Going from SS to SS+ [REVIEWED p5!]

[toyneg]

For all those that want to keep DRC then the KW adjustable springs is the perfect option. It keeps the ride quality of DRC but allows you to drop the ride height to your perfect height. It's like going for SS+ but looks better cos you haven't got the high front and can take it even lower if you wish

+1

[marc1]

I know the KWv3's are great, but I'm keeping the DRC. I'm a big fan, so much so that if it ever failed I'd probably replace it with more DRC. Maybe SS+ won't make a great deal of difference. It's hard to tell. Has anyone gone SS to SS+?

If I had a chassis number or reg from their SS+ Avant, perhaps I could figure out the differences on the parts computer?

That would be great if you could and to see if there is a different part number for the anti roll bars too. It could be added to the part numbers sticky and everyone will have a reference.

[gt2]

For all those that want to keep DRC then the KW adjustable springs is the perfect option. It keeps the ride quality of DRC but allows you to drop the ride height to your perfect height. It's like going for SS+ but looks better cos you haven't got the high front and can take it even lower if you wish

your car sits pretty low mike, do you ever have any problems with speed bump/kerb clearance with the lower ride height?

[MikeFish]

There's not many speed humps around here but ground clearance is ok. I might get a bit of rubbing on the really big bumps if I'm going a little to fast but not under normal driving conditions. Of course the beauty of the KW spring kit is you can set it a bit higher if you wish and still keep the DRC. I know I keep going on about it but just can't see why you'd go for SS+ over the KWs.

[stu]

Some great advice as always. Thanks fellas.

The KW adjustable springs sounds interesting. I'm more fire-and-forget but there's nothing to say that I couldn't just copy the settings off another car. Think I'll work on the SS+ parts plan first.

[sar]

i also really rate the SS+ on my saloon.
i have driven both SS and SS+ rs4's and the difference is quite noticeable.
one of the first things me mate said to me after buying his SS rs4 was that his car felt nothing like mine in the twistys, and when i took cecilthesausage out for a back road blast to listen to my exhaust he noticed the difference straight away compared to his standard set up.

but having said that my drc has just taken a <beep> again, this time the pipes have corroded and burst.
i noticed a little pool of oil on the floor coming from the n/s/r of the car, my first thought was leaking damper so i jacked it up and took the wheel off and the shock was fine.
on closer inspection i could see the oil was dripping from behind the rear section of the undertray, so i stripped off all the undertrays and the pipe that connects the n/s/f shock to one of the central valves where it is rooted round the petrol tank had corroded and burst.
the opposite side pipe, o/s/f to the other central valve was also badly corroded in the same place and about to burst.

so check your pipes people!, just because your shocks are not leaking it doesn't mean your drc is fine.

i have now ditched my drc, i had a coilover itch i had to scratch...

[nij]

I know the KWv3's are great, but I'm keeping the DRC. I'm a big fan, so much so that if it ever failed I'd probably replace it with more DRC. Maybe SS+ won't make a great deal of difference. It's hard to tell. Has anyone gone SS to SS+?

+1

I had my standard front springs replaced with H&R springs, but left the rears as standard. I didn't like the look of the front seating so high, but I also didn't want to lose the comfort of the DRC setup. I'm happy with this setup and you're welcome to have a drive to compare.

This is how it looks.

[BenWat]

I've just refreshed my drc and moved ss+.

Noticeable change to the car, it's stiffer and you feel the bumps a little more but not badly there is no 'crashing'.The new spring rates and arb's make the car feel noticeably tighter. I live in central London so was a touch nervous of compromising the ride but genuinely prefer the ride now, especially when out of town on fast roads.

I considered other suspension options but enjoy keeping my car oem having had heavily modified road, track and race cars, I love the way the rs4 is just so easy to enjoy without fussing with set up options. The rs4 out of the box is just a great car.

Ben

[marc1]

Good review Ben. Did you move to SS+ from standard sport suspension? If so, do you have any details on the ARB's or part numbers for any of the SS+ stuff? Or would you be able to measure the thickness of the ARB's at all?

[stu]

I've just refreshed my drc and moved ss+.

Noticeable change to the car, it's stiffer and you feel the bumps a little more but not badly there is no 'crashing'.The new spring rates and arb's make the car feel noticeably tighter. I live in central London so was a touch nervous of compromising the ride but genuinely prefer the ride now, especially when out of town on fast roads.

I considered other suspension options but enjoy keeping my car oem having had heavily modified road, track and race cars, I love the way the rs4 is just so easy to enjoy without fussing with set up options. The rs4 out of the box is just a great car.

Ben

Thanks Ben! Great info. Is yours an avant?

[BenWat]

Yes, I moved from the standard sports suspension which I thought was fantastic, the ss+ is just sharper, car feels much tighter as a result. My car is an avant, I'll have a look at the invoice for parts numbers but no chance if me trying to measure the arb, what I do know is it's stiffer than the old one. I do also think a decent geo check is invaluable.

Car does ride lower at the back and looks a touch odd with the front looking higher, I may invest in a splitter but as mentioned to me keeping the car oem was important.

[marc1]

Cheers Ben. Part numbers would be great. We can add them to the part number sticky thread then as this question does come up from time to time.

[neilparf]

I've got SS+ on my saloon - nice review Ben - I'm keen now to drive no SS+ To see that comparison...

[BenWat]

Ok parts needed appear to be front and rear springs and stiffer rear arb:

Rear roll bar and front springs part numbers (I think)

V8eo 411 105 ep spring
V8eo 511 409 al stabiliser

Rear springs

V8eo 511 115 gb spring

Plus various bolts etc.

Hope that helps.

Ben

[marc1]

Ben you are absolute star.

For reference the above part prices including VAT currently from Audi are:

F&R springs = £98.88 each
Rear ARB = £120.96

In addition you need the following for the Rear ARB:

8 x bolts Part no. N10127707 £0.64 each
2 x U clamp Par no. 8EO 511 439 £3.85 each
2 x rubber bushes Part no. 8EO 511 327 D £3.73 each

Those parts 'may' be the same as stock RS4 items, I will try to find out and update. I'll also try and get the part number thread updated with this info too.