996 Turbo (2004) Suspension basics

Hi, First time owner. 150k miles. Would appreciate some help getting my head around the suspsension..which needs replacing (advisory on misting of oil, hits every bump spine breaking hard). Typical driving - crappy 30-50 mph roads, not tracking, spirited driving Goals... Height - not lower (i am scraping splitter as is), if anything airlift-able (but not key). Handling - original stock will be fine I am sure...first sports car, blown away as is, not tracking it Priority = softness as soft as possible without it losing the cars purpose (see handling). Not goals - lowering, adjustabilty, aggressive stance, improved handling So a few questions I still cant figure despite reading a bunch on here: Which affects softness most...shock, spring, tyres. I know they all do but... Do the other bits affect softness...control arms, wishbones, drop links, mount (i know they might need/be worth doing anyway...but do they impact softness?) Are there situations in which firmer springs or sportier damping actually improve softness without lowering...or does firm/sporty always go with lower and less soft? Appreciate any help or pointers to good reading Thanks K

I'm far from an expert, but it sounds like you just want to get the car back to the standard ride comfort? If so, I'd take the car to Centre Gravity ( http://www.centregravity.co.uk/ ) and have them look it over and advise what needs to be replaced refurbished. At 150k miles you're probably looking at refurbishing at least: - F&R Coffin Arms (lower control arms) - F&R tuning forks - F&R roll bar (anti-sway) bushes - F&R Springs - potentially F&R dampers But they'd look at it all and let you know. Check your tyres to make sure they're in good condition and aren't older than 6 years. If needs be, replace with a decent set, something like Michelin PS4 are well reviewed, but they don't necessarily need to be N rated. I'd also look at replacing the lower gear box mount and engine mounts - these can affect how the car handles, despite not being suspension items. As for which part makes the biggest difference to ride comfort, if everything is working as it should, the springs would make the biggest difference I would imagine, but if any part is worn out or broken, it could have a big impact. Very expensive springs and damper sets can make the car more compliant over bumps, whilst also stiffening up the cars handling, but for the moment I'd just get the suspension back to its standard set up and see how you get on.

Good advice above. If you don't want to drop or stiffen it the factory set up is just fine for road use. Had mine to Spa a couple of times and never found it lacking in the handling department, but I'm no expert. Engine/gearbox mounts can be had relatively cheaply and can firm the 'feel' up significantly. Awesome cars, enjoy. :thumbs:

Big shout out for centre gravity. Mine went in a few months back. Transformed!!

Standard shocks all round, front top mounts and any rear lower arms where the adjuster bolt is seized. Then take it down to CG.

As above good advice. I would get Centre Gravity to supply and fit all the parts. They are extremely fast at fitting, know their stuff and will set the car up whilst its on their ramps, which will probably save you money in the long run. Personally I wouldn't consider anyone else to do that kind of job. Oh and your car will be transformed!