USA M030 versus PSS-9 and GT3

Hey guys, I have the USA M030 option on my `99 C2 but I'm looking for a lower ride height and possibly even better performance. Can anybody compare the performance differences between the two setups? Is there any setup that could bring my Carrera to GT3-level handling? Thanks! Art `99 C2

X74 if u don't need the ride adjustment.

I am also in the same boat. 20C4S you suggest X74, should we also consider PSS9? In terms of ride quality, if you set PSS9 at 4/5, do you think X74 would still have harsher ride. Also, if you go with PSS9 and use stock swaybars, would it greatly affect the ride, as compared to X74 which comes with complete kit. Thanks very much

I am in the same boat. My '04 C2 came with USA 030. I am looking for something with a little quicker turn in and a little flatter in the turns. (In other words, I am trying to get a little more information back from the wheels to me.) I don't think I'll be heading to the track, but that could change. I could care less about ride height or apperance as I spend most of my time driving the car not looking at it. It seems like my choices are PSS 9 with or without GT3 sway bars or the X74 setup. I would love to hear from anyone who has the X74 on a daily driver. I assume that the PSS9 would work on a daily driver as you can always dial it down. Tim

recently i had a chance to compare X74 & PSS-9. if u set the PSS-9 at 4/5 the ride will still be softer than X74. IMO, X74 is more like 2/3 in PSS-9. having say that doesn't mean the X74 is harsher but stiffer (if we're talking about 4/5 in PSS-9). "Also, if you go with PSS9 and use stock swaybars, would it greatly affect the ride, as compared to X74 which comes with complete kit." as for my understanding the sway bar only affect the cornering ability of a car & won't affect the ride quality much. if u enjoy high speed cornering then sway bar is a must have. but i don't see i need sway bar for my car now, plus i enjoy doing mod step by step so i can tell the difference

stiffer sway bars do sacrifice the ride quality as they make the bumps harsher as the bar has to bend far more to absorb the shock-

20C4S Thanks for your input on ride quality comparison between PSS9 and X74 very helpful So originally you recommended X74 if no height adjustment is needed. What is the main reasoning behind that? Is it cus its a more bulletproof install? Or other reasons? Thanks

depends on where u live & the road condition there. for example, here in LA my PSS-9 is actually set higher than X74 about 0.2 inch. that extra hair actually helps a lot on the places i go. but the good thing about it is u can always go higher or lower than X74 if needed. on the installation part, since X74 is OEM part so the installation is pretty straight forward compare to PSS-9. not to say the PSS-9 is harder but it does need height adjustment & fine tuning on 4 corners. if the installer don't know what he's doing it could be a nightmare. if u have the guy to work on it & u can trust. PSS-9 is simple as X74. alignment is the key here

It depends on what you want. The pss9 are adjustable shocks and height, I personally don't think any one needs these options unless they track the car. If you set the suspension to ride soft then you did not gain anything over stock. If you set it stiffer than its more like the X74 or more. I don't think anyone really adjusts their suspension unless they are true track guys. Second you have to have the car corner balanced every time you make a height change. So adjustable height is not good for the average consumer. The X74 lowers the car 1-1.25 inches and ride reasonably good from what I have heard. You don't have to corner balance and the sway bars does not need to be changed since they are the same as M030. GT3 bars are nice for adjustability but may se stiff for the street. They won't affect ride that much but you'll fell the shock from a one wheel hop in a pot hole. IMO the choice you have depends how you use your car. If its used on the track and you want adjustability buy the pss9. If your not that serious at the track and don't want the hassel buy the x74. The x74 is OK for the street depends on how much stiffer can you take. Talk to Carnewell. You can choose springs on your stock shocks H&R, Eibach they will change the height same as X74 and the spring are about 10% stiffer than the M030. You can also change to M030 euro spring, but only lowers 1/2 inch an dthe spring rates are the same as yours. It might feel a little tighter due to lower center of gravity. You can buy them at AJ-USA. The most economical set up if the car is used on the street is to buy springs H&R or euro M030 and get some aftermarket H&R bars for improved performance. GT3 bars need special links to connect to the suspension and may be too expensive. H&R are about the same stiffness and cost less. Its hard to make a 996 handle like a GT3. They have special shocks and springs and the control arms are different to align the car right for that low ride height. The best investment for grip is to invest in sticky R compound tires, but they don't last long. Its all give and take

something not mentioned here: if your car is older than an '02 the x74 will not work...i'd have them myself if they did.

Hey guys, I could probably look this up, but does anybody know how the USA M030 and GT3 sway bars compare? Thanks, Art

The m030 is 23.6 mm front and 19.6 mm rear. GT3 26.8mm and 20.7mm. H&R 26mm and 23mm. Talk carnewell I think the x74 were made for the '02 up but still fit earlier cars.