Ode to a geo; 1 Porsche, 3 Cars - waffle post, get a coffee

There are loads of posts on here all about Geos, setups and suspension upgrades, I should know I've researched many of them, so now I thought I'd share my experiences in time for summer 8) I bought my 996 2 years ago, but I've had 3 different cars...let me explain. #1 Animal When I bought the car it had the perfect spec and was (is) in good condition. But the handling was terrible, it literally wanted to take off. With constantly aching knuckles whilst earning my wings, I visited 3 independents (all frequently mentioned on these pages) who all took my money for a geo and even replacement front struts, but with no improvement. "That's the way they often are" was the response. I kept asking myself "what is all the fuss about driving a 911?" Refusing to give in and after much investigation I had a long chat with first Jayne and then Chris Franklin at Center Gravity. Finally someone who understood, he quickly identified that the rear springs had dropped 40mm and the rear shocks were also leaking. He promised to give me the car I wanted and suggested a suitable upgrade. It's worth noting, before anyone thinks I'm just plugging CG, that I'm only biased because CG are the ones that I've worked with, and with great success. I'm sure there are other places that people can happily recommend. #2 Wow So, early 2009 I decided to get Chris to supply and fit KW3s. He totally understood where I was coming from and gave me a setup to get to learn my car. WOW! Suddenly I could see why we love these things, turn in, balance, grip etc. Just add the smell of rubber and the exhaust note and you get the picture. This was the ultimate I told myself and last year, with a perm-a-grin, I had a blast round the ring and Brands as well as touring Europe. I definitely got to understand and eek out every ounce of performance from the car. #3 The Daddy Well, for 2010 I wanted more and the upgrade stem cell flipped out. I took the car back to CG to get a new setup focusing on increasing camber and reducing corner roll which required GT3 adjustable lower arms and Anti Roll Bars. BTW, I bought all the parts from my friendly OPC parts guy who gives me a good discount. The car is now running at 107mm/2.5Deg front, 123mm/2.25Deg rear. It took a couple of minutes to connect with the new setup, more track orientated as I wanted, more aggressive, still perfectly balanced and yet another new thrill. The treasured moment was Chris saying "I don't think I've ever been around there quicker than that...". Hint of white knuckles again at speed if I'm honest, but for very different reasons! This year is going to be the best yet and I never thought it even possible 12 months ago As for Chris, he doesn't come "cheap" exactly but then he's a one man band with nothing but his time for sale and some very expensive workshop kit to maintain. He's priceless, made me keep the Porsche and impossibly enthusiastic. I daren't let anyone else touch it. Also have a great selection of biscuits and free wireless :thumb: So, what's my point?! Firstly, Geo's are important but pointless and a waste of money if the suspension or chassis isn't right. Whether you plan to keep it standard or upgrade, make sure the attitude of the car is right first by getting the ride heights, bushes, springs and shocks checked by your indy of choice. Secondly, get a setup that suits your style and your needs, especially if you're still learning so to speak. Get confident and then develop it from there. If you're going on track this is crucial for your fun factor! Comments, thoughts..... :thumbs:

Interesting read. I just got my GT2 back from Parr yesterday after they spent 14 hours stripping the suspension down and then setting up the geometry. I'm on a fast road/track stage 1 setup 8) The difference is incredible, different car. The turn in is razor sharp in comparison, understeer is massively reduced and when on wide open throttle the car now feels like it's on the same page as you ie wanting to go forwards rather than towards the hedge! I was tempted to go to Centre Gravity after reading all of the glowing reports but opted for Parr on a mate's recommendation. Plus, seeing the GT3Rs lined up outside the workshop gives you a lot of confidence in their abilities with the geo ramp. Nice picture, really like those wheels. You on the 'ring trip?

Absolutely

Great write up James. That is low at the front now, good thing you've got some serious camber to tuck the wheels under the arches... Pax lap at the Ring please... Can you PM me with the control arm and CG labour price please, juts in case... :thumb: Oh, and your car is far too clean in that picture!

Gladly exchange some pax laps with you again :thumb:

cursing the ring closures in 2009, so you could have experienced the Manthey GT3 set up which is pointy and aggressive

Indeed master, a great shame, I was looking forward to that. What are you going to turn up in this year?

so I'll be looking forward to my pax lap this year as for mine, let us hope at this stage it can turn up ! got a 964 project car

Be good to see your project there, got any pics? And absolutely, bring your pace notes

Manthey setup is actually pretty close to what Chris does. Manthey favour a bit more camber on the front (close to 3 degrees, ISTR). Ride heights seem about right. Mine's got a bit more rake on it (103F 124R). Then there's the ARB settings...

Interesting to know, thanks. You raise an interesting point on the ARBs. I'm running 3 front and 2 rear with a view to moving to 2 front and full hard at the rear on circuit. Where do you run yours and how many splitters you getting through every year at that ride height?? :?:

Middle of the 5 front & 1 off full hard on the rear in the current conditions. When the temperature warms up a bit I'll set it to 1 off full hard front & full hard rear. Same as you, basically. It gets very pointy when setup like that and I find it a bit too much when the tyres can't get up to a proper working temp. It's also very tiring to drive on the road as it will follow every camber & tends to fall into corners... I got through a lot of splitters (like 5 or 6) before I discovered that 1.5" stainless self-taping screws were the way to keep the buggers on! I have clocked up 35,000 miles in just over 2 years though 8)