The shorter B8 is designed to suit lowered (therefore shorter) springs. B8s are shorter, due to internal stops, as lower/shorter springs have lost the first 20-25mm of suspension travel. They should not be fitted to standard sprung cars, as the longer springs will have a high pre-load (ie compressed at rest), giving a harsh ride. So, B6 for standard suspension, B8 for lowered suspension.
Mac.
The B8's are on the front 2.5cm shorter.
I had them on with Pi springs, which where progressive springs and the A2 (TDI) was harsh and bouncy.
It felt like it was on the internal bumpstops at the front, in city and village areas: I didn't liked them and was feeling sorry for the components that had to put up with it on my A2.........
First I wanted to cut the internal bump stops at the front, but taking apart a brand new B8 was not something I fancied to do, nor buying new B6's (no unlimited wallet here....).
So, I took the Spidan petrol spring route, and installed a 1cm bush beneath the spring top plate (the thread on B8 is long enough to let the top nut engage fully).
Now I have a little more initial spring compression, which is fine in my opinion for a heavier TDI.
Bounce and harsh ride disapeared and feels more composed now.
Ofcourse it raised the front somewhat:
B8 with Pi springs: minus 6cm (!) in comparison with standard spring/shock set up.
B8 with Spidan 49527 and bush: plus 3cm on above mentioned, minus 3cm in comparison with standard spring/shock set up.
The springs on the aft are still the Pi progressive springs, and are fine enough. It went down to minus 3cm in comparison with standard springs/shock set up, and are a little stiffer (but not harsh) so they counter body roll nicely; no need for a rear ARB.
There was somebody here on A2 who said what a nice thing to have is a long spring range/movement and sufficient (firm) damping as preached by Colin chapman/Lotus........... Maybe I'm not there yet, but I'm pretty close I guess.
The set up I've got is doing nice on motorways
and in city/village conditions, and has lowered the car enough to my likes.
I would lie if I said the roadholding (on smooth tarmac) is as good as with the Pi spring on the front, but then again it's my daily transport and not a Nurburg track tool........
Aloha, Menno.