996.2 C2 with PSS10 more fun than C4S (with or without PSS10)???

Any opinions whether a 996.2 C2 with Bilstein PSS10s (or similar, street biased suspension) is more fun on the road than a C4S (with or without PSS10)??? I like cars that are light, small, rear wheel drive, with a supple suspension. Yet I am very close to buying a heavy, fat, 4wd C4S, which some say has the stiffest suspension short of the Turbo and GT3. Why? (1) I�m struggling to find a C2 that I like � much easier with a C4S, (2) everyone seems to say the C4S is a lot more fun than any other 996.2 save the GT3 and perhaps the Turbo, and (3) I have better test drive memories from C4Ss (though to be fair, given number 1, it�s been a long time since I�ve driven a 996.2 C2). But I�ve also seen on this forum that many find the Bilstein PSS9 and 10 coilovers improve their handling. And given that people apparently also use them on C4Ss and Turbos to improve ride quality, I might end up buying a set anyway. Might I be better off buying a 996 C2 and adding the Bilsteins??? After all, if the reason the C4S is generally considered more fun/better handling is a stiffer, lower suspension, then I can have that on the C2 too. Can anyone share any experience re. whether PSS10s or a similar setup can erase whatever handling flaws the 996.2 C2 has relative to the C4S? And/or how it would compare to a C4S on such a suspension?

I've had a C4S in the past and currently own a C2. When I bought the 4S, it already had coilovers on it, so I never drove it with stock suspension; and my C2 has stock suspension still, so my comparison isn't exactly apples-to-apples. However, with the wider tires/track width and AWD, the 4S definitely felt more planted to the road (in the "heavier car with a lot of power" kind of way) than my C2 does. However, the C2 weighs a good 300 pounds less than the 4S and you can really feel that when you drive it, as the C2 feels much more nimble, even with the OEM suspension. With that said, they're both amazing cars to drive, I think it just comes down to what kind of driving dynamic you prefer.

Get the C4s, they don't feel that much different and you can always make it RWD in 30-45 minutes. This is going to be based completely on opinions. I have a C4 myself and I like it and have no intention of removing the AWD but some peopple say they dislike. Go with what you like.

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Well, it's actually more like 2 hours, but yeah, converting to RWD is pretty easy and totally reversible.

I've driven a stock 996 Turbo and a 996.2 C2 back-to-back on the track. The C4S I assume would handle and drive very similar to the turbo, just have significantly less power. In my opinion, the C2 with a good suspension is more fun to drive. Very rewarding to get a corner just right, much more attitude control with the throttle. The Turbo is definitely quicker and more forgiving. A less than perfect corner entry or exit isn't as noticeable. Conceptually, it's a bit like the argument on new 911's of new PDK dual-clutch auto or manual transmission... The PDK likely does everything better than all but the absolute best drivers out there, but the manual adds to the driving experience and skills development of the the driver. The US spec non-030 suspension was way too soft and floaty for me, but all it took was a simple H&R spring swap to turn it into a nice handling car. I'm sure tunable coil-overs would be even nicer, but I wasn't into the price.

x74

the PSS10s just smooth out the what I consider harsh OEM suspension on the C4s. I thought the damping wasn't that good on the OE suspension. I run the PSS10s on '8' out of the 10 everywhere (and maybe crank it up/down a notch) based on the track. However, with the added other goodies like the stiffer GT3 sway and the adjustable LCAs, the C4s is very, very nimble FEELING but the added bonus is I can plant the throttle at the apex and the car simply pulls itself with great urgency. With the fairly aggressive alignment, the transitions are very quick (sometimes a bit too quick) from left to right (especially at T2 at Sears Point)

I think it boils down to the individual. If you're a Lotus/Colin Chapman lover and looking for the raw, lightweight feel and also tend to drive above 7/10's or aggressively everywhere, the lighter C2 with upgraded suspension would probably suit you. If you're a casual cruiser type and/or you want more refined feel/ride, then you can't lose with a C4S.

In a few weeks I will have a set of PSS10s, a set of H&R adjustable sway bars, and a set of GT3 rear LCAs for sale. I just acquired the car from another Rennlister a few months ago and I'm in the process of converting my 996 C2 to SP996 spec so these perfectly good suspension pieces have to go unfortunately. I believe the PSS10s are just over a year and a half old but the car has been parked for over 6 mos. so they were probably used for about a year. I can confirm this with the original owner. If interested just PM.

i love my pss10's on my nb...

I've tracked a 4S since 2005 with just stock suspension and hr lowering springs. It is soft but the body roll in not that much. It sets predictably. My local track is bumpy with lots of elevation changes. Never needed anything else but when I got the turbo with pss9's it was so much harsher, tight, and basically transformed the car into a surgical instrument that I can slide around corners and have total control. The turbo is 100 lbs heavier and accelerates much quicker and because of the speeds it can aquire, requires much harder braking. I can see why I never required it on my 4S because it is a totally different type of car to drive where as the turbo really needs it because it bobs up and down with the hard acel and braking application that the turbo does while the 4S doesn't require the same braking force and doesn't have the acceleration force.

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This is lower than the C4S suspension and, unless I'm badly mistaken, stiffer too. For both reasons, it would not work for me :-(

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They've discontinued them so you wouldn't be able to get one anyways.

If I were to go with PSS10s on a C4S, I would not want to lower the ride height. Anyone know if this is possible?

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Very informative comparison. Thanks!

I am reading the thread about the 996 C4S suspension. I have a MY 03 C4S, H&R springs, Tarret sway bars. Tired, original STOCK shocks. I track at least 15 days a year, and though the car is relatively flat and stable, I know the shocks are the weak link. HOWEVER, I love driving this car as a DD, and I do not wish to create a miserably harsh riding, track specific car. Is it possible to set PS 10 shocks soft enough to replicate the softer stock shocks? I fear coil overs. I am prepared to change for a Bilstein Sport B8, shock hoping to achieve a compromise. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

The car with PSS10s even on a medium setting is no harsher (I venture to say that the damping is better than stock) than stock shocks. I have honestly never tried '1'. My normal setting is a '7' and '8'. I also have the RSS LCAs, so that also firms up things quite a bit. However, it's still not harsh if I were to compare it to my gone Audi which had 700/800 lb springs and coilovers as well with solid bushings, sways, etc. I have about 50k miles on the suspension.

After speaking with 'experts' at various parts suppliers, I am thinking of Bilstein Sport B8 shocks. I am really concerned about a harsh ride on the miserable roads of Montreal. Anybody use these shocks?

My PSS9's on my C2 ride AND handle far better than the factory M030 that came on it. If B8's are anything like what used to be called the "HD" of Heavy Duty shock, run away. They are very stiff. More like what one expects with "sport" shocks. In my experience, the C4 doesn't feel as good (I like light, nimble cars too) but goes faster, with more in reserve when pushing. Agree with some of the other folks here about converting a C4S to a C2S. If you really want it to feel great, ditch all of the factory seats and put in some GT3 shells. Maybe some lightweight wheels, battery, and remove stuff like the rear wiper and spare tire. It's amazing how awesome these cars become when you ditch a hundred or two pounds.

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Joe, I believe the folks at Elephant Racing use the Bilstein Sport B8 shocks in their 996 package. I'm curious myself because at some point in the near future (1 - 2 years) I may need to replace the tired stock suspension on my MY04 996. I won't be pulling the trigger on them now but if you end up asking about them, let me know! Mike

Thanks for the generous advice. Good idea about removing the wheel, pump and tool kit. I already have a GT3 seat in the car, far lighter than the Lazy Boy power seat it replaces. Most shop advice leans towards the B8's, as they are supposedly less harsh than the PSS 10's, and have a shorter stroke to better match my shorter B&H springs. Besides, at about $1200, they are far less of a commitment that $4K+ for the PSS 10's. Honestly, I cannot justify close to $5K of shocks on an 11 year old car. I'll probably get a newer car first! Hope I don't rattle my teeth or pee blood every time I get out of my car! Three track days coming up this week!

I've owned both. The C2 was my first. Loved the light nimble feeling of the Carrera. My current 996tt was initially very disappointing relative to feel and handling. Thought that I had made a mistake. PSS10's, sway bars, drop links, and a good corner balance alignment later and now the turbo is as nimble and unbelievably faster. Either car equals great fun.

Of course there is always that 40th anniversary model. Kind of a GT3 light. More power, stiffer suspension and most importantly a factory LSD!! Think there might be one for sale in the classified sections.... ;-)

Not to steal the post but I just ordered a set of PSS10's for my '02 C4....can't wait for the experience. I also put on new tires and brakes so I'm ready to rumble.

Got Pss10's installed yesterday and what a difference. With new brakes, tires, lowered and better dampening, my car handles amazingly well.