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YOUR RESEARCH2004 996 C4S Suspension *RAISING* question
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Check any metal bits
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Suggestion · Original poster
He was VERY thorough, and even cut through the oil filter to check for any metal bits.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The only thing is that it has been lowered by about 1.5", and according to the seller, was done just by replacing the springs (presumably still with OEM shocks).
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Suggestion
The labor to replace springs only would be close to the cost of doing shocks and springs.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The only thing is that it has been lowered by about 1.5", and according to the seller, was done just by replacing the springs (presumably still with OEM shocks).
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Hi Listers --
I just joined this forum because I'm contemplating buying a 2004 911 Cabriolet 4S. The only thing is that it has been lowered by about 1.5", and according to the seller, was done just by replacing the springs (presumably still with OEM shocks). I want to be able to raise it back to close to stock height because it's frankly more practical where I live (San Francisco).
Questions:
1) Is it just a matter of getting stock OEM springs and putting them back in?
2) If so, how much would they cost, and what would be a good source?
3) About how much in labor costs would it be?
4) A guy on eBay is selling springs from a 996 Twin Turbo AWD (same as C4?) stock springs. Will these work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-996-...#ht_500wt_1129
5) Another guy on eBay is selling 996 Carrera 2wd springs. Will those work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-996-...#ht_500wt_1129
Much thanks in advance! I'm new to being a prospective Porsche owner (AMG and BMW Motorcycle in the stable) and wanted to own one of these before I kick the bucket.
Thanks!
-Mike
putting 1.5 inch lower springs on the stock ride height shocks has probably ruined the stock shocks. Hopefully that isn't the case but that is what tends to happen.
I believe the springs from the turbo would work, but first verify that your shocks weren't compromised with the lowering springs as mentioned. The labor to replace springs only would be close to the cost of doing shocks and springs.
Hi Guys --
Thanks for the words of caution on the shocks. I figured that there might be repercussions, and so I'm thankful for your input. I'm going to do a PPI on it, so this is something that I'll ask the mechanic to look at.
#Barn996: I would be interested. Could you PM me or email me at
[email removed]
with what you're asking for them?
Thanks!
-Mike
1.5" of lowering on the stock shocks isn't too bad. It's not the lowering of the car that kills the shocks (unless it's lowered so much they bottom out), it's the increased spring rate that will kill them from the faster rebound forcing the shock valves to work harder than they were designed to. If the lowering springs have roughly the same spring rate as the OEM springs, the shocks are probably still fine. Also, it depends on how long the lowering springs have been on the car. If they've been on the car for 2k miles or 20k miles can make a huge difference.
Great info, Capt. (I didn't put the second part of your handle because it would've made it seem as if I'm being sarcastic). I think that it's been on for a while, at least 20K+ miles.
I was talking to a mechanic and they mentioned that maybe the front struts need to be replaced as well? Does this jibe?
It's definitely a case-by-case basis thing. I (and many people I know) have had cars with lowering springs on OEM shocks last for many, many miles (and years), and I know plenty of people who blew out the factory shocks within a couple thousand miles with the same springs.
If the shocks are blown, you'll know.
Yep, I'm absolutely thinking about doing just that. $400-$500 for the stock springs (from a person who upgraded) and then about $800 for labor.
Thanks for the tips, guys! Hope to be joining the family soon!
Just to put some closure on this thread, here's what happened...
I cancelled on doing the PPI on the '04 CS4 Cab. There were a couple of areas of concern for me: a) suspension, b) aftermarket (Pioneer) stereo. Lots of good things on the car, but during a dinner discussion with my wife, she "upsold me" to a Turbo of the year. Her question was, "Is that the top of the line for that year?"
So, I ended up buying a very nice '04 tt w/ x50 and PCCB. It cost about $20k more than what I was going to pay, but if I amortize that over the next 20 years that I'm going to keep this car, it's really not that much.
Here's a pic:
Thanks for your ideas, help and support. I'm proud to belong to this community, and as I learn more things about my car and gain more experience with the marque, hope to help others in my own little way.
Heck yea! that is a sharp ride. Cab and x-50 to boot. 6sp or Tip? miles and overall condition?
And if you don't mind what price you paid? Any premium looks like it was well worth it. Sport Techno's FTW.
Thanks! I paid $55,500 for it. Initial asking price was $59,900. It had 32K miles on it (now, 33K, thanks to my ability to find any excuse to drive it). The C4S that I was looking at had an offer price of $39K, but I probably could have got him to $36 or so.
I had the PPI done by Bob at RMG. He was VERY thorough, and even cut through the oil filter to check for any metal bits. His net net was that this was a very solid car, with a couple of areas to improve on (leaking spoiler lifts, slight ding, torn cabrio seal, etc). All in all, probably $4000 or so of maint that I could defer if I needed to. After he gave me the "bad", he gave me the good news: "This car's power and control is AWESOME. It's a rocket." 'nuff said. I bought it the next day.
I'm very happy to be part of the family. This is my first car purchase since '97 (bought a '95 MBZ E420). I usually ride my motorcycle ('04 R1150 GS Adventure) or share my wife's car ('04 AMG CL55). I think she's envious that I've now got a car that is faster than hers!
Thanks. She got that car after I crashed the motorcycle with her on the back (low speed, slippery streetcar rails on Market Street in SF). She wanted to lay off riding and knew that I wouldn't want to drive a Camry around, so she got something "sporty." Works for me.
But the 911 redefines "sporty." The CL55 doesn't even come close.
