996 Suspension / Shocks advice needed

Hi, I have a 98R 996 C2 Tiptronic with around 90k on the clock and I think its about due for a new set of shocks, running 18" Sport Design wheels I believe the rear ones definately need doing so I guess is prudent to do the front as well. Couple of questions: [ ] If I was just to change the rear (I have been told the front are OK) would that upset the handing ie 1 new set, 1 older set? [ ] If I were to change the whole set (so I know they have all been done) should I go for a standard Porsche set or aftermarket? [ ] I am thinking of going for a slightly sportier set and lowered by 10-30mm to improve the look. Most of my driving is road with 1-2 tracks a year. Anyone reccommend a set from experience? I have read that lowering the car causes geometry issues and doesnt handle as well, so am I being silly in lowering the car just for looks. I would appreciate any advice on the benefits / disadvantages on going for a standard set-up / uprated shocks / uprated shocks & lowered springs. Many thanks, Rob

Can't talk about aftermarket springs, but in my opinion the best Porsche set up for the road is option 030, 10mm lowered. It makes the 911 a FAR better driver car than the standard set up! I have owned 996's with both settings & although the ride is better in the standard car, this rolls, pitches & floats in comparison & ruins the driver inter-action! If you want to try before you buy, 030 is fitted as standard to the C4S & Turbo so a visit to your freindly OPC is in order!

Grant, Thanks for that. Can I fit the 030 springs to the standard shocks or is that a shock/spring package? I do find that on fast A/M roads I am constantly correcting the wheel and its wallowing/floating alot. I know the 911 is a unique creature but I have had a few in the past and it doesnt seem as planted as my last 964. I am sure that new shocks/spring, maybe antiroll bar bushes and a geometry would cure this? At Brands the other week, the car behaved impeccibly though.... [ ]

To justify the cost, a lot depends on how long you intend to keep the car. The most cost effective option may be to just replace the rear dampers. However, the fronts are the more critical and the replacement of these plus a four-wheel geometry check might be the best overall approach. For normal road use, the compromise between handling and comfort will be optimised with the standard suspension. If you do track days, or want handling sharpness over and above comfort then the sports suspension is a consideration, but it may be expensive, particularly if you stick to the approved Porsche parts, which is ideally recommended.

Hi Maurice, Thanks for the detailed suggestions, I thin the first set at €950 looks pretty good value and is cheaper than Porsche items. At €1800 the fully adjustable are out of my price range and I dont think I would get all of the benefit so I will look into the P96 Euro M030 Sport Suspension Kit as you suggested. Cheers, Rob

I promise the 030 will transform the handling of the car, it even reduces understeer which can be a pig on the standard car on the limit in tight bends! My 98 car had it on & when I changed to a facelift in 01 it didn't , because of this we never really bonded fully so I ended up spending more money on another car!!!! Blo**y Porker bug! Trouble is fitted new it's only a £400 option, but retro fitted it's well over a grand, but if you shop at some of the specialists I bet you could get a deal. Just be carefull what you buy some set ups can cause the need for major dental surgery!!!!