Going from SS to SS+ [REVIEWED p5!]

[stu]

Ben, Marc, superb!!

[marc1]

Before you get to excited Stu...

I phoned the dealer again to confirm as when I put the part number for the rear ARB into Google it came back with many threads for A4 and S4 B6 & B7 upgrades as the RS4 bar (I had even done this mod on an A4 many moons ago). It seems the S4 AND RS4 bar are 20mm at times and looks as though the SS+ bar is the 22mm bar. Part number for non SS+ ends AJ, part number for SS+ ends AL. However I think it would be useful for others to check there's with the dealer using the reg, etc.

In addition I tried to confirm the spring part numbers and this is were it gets more complicated. They are all the same part number but different suffixes. The suffixes seem to differ dependant on saloon or avant and then what factory kit the car had. I.E. A car with a sunroof and lots of other heavy equipment will theoretically have a higher spring rate and this would be determined by the suffix (and visually with either two or three painted strips apparently). so it's much harder to sort after the car was originally specced. This could also potentially contribute to differing ride heights, etc. I.e. You get the springs matched to a car with sunroof and other heavy extras and put on a car without and have a huge arch gap.

By way of comparison we have the following part numbers taken from two cars previously listed in the classified as having SS+ suspension (both saloons though, sorry)

Front springs

SS+ 8E0 411 105 EP
SS+ 8E0 411 105 CS
Non SS+ 8E0 411 105 CJ (also EJ)

Rear springs

SS+ 8E0 511 105 EG
SS+ 8E0 511 105 GA
Non SS+ 8E0 511 105 DM

These are just a few options though, there may be more.

For clarity adding the Rear ARB details too:

SS+ 8E0 511 409 AL (22mm)
Non SS+ 8E0 511 105 AJ (20mm)


After all that it sounds like KW lowering springs and aftermarket ARB's would be the way to go. Lol

[docurley]

Anyody know the code for SS+ as im not sure if I have it or not on my car as I dont have the original paperwork for my car.

[stu]

Me, excited? No...

Well that kind of makes sense. The avant is going to be heavier on the tail than the saloon. The convertible would be heavier all round - they have steel bonnets to balance the extra rear weight to presumably return it to the saloon F:R ratio. I can't imagine any extras contributing anything that significant.

Any SS+ avant drivers care to share their reg or chasis number with me (not for sharing) so I can pay a visit to the parts department?

You're right though, aftermarket springs are looking easier hour by hour. Don't want to give up on this just yet...

[Surrey Sam]

Anyody know the code for SS+

The build code for Super Sports Suspension is 2ME, whilst the standard RS4 suspension is 2MC.


Stu - PM heading your way

[stu]

Stu - PM heading your way

Thanks!

[MikeFish]

You're right though, aftermarket springs are looking easier hour by hour.

Easier, and it has to be said, cheaper and better (becuase you can set ride height, no high fronts). Just give Grizz a call at Unit20. If there are enough of you and ask nicely he he may even do another group buy:
http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=103473

Thes are the details from the old group buy:
RRP £454.17 + VAT
SPECIAL PRICE - £380+VAT



However, I wonder if the thicker ARB is a worthy mod for both standard SS cars and SS cars upgraded to adjustable springs?

[stu]

Easier, and it has to be said, cheaper and better (becuase you can set ride height, no high fronts).[..]

well put, but will they handle better? I'm not bothered by price (within reason..!) and I'm not overly bothered by looks - I'd never in a million years lower a car for the looks. It would seriously piss me off if I hit all the speed bumps in my neighbourhood I'm going down this path because I want a better handling car at 3 in the morning and at Spa. But I don't want my comfort overly messed with. The arguably irrational pull towards OEM is there.

Anyone know why the SS+ front was designed so high?

[stu]

[...]However, I wonder if the thicker ARB is a worthy mod for both standard SS cars and SS cars upgraded to adjustable springs?

Now that I remember, P_G did this when he had his RS4. He had an uprated rear ARB and was very positive about the handling improvement. And that was from SS+ I think.

[marc1]

Me, excited? No...
I can't imagine any extras contributing anything that significant.

You'd be suprised. It was the same with my last M3, the spring rates are all set based on the weight of the car, so more kit = more weight = higher spring rates. Same idea as some decent aftermarket coilovers over for track work. That said, if you got the details from someone with a car light on options (like a sunroof as they weigh a ridiculous amount) and other heavy stuff you'd likely find your car lower as a result (assuming your car has more extras, etc).

Saying that all aftermarket springs (H&R, KW lowering springs, Eibach, etc) only every list one spring rate for front and one for rear for the car regardless of options. So I would imagine it will just have a slightly lower drop on some cars.

[marc1]

because I want a better handling car at 3 in the morning

I love this line! A true petrol head, and let's face it we've all done it!

[marc1]

[...]However, I wonder if the thicker ARB is a worthy mod for both standard SS cars and SS cars upgraded to adjustable springs?

Now that I remember, P_G did this when he had his RS4. He had an uprated rear ARB and was very positive about the handling improvement. And that was from SS+ I think.

If you are going to uprate the ARB further than the SS+ (And I the for track work it is will be a great advantage). I would go for the H&R front AND rear bars (32mm front adjustable, 24mm rear adjustable). I know a lot of people only do the rears as they're concerned over the understeer, etc, etc but in reality they are designed to work together and control roll across the whole car not have a bit more roll in the front than the rear. (£380 from Larkspeed, but the are foolishly listed as B6 RS4). Hotchkiss offer a 35mm (I think) front and 29mm rear kit, but it 'seems' a bit much, but then saying that they are lightweight hollow bars and therefore the strength properties differ, so you can't just gone on thickness alone.

Have a word with Sonny, he had KWV3 coilovers and Hotchkiss ARB's and his car stuck like glue and was very impressive around Spa... until we ran out of fuel

[docurley]

Anyody know the code for SS+

The build code for Super Sports Suspension is 2ME, whilst the standard RS4 suspension is 2MC.


Stu - PM heading your way

Thanks for that I have Super sport another bonus but the springs will be coming out for H&R's soon just need the b6 perches.

[marc1]

Doc is it not B5 front perches you need?

Also cani have dibs on your springs mate? And could you let me know the paint stripe colours please mate?

[docurley]

Doc is it not B5 front perches you need?

Also cani have dibs on your springs mate? And could you let me know the paint stripe colours please mate?

You sure can and that was a typo B5 is correct, I have another set of springs and shocks I bought 2-3 years ago so I will see what they are too.

Whats the ring colour code for the springs?