5KCSTQ Blues Question re: suspension

["Richard Haroutunian" <Richard_Haroutunian@inso.com>]

Well, well, well.

Just got my car back from the dealer who replaced 3 of the 4 turbo oil
lines (1 was the oil cooler line) -- the 'feed, the 'return,' and the
cooler  line.

Altogether with as few extra things -- parking light bulb replace ment and
a new hood latch came to $1200!

The sad thing is that I spent all that money -- and there's no real
noticeable difference in performance for obvious reasons -- they're just
oil lines.  The only thing noticeable is that there is no more of that
slight 'skipping' when the turbo kicks in around 3K rpm.

Its so, so smooth now -- but still only 1.2bar

Next job: the rack and steering pump -- luckily I could get these parts
from BLAU for so much cheaper.  The rack came yesterday in a vacuum cleaner
box -!  Though that was interesting.. Pump's on the way.  Altogether I only
spent $249 for the rack and $189 for the pump -- and I get $150 back when I
return the cores for each.

Try $756 for the rack and $389 for the pump at the dealer !

Here's my question (finally):

Now that I'm doing the rack all the way to the tie-rods, is it wise for me
to upgrade the front suspension?

I really want to improve handling --without sac. smooth ride -- I've been
told the way to go is with Eibach springs and Konis in the front and rear.
What about a sway bar -- or strut brace? both?

I need some input on this stuff because I have to do it next week -- and I
figured I could kill 2 birds (alignment, etc.) by doing this stuff while
doing the rack..

I have BOGEs Turbos in my 4KQ and they're real nice -- tight but loose and
smooth.

Wolfsport says the best combo (most popular combo) is Konis and Eibachs,
but that Eibach doesn't make springs for the 5000/100/200 any more and
they'll be real hard to find.

Anyone agree/disagree?  How do I reduce body roll and tighten up the ride
without lowering the car too much and sacrificing the ride?  I need the
height for these new England winters -- I don't need a track car!

Thanks

Richard

87 5000CS Turbo Quattro 114K
85 4000S Quattro --180K
82 VW Cabriolet -- 150K