So, it finally happened. After a year-long deliberation I bit the bullet and asked the dealer to install the springs (front only, as I will do the rear ones myself). Now the car looks ten times better; the front gap is perfect (no low-life comments, please! )

Not sure if this is an alignment issue (it has yet to be realigned), but steering feels quite a bit heavier now.

These were supposed to be Vogtland Audio springs (as ordered), but Pure Motorsport couldn't get them from Vogtland for a long time, so they instead offered me a custom-assembled set which they claimed would be practically identical to Audio. Whatever it is, I do like the front setting.

 

Looking good bud!

If anybody is interested in Vogtland springs or any suspension in general there's an awsome Dealer called FastTrack Motorcars in CA. They have everything you want in stock at AWSOME deals. That's where i got mine!

-Danny

 

Nice, i think the front look pretty nice and low

 

Nice ride height! The rear will be a bit lower unless you switch the spring pads to #4 when you install the Vogtland springs in back. That should give you a nice even drop, unless you want the rear to look lower than front.

 

Thanks! I actually do have pads #4 for the back, and I was told that the "Audio" rear springs are supposed to be a bit taller. Matching gaps is exactly what I am trying to achieve.

 

I like the way my car rides with the Vogtland springs better than with the h&r springs I had on the car... Good choice

 

Your look like they haven't settled in yet.
In the end, you should have about 2 fingers of gap, which actually is the same as the 2004 sedan I had (loaner), where they've fixed things a bit.
And yeh, I like mine too, but not much to compare to.
Coilovers I've seen look better and match.
And I didn't bother to realign after install...
had it done recently... they didnt' touch the camber...didn't need it.
Like -.7 which is actually not very radical, tires are wearing evenly.

 

No, the springs certainly have not settled yet - the picture was taken in less than 24 hours after the installation was done. Today I put the rears on, and it looks like the pad #4 will help preserve the original gap (I do not like the tucked look at all).

Overall, I am very pleased with the springs. The ride has firmed up a bit - not too much, just enough to feel the road better, but still provides enough comfort. I also noticed that the car does not dive/sqwat as much any more (not that it was terrible, but still).

Just as C230 Sport Coup mentioned, the car feels well aligned, but I will have it realigned anyway.

 

My Levis intrumentation indicates that the stock springs are okay, but firmer shocks would improve handling. I think the pounds per inch of the stock springs is fine, but I would like to see a firmer rate, in both directions, from the shocks.

Also, the extra smooth roads in New England also cost me a brand new tire already, from a highway pothole, so dropping lower is not an option for me.

 

Hate to say it, but the backs may settle a little more than desired..
but you did say you got a custom set.

 

Looks good, they will definetly settle after some miles and a few twisties.

 

Actually, now the height looks just like on any European picture - one should not worry about potholes. Parking bumps, on the other hand, is now something to watch.

As for the ride, it certainly feels firmer. The back of the car with the new springs + pads #4 is a bit higher than it was with the stock springs + pads #1 (I know it will settle a little), so I take it as the new springs do have firmer rates.

 

I know I am holding my breath right now - the rear is a bit higher than stock, so hopefully it will settle to be very close. I will post pictures in a couple of weeks, including "before" and "after".

 

Ok sorry to bring this post back up, (well at least you can see I did STFF )
So I went to the dealer and asked for these spring pads, what surprised me was they asked for the VIN to get the list !? So I was like what the heck...waited for like 5-10 mins and he came back out and said theres only 1 set for this car (2 part #) which is for the left side and right side. He had no idea what #1 or #4 pads are whatsoever...I was trying to find out the pricing and all...now he confused me even more.

Anyone can clear things up for me? Appreciate it.
I am planning to get a set of springs (with stock wheels) that will close up the giant gap just barely enough so that the front still wont scrape on driveway, etc. I hate the slammed look, I love the '05 but just a little lower. I see the Vogtland looks ok...maybe with some combination of the pads?

Vadim, you have some "before - after" pics to post?

 

I'll give it a couple more weeks to allow the springs to settle down... So far the rear is a little higher (w/ pads #4) than it was before (w/ pads #1). I do know that the rear springs are a lot shorter than stock (see attached pic), so let's see if two more weeks will make them settle a little more.

 

cant wait to see the after pics....now can you please clear up the spring pad issue? Thanks

 

Ok, I guess I should have said: The rear is a little higher now, with Vogtland springs + pads #4, than is was with stock springs + pads #1. I can see it settle a little now compared to the day I installed them, so will give it another week or two. Then I will post pics.

 

Sorry I should have typed clearly, I need to know where to get those spring pads...I tried dealer, they said theres only 1 set which is the stock pads....whats that #1, #4 pads? Where/how do you get them?

 

U get them from the dealers. They will find out which one ur's had and usually ask u wat dot u wanna buy. Cost 20 bucks where i live.

 

looks nice

 

Here is the info, with part numbers and thickness:

Pad #1: 210-325-01-84 = 5mm
Pad #2: 210-325-02-84 = 9 mm
Pad #3: 210-325-03-84 = 13 mm
Pad #4: 210-325-04-84 = 17mm.

I had no problem ordering the pad I needed from my dealer's parts department. Try giving your dealer the part number - they should be able to get it.

 

Thanks so much.