Lowering the Cayman ?

Assuming that you do not have the PASM option, is there a way to lower the Cayman to reduce the gap between the tires and the fender well? Russ

[Image-only or quote-only post; no author-written text.]

H&R is supposed to have a set even if you do have PASM , I know Gemballa or one of the euro tuners already has a PASM -compliant set of lowering springs.

I know on 996 the US cars are higher because of longer springs(federal bumper height law). You can get ROW(Rest of World) Porsche OEM parts. Maybe the same story for the Cayman. I don't about the Boxster, but I'm sure other around here do... Edited by - chrismillion on 11/23/2005 2:26:25 PM

mpollard, 1.4 front and 1.2 rear would look very nice. Surely something to consider. Again I wonder what if anything this would do to the warranty and performance. Russ

Russ, As Chris said, the reason why these Caymans ride as high as they do is to meet the US 5 MPH bumper regulation. [ Example regulation ] This is also one reason why, Porsche is not offering the Sport Suspension, that is shorter springs, on this car. As a BMW owner, you know that BMW offers a Sport suspension on their vehicles. Putting the after market sports springs on your Cayman would not void the warranty nor break any laws. Edited by - mpollard on 11/23/2005 2:52:56 PM Edited by - mpollard on 11/23/2005 2:54:36 PM

mpollard, Thank you! I sure do appreciate you and so many others sharing their knowledge here. I only wish I had something more to contribute than enedless questions! Anyone coming to Hawaii? Maybe I can buy you a Mai Tai! Aloha Russ Edited by - RussK on 11/23/2005 3:07:07 PM

However you may find more things to dodge when parking and you could have a firmer ride that you may or may not like. I lowered my '80 911 to European standards but found the change more trouble than it was worth in everyday driving. And there was no real noticable improvement in my autocross times. It looked good however.

I lowered my 91 Nissan 300Z and agree with SF on each point. You needed a kidney belt in that car.

I lowered my 95 BMW 530i (E34 chasis) w/ H& R springs and new Bilsteins and the car looked great without any ride compromise. It's important to match the springs and struts/shocks, changing the springs alone may not work as well.

Man, that's worth saying again. That is so right. I know from road racing motorcycles that all the suspension parts work together and affect one another. Those dudes in the white lab coats with black t-shirts...... don't forget they have lab coats!Second guessingbona-fide engineers from the world most succesful car company is futile. I don't want to disrepect aftermarket parts, sometimes manufactures have constraints the aftermarket doesn't, but be real careful.

I have seen a number of street racers driving down the freeway in lowered, stiffly sprung tuner cars. I'll save that experience for the track, in a 'track car' or a go cart.

And it's very common for kids just cut the stock springs.... it's free. And it makes the car work like crap! Autocross timeswould beworst. I've driven many cars where that's been done.

It sounds to me like it would be best to wait till someone else does it and then hear what they have to say. I sure don't want to mess up my brand new Cayman just to get rid of some of the gap. I know what I can do!! I will fill the deck and trunk space with bricks? Be nice now, you know I am kidding. Russ

I will get a PSS9 to lower the car. This is the best aftermarket coilover I have used. I've got this in my CLK500 and Cooper S.

Lambo, Where do you get it? Who will do your installation? Thanks Russ

I ordered it from my friend's shop, as I was told the PSS9 for Boxster S (987) is same as Cayman S. My friend will install it for me. The installation is not difficult, but you need some time toadjust the setting tosuit you driving style.

Really? That is the first I have heard. It's great news for me and makes specing PASM more compelling. ANy link or more info on it? Russ, as for none PASM car, I agree with Lambomini that the PSS9 is the best out there. I had it in one of my cars and it's the best thing for the track! /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thumbsup.gif Lambomini, saw a maroon G-car tonight. It sounded magnificent! You are one lucky man.

While at mydealer I've made an observation, in regards to the tire to body gap. It does seem excessive, but it is uniform around the entire circumference of the tire. Also it was noticed that with the big boy... Carrera GT the gap is the same as our Cayman. With that said PASM + an additional12mm or so drop would be nice. zornet Edited by - zornet on 12/08/2005 01:18:54 AM

Lambormini, I just checked with Gert at Carnewal and he stated that while there is a PSS9 suspension for the 996, 997 and 986 that one has not yet been released for the 987 (or Cayman). Where did your friend get the PSS9 kit from???

I also just checked with Bilstein AND THEY DO NOT MAKE PSS9 for 987 or Cayman (Yet!) See: http://www.bilstein.com/302passengercars.pdf

[/quote] The shop send a email to Bilstien to check and got a reply that the PSS9 is ready for 987, both Boxster and Cayman S are the same. </blockquote>[/quote]

[Image-only or quote-only post; no author-written text.]

K-Man I understand the Euro PASM cars are 10mm lower than the US PASM so I assume the ROW springs provide that added drop. Did you happen to check w/Gert about availability of ROW spring sets?

Dan, AFAIK there is one world ride height, US PASM = Euro PASM , at least according to Porsche.

A different way to decrease the gap is to use a higher profile tire, giving a larger tire diameter. This will also protect the rims from the daily pothole abuse, and provide a slightly softer ride.