Tom R.

cal sonny at SM motor sports 516 7758655. his shop rebuilt my motor. he charges full list for the parts, but is fair on the labor. my 4 wheel alignment cost 140.

AndyK

I can't drive for an hour+ to a Long Island mechanic...I need to stay within a few miles from home, or the train line that get's me to and from work.

It's tough when you need the car to go to the station! In the winter, when I have my dad's Honda, it will be easier to leave my car at a mechanic's for a day or two.

pete944

Hey Andy, are you replacing your upper strut mounts? I've been checking S2 parts prices and these things are like $400 each! Are they gold plated or what?

AndyK

Holy CRAP! Are those the full mounts with the rubber stops? I thought I had to get new rubber stops...not new mounts too. $400 each? Damn!
$2 indeed!

pete944

Maybe Skip can chime in here as to why they're so pricey. The standard 944 part is fairly cheap.

Dan87951

I asked paragon that same question why those upper strut mounts were so pricey. Jason thinks Porsche is getting low on stock on them and is upping the price to support the demand. Thank god for me my upper strut mounts were fine. If you need new ones just by the raceware ones or the paragon adjustable ones.

pete944

Thanks Dan, I figured if I need to replace them I would just go aftermarket.

What tires did you get with the Moda's? I'm tossed up between Kahn RSR's, Moda R6's, or 17" 993 cups to replace the D-90's on the S2. It's got brand new Kuhmo Ecsta's on the 16" D-90's so I'll keep 'em on until the tires are shot.
Do I remember correctly that you said all four ran you around $1600?

Dan87951

Yea the Moda's ran me around $1600 complete. Call Jim at the tirerack when you place the order he helped me get the correct wheels and tires and he knows his stuff. I'm running the Kumo 712's which I do not like. I think my RE730's were such a better tire that I had on my phone dials. So when these tires wear out I will be getting the new Potenza's. Plus I like how the Potenza's have the rim guards on them to help prevent curbing them.

pete944

Potenza S-03's? That's my tire of choice also.

michael2e

Guys, to r/r the struts from the car is it necessary to buy/rent a spring compressor or is there another way to deal with the springs? thanks

pete944

Yes, you need a spring compressor. The springs could literally kill you.

Skip

The 87+ upper strut mounts are made from unobtanium, or so it seems. From talking with a supplier, it may be that the availability is only from Porsche themselves now, and stock may indeed be very low. The other thought is that the third-party producing them has discontinued them, and now Porsche and their on-hand stock is the only source for importers and dealers - Porsche does not produce many of the parts they use... I believe these are Febi/Bilstein parts. Either way, they are quite simply outrageous. If you are not running into a race group rules restrictions, the aftermarket camber plates are the best bet.

For those with 83-86 cars, you only have to replace the rubber and bearing portion... an easy ~$30/each solution.

Mike - yes, you must use a spring compressor. Many local auto parts stores will rent/loan you some or do it themselves for a nominal charge. I've been using a Craftsman set for a while now and they work great. I do quite a few, and definitely recommend an air ratchet to compress and expand them. (not an impact wrench - save that for the top nut).

Good Luck!

Bryans951

Perry, was full stiff to harsh of a ride?

Robert, did the car soften up any with the Koni's on full soft.