PSM who doesnt have it?

I recently bought a C2 cabrio Tip and it's a great car. The thing that troubles me a little bit though is I seem to read quite a bit about how useful the PSM system is, mine is a 2000 model and it was an optional extra then and it's not got it. Am I a rare breed or is this quite common. Should I stop worrying about nothing or was it a daft move not to look out for a car with it on? I don't mind being told the truth.

I have a 98 C2 Tip without PSM. Had it for 6+ years now and enjoyed all sorts of driving including track days and never had a problem. Given a choice, I would probably have chosen PSM as an option but the car's good enough driven fairly well. Enjoy !!!!!

Would prefer to have it than not. My first Carrera didn't, but as beershark says it was a superb handling car. Never had any trouble with it in any weather and in many ways it was a purer driving experience compared to my later C4S and now Turbo S. Before I got my first Boxster S in 2003 I went on a driving day with Porsche and the instructor told me it would be the first option he would tick if he were to spec a car. Having seen what PSM does at Silverstone Driving Experience I'm inclined to agree but its still no substitute for being sensible with the car.

You can always turn it off for that pure experience - especially for track days Dave J

For normal driving i wouldn't be concerned about no PSM. However, you can't legislate for oil/diesel spills, where PSM could be a real life saver (having heard Berny's experience of hitting a large diesel spillage on a country). If you are worried about it then RaceLogic i think still do a traction control type system - maybe not as good as a fully integrated PSM system ina skid situation, but possibly a way towards peace of mind. Roughly £600 http://www.racelogic.co.uk/?show=Traction_Control

It's not just the PSM the 4WD means its not quite as pure too Dave

My 2002 C2 doesn't have PSM. As it's my first 911 it's taken me a while to get confident, and I'm sure PSM would have given me that confidence a lot quicker. Having said that, I'm now a lot more comfortable and am enjoying it's handling. Remember, the 964 and previous models never had it, and people love those. I don't think the GT3 cars have it either (sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) and they have more power going through the rear wheels.

Correct on the 996, although I believe the 997 has it.

hmm. some interesting replies here, I thought I was a bit of a one off specimen without it, in fact I was getting a bit concerned. Stupid eh, I am a bit surprised that some later and faster cars don't Have it, is it that some people don't think they need it becuase it can't be the cost that puts em off? I suppose it's like the crash helmet thing, "you only know it was worth wearing after you hit your head" (aka my recent pushbike crash- cracked my lid) - I think it's turned me into a worry guts.

I had driven a 996C4 at Silverstone GP circuit back in 2000 before ordering my Boxster S. At the time I felt it too intrusive - having driven the Boxster S all day with no PSM the C4 had the PSM cutting in at Club a lot - it made the car go round the corner like a threepenny bit. (Although the instructor did insist it was left on!). So we left it off our car when we specced it. It's been great since on road and track.

I don't have PSM on my C2 and never had any problems., I've got the 030 suspension instead. Planted all the time whatever the road

Does the 030 suspension make a big difference to road holding? I had lowered springs fitted to a GTI Golf once and it felt really good. Of this is the case I wouldn't mind considering lowering the ride on my 996 but what? where? how much? too many questions eh[8|]

030 is more than just springs. The springs are a higher rate as well as lower, the dampers are differently rated, and the anti-roll bars (sway bars) are thicker. There's a fair bit to change.

Porsche are still doung the M030 retrofit kit for £539.10+VAT, which includes springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars. A bargain, when you consider a single front shocker is £230+VAT.

Worth getting just for when the dampers need replacing [8D] Is it the same deal for a 2001 Boxster S?... <fingers crossed>

CHEAPER!! £509.33 +VAT. Edit: Part number 000.044.500.21 for a manual 3.2S

I'd say it was a mod well worth having for that price. Mine handles like its on rails, with no PSM

I took my 4S round a track a couple of years ago, an RAF airfield track so a bit gritty in places plus a damp day. I have to say the PSM was great, made me feel like a driving god til I pulled up and say the smoke pouring off the offside rear brake- that was only when I realised how hard the car had been working to keep me out of the undergrowth! I don't think I've ever managed to bother it on the road, except when being naughty 'round roundabouts. It seems to be able to differentiate where you have deliberately provoked a slide from where you are simply losing control.

Nothing to be missed. ;-) I've got TC only which can be annoying enough I forget to turn it off, but unlike PSM you can switch it off completely. PSM cuts back in if you lock your wheels under braking for instance, and it will cook your brakes if it has to work hard. With a 030 suspension and 40% locking diff my roadholding is far superior to a car with just PSM. And much more fun too. [ ]