43 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996.2 Suspension Overhall
Leading reported evidence
Replace during the refresh
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
This is what ended up being changed during the refresh.
Leading evidence: 'Replace during the refresh' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check work' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I tested the hardness of the rubber parts, measured this and that, and found no differences.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Thought someone might find this list useful, or maybe someone can double check my work!
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Just inspect all your control arms because if you�re going to start removing items� there are bound to have wear and should probably be replaced.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
For me, at least, if I were looking to buy a used Porsche, I’d seriously downgrade a car with budget coilovers as I’d need to replace immediately with the same quality that goes into a Porsche originally.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
For me, at least, if I were looking to buy a used Porsche, I’d seriously downgrade a car with budget coilovers as I’d need to replace immediately with the same quality that goes into a Porsche originally.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
43 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T020439Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Getting ready to do the big job: New shocks, struts, arms, tie rod ends. A couple of months ago I put on new sway bar ends and figured out most everything is original (2002 w/ 138K miles) rubber hard and dead. I do not track this car and I want to keep it riding good. I do not drive it around town but at least twice a month I go touring and typically go 500-800 miles. I would like to lower it but only a bit like one inch - 2 would be too much. I was thinking about buying the kits from FCP. The suspension arms are an easy buy, but the shocks/ struts are making me think. I am between the B4 & B6. I am not a fan of the yellow on B6 but I think I can fix that easy enough. I do have the 19in wheels from 997. Any recommendations? Thanks again.
My car, yes those are the 19in 997 wheels.
OP - You can go stock, M030 or Koni Special Actives w/ Eibach Pro springs and not be too low. Lots of positive comments here and across the pond for the Koni’s and they play well with stock or slight lowering springs. The 19’s look great. Have you compared the ride of the 19’s vs 18’s?
You might at least consider Special Actives. I’m no suspension expert but in my research I thought they might slot nicely between B4 and B6. I have no frame of reference to compare the three of them but, I like mine.
The 19's came with the car, but I have ridden in one with the 18 and one with the original 17's. The 17's rode the best for sure but the 18's I think are very much the same. Maybe when my suspension is tightened up I may notice a rougher ride - I doubt though.
I liked the ride of my 19 sport designs fine (PS4S) but, good gracious, acceleration suffered. If you drop the height 25mm, you�ll likely rub the inner front liner a bit at near full lock on 19�s. I do.
I'm in the same boat as you with a few more miles and all original suspension. Replacing everything this weekend with Koni Special Actives and lowering by 1" (on 18 inch wheels).
If you have some noise or can move the wheel-tire left-right, up-down, consider taking off the wheel carrier and replace the wheel bearings. It takes a press & heat, 2 steps pulling in opposite directions, sort of a pain, but you have most of everything off already anyway. Bearings don't cost much, it is the in/out pressing that is costly. If you don't have a press, you can give wheel carriers to a shop + the bearings and have it done. Far less cost that way.
If you are just ordinary driver, not going for "track use", do you need the high dollar stuff? While others praise or recco Koni, Bilstein, etc top name brands with $$$, how about Godspeed Maxx Coil-Overs? Less cost, around ~$1000. There is a good common sense video on installation by a nuts-n-bolts tech who explains some procedures. Align the car after all of this suspension work.
Go here:
You Tube
Just my opinions, no affiliation with Godspeed.
YMMV
I watched that vidio several times and almost pulled the trigger on the coil overs. It saves a considerable amount even but I do not want the stiff ride for this car. Any experience with the ride? A guy on YouTube put on Olins CO's and he was very disappointed with the ride he even had them send him softer springs. I am going to dig a little deeper into the Koni's today.
Another info source to look at:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/the-def...996-suspension
Spring rates ate 6kg-F/ 10kg-R, but you could change rates to different amounts.
Another "lower $$ CO source: Goes for a C4S, but you can find a C2 or C4 variant.
SILVERS COILOVERS SP2012, Silvers NEOMAX CoilOver Kit, 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S AWD,3.6L 6 GAS 2 Door Coupe $1599.
https://www.fitmentindustries.com/st...sche&model=911
Agree on some stiffness, and the Big-Name CO's may have more of "Pay-for-the-Name" $$. added in cost. Most folks are NOT "racers" or really need something like that. Other options are available for lower cost. Different sway bars can make a big difference in "handling" without much impact on comfort. Whatever, take a look at options.
YMMV
So I put in the B6 Strut & Shock kit and all the front & rear arms & tie rod ends in FCP Cart - 4,111 pre tax. Shocks & strut are 2,100 of that. If you go to eBay and a set of Godspeed are 990 and that would have all the same new parts plus new springs. Any experience out there with Godspeed? Seems like they sell alot of them. That is what the guy in YouTube used. Then for fun - I am going to keep everything stock really anyway what about these front struts - loaded without the Porsche Tax. Will I feel dirty for such a Purchase?
For me, at least, if I were looking to buy a used Porsche, I’d seriously downgrade a car with budget coilovers as I’d need to replace immediately with the same quality that goes into a Porsche originally. When I rebuilt the suspension, I went with H&R springs/B8s since I wanted to do some HPDEs, but now considering going B4 and progressive Eibachs for 100% street use.
Anyone know the difference between the FCP Euro arm kit (
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...le-996rrctrlkt
) and the Elephant Racing arms (
https://www.elephantracing.com/porsc...s-and-links/)?
Is the Elephant stuff better quality and worth the extra money (+$450 for an equivalent package) or not really?
I had both a lower priced set and a higher price set from another source. I could not tell the difference. I tested the hardness of the rubber parts, measured this and that, and found no differences. The car is already better with either set, so if $ is an object, think about it.
and
FWIW- I would go with one of the lower priced shock/strut kit. I think they are fine for street use. If you are not going to "track" the car, or drive it to death with long daily commutes, the lower priced options are OK. I think the installer says something to to that effect in the install video. If you wear them out you can still replace them and be lower $ than the big name brands.
P-Tax is real. A Bosch MAF is about 1/4 the cost of "Porsche" MAF and they both have the same name and number embossed on the housing. Ridiculous IMO.
YMMV
Like someone mentioned, M030 ROW springs with whatever shock combo. Just inspect all your control arms because if you�re going to start removing items� there are bound to have wear and should probably be replaced. I know it�ll be a little different but here�s my car before a full suspension refresh, she came with a M030 suspension from the start. A good friend of mine has a ROW and it�s a tad lower but aesthetically on point and not as low as the H&Rs most are running.
For comparison purposes only, this is my current Ohlins set up post refresh.
This is what ended up being changed during the refresh.
997.1s Forged GT3 LCAs
Demon Speed GT3 Outers
Meyle dog bones x4
Meyle forks
Meyle LCAs(Rear)
Tarett strut mounts
Tarett end links(F/R)
Tarett LCA shims
Tarett GT Sways
Cargraphic air lift kit
Ohlins R&T
Obviously you can definitely substitute all of that with OEM components but all the mounts and control arms needed to go. Just something to consider.
Thought someone might find this list useful, or maybe someone can double check my work! This took a lot of time. I tried to go mainly OEM or OE. The price of Porsche bolts can be crazy. This is for a 1999 996 convertible.
Great list! I would recommend using urethane bushings for the ant-roll bars, will not introduce harshness while providing a bit better response.
On the question of shocks (dampers?), it would be great if someone could post shock dyno data on the Bilsteins and Koni Sports so we have some real data on how they differ.
The front brake rotor in photos seem to "not" match. Do you have a larger front brake rotor in the lower black-wheel photo? If so, what size, caliper spacer. etc... Curious.
YMMV
I bought a full set of 4 in that price range. Car sagged in the rear and front tilts toward the sky. I bit the bullet, purchased a set of stock coils, B6 Bilstein shocks.
First spirited corner in the cheap set scared the crap out of me. I actually thought the car was going to roll over. Even my old set made these look very, very bad. $500 out the window.
I should have remembered it's better to pay for quality than attempt to take shortcuts
I just wrapped up my refresh on Koni Special Actives. All new Meyle control arms, ended up keeping the stock springs. Went for a spin around the block which confirmed that I need to go
straight
to the shop to get an alignment done. Will give better feedback after that's done...
I wanted small drop on mine and wound up going with an M030 set I got from Gert at
Carnewal
. He came highly recommended from the forums and was very helpful in getting exactly what I wanted and getting it shipped to the US. Love the kit - about 1/2" drop and ride is good.
Not sure why this has been such a mind-numbing decision. Hell, I am a trained professional. Anyway, this is my recipe- what do you think? My 996.2 has the M032 suspension.
1. Bilstein B6' the full package from FCP.
2. All new arms front and back. (FCP)
3. Upsize the sway bars to M030 Spec.
4. Use my stock springs.
5. I have the 19in Carrera Sport wheels with 305 30R19 (26.2" dia.) for rear and 245 35R19 (25.75 dia.) Front.
6. Set up front with: Camber: -1.1 to -1.3, Caster: 7.6 to 8.0. Toe: +0.03 per side (total +0.06).
7. Set up Rear: Camber: -1.7 to -1.9, Toe: +0.12 per side (total +0.24).
I want to have travel for the rough California roads, good ride but still handle...What do you think?
Bit of a waste to not lower a 996 at least to RoW height if you're going to the trouble and expense. I would also change to 18s, ideally Carrera IIs. They're correct requirement on your car and light. Unsprung mass makes a difference.
Coilover brands I've researched and would consider buying:
Rennline (likely rebranded with no consumer info yet, too new)
Silvers NeoMax + swift spring upgrade (made to order so lead time could be a month, not a lot of info)
Feals (generally positive reviews on the 996 at this price point, but the colors are horrific IMO)
H&R (spring company, who makes the shocks?)
Bilstein (hard to find in-stock for whatever reason, most expensive)
Lowering springs + Bilstein or Koni shocks lands right in the middle of all the above options but is a more proven setup.
in my case, a 2004 C4S german spec, the kit from carnewal on stock springs resulted in the front springs being too short. No tension, about 1cm short, when putting the spring on the shock. The rear is not a bad, but you can tell they're is also very little tension.
It rides well, but the spring can potentially rotate if/ when the suspension extends completely. What are the odds? I dunno, I'm no duke of hazard.
I still passed T�V on base this week, but i could tell the tech was thinking about failing me. And yes, they lift the car off the ground so he saw it rather quickly.
Well, the journey begins and the thinking stop, FCP helped me with my decision the Bilstein B6 Kit as it was sitting in my cart went on sale. Thanks FCP. Now I have a big incentive to finish off the floorboard job on my old MGC to make room for the suspension overhaul. I will keep you all posted and thanks again for the advice.
Nice Sunday Drive.
I did nearly the same thing on my 110k mile Carrera. B6 struts, all new arms, stock springs, and 19" wheels. The analysis paralysis is only because it would suck to have to do this job twice, but you're really not going to regret the B6 struts. Enthusiast forums on any subject are super polarized. The B6 are not insanely stiff or annoying to ride on. They're slightly firm, sporty struts, and on your stock springs they're going to ride great.
I was pretty torn about whether to do the M030 springs and decided to stay stock. I've had several lowered cars before and it just becomes a pain in the butt when you can't get them on a lift without driving up on boards. Also the daily driving and getting in and out of stock ride height is nice. I wouldn't hesitate to take this car on a 500 mile road trip. M030 springs do look really nice but the convenience / aesthetics tradeoff wasn't quite worth it to me.
I'm interested to hear how you like the sway bars. I don't like the understeer, but most of the time I'm not driving it that hard.
Finished this on late Sunday night and my attempt to maintain the alignment was comically bad. So far out that the tires were scrubbing just driving down the street.
Took it for alignment this morning to the cheap tire shop and...it's
better
but not great. Rear end just feels floaty and sloppy. Second guessing if I had the suspension high enough when I torqued it down, but I'm sure I did. Very low confidence in the tire shop alignment because they declared it "done" but didn't give me the computer sheet at the end
I think I'm going to drive it a couple hundred miles to settle it in and then take it to a professional for a proper alignment.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
