996 C2 - Wheels, Tyres and Suspension

Know it has been talked about before and I will inevitably end up at CG in the not too distant future but what are people running as a great road set up these days? I have a newly bought 996.2 C2 on M030 and Contis and it is really very harsh. The trim is starting to rattle and there is huge amounts of tyre roar as well as a very hard ride, so much so that I really have to slow down on any poor surfaces. It is on 285/30s on the rear. Would a switch to 17" wheels (either a secondhand set of 10 spokes or some new OZs) with 255/40s give it more of the 911 handling characteristics? Or perhaps keep the 18" and go down to 265/35s I am after something engaging, which moves around at road speeds and is and full of feel rather than ultimate pace as this has to work as a joyful road car which needs to take the family out. I may well go Konis etc given they seem to get good reviews along with some new arms etc. but as tyres are probably the first port of call, before spending on a new set, thought it would be good to see what the popular consensus is on here. If there is one of course...! Then of course is the question of which brand of tyre..

I spoke to CG with a similar set of questions. For the rough roads and my usage they did say that the M030 might be too harsh and the look at the Koni special actives. They also suggested that my issues with grip in wet was a Pirelli issue (I also had tyre roll, but mostly due to dropping PSI to improve grip). When i swapped to PS2s and put the pressure close to the recommendations, I use 42psi on rear and 34 on front. It was much better. RS engine mounts also firmed up the rear in the corners. I have a standard C2 on the 18" sport design and 285 rears, standard suspension and it is best at rough B roads, although when speeds get higher and there is some bumps it can get unsettled, but never harsh.

Hartech 3.9 - nice :thumb: Assuming condition of all your suspension components are good, then mine was probably a good compare. I also found the M030 too harsh for my needs, and also causing a lot of interior rattles. I run 18" wheels. So I took to CG for some tinkering. Did a few things, predominantly keeping the M030 springs to retain ride height, and swapping for Koni Special Active dampers, plus some smaller changes. I also swapped out my PS2's for PS4's on their recommendation for extra sidewall and overall better ride. It's much better than before. Although they did say if I wanted optimum comfort to go with OEM springs but I didn't want to raise the car. Always a trade off. Hard to say what made the biggest difference, most likely the dampers with the other bits making some minor % on top.

Thanks both, that's good to know! I don't expect it to move about like my old BMW but having something with lowish limits and loads of feel would be great. I am thinking Konis too with the M030 springs as the ride height is good. Just need to sort wheels/tyres. And yep has a full Hartech 3.9 - lovely engine and car otherwise. Like all cars I need to tweak them for my tastes so fully expected to spend a bit on it. It needs to work as a family car so can't make it too hardcore.

I suggest you talk to CG before making any investment decisions. Chris & Pete are always happy to talk through requirements. I'm currently talking to Chris about an alternative option which might also give you something else to consider. Just depends what you want & funds.

I live in an area of quite poor roads and do a lot of country road driving. I'm a huge fan of the original non-M030 setup. I prefer it to the M030 and C4S/Turbo setups. Not only do I think it suits the character of the car better than the alternatives/after market options but I also tracked my C2 and it didn't feel in the least bit compromising. A lot of pretty stiff road cars I've taken to track like the Audi S3 2.0T and Mini Cooper R56 Works (JCW) felt awfully tall and soft under those conditions but the C2 felt superb despite being far more compliant than either of those on the road. I think a lot of the cars you are seeing being changed to after market options are due to the natural age and cost of original components but the standard original setup in good order really does make for a 5* Evo car. There's a reason it won the first ever ECoTY and set the benchmark. My current car has Ohlins and I've driven a car on KW V3's (back to back with my C2 down the same road), both of which I've read are 'even better' than the original suspension but I had all new original suspension on my previous C2 and I'd take that over this any day for road driving. Yes they have very good high frequency bump absorption, but they still throw you around in the passenger seat and transmit far more of the surface than I'd like. Unfortunately, due to the weight and forces in the turbo, particularly a modified one, I'm not sure the standard setup would be up to the job on my car anymore, I'm trapped between a rock and a hard ride.

I too have Ohlins and the problem is the stiff, track based, springs. I've had softer springs fitted now and it's much better but they are still stiffer than standard and if I were starting again, I'd go with factory spec springs.

Well my one take away from this tread is to not hanker for a sexy new suspension on my 996.1c2 Saving up to replace with original standard spec Which has always given me confidence and amazed me a few times entering Sharper corners than I expected at epic speeds she just hunker down and turn in ( with heart in mouth)

The main change that would tempt me is still to put on better dampers, it's one area where technology has improved over the years. Starting again, I'd probably go for Konis or perhaps more upmarket Bilsteins. Oh and I'd put on more modern tyres - PS4s.

The thing is you have to look at new prices for some of this equipment, M030 new kit is into the realms of a good set of aftermarket suspension and as said M030 is 20 year old design. I was happy with my M030 kit but the Koni sport and Vogtland springs I have is better.

I have just refreshed my 996 c2 suspension with Koni special actives, all new arms/bushes and I kept the standard springs. 225/40/18 & 265/35/18 Goodyear assymetric 5's The result is a fabulous road car and a great track car. Yes, there is some body roll and the turn-in could be sharper, but the car really firms up under heavy cornering and is extremely progressive and confidence inspiring. There is still bias towards understeer, and I may look to change this and improve turn-in by dialing up the front negative camber. New engine mounts also made a huge difference. Not just in throttle response but in rear end stability when cornering. Of all the improvements I have done, engine mounts + LSD made the biggest difference!

Some great honest feedback from owners that have spent a fair wack of cash on some "upgraded" coilovers from well renowned manufacturers. Thank you. It's valuable to note that careful consideration of exactly what you're using the car for is the defining factor here.

Yep all interesting stuff, thanks. I have booked mine into CG now and think I will go Koni Special Actives with new springs and possibly a standard ARB. I want 265 section rears on it too though will see what I find. 285 is fine but I want to feel the car move underneath me on road so that plus a relevant geo should sort it.

Sounds like a good plan, similar to my trip there recently. They also added 7mm spacers all round. I downsized from 285 to 275 as I wanted to keep some rim protection. The big dilemma for me was springs. Which are you going for?