DRC Replacement

[Mɐʇʇ]

Have read numerous threads about all the options for replacing DRC with various brands of coilovers, or in some cases just a straight shock replacement (e.g. Koni Sport or Koni Sport and H&R springs).

If I decide to replace the DRC, (I might be the lucky one and it's all fine. ) I purely want a more reliable solution that leaves the car both looking and driving like a (correctly operating) stock DRC setup.

I read many positive reports of the various brands etc, but of all the solutions, does anyone have any negative experiences that they would recommend avoiding, or at least doing a little differently next time?

[Shoppinit]

I personally would avoid H&R. Hard and saggy. Like a 70 year old prostitute.

[Daveperc]

Matt

I can't answer your question on alternative coilies as I still run DRC and am still happy with it.

However I can comment that you can't simply replicate DRC with any brand of shocker. If it were possible then Audi wouldn't have spent time and effort developing and fitting DRC to our cars, and their successors.

DRC varies the damping according to the loads on the car - effectively stiffening up the outside front shock, and softening the inside rear on any bend. This allows the car to be more compliant over bumps and potholes, and tighter on bends. Any fixed damping system is by definition a compromise between these two.

So I'm afraid that a setup that "leaves the car both looking and driving like a (correctly operating) stock DRC setup" is an impossibility in reality. You may get something you consider the right compromise, or even one you prefer more, but it cannot be the same.

Dave

[sweegie]

So, here's a loaded question.... Has anyone investigated putting a C6 DRC setup on a C5? The C6 stuff looks like it's much more robust.

[Nobby]

If anyone has measurements for a C6 set of shocks and valves then we can compare. I have a full set of C5 DRC shocks but no spares valves.

[Mɐʇʇ]

Understood and agreed - but my point is that's the goal I would aim for, if keeping it on correctly working DRC became non-viable.

(P.S. Looking at your location - I reckon your car's red, isn't it? I saw it over near farnborough park the other day).

...Stuff...

[Daveperc]

Hi Matt

Yes, that was quite probably me - I was down there about lunchtime yesterday.

Dave

PS - I quite like the idea of the C6 (or even c7) upgrade though the cars are heavier, and the weight distribution may well be different, so I don't know quite how you'd adjust them for the C5 dynamics

Dave

[Modz]

Wouldn't the control unit be responsible for controlling ride hight and damping? Regulars less of which DRC within reason of corse?

[Shinobi675]

Can we change the DRC settings? Anyone tried? Ecu or physical servos?