Hi! I'm a wanna be 951 owner who is currently shopping. I posted a week ago with questions about an 86 951; thanks for all the replies. The owner still hasn't called to set up a PPI, so I guess that deal is dead.

Found this local car on the Rennlist classifieds:


I like the car, but find the ride stiff/harsh. (I am looking for a weekend cruiser, not a track/DE car.) I know it has the M030 suspension and sport seats, but the ride is still supprisingly firm compared to a stock 86 951. This car is completely stock except for wheels/tires/radio, so I suspect that the spring rates are also stock M030 values.


The current owner has installed 996 factory 17" twists and new Kuhmo Ecsta 712s. I love the modern look of the car, but could the 17" tires be contributing to the ride harshness? He is also running the tires at their maximum inflation pressures (45 psi cold); is this the correct pressure?

The front ride height is set very low (3 1/2" ground clearance). Could be the struts are set quite stiff; is there any easy way to visually check this? (owner has never heard of adjustment ****.)

Are the rear shocks adjustable? Again, how do you check their setting?

Would I be better off re-installing the stock Club Sport 16" wheels (they are included with car) with new tires? If so, are there good quality z-rated tires that would give a better ride than the Kuhmos?

CAUTION: The 90% of you who would give their left nut for a 951S with M030 suspension should not read the following: Would I be better off to shop for an 86 or 87 951? (I actually like the torque curve/responsiveness of the 951 a little better than the 951S, both completely stock.)

TIA, Don <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />