

Scott J 



-----Original Message----- 
From: Jason Wilkerson < wilke_jb at yahoo.com > 
To: V8 list < v8 at audifans.com > 
Sent: Wed, Mar 31, 2010 8:06 am 
Subject: Re: [V8] Lowering thought 


Wow guys - lots of suggestions, thanks. I think maybe I hit a nerve! Anyway, 
let me give some background. I have had two v8's, done everything from 
transmission/engine replacement/teardown to resoldering IC's. I have never 
really done any modding to this car or any car for that matter - just because I 
am somewhat of a purist. I know cutting spring perches seems the opposite of a 
purist, but on this car ever since I bought it it seems nose high. I don't 
remember that with my first v8 and I really think it is the aftermarket 18" 
wheels and rubber band tires that amplify the 'look'. I really would rather 
have a different, smaller diameter, wheel but I don't want to/can't spend money 
on that right now. On this particular car I have replaced most bushings and 
both front and rear shocks with BOGE turbo gas. I have never been happy with 
the way this car rides (I think it is due to no sidewall on the tires?) and I 
don't want to have any suspension 
problems, i.e. bumpsteer or tire wear as I go through a set every 10k or so as 
it is. Long story short, I may not change a thing if the group thinks it is a 
'hack'. I know I sound a little like a teenager that wants to do something 
stupid to his car - I'm pretty sure I'm far from that - with 3kids and a 
mortgage I hope thats not me! Anyway, thanks again for all the help. 



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