ckkrause

With 81K on my '91 C2 I need new shocks. As I like a compliant ride around town, I am thinking I might just replace the original shocks and leave it at that. Incidently, in addition to some commuting, I do mostly spirited street driving with 6-7 autocrosses and some driver's ed each year. I am also considering going with a Bilstein/H &R Sport spring setup although I don't want to stiff around town. Recently however, I had a mechanic recommend that I get new stock Boge struts up front and go to Bilstein rears with the original springs. Do you have any thoughts about this setup, or the others for that matter... I have been reading a lot of archived info, but I haven't heard of the Bilstein rear/Boge front setup...

Thanks for your response!

-CKKrause

Robert Linton

There are multiple possibilities ranging from simple to highly complex and expensive. If it were I, I would go first to the factory set up for the 964 RS and, barring that, to a Bilstein option.

joey bagadonuts

I think a complete set of H&R or Eibach lowering springs with Koni or Bilstein street shocks has been a good upgrade for many Rennlisters. I don't recall any 964 owners complaining about the switch and I haven't read any posts regarding mixed shocks or springs. I recommend you stick with what's working for others.

What you'll find with progressive, lowering springs is a fairly compliant ride over small bumps and road imperfections with firm support when cornering and braking. I have the Eibachs with stock shocks which is a fairly comfy setup even on Chicago's bumpy pavement. The front end actually rides a bit nicer since the Factory springs are linear and, consequently, more harsh. I will, however, be switching to a more sporty setup with matching springs and shocks all around to improve handling at the track.

Unless your mechanic can you give you a compelling argument for the use of mixed components, I'd keep them the same at all four corners. Perhaps he's aware of spring rates and valving figures which make the mixed setup a good alternative. It's definitely worth asking.

Robert Linton

As to springs, I would, again, go with the factory RS option. But, then, I prefer a more controlled ride and am not concerned by what some might regard as overly stiff. Second choice would be an Eibach aftermarket kit specfically for your car. As to mixing damper brands, although I am often wrong about many things, I can see no rational for this.

Bill Gregory

Having driven the factory RS suspension setup on street and track, I can recommend it as a top notch alternative to the stock suspension - It's a shame it wasn't offered as an option in the US. Just as all 4 tires should be the same brand/model, your shocks and springs should also bear some relationship to each other.