Couple Of Questions.

[jbyrne]

Hi all,
I have a 1994 RS2 ( 116K miles ) & i'm planning to refurb the suspension etc over the winter months and have a couple of queries before i order any parts ;
- Koni sport adjustable shocks with std springs seems to be the popular
choice here. Can the Koni's be adjusted while on the car or do they
have to be removed ?
- Are H&R springs much harder then standard, and is it advisable to
renew springs if staying with std ( i.e. do springs suffer from sagging /
fatique ).
- Planning to renew Wishbone bushes, Subframe bushes, Top mounts,
Engine / Gearbox & Diff mounts with Oem, as i am concerned that
the Superflex / Powerflex would make the car too harsh, anyone btdt
like too comment / advise ?

Thanks in advance,
John.

[AAH!]

Hi John

I went for Koni's shocks front and rear (86-2086SPD2 & 8210-1160S) with the all the springs replaced with standard OEM RS2 springs along with QRSport solid top mounts. All the bushes where replaced with OEM rubber bushes. I didn't do the Engine / Gearbox & Diff mounts.

IIRC the shocks are not adjustable on the car.

The new OEM springs actually raised the car by some 20mm and with hindsight I probably wouldn't have replaced them. The H&R's were to low for my tastes and london's speed bumps.

The QRSport top mounts really helped with turn in and notice the stearing feels slightly lighter and more responsive.

Although the car felt a lot better, I expected the car to have a firmer ride and I will probably get round to fitting some powerflex wishbone bushes (the newer ones) some time.

Incidently, super-g (http://www.theitalianjobminis.com) on this forum says he has developed a good set up for the RS2 adapting a particular Koni shock making them adjustable from the top whilst on the car. Also using solid top mounts and powerflex wishbone bushes, standard springs and a custom alignment. Do a search on some of his posts.

robo on this forum had koni's & H&R's and felt it was too low and harsh and i think returned to a standard set up.

If you have not seen it already, this post is good on suspension:
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=49695

HTH

Angus

[jbyrne]

Hi Angus,
Had conflicting answers from different suppliers as to whether the Koni's could be adjusted on car or not, thanks for clearing that one up.
Will make contact with super-g, looks like he knows his stuff, cheers for tip.
The QRSport topmounts sound great, have you notice any increase in
noise / vibration or are they all good ?
Would be interested to hear from anyone btdt with regard to Powerflex/Superflex bushes v's Oem items.

Angus, just noticed your "RS2+", would this hint to more power than std ?
If so tell more me as will be going down that slippery slope once the above is sorted !

Thanks again,
John.

[AAH!]

John

personally I haven't noticed any noticeable increase in noise or vibration with the solid top mounts. I've heard/read mostly positive things about them although some people have noticed more noise and vibration and others express concerns about increased stress on the fixing points, but with my driving style that isn't an issue.

I'm sure other more qualified people can comment on suspension set ups, including bilstiens's vs koni's vs oem. Visit www.s2forum.com forum for a bit more research.

It may be worth talking to MRC and QRSport about suspension as well.
http://www.mrctuning.com
http://www.qrsport.com/

My "+" refers to bigger hybrid k26/27 MD147 turbo (better turbo's available now), 7a cams (more top end), cone air filter (arguable benefits), uprated fuel pump (at least there wont be fuel starvation), samco silicone air and water hoses (better replacements than OEM), big red calipers (a must with more power), s/s braided brake hoses (in for a penny), suspension upgrades (a matter of taste), a fantastic remap by MRC (essential if doing mods, although there are some very good alternatives companies) and over 8 years of TLC and a small fortune spent on replacing and servicing worn parts. Currently running around 365bhp and 380ftlb torque. Currently mustering the courage/time/money to go further - bigger/newer turbo, bigger injectors, stronger rods, gas flowed head, uprated intake & exhaust manifold, etc, etc, etc. All very addictive, worth while (hmmm)and great fun and I wont get a penny back if I ever come to sell the car.

Angus