Finally got the Techart/Eibach lowering springs on my car. Took about 5 hours and help from a friend to complete the job. R&R of the front really requires a second person to pry the lower control arm down so the strut can be removed. The rears can be done with 1 person.

Initial impressions - drop is noticeable, but not radical. Springs still are not settled yet and the front lip is at 4 3/4 inch clearance from the ground. Car has a nice stance now without looking like a 4x4. The ride - very surprising - I actually found the ride MORE compliant than before. I think the newer rates are better matched to the struts than the stock springs. Less po-go effect. Even in Sport the ride is good. No suspension noise whatsoever, no harshness. So far, very pleased.

As far as install needs:

you need a special ball joint separator:

http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=1698

you need a special tool to hold the slotted washer of the front struts in order to remove the top nut. I happened to have this 944 tool which worked perfectly

http://www.9xauto.com/cgi/shop.cgi?c...temprice=68.00

the best tool I found to remove the top strut nut was a 13/16 spark plug socket

you also need a big pry bar, and a spring compressor

Front - remove front tie rod, lower ball joint, strut clamp and sway link from the hub carrier


Front - remove wheel caliper and lines from hub carrier, then pry down the lower control arm and rotate the strut out of the wheel well rearwards


Front and rear - use spring compressor to unload spring/strut top nut, then undo nut and swap out to new spring


Rear - undo sway link and rear trailing arm (optional) from rear hub carrier


Rear - remove Bose subwoofers, mounting brackets, and insulation to expose spring mounts and then undo spring mounts (must disconnet PASM wire first front and rear)


Rear spring installed - new spring appears to be progressive vs stock spring


Front spring installed - top and bottom coils are covered with additional damper material to prevent coil bind and noise

 

How'd the ssk workout?
C

 

Have you had any issues with scraping your front end since you had those springs put in? That's the biggest factor stopping me from getting them.

 

Any before and after pics? I will get the same springs when my TT arives in July. I have heard from many of the wheel guys I deal with have said that the ride is where it should have been from the factory.

I don't think the TechArt Coilovers are worth the 7-8K expense though.

I would love to see a pic of your car now.

I am very curious to as to how the SSK works out as well. There wasn't an option for the Sport Shifter when I ordered. I want to have one and it was not available.

 

Congradulation's, cant wait to see the pictures of Turbo with the drop.

 

The SSK is very nice. Still a little notchy when cold but that is already improving after only 3-4 drives. I love the positive feel. The main issue is the install instructions do not account for the fact that the 997tt console goes disassembly is much different than the instructions.

I plan on driving the car for a few miles to settle the springs and then get an aggressive street/track alignment. Already the car has more negative camber but not a huge amount. I'll post pics after alignment and a wash!

 

Well done eclou! How about some side shots of your car after the drop?

 

Any issues with scraping your front lip in driveways? You haven't mentioned that yet.

 

So far no issues but I have only had the springs in for 12 hours now. No scrapage on the way to work. My cars have all been much lower than the TT though. My 944 turbo sits about 3" off the ground and my old M3 was perhaps 3 1/2". I managed Europe in the Gt3 without any significant scrapes either.

 

I love my Techart springs!!! car rides perfect!!!

 

I told you they were pretty good Glad you like em!

 

Stephen, being that the springs are progressive and not linear like the stock ones I have to say the ride is even BETTER than stock. Before, sport mode was sometimes jarring but now it is compliant enough for full time daily driving. I am ecstatic, especially given the very reasonable price

 

Nice pics, but what brand of aftermarket shocks would you consider later in the future to pair with the Techart springs?

 

Congrats on the upgrade. Are you running 19" or 20" wheels? How much of a difference do the springs make in the handling, has it sharpened up the responses at all?

Looking forward to the pics of the car, do you have "before " and "after" shots?

 

The factory Bilsteins can be refreshed/reworked for a very reasonable price when time comes. As far as handling, I won't know for sure until after the alignment but so far it is sharper. 19" wheels and stock tire sizes for my car