2wd/quattro differences?

[J4MES]

Been measuring up for fresh suspension being as the existing setup is rather boat like and it would be rude not to alter the stance once the new rimmage arrives but the lowest I can find for a B3 90Q is 50mm. Does anyone have any experience of the supersport kit, are they pretty precise in how much the drop is? Or, is there anywhere I can get some lower springs?

What is the difference between 2wd and 4wd springs?

[Andy10v]

What is the difference between 2wd and 4wd springs?

Enough not to make them interchange on the rear, fronts can be interchanged (ignoring spring weights)

Rear (assuming 88 b3)

2wd


4wd


Other option would be to make/buy a set of coilovers

[peanut]

front and rear legs on the quattro are nigh on identical albeit the steering arms. The b3 90q also uses the same suspension layout as the 3b (early) s2 so is also interchangable. Its also the same as the b3/b4 coupe quattro
Hth
Gav

[K Simmonds]

I have a set of H&R CQ springs for sale, they lower about 40mm, give a fairly solid ride but not too harsh. TBH I wouldn't want to go any lower without using coil-overs as the handling will be poo.

Anyway here's a shot of my S2 with the CQ H&R's fitted, the car is partially stripped out so the rear is riding slightly higher than it otherwise would be.

[20vcqdriver]

Originally Posted by K Simmonds

I have a set of H&R CQ springs for sale, they lower about 40mm, give a fairly solid ride but not too harsh. TBH I wouldn't want to go any lower without using coil-overs as the handling will be poo.

Anyway here's a shot of my S2 with the CQ H&R's fitted, the car is partially stripped out so the rear is riding slightly higher than it otherwise would be.

Agree.
40mm about the limit before moving to coilovers, The gap between spring plate and suspension top that would be left with a 50mm drop would quite likely affect ride and handling adversely. And looking at the 40mm drop on the S2 that looks about perfect.
Oh and dropping 50mm might mean speed humps need avoiding too as I found out with my Passat that had it's undertray ripped of several times thanks to the 55mm drop of the Weitec suspension I fitted...

[J4MES]

Thanks for the replies folks, I appreciate the input.

I was planning on buying a matched kit (springs and shocks as opposed to just springs) and have never had coilovers that are any better for handling than a kit, they're great for playing with ride height but tend to get overly harsh the lower you go (in my humble opinion).

The current suspension on the 90Q certainly doesn't seem to be sagging - there is about 70mm between the arch and top of tyre at the front and about 80mm at the rear. I appreciate that springs and shocks are only half the story so will be looking into ARB's and polybushing as I go.

Had a thought when I woke up - I will need to change the front springs at some point as I imagine that the AEB is going to be somewhat lighter that the KV engine (if anyone can confirm or correct me on that...)

That S2 looks very nice K Simmonds.

Looking at the diagram I am assuming that because of where the ARB drop link bolts up there are no issues with needing shorter ones.......?

Speed bumps will always be an issue but have learned to crawl over them from similar experience.

[Puglife]

I'd have to disagree on overly harsh coilovers... that stems from incorect spring length and rates.

A stock coil spring kit often gives alot of bump if too low hence the poor ride quality on silly low cars.... With coilovers you can alter spring length by 12-25mm increments and then adjust ride height to suit droop and static length. Combine this with correct rate and you can make a very well balanced kit that offers better than standard ride with the benefit of lowering the cars CoG.

[J4MES]

Originally Posted by Puglife

I'd have to disagree on overly harsh coilovers... that stems from incorect spring length and rates.

A stock coil spring kit often gives alot of bump if too low hence the poor ride quality on silly low cars.... With coilovers you can alter spring length by 12-25mm increments and then adjust ride height to suit droop and static length. Combine this with correct rate and you can make a very well balanced kit that offers better than standard ride with the benefit of lowering the cars CoG.

I agree with you to an extent - cheap coilovers use is limited to simply doing the job of lowering a car but having spent considerable money on a certain manufacturers coilovers in the past and feeling no difference to a 'budget' set I'm not entirely convinced.

I've never had the sort of ride quality from adjustable FK or Weitec that could match a Koni sport Spring and shock setup and given the price of the aforementioned coilovers I can't justify then having to mess with different springs etc to get things how I like it.

I admit, suspension is a purely personal thing - everyone has their own idea of how they like it and TBH I haven't actually seen any coilovers specified for my car. Who makes them?

[vag80]

Originally Posted by J4MES

Been measuring up for fresh suspension being as the existing setup is rather boat like and it would be rude not to alter the stance once the new rimmage arrives but the lowest I can find for a B3 90Q is 50mm. Does anyone have any experience of the supersport kit, are they pretty precise in how much the drop is? Or, is there anywhere I can get some lower springs?

What is the difference between 2wd and 4wd springs?

i have a 60mm/40mm Supersport kit (there made by Spax for the germany market) fitted
to my B3 80 and i think there good for the money i've had no probs with them