Notices
964 Forum 1989-1994
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

When do the original struts/springs wear out?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-03-2005, 03:40 AM
  #1  
chancecasey
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
chancecasey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 1,090
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default When do the original struts/springs wear out?

I know this may be a dumb question, but at 104K miles and a new owner, I'm wondering how shot my struts could potentially be. Not having ever driven a p-car before, I don't really know if mine are "squishy" - it honestly seems a little bit more squishy than I expected. So I'm wondering if going in with "fresh" stock parts I could expect a somewhat stiffer/more responsive ride. Normally I'd tell myself yes, but I don't know, are Porsche OEM struts "magic" and if I want something stiffer I'll need to get stiffer-rated stuff?
Old 09-03-2005, 10:56 AM
  #2  
Rocket Rob
IHI KING!
Rennlist Member

 
Rocket Rob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Nashua, New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 13,386
Received 223 Likes on 177 Posts
Default

I replaced my original springs and shocks at 140K miles. The shocks were worn and causing uneven tire wear. I took the opportunity to install H&R lowering springs and Bilstein shocks. Afterwards, I was amazed at how much better the car felt at speed and felt that I should have replaced the shocks sooner.

My advice is to drive another 964 to compare and then decide if its time to replace or not.
Old 09-03-2005, 12:18 PM
  #3  
Nutbeem
Burning Brakes
 
Nutbeem's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SoCal
Posts: 949
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Are the H&R lowering springs the best way to drop the ride height? How much lower is the car?
Old 09-03-2005, 12:26 PM
  #4  
cobalt
Rennlist Member
 
cobalt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 22,379
Received 2,053 Likes on 1,233 Posts
Default

I replaced mine at 30k miles after 10 years and they were one step from shot. The Bilstein H&R combo was worth every penny although a bit weak for track use. They can be adjusted from stock height to lower than euro height. I am running at euro height and it makes for superior ride and handling. Probably the best improvement I could think of.
Old 09-03-2005, 12:43 PM
  #5  
Flachbau
Burning Brakes
 
Flachbau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: U.S. West Coast
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Remember to always replace your bump stops when changing your shocks or you will be sorry later!
Old 09-03-2005, 12:47 PM
  #6  
Marc Shaw
Super Duper Moderator
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Marc Shaw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: YQU
Posts: 7,774
Likes: 0
Received 15 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by cobalt
I....The Bilstein H&R combo was worth every penny although a bit weak for track use.....
Why do you say that? What makes them weak - too soft?

I am thinking of suspension options as a winter project and I'm starting to research this now.

Thanks.......Marc
Old 09-03-2005, 02:29 PM
  #7  
cobalt
Rennlist Member
 
cobalt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 22,379
Received 2,053 Likes on 1,233 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Marc Shaw
Why do you say that? What makes them weak - too soft?

I am thinking of suspension options as a winter project and I'm starting to research this now.

Thanks.......Marc
Weak was not a good choice of words, too soft is better. I went with the C2/C4 spring rates for a softer street ride. They are perfect for street use, OK for autocross but would be to soft for DE. I don't plan on tracking my car so I am happy. I think if you are looking for a setup that is good for both street and track you may want to think of the PSS9 or JIC type setup that you can adjust to your specific need..



Quick Reply: When do the original struts/springs wear out?



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 12:05 AM.