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Hi, my 991.2 order locks within a week. Everything is final except I can't decide on SPASM. I'm wondering about those who ordered SPASM on their 991.1 or 991.2 and why they regretted it or loved it?
I don't mind a stiffer suspension. I daily drove a 991 GT3 for two months just fine. I like a sporty car and have ordered sports chrono and rear axle steering on my 991.2 C2S. I'm selling my 997 C2S right now and then my 991 GT3 when my 991.2 C2S arrives in early February and I plan to track the 991.2 C2S once a month or so until my 991.2 RS arrives in 2018.
I originally purchased my 991 GT3 in Philadelphia and barely used the lift in the Philly suburbs and highways. I then moved to SoCal and now I use the front axle lift all the time on the GT3 in California due to the extreme angles of curbs, driveways, etc out here. I like a sporty suspension, but this 991.2 C2S will be a daily driver and I won't be getting a front axle lift on the C2S as I'm not going to stress about using the front axle life 7 times a day on my daily driver like I'm willing to do with a GT3 or RS.
Basically my question is that I'm debating on SPASM and how liveable the lower SPASM suspension will be on a 991.2 C2S as SPASM isn't as low as the GT3, and there is less front lip overhang on the Carrera vs the GT3 so I'm hoping SPASM on a 991.2 C2S is not as likely to scrape on objects all day long like a GT3 without the lift?
Would be interested in opinions from 991.1 or 991.2 Carrera owners with SPASM, particularly those driving in California.
Ride quality/stiffness is personal, but I will say this that even without FAL, a 911 with SPASM is more than just livable in SoCal. And for what it's worth, I also had the sport design front spoiler/bumper.
No regrets here on my 991.1 C2S. I did scrape the plastic splitter on my driveway on day one so I modified the driveway. Now it's easy to visually see which drive entrances will likely scrape so you just go at an angle to avoid it. It's just a replaceable piece of black plastic anyway.
I like he lowered height too
No issues with SPASM on 991.1. The normal setting is very drivable in town and with family. Never got a complaint from anyone. Just have to watch approaches and departures and angle yourself. If I was getting a .2, I would opt for FAL for the extreme cases to provide some more room. And, let's be honest, one more filled-in button on the panel looks cool.
SPASM is not comparable to the GT3. SPASM around 10mm higher than GT3. I could not drive the GT3 without being concerned about potholes, train tracks, speed bumps, etc banging the front spoiler. I have no such issues with the SPASM on my current 991.2 C2S or previous 991.1 C4S. The ride is not as stiff as the GT3 but equally as compliant and almost as controlled. The RWS is more noticeable in the .2 than in the GT3 and the .2 feels more nimble and eager at low speeds than the GT3. GT3 was great, but outside track .2C2S far more flexible and frankly more enjoyable. Since the GT3 PSE didn't really come on til 4K the .2 PSE comes off okay anywhere other than on the track.
I'm very pleased with my SPASM 991.1 in multiple ways, handling, looks, and just general ride. The ride even with SPASM in my 991 is better than my 997.2 with just PASM. Two different car-fanatic friends have asked if the car lowered (in the aftermarket sense) due to its nice hunkered-down stance. I should point out that my car also as PDCC, which while decreasing lean is also supposed to improve ride quality in straight line driving due to a more relaxed coupling with the anti-roll bar when just cruising, so that may be helping in my case. I haven't tried a non-PDCC SPASM car for comparison.
A little more care is required with the front lip, but it isn't as bad as you'd expect. On the 991, the wheelbase was increased significantly which included the front wheels being pushed further forward, so the approach angle is improved a bit (the front end overhang is a little less than a 997's). Also the front lip is pliable and a bit more forgiving. I am a little more careful over speed bumps since I'm more concerned about bottoming out the car, but it has never happened.
Unlike some of the other SPASM drivers, I found the "normal" ride on local roads too stiff and really not comfortable when compared to my previous non SPASM equipped 991. My local drive is mostly around the Northern NJ, NYC and Long Island roads which are not in the best shape.
By installing the DSC V2 module, the stiffness problem is gone. All other aspects of the SPASM are great, especially on the track. Lower ride height, stiffer springs and shorter sway bars really make the handling very much different than a PASM or non PASM suspension.
Yeah, to be complete I guess 911carreradriver brings up a good point. Overall in central Texas we have much better roads than he would be dealing with since we get virtually no damage from road icing. So your results may vary depending upon road conditions where you will be driving.
Also out of curiosity I tried to see what the approach angle differences are for the different models. I could only find the data for a 2015 GTS, but it provides an interesting comparison. It appears the SPASM drops the front approach angle from 9.0 degrees at the tip of the spoiler lip for a PASM car to 8.4 degrees for SPASM cars have. That isn't too huge. A non-GTS should have even better numbers due to the higher front spoiler. Also note that you have much more clearance to the hard part of the spoiler.
I went through the same dilemma. SPASM was the only option I went back and forth on. My dealer did everything possible to talk me out of it. In the end I listened to the forum and could not be happier! It has barely touched anything in almost two years. In ten to fifteen years, I could buy a new lip and have it painted, if I am really concerned about being perfect. There is a thread on my decision from late Q4 2014 / early Q1 2015.
Did not have SPASM on my .1C2S . Have it on my .2C2S along with PDCC. It is stiffer and I use great care entering my driveway. I have no issues with speed bumps and while I have FAL I really don't need to use it. Would not get a 911 without SPASM just seems like what a 911 should have the to me.
Have SPASM on my 991.2 C2s and love it, but I also got the front axle lift and use it more than I thought I would. For me the 911 is first and foremost a performance car so I ordered mine with all the performance and handling stuff I could get. Happy I did.
11-24-2016, 12:28 AM
SPASM regrets
