lowering a 90q20v

["Grant Lenahan" <glenahan@notes.cc.bellcore.com>]

Sean wrote:

>>My 1990 90q20v (Sedan) has a huge amount of space between the tires and
the fender wells. Does anyone have any experience lowering a 90q20v? I
do not want to compromise the ride quality but I would like to lower it
by about 1.5 inches (not too much). Who makes springs and dampers that
work well with Audi? Eibach, H&R, Koni, Bilstein?

I have heard that the 90q20v was available from the factory with a sport
suspension package that had lowered springs, 15" wheels and a sway bar.
Does anyone know anout this?

Thanks in advance.


Sean

- -- 
Sean Douglas
1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V
1992 VW Passat GL 16V
105-10250 155A Street
Surrey, B.C.
Canada
Tel: 604-582-4749<<

Yep.  I have the lowered suspension on mine.  very nice.

However, I'd be careful lowering your car.  First, the factory kit is -1.0" and 
the car is
so l;ow that you must be careful not to bottom out.  In fact, I cannot get a 
standard
floor jack under the car without taking the swivel off.  1.5" will be even 
lower (obviously).

Next, you don;t want to hurt the ride.  Impossible.  If you lower the car X%, 
you must 
stiffen it X% as well, or it will bottom out.  Progressive springs help, but 
don;t fool
yourself -- it must be stiffer.

Finally, and folks like Eric or Jeff can add more here, when you lower the car 
you
change the suspension geometry.  I've driven several 4000qs that were lowered,
and they all steer like *rap, and bump steer to boot.  Not pleasant.  

On the other hand, I put a lowered sport kit from Bilstein into my 81 Scirocco
with great results.  Alas, one is not made for your Audi.

You may be able to do this successfully, but someone ought to know what they 
are doing,
and many shops that sell the parts do not.

If you do it (1) find what geometry changes and make sure you compensate, (2) 
get it
re-alligned, specifically for the new ride height - I suspect the caster must 
change,
(3) get progressive springs, (4) try to drop it 1" or less, match the springs 
and dampers
carefully.

Maybe Audi could tell you what changes are made to the sport suspension 
models????


Grant