I want to change the brakes on my V8 to a more conventional setup. I've seen a number of articles on the subject, suggesting swapping struts etc.

I have access to the front suspension from a 1996 S6, and doing a little comparison on VagCat, I wonder if these are suitable for the purpose? Any thoughts out there?

HI,

as far as I am aware, the S6 front struts are compatible. This is the usual conversion to HP2.

Regards

Bastian

Cool. that's what I thought, so I have reserved them.

As earlier mentioned, they are a direct bolt on replacement.
You will have to order new brake hoses as original are to short for the S6 setup.

I now have 2 very good front struts, complete with HP2 brakes, and huge discs!
I shall tidy them up before installing, but I do know they were removed from a 1996 S6, had approx 85000miles.
All nice, clean and tidy.

However, I'm also thinking about a little forward planning.
Given that the alignment is going to be knocked out, I am thinking of replacing bushes, dampers and maybe even springs, on all 4 corners.

So
Recommendations for Dampers and Springs, please.
If I can, I'd like to drop it just a little- 30mm or so. (not quite a purist move, I know)
Here she sits on S6 rims (as an interim, while I await the refurbed BBS, see attachment)

Marc,

I personally propose you to stay on original dampers if you want it to remain comfortable. The V8 isn't _that_ well suspensioned anyways when being driven with 16" rims - when you take it down by 30mm and use stronger dampers as well, it may become quickly very uncomfortable.

Just my experiences...

Bastian

I would like to recomend H&R springs, they will drop 1,3" according to their website.
http://www.hrsprings.com/

Is there a source for alignment information?

I wonder also if I should swap some of the other components over from the donor car, such as ARB?

You have to decide if you want to go with the original alignment settings or tell the operator to use the settings from Audi S6+ or other performance oriented model .

The original setting is for luxury and comfort as I have been told. I have not seen the different numbers but I guess that the S6+ model use more camber in front and back and perhaps more toe in at the rear axle?

You will have more camber in front than original due to the lowering springs.

How are you going to use the car? Granny driving or curvy roads? Mostly highway or in town?

This the car will look with roundabout -50mm at th front.
With Springs from fz-kfz.de

Mario, that's excellent, thanks. Your pic looking like I would want it.

I have a company in the UK able to make custom springs for approximately £160+vat. Currently I have specified a 40mm drop. They just need to confirm the spring rates. Does anyone know where such data might be found?

For dampers, I was thinking of Bastians comments. UK roads are becoming quite interesting in certain towns and areas. I have cracked wheels as proof!
Has anyone used the dampers available from customautocraft?

At fz-kfz.de (Frank Zi. is a member of this forum too)
the springs cost 175,10€ = 149,21GBP.

And my HP2s and struts are now fitted. Just in time. The UFO disks were at bottom limit.
Relatively painless, save for a broken ball joint splitter when separating the steering arms. Just awaiting some rear track arms (camber adjustment) so that I can get it aligned.

I'm going to use a pair of the UFO struts for a Porsche brake conversion. the rest will be in the market section.

Hi,

which kind of UFO->Porsche Brake conversion do you have in mind? Ultimot-Adapter?

Regards

Bastian

I need to do a little research, I haven't really got a particular one in mind. I want something that is relatively simple to put together, and maybe even adaptable to different size disk and wheel combos.
Ultimot i have heard of, so will look at them further.

A major drawback of the HP2 is the sheer mass. So any solutions for lighter weight is a good start.
I might look at several ideas, even if there are setups already out there.

Moving forwards on the suspension overhaul, I am looking at damper options. Fairly urgently, actually, as the car is a little undamped at the front.

Bilstein B6 seem a good option.
Any other options that have worked well? And any issues with lowered ride height springs?

Stay away from Koni Gelb, my 5 cents, in case you want to stay comfortable. Two sets with different settings now, and I really hate them.

Bastian

I am going to use Bilstein B8 dampers unless better options are presented, front and rear, hopefully with a set of custom made uprated springs with about 40mm drop, uprated, whatever that equates to. (The same company will later be providing a set of springs for my ur-quattro.)
I just need to salvage the larger anti-roll bar from the dead car, then.

A little bush replacement later in the summer will see the underpinnings sorted.
All ready for a drive through the alps in late summer?