Re: Suspension questions (long)

[Christopher Cooley <chriscooley@worldnet.att.net>]

I purchased the upper strut tie bar from ND in Santa Clara (live in San Mateo),
and did the install myself.  ND is the bet shop around when it comes to
knowledge on VW's and as we know experience counts.

I picked up a set of Neuspeed Sport springs for $150 from a friends shop, and
will soon be springing for the $500 to $600 on Bilstein Sport shocks/struts.
The install and alignment can all be taken care of at ND.  Negotiate, negotiate,
negotiate.  Walk away, then come back and talk again in one-two weeks.  I'll
guarantee this move saves $50 at least.

We can rally when we're both finished!
-Chris

Billy T. wrote:

> My best advice is to get the Bilsteins.  The Boge are barely stiffer than
> stock, and there is some question about the reliability of them.  As far as
> everything else, the stock bushings are fine.  Urethane will make your car a
> squeaky, rattling mess.  For most people coil-overs are over kill, keep it
> simple.  The sway bars are good, and the n-speed springs should be good as
> well.  I would let ND work on my car, if they didn't charge 70 bucks an hour
> for labor(or, if I didn't live in Texas), however, you do get what you pay
> for.
>
> I say get the stage three kit, but opt for the Bilstein Sports over the
> Boges
> Good luck,
> b-
>
> Christopher Inverarity wrote:
>
> > So the clock just past 10k on my fine '99 A3 GLX and I thinks it's now
> > time to start upgrading. I took a ride down to the New Dimensions shop
> > in Santa Clara. I liked what I saw. Talked for a few minutes with a guy
> > there (didn't get his name) and I think I'd be comfortable having work
> > done there. The shop seems clean and well organized and there were fine
> > examples of Volkswagen tuning going on all around.
> >
> > The first mods I'd like to make to the car are with the suspension.
> > After looking through the ND catalogue I think I'd like to go for the
> > Stage III Kit. This kit includes Boge Shocks and Struts with Neuspeed
> > springs. The kit also includes sway bars (front and rear) and strut
> > tie-bars. I still have the sh*tty GA's on my car and I'm considering
> > keeping them until they wear a little, but if they greatly compromise my
> >
> > upgrade I'd consider better rubber. I'd like to spend my money wisely.
> > It's my main mode of transportation and I'm not wanting to turn it into
> > a Rally Car, but I want firm consistent handling in all conditions. I
> > forgot to ask for a price list while I was there, with all those fine
> > VW' s around my attention was elsewhere.
> >
> > So my questions are these; (answer whichever you want)
> >
> > 1) Has anyone had their car worked on at the New Dimensions shop in
> > Santa Clara (CA) and what did you think?
> >
> > 2) Has anyone had the ND III kit installed and what did you think, how
> > much did you spend? (if you don't mind telling me)
> >
> > 3) Any opinions on Boge vs. Bilsteins? They offer either the Boge Turbo
> > Gas or Pro Gas which are better value. (bang for buck)
> >
> > 4) Neuspeed springs? Good long life progressive springs?
> >
> > 5) Coilovers, what do you think? Will I be sorry if I don't install them
> >
> > (if they're available with this kit)?
> >
> > 6) Bushings? Polyurethane or stock rubber?
> >
> > I know that's a lot of questions and I'd appreciate answers to any of
> > them if you have the time.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > CJI
> > 99 A3 GLX (stock, but not for long)