As far as I can find - the suspension options for the boxster/cayman are somewhat limited. Porsches standard or electrically (PASM) adjustable damping seem to be the stock choices. The aftermarket seems to be coil-overs and perhaps some manual adjustment for the ride-height/preload on the springs and perhaps compression damping..
I'm just curious is there would be interest in fully electrically adjustable suspension - with the capability of changing compression or rebound damping, or spring pre-loads on the fly?
The reason I'm asking - a friend owns a suspension company and has several captive vendors that build suspension to his specification - for motorcycles. The basics of suspension are the same, bikes and cars - and if a market could be demonstrated for high capability aftermarket suspension perhaps I could encourage him to see what can be done. He does own 2 Porsches.. I was thinking the 987 boxster/Cayman up to the current series, and perhaps the 996/997 911 series cars. The suspension is similar enough on stock vehicles that a limited range of designs could probably work with multiple years/models.
Sound interesting? I can't imagine it being cheap, especially since the electronics for it would have to be designed as a kit that incorporates all the controls and actuators on the shocks. A price of $8,000/vehicle might be in the ballpark.
Anyone? And of course if this already exists - please point me to it..
I had a bad experience with the air suspension on my A8L a long while back. Since then, I stay clear of any electronics where I can.
For PASM, there is something like this already from TPC Racing. Check out their DSC Sport controller that replaces the stock PASM controller. I have this and it really transforms the handling. Now, if you can make a higher performance replacement PASM shock/strut that would be a nice option. Right now it's either the stock Bilsteins or the Damptronic fully adjustable version.
TPC makes the Tractive struts. They are like the stock PASM but much faster (20 times more + I think) and more dynamic range.... I think about $8K. Must be paired with the DSC controller.
I'll have to look at what TPC is offering. Sounds like they have some of the features I'd love to see.
Electrically adjustable preload for the springs though - I don't know of any car shock manufacturer who offers that except with using air-shocks, and that gets complicated.. I'm thinking about the capabilities my Cayenne has with PASM - not only is damping adjustable but ride height (preload if it was done with steel springs) is also. It's a nice feature, and could help relieve some of the perceived harshness the Boxster suspension has, while still offering the capability to put it into a race suspension configuration with the touch of a button.
Thanks all for the feedback!
Call Tom at TPC. He knows the tractive system. Its pretty amazing.
