A4 Avant Handling
Discussion
Morning.
There are a range of modifications you can look at to improve the handling. As you rightly say you can consider a replacement spring/damper combination which is likely to lower the car (thus reducing the C of G) and effects the roll centre of the car. An uprated spring/damper combo is likely to combined increased damping and increased spring poundages - these will stiffen the car and improve handling but will have a negative impact on ride quality - although some will be better than others. The replacement of any damper/spring combo will necessitate a geometry check to realign the toe angles and camber which are likely to have been effected by the work - it is IMPERATIVE that you have this done other incorrect angles can negate any improvements made in the handling by the new suspension kit.
Other consideration will be the replacement of the existing ARB's with uprated items which reduce roll in the car. A great modification, but you will improve the level of small vibration in the car as suspension impacts are transfered more rigidly from side to side on the car.
You could also look at replacing the existing rubber bushes with poly items which tighten the geometry of the car, and unlike the original rubber items do not flex under load. The advantages of rubber being they take out some of the vibration by the also flex under load which can easily alter track/toe/camber angles thus effecting handling.
HTH.
There are a range of modifications you can look at to improve the handling. As you rightly say you can consider a replacement spring/damper combination which is likely to lower the car (thus reducing the C of G) and effects the roll centre of the car. An uprated spring/damper combo is likely to combined increased damping and increased spring poundages - these will stiffen the car and improve handling but will have a negative impact on ride quality - although some will be better than others. The replacement of any damper/spring combo will necessitate a geometry check to realign the toe angles and camber which are likely to have been effected by the work - it is IMPERATIVE that you have this done other incorrect angles can negate any improvements made in the handling by the new suspension kit.
Other consideration will be the replacement of the existing ARB's with uprated items which reduce roll in the car. A great modification, but you will improve the level of small vibration in the car as suspension impacts are transfered more rigidly from side to side on the car.
You could also look at replacing the existing rubber bushes with poly items which tighten the geometry of the car, and unlike the original rubber items do not flex under load. The advantages of rubber being they take out some of the vibration by the also flex under load which can easily alter track/toe/camber angles thus effecting handling.
HTH.
Edited by TimCrighton on Thursday 6th August 08:00
You can't compromise the S-Line suspension set up on the B7, it is manages to be crashy and wallow at the same time, an engineering miracle!! 
Fit an RS4 rear anti roll bar before doing anything else.
Then I would look at suspension, but it won't really make it more fun, the car has been designed to under steer and feel safe, I have been in a few with coilovers and you never get round this.
Just look at where the engine is compared with the front axle, that's the area you need to mod.
As someone else said, if you want a sporty, fun handling estate buy a BMW or the new Mercedes C Class, properly balanced and RWD, the difference is not subtle.
Fit an RS4 rear anti roll bar before doing anything else.
Then I would look at suspension, but it won't really make it more fun, the car has been designed to under steer and feel safe, I have been in a few with coilovers and you never get round this.
Just look at where the engine is compared with the front axle, that's the area you need to mod.
As someone else said, if you want a sporty, fun handling estate buy a BMW or the new Mercedes C Class, properly balanced and RWD, the difference is not subtle.
Edited by gizlaroc on Thursday 6th August 23:59
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