996 Targa Suspension

Hi guys I have been trying to find some opinions on suspension. I have a 996 Targa with 85k on the clock. I THINK its on original shocks and springs. They look a bit tatty and have been advised to replace. I would also like to make some cosmetic changes to the car in the coming months, including a ducktail spoiler, but whilst looking at suspension, I'd like to get it lowered. The car is 90% road use, and may get out on the track 2 times a year. I have seen a few things: 1)BC Racing coilovers - about £800 and lowers 30mm, but finding it hard to see any reviews about them on Porsche cars http://www.bc-racing.co.uk/applications/porsche-coilovers/porsche-996-turbo-97-05.html 2)Koni Sport kit - about £1100 and lowers 30 - 40mm. http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod126785/Koni-Sport-Suspension-Kit-Porsche-996-C2-Targa---Cabrio-1997-05-Koni-Sport/ 3)Bilstein B4/B6 + springs about £1100 http://www.design911.com/Porsche/996--911--1997-05/Bilstein-SPORT-B6-Dampers/pt65_65_710_-cma81-cmo110/ Are there any suggestions, reviews, opinions out there?

I think u can still get the mo30 kit from various sources. It's good I had it on mine. I changed to kw 2 way adjustable, and there better but a fair bit firmer than the mo. I would go with the mo30, that's my shout

hi chap MO30 - whats the drop? 10mm?

Yes, M030 is 10mm lower than the standard M029. the M030 kits are still available from Porsche, at about £770 +VAT. You get 4 shock absorbers, 4 springs, and two anti-roll bars. If it is all about looks, then it probably isn't for you, but a well aligned M030 setup takes some beating for road use.

I agree with Richard, mo30 on the road is very good. Mine came down -30mm with the KW and can be a real pain with speed bumps catching the front.

M030 sounds like it might be a nice compromise. Subtle ride height drop, a little firmer, and more precise feel. Given that its a Targa, I'm now thinking anything firmer than the MO30 may cause more rattle and shakes than the car was ever designed to have. Thoughts?

M030 is great and (because it's new) will almost certainly feel a lot less crashy than tired standard suspension.

Agreed MO30 is the way to go with the Targa. I recently replaced all my coffin arms & upgraded with MO30. Very pleased with the results & it is a good value kit...particularly if you can get a discount at OPC. Anything firmer/lower wouldn't suit the Targa IMO.

Thanks Chap - i think its the way to go. Weirdly, I called Leeds OPC, and the guy in service and parts hadn't ever heard of the M030. I was amazed. It was ME telling him about it.. he was like "nah mate, never heard of it.. can you give me the parts number..." <facepalm>

It is listed in the Tequipment section of PET as Sports Suspension. M030 is the build option code.. There are various configurations, depending on model, transmission, C2/4. I believe the Targa was based on the Cabrio body, so I expect that would suit best, as there doesn't seem to be an option for Targa. Maybe Dave could check the part number of the kit he had fitted. You should also ask if they do PCGB discount - it makes it even more of a bargain.

Hi Dave Can you give me the parts list.. Leeds OPC not v helpful.

I'd go to another OPC, if I were you, knw911.

You could try strasse, that's where I go, there in Holbeck leeds. They will be able to get the mo30. They run a race team so as for set up they know there stuff.

Part number I have on my invoice is 000.044.500.27 OPC trained guy fitted it for me & he advised this kit. I note it is not one of the cabrio part numbers listed above...but my mechanic was very clear & specfic on his advice that this one would suit the Targa. List price was £738.89 + Vat....less any discount you can negotiate. You should aim to haggle for £650 + VAT...which is good value.

So the suspension saga continues. 1) strasse, I have called 3 times with promises of a reply but never get one. 2) called 2 other OPC (Tunbridge and Newcastle), none of them surprisingly seem to know anything about the MO30, and I end up telling them more about the 996 suspension than they can tell me. so, I have spoken to 2 other places. 1) Center of gravity. They have recommended to go the coilover route - suggesting that the adjustable of something like the B16's will allow a nice road setup, and abilty to stiffen up for the track days. Also stated the MO30 is very harsh. 2) Porschtek - Specialist Porsche Centre Leeds. They have told me to keep it stock. They said lowered springs on OEM is horrible, MO30 is too harsh, and coilovers harsher again. so... I'm back to square one it seems.

Always subjective, bit I am really happy with my MO30 on a 2002 Targa.

Hi Dave Can you give me a run down of the differences between the stock and the MO30 from your point of view. How much harsher is the ride? Day to day is it still comfortable? On the B roads does it feel more direct and responsive to wheel inputs? Have you done any track work with it?

Am also looking into doing this to my Targa. Interested to know whether it makes the roof rattles and squeaks worse. I don't want mine looking better but sounding worse!! As I understand it M030 wasn't offered as a factory option on the Targa originally - I also recall the Targa has its own spring and damper settings to cater for the different COG caused by the glass roof - I might be wrong though.

FINALLY! I called Porsche Leeds (again) looking to get a price. This time, the chap was able to locate it. For anyone looking for the Part number (for the cabrio which I have been educated to be the best fit for the Targa) is 000/044/500/30) Price - £775 + VAT Funnily, I asked for advice on the MO30 vs Coilovers - the response was "whats a coilover".

Ok - bit of a U turn. CoG have recommended going for the Coupe' setup.

As I said before my OPC trained guy also recommended the coupe set up. I've just been down to Le Mans from Staffordshire. No issues with comfort or harshness on a long run...particularly good on better smoother French roads. I have also recently tracked the car at Anglesey..definitely better & 10mm lower is sufficient on the Targa in my opinion. It's always subjective but for the cost MO30 has been a good refresh on my 15yr old car.

Morning Did anyone get this done for the Targa? was it Coupe or cab in the end? ive had a change of heart and have decided not to sell. thinking of doing the same M030 fit

Hey chap I didn't get it fitted in the end (after inspection and test drive by Strasse, they said my current set up is fine and not in need of replacing just yet - maybe in another 10k or so). That said, all the research I did showed that the Coupe is the right package, not the Cab. If you can get it, the MO30 kit is a great package deal. When mine does need replacing, it will defo be the MO30 kit I put on it.

Agreed. I fitted the Coupe MO30. With the car properly set up (incl ensuring all wheels are properly balanced & round!) it`s a good set up. You'd be surprised on how easily alloy wheels get out of shape on UK roads with all the pot holes. Recently had mine all checked & needed both rears addressing as out of shape. Dave

Cool thanks Chaps