Improved handling (Suspension, ARB, Bushes)

[PhilT]

Basically I've decided to keep my RS4, so it's time for a more track adjustable suspension setup.... I've got my heart pretty much set on the KW v3 stuff and have a couple of ideas:

- Anybody else thinking of some KW suspension, I might be able to sort a group buy. I'm looking to purchase within the next 6 weeks.
- I've already got the rear GmbH ARB, should I look to upgrade this? Any recommendations? (Prawn)
- I'll probably get the bushes upgraded/replaced at the same time.

I'd welcome any feedback.

Thanks,

[Prawn]

I've already got the rear GmbH ARB, should I look to upgrade this? Any recommendations? (Prawn)

I have not tried the GmbH ARB but would recommend the H&R set, these do give you a little adjustability.
With my setup ie Stasis Motorsport Springs/Dampers, H&R ARB's and Stasis Control Arms the only real limiting factor on the track is the driver as proved to me by John Bussell at Silverstone on Tuesday hence I am currently on the driver upgrade route (more training on Tuesday next week at Goodwood)
Mine does not understeer anymore and you can get the back out and balance it on the throttle, also a good compromise ride on the road.
I would agree with doing the bushes as well, this will be next on my list.

[sitas3]

Phil, why are you just considering the KW setup? have you discounted the H&R PCS kit? if so for what reasons?

Flashy G is probably the guy to ask regarding the bushes.

Prawn, does your car not understeer due to the Statis or the H&R ARB's?

I have considered just fitting the rear H&R bar to dial out the understeer - is this the right way?

[PhilT]

I'm tempted with the KW stuff as they have a good rep. The shock are Koni AFAIK. I haven't really discounted the other options, I suppose I just wanted to try something different. What was the final call on the suspension packages, was it H&R PCS or Bilstein PSS9?

Can't get hold of Gordon.

[sitas3]

I had the KW on my S3 - IIRC it wasn't the hardest suspension and the struts didn't rust! Yes the shocks are Koni's.

If i keep the RS then I may follow suit and fit this also. What do our RS friends in Germany think about the KW's on the RS?

[Prawn]

Prawn, does your car not understeer due to the Statis or the H&R ARB's?

IMO due to the whole package, the ARB's are the main part but running stiffer springs helps reduce the weight transfer and using the control arms allows more camber on the front to increase the bite on turn in.

[TarmacTerrorist]

Phil, if you can get a price for the KW v3 kit I might be interested in a set myself, no particular reason over the h+r other than the fact I would like to try something different than what everyone else has been running and also like the idea they are presented in s/s.

Dont think KW do arb's mind, may have to buy the h+r set.

[PhilT]

Currently it looks like the best price may come from http://www.designtuning.co.uk/ - But I'm not sure if their prices include VAT:

Variant 1 (Part No.10210021)
RRP £851.29 Our Price £766.77

Variant 3 (Part No.35210021)
RRP £1,216.13 Our Price £1,087.82

Otherwise Demon Tweeks have quoted me £1195.26 + £9.34 P&P (inc VAT) on the v3 setup.

General concensus is to stick to the ARBs that you have and see how the car handles after fitting the suspension. Bushes will be changed on mine at the same time as the suspension.

[Prawn]

Does the GmbH bar have any adjustment, ie different mounting holes ?

[TarmacTerrorist]

You could also try dahlback racing as they stock the kw kits.

Who are you planning on using for the install and geometry?

[TarmacTerrorist]

Does the GmbH bar have any adjustment, ie different mounting holes ?

Not from what I recall, I cant see how it can have differant holes as it needs to sit in the same place as the original, just that it is a slightly thicker diameter bar they use to increase the rigidity.

I was under the impression that the H+R arbs were a thicker bar again and also replaced the front arb unlike the gmbh kit which just replaces the rear?

[Prawn]

H&R is larger diameter front and rear, it also has 2 mounting holes for the links on the end of the bars to allow some adjustment.

[PhilT]

GmbH ARB is static, larger than stock, and only replaces the rear.

[TarmacTerrorist]

Mmmmm.....dont know about that one then?

Are you sure you can use both holes? You may actually find it will only locate on one set of them when presented up from underneath. If you can use both then surely there must be a viable reason/explanation/desired effect from repositioning it on them, or are you pre-stressing the arb by putting it onto the second set of holes???

[PhilT]

I think I'm going to get Stealth Racing to do the setup. I know the guys down there, and have had a few favours from them.