S4 suspension and performance Q&A

[jay@rendition.com (Jay Eisenlohr)]

>> I have a '92 S4 that I have owned for a little over a year.  I initially
>> didn't like the ride, it was too stiff.  You shouldn't have the same problem
>> because the '92 had the non-americanized suspension.  '93's have smaller
>> front anti-roll bars, no rear anti-roll bar, reduced spring and shock rates,
-         My car in Thailand has rear anti-roll bar and stiff ride,so mine
-is Americanized suspension,right ?

No, your '93 sounds like it has a european suspension, like my '92.  I have
had three complete suspensions in my car and here are my experiences: The
American '92 suspension had 28mm front anti-roll bar and a rear anti-roll
bar.  The American '93 had a 26mm anti-roll bar, no rear anti-roll bar,
reduced spring and shock rates.  The aftermarket ABT S4 suspension available
in the USA was designed for '93 and later.  It is an absolute brick with a
28mm anti-roll bar.  I sold my ABT suspension to an owner of a '93 S4 and it
rides great.  But, as I said earlier, you have to be willing to drag
occassionally. After, I sold the ABT suspension, I put in '93 shocks and
springs.  This didn't accomplish much.  The car was a little softer, but
still very harsh over small cracks and holes in the road.  I took out the
rear anti-roll bar and this help quit a bit.  But, I was still experiencing
some harshness.  Finally, I started carrying calipers in my car and started
measuring the front bar on every S4 I could find.  I found that the bars
ranged from 26mm to 27mm on '93 and '94's and 28mm on '92's.  I decided to
put a 26mm bar in my car and Eibach springs.  My logic was the stock ride
height was to high and I didn't want to increase body roll dramatically.
Yes, I wanted it all, good ride and good a handling.  I've got that today,
the car feels great snd there is very little body roll.  I could use a
little more damping control.  I'm using '93 shocks.  Your Koni's should  do
a great job.  Therefore, I would recommend pulling the rear bar, acquiring a
25mm or 26mm front bar and Eibach springs.  I think you will be amazed and
should save you considerable cash.      
>> suspension mods I would recommend Eibach springs with Bilstein shocks or the
>> ABT sport suspension.  Eibach's will lower your car about an 1.5 inches and
>> the ABT suspension will lower your car about 2.5 inches.  I was dragging
>> occasionally with the ABT suspension and now have settled with the
>> variable-rate Eibach springs.
-         My experience with Eibach & ABT sus. is opposite with you,
-I install ABT sport sus. into my VW Eurovan (ABT uses SACH shockabsorbers)
-,the ride is very very stiff,now I use stock springs + SACHs.
-	  For S4 I installed Eibach + Koni Sport (yellow) ,the car looks great
-,but very stiff ride too,even adjust 1/2 turn at the shockabsorbers,another
-problem (for Thailand only) is with lower height,the lowest the ground 
->clearance is about 3 inches,the underbody hit the road many times.
> 
>> I haven't done any performance mods myself.  However, I have driven a '93 S4
>> with the German RS2 modifications; very fast.  The RS2 modifications
>> consists of a new computer ( actually a chip change), a new high flow
>> exhaust manifold and a new larger turbo.  This modification delivers
>> approximately 310 HP and cost around $3000.  A good value, I think.  
>> 
>> You can get the actual RS2 parts from Jo Hoppen, Audi Sport USA 813-924-6380
>> or a non-factory S4 sport kit from Ned Ritchie at IA.
-          What does "German RS2" means ? It is from German company ?
-it should has new camshaft + big IC as the real RS2 to complete RS2 setup.
-	Could you please tell me more details about Audi Sport USA,and
-S4 sport kit from Ned ,I'm really want my car >300 hp.
>				Thanks

Audi builds or built a 90 Quattro Station Wagon with the engine mods
described above.  The car is actually assembled at the Porsche factory and
is marketd as a joint project between the two companies.  The RS2 your
refferencing is an aftermarket late model Quattro Coupe and the company has
changed the name to ___?.  I will get you more detailed information on the
engine mods next week.  Or send me your FAX number and I will send you info
directly.

jay