Suspension questions from a newbie

I ordered a Cayman S, with all the options I wanted. At least I thought so. My salesman, very knowledgeable and helpful, suggested going with 19 inch wheels and no PASM. So I did what he sugggested. I did not have the opportunity to drive (still haven't) a car with PASM. After reading a zillion posts (and speaking to people), I decided that PASM, especially with the 19 inch wheels that I ordered, would be an excellent option. Although the car isn't going to be produced until May 2, I was told a week or so ago that it was too late to add the option. Anyway, my questions are as follows- 1. Can the PASM option be added at the dealer, or is it too involved and costly to be done, or basically can't be done at all? 2. If I find the ride on my 19 inch wheels too harsh, should I simply buy a set of 18s? 3. My driving will all be street driving. Handling is very important to me. I am presently driving an older BMW M3 and like a firm ride. Are there any suspension modifications that you might suggest that you think I might possibly like? When I get the car, in early June I hope, I will determine how much I like the 19 inch wheels with the stock suspension. Some of you obviously know a great deal about the Cayman S. I just want to know viable options if I decide that the 19 inch wheels and stock suspension are not what I really want. THANKS FOR WHATEVER ADVICE THAT YOU MIGHT GIVE ME! Doobydarby

Ooops. Double Oops. I think that I place this post in the wrong forum. It probably belongs in the Wheel,tire, suspension,... forum. Moderator- would you please place this post in the proper forum. Thanks! Doobydarby

i never rode on 19's, but did have 18's with stock set up and then with Eibach springs, then 20's with springs. Also, I did not have PASM. 1. not sure if it can be done, but would bet its very costly, probably more than a set of good coilovers which have been argued to make the ride "better". 2. why not. the 18's will give you a little less firm ride. 3. if you like a firm ride, why go with 18's? The cayman is going to outhandle your M3 by a mile. my advice is to get your cayman, feel it out for a while before you make suspension modifications. My favorite setup was with Eibach springs and my 18's on. good luck...

From what I've read, I think you still have time to change that order. I would have a hear to hear with your dealer. If they sense you are backing out, they will change it.

Hear to hear? GB, stop drinking martinis! Dooby, many on the forum have stated that PASM-equipped Caymans have a softer ride than non-PASM Caymans. Can't say I've tested both. 19s will give you a slightly rougher ride but nothing that you'll lose your teeth over. I used to have aftermarket 19s (19x9 front, 19x10 rear) on my M3 but the ride wasn't that much different. Just slightly rougher. If comfort is important to you then I suggest 18s with PASM.

PASMed Doobydarby, I sympathise with your problem - I'm currently speccing a new CS and have the same quandry (see my thread on the subject in Chat). I tested the non-PASM car with 19 incher. Look great but (on UK country roads) way too hard for comfort IMHO. My dealer suggested PASM would be a good idea with 19s, but not necessary with 18s. Opinions seem to differ widely as to the desirablity/effect of PASM - does this diverence suggets that the differences are small??? I've decided that I'll just have to try and drive a PASM car. Cheers Caymanbrit:cheers:

PASM may be a nice factory option, but I'll take a quality coilover over it. With a quality double adjustable coilover, you can have better than stock handling with a very compliant ride still... so I wouldn't worry too much about getting PASM. Its not the end all of suspensions... However, it is best to actually drive the car before worrying about these things. People have different perceptions of ride quality and such.

huy has a point. There will be a bunch of aftermarket coilover kits available and most will have their own separate adjustments for compression and rebound. You can even choose your spring rates. You may even come out with a softer ride than stock with not much body roll.

My dealer jumped the gun on my initial order and placed it prior to my final approval. They did so in order to lock in the production allocation slot with the anticipation that they would have a week or so to make changes. Anyway, the order was accepted by PCNA and locked in within 48 hours. At that point, they are unable to make changes without intervention from PCNA in Atlanta. As they left out many options I wanted, including PASM, I made it clear that I would not accept delivery of the vehicle unless it had every option that I wanted and all foactory installed. Given that, my dealer got on the horn with PCNA and they were able to get the order revised without losing the slot. Believe me, there were some anxious moments for both the dealer and me. They didn't want my heavily optioned car in their inventory and I didn't want to wait a couple more months on their next allocation. Everything worked out for me in the end as my car arrived this past Saturday with every bit that I ordered. And I am glad I added PASM considering I've got the 19" Carrera Sport wheels. Good luck.

Doobydarby, I know there is some great aftermaket stuff out there, but to be able to change suspension and responsiveness (PASM/SC) on the fly with Porsche engineered systems is pretty sweet. I am still breaking mine in and will do my first track events (with the CS) this spring, but if you will mainly drive on the street and don't want to be a street mod dude, I would consider contacting Porsche to add PASM...IMO. Cheers and have fun with your new CS.