ROW M030 on 02 911

Is there a great difference in handling for ROW vs stock 02 911 suspension. I know on pre-02 cars there may be more of a noticable difference but is it worth it on 02+ cars which (I believe) have better handling characteristics from the factory? Also, w/ regard to aftermarket exhausts, I know the 02+ cars have a deeper growl.

The 2002+ cars got the 3.6 engine, some cosmetic changes and stiffer body/chassis. The stiffer body/chassis is generally considered an improvement in the handling department, but the stiffer chassis is not so quantum a leap as going to the sport suspension in either a pre 2002 or later car. I doubt a casual user would notice a difference between handling in a stock 2001 and 2002. The ROW sport suspension lowers the car 20mm in front and 10mm in the rear, I believe, so aside from handling considerations, ground clearance may become an issue if you're in and out of driveways or other gradients a lot. One criticism of the pre 2002 car was the engine sound wasn't 911ish enough for many folks. The 2002 did get a different sound. Porsche's sport exhaust makes the sound even louder/throatier without adding any performance gains. There are a number of other exhausts available, but take with a very large grain of salt any claims of performance gains if that is your reason for considering another exhaust. Some folks swear they do, others don't.

Yes, quite a noticable difference- much less body roll and pitch. No problem so far with ground clearance and the car looks much better with the lowering. I substituted the thinner compensation plates to gain an extra 3mm all around. My car now sits at about 25.75 ground to fender lip all around.