coupe suspension

Inexperienced Joined: Jan 18, 2012 Posts: 20

Hey all,

Is audi 80 (saloon) and coupe suspension the same/interchangable?....Will these fit my 16v coupe?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260937823251?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:36 pm

i think but dont quote me that the 16v uses the same shocks + springs as the v6 models

someone will come on later and be able to confirm that

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:41 pm

I'd have real issues fitting that to a Coupe as it's apparently for the B4 Audi 80 which used a completely different rear suspension set up.

If you are intending to fit 80 or 90 bits if you can't get Coupe ones, B3 chassis parts are what you're after

Inexperienced Joined: Jan 18, 2012 Posts: 20

You're a good man Mikes2. Your answer implies B3 80 parts are not as suitable as coupe parts, so there is a difference?

Can anyone point me towards a very nice set of shocks/springs please, which are perfect for my little '94 16v coupe??

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:41 pm

In my humble opinion, Audi are quite fussy over ride heights and different spring rates for the different engine weights and possibly trim levels in the model range.
From what I've seen with some suspension kits, the same kit can be specc'ed for anything from a 4 cyl saloon to a V6 coupe. It's quite possible you would hunt out a 'bespoke' kit for your car, only to find that, it is also 'bespoke' for a V6!
It may be as well to find pics of lowered 16v coupes and find one that sits the way you want? In my experience all upgraded suspension kits end up giving quite a harsh ride, exaggerated by bigger rims and low profile tyres

Inexperienced Joined: Jan 18, 2012 Posts: 20

Thanks for th advice. Please don't think that I want to 'pimp' my car. Although I want my car to sit a little lower, my main priority is to improve my unresponsive/boggy handling. My car will always look OEM.

I am no stranger to the geometry and physics behind performance.

So just to get this straight; my 94 coupe needs B3 suspension? This really is turning out to be alot of effort to complete some very simple tasks Shocked

What have you fellas done? I have read that some just replace springs to retain ride quality but also reduce roll/lower centre of gravity?

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:30 pm

How old and tired are your existing springs and dampers? Maybe a set of good quality lowering springs coupled with some new OE dampers and poly bushes is the way forward?

That's the route I took with my saloon and it worked a treat.

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:45 pm

My first 20v is stock (and on the 60 series tyres) and is very boatlike! The second 20v had G max -40mm springs with Koni dampers and 17" rims with 45 series tyres, it was very hard particularly at the front. Changed the springs for Kayaba -40mm with standard shocks, it is still a very hard ride but slightly less so than before. It handles like a roller skate but speed bumps in particular are hard work.
If somebody can suggest kit that is not too hard, then may be the way to go, but if you value comfort, probably the best bet is an anti roll bar upgrade instead?
See if you can find you vehicle data sticker, option code 1BE is sports suspension, if it has this it should be approx 20mm lower already? Sticker inside front cover of service schedule, or stuck to inside of rear valance probably below r/h lamp cluster

Personally I would like springs no firmer than standard, but 20-30mm lower, should still give a decent improvement to handling without sacrificing comfort?

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:53 pm

it's always preferable to fit Coupe bits if you can. 80/90 parts should be a plan B if you can't get Coupe ones.

The Coupe was quite a bit heavier than the 80.

Inexperienced Joined: Jan 18, 2012 Posts: 20

Great advice, cheers lads!,

The shocks are great and apart from the boat like handling, the ride is fantastic (the car has not been driven since 2000 Shocked

) from what you have all advised, I think some good quality springs with a 30mm drop and a slightly higher rate will be great Very Happy

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:26 pm

I agree with this !
I run 17" alloys, 30mm drop springs on koni adjustables with polybushed wishbones and though the ride is faultless on smooth roads potholes are hard work and tiresome, this is with the konis on their softest setting Crying or Very sad

If your sticking with the standard 15" OEM wheels you should be alright and strike a nice compromise between comfort and control Cool

Newbie Joined: Jul 12, 2010 Posts: 15

Ive the same dilemma at the moment. My 16v is on 17" wheels with standard suspenion which rides ok but looks more a BMW X5. Tried lowering it 40mm but ride was far hard. Now all im trying to do is make it look a bit more sporty and less 4x4 without destroying the ride to much.
Now there a company in Sheffield that can make you a set of lowering springs to your specification. They quoted me £160 back in october which isn`t bad. They will make them to the drop and stiffness you want. Was toying with standard ride with 20mm drop which is the same as the S2.
Company`s called "Coil Springs 01142758573"

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 9:53 am

Coil Springs in Sheffield are a good choice and are well known.

standard ride with 20mm drop is almost a contradiction.

If you want stiffer springs you can still retain the same ride height but the springs will be shorter in length.

If you lower it, you will not achieve the same ride quality

Newbie Joined: Jul 12, 2010 Posts: 15

Opps your right Mike, i didn`t word that very well... Embarassed

Yes the ride will suffer but what i have noticed is that especially
on the front there is not much in the way of shock travel. This is made worse when you lower the car. When i lowered it 40mm the front was literally on the bump stops causing a very harsh ride. Its trying to gauge the drop so at least you get a little bit of travel. Was working on if 40mm to much the half that is 20mm might be the best compromise. I hope..... Rolling Eyes

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 7:31 pm

You cannot have one without the other Andy Sad

I love how mine sits closer to the ground but miss how it used to glide over potholes !
And don't get me started about speed bumps Evil or Very Mad

A good starter could be to have the sports (1BE) 15mm drop and maybe mess around with the spring rates and drop with the rear ?

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:26 am

Hi, I recently replaced shocks and springs on my 95' 2.0 coupe. I just went for standard replacement but the local supplier told me that the suspension kit for the coupe, is listed as a lowering kit for the 80 saloon.
I hope this information is correct and of some use.. Steve....