LehmanZ06

I have a base manual 718 Cayman, and I’m thinking about upgrading my shocks. I don’t have PASM.
Just thinking of upgrading shocks only and leaving springs alone.
What are the base shocks and what would be an upgrade ?

Greg Fishman

Why would you keep the stock springs? I would do the Porsche sport suspension X73, or a tuned set like the Ohlin R&T (which is what I did).

edfishjr

He would keep the stock springs to stay in autocross Street class, which he may be thinking about.

I couldn't find any shock dyno plots on the stock shocks. Previous generations had shocks that produced too much force at higher shaft speeds. Made the car feel "sporty" plus very different from the 911, but not good at all for autocross.

Bilstein can supply Damptronic shocks. JRZ, Ohlins and others can provide double adjustables, but whether you can get properly digressive curves to order I don't know.

Edit: Oh, and MCS also. And they won't let you specify how you want them valved. They think they know best.

NiteCrawlr

How do you like the Ohlin R&T? I have pasm on my car (bought used - would have spec sport PASM if I built) and was thinking about upgrading.

Greg Fishman

I think they are awesome, much better than stock shocks with lowering springs. If you are a street and occasional track driver I think they are an ideal set up. If you are track only then get a higher spring rate and get the shocks tuned.

InTgr8r

Glad you posted this.
I'm considering the Ohlins DFVs as well.

What OE suspension did you change from? base/PASM/SPASM?
I would also love to know a little more detail on what improvements they make over OE setup.

Thanks!

Greg Fishman

I had the base suspension and then added Techart lowering springs. The biggest change is in the rebound. The base (with and without lowering springs) would take longer to recover where the Ohlins at a moderate rebound setting controlled that bounce much quicker. One bounce vs. three would be my take. Ride comfort changed very little even at a moderate setting and only slightly worse at full stiff. But even then the control out weighed any comfort issue. Spring rates are 70 n/mm and 80 which is around 400lbs.
I

Greg Fishman

This info from Ohlin is spot on to what I have experienced. https://www.ohlins.com/product/road-...he-cayman-718/

InTgr8r

Thanks Greg, that helps a lot!
Its always nice to get some direct feedback from someone that has made the upgrade.

JB 911

Greg have you had the opportunity to drive a X73 package car if so I would be interested to hear how you feel it compares with the Ohlin R&T's?

Greg Fishman

Not in a 718 but I did ride in a 981 with the X73 and I really liked it. I think either would be a good option for someone wanting to upgrade over the base suspension. The adjustability of the Ohlin's is a nice bonus but they are more expensive.