Alternative to M030 on a Cabriolet

Having just acquired a low mileage 996.2 cab with M030. What advice do you have on suspension. It's really too hard for UK roads. Handles brilliantly on smooth roads but creaks and groans everywhere else. Are coilovers the only answer or could I just respiring it? Thanks Andy

I fitted a M030 kit to my coupe and also find it a bit harsh on bad roads. I wish I'd done a bit more research as basically the M030 damper technology/design is quite old. I'm not a big fan of adjustable suspension on a road car used all weathers as the wet and salt plays havoc with the adjustable bits under the car. I have recently had H&R -40 springs and Koni special active dampers fitted to my VW Transporter and they are great - really transformed the ride and damping is far better. Lots of coilover kits available for the van but I chose the traditional route. Not a direct comparison, but if faced with the same decision again I'd look at Koni's for the 996. As for springs I'd want a bit more of a 10mm drop of the M030 but not a massive drop - prob 25mm max. My old springs were probably sagging 10mm anyway. I'd also consider H&R springs for the 996 as very pleased with them.

If you want a fair bit softer you can opt for standard Carrera suspension but then you will need new shocks and springs. Alternativly as a middle ground what I did was get myself USA spec OEM springs for my C4S which has essentially M030 as standard but you can also get USA spec M030 springs for the C2 or C4, full set of Porsche OEM springs cost around £650 but these USA M030 are cheap on design 911 so you will only pay full price for the other axel https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod...Carrera-M030-Cabrio---Targa/?source=doofinder and you can use code ABANDON-INCENTIVE-1 for 10% off. Basically the USA has a minimum height for cars off the ground so the USA M030 springs are still sporty but give you a little extra ride height (I no longer fear curbs and car parts ripping off my bumper) and with that little extra height it is a little softer, yet still maintains fantastic handling. Also if you are on original springs bare in mind springs work harden, they naturally get firmer over time so new to original springs alone will be a fair difference in itself.

I had a spring snap on my C2 so in a hurry fitted just H&R -30mm springs all round on the standard shocks as these weren't very old. It handles great and the ride comfort is good. The springs weren't even very expensive. I think i'll fit some Koni dampers to go with in the near future but for now, no complaints and a good cheap upgrade.

If it creaks and groans, I think you're looking at replacing bushes and ball joints, not (just) shocks and springs. I had M030 and loved it. I found it acceptable on all surfaces and a great compromise for fast road. Suspension feel is a very subjective thing though so it may not be for everybody. Thing is, how do know you somebody else's preference matches yours?

Is it really that subjective though? For a mainly road orientated sports car, I think most people prefer the suspension to be as stiff as possible without being too crashy over bumps or too low to get over speed bumps/car park ramps. Too crashy might be minimally subjective, but I suspect most people's tolerances are similar. For a mainly track car, most people will ultimately prefer the suspension to be as stiff as possible regardless of any crashiness. For a family car, most people prefer softer suspension and minimal "crashyness".

Fair question, but I'm always surprised when people say M030 is crashy. I live in South Wales near some excellent roads, some with poor surfaces. M030 always seemed capable, compliant and comfortable to me. I don't ever recall thinking it was too stiff/harsh/low. It really is quite a mild 'upgrade" from standard so I'm surprised so many people feel it's too much. I think many of the complaints are probably wear and tear disguised as M030 :thumbs:

Or alternatively, it's knackered old suspension being replaced with brand new slightly stiffer suspension.

Having had good condition M030 on my C2, personally i wouldn't want it on a cab. Maybe ok on track focused car, but not for a typical cab driving experience on rough or bumpy UK roads. Challenge is standard springs raise ride height considerably, but would be much better suited. So depends how you want it.

My 996C2 came with M030 suspension which I too found way too hard. It really detracted from the driving experience on road as the dashboard would rattle and the car was really quite uncomfortable which meant I had to go very slow over broken tarmac. I have other fun cars and in reality the 911 was the least enjoyable of the lot by some distance. I don't equate sportiness with a harsh ride and actually find a softer car faster across the ground and far more enjoyable. I had to get rid so got advice from CG. In the end we went with standard springs, Koni Special Actives, M030 roll bars and an agressive geo. It is so much better now...

That's good info thanks. I asked the original question as I know the suspension isn't old (45k miles) and I can feel the scuttle shake and as you say the dashboard moves I've got a Westfield that is much more comfortable on A & B roads and the 911 was meant to be a replacement for that but like you I find I have to slow down on dodgy surfaces

My car is on 46k miles so pretty much the same and yes, the M030 is truly terrible if you have driven a car that rides and handles!! I have a Caterham and that flows far better than the 911 did. Likewise, I have an E36 BMW on Bilsteins and it was significantly better on road than the Porsche. This setup gives you a Lotus 911 which is really what you want on road. The only potential issue is steering feel (or lack of) as it is not lowered. I have got around it somewhat with the geo but I think to get truly brilliant steering feel you may need the car lower. Something to think about but it's all a trade off... I am sure someone can do wizadry with some 3 way KWs etc but the cost is significantly higher and I am always wary of coilovers as they always seem to be too stiff for me so it is an expensive jump into the unknown.

I've got a prototype bespoke suspension set up on my 996 C2 developed by Chris aka Center Gravity. Specially to get away from the harshness of M030. We also tried Koni Actives, Ohlins and decided in end to invest in R&D as part of his program to create bespoke dampers for 996 to create balance between hard sports and GT car, referred to as Center Gravity Touring. He's also got a C4S as part of their R&D. Worth giving him a call as sounds like could be good option for you. This is brand new, I only picked it up last weekend after he's had it for few months for 3rd visit.

If interested just call them and enquire about the new 996 Center Gravity Touring, and mention Toby. They all know about this project we've been working on. Hope this helps you consider options and might avoid throwing money away. My car is night and day better now for me after going down all the regular damper / spring / coilover routes.

Sounds very interesting!