Rob Wolford

Got a track day tomorrow and I'm trying to dial my suspension into the firmest setting (which I understand to be 1, not 9 right).

Anyhow, the rear struts have no point of reference, and I have a choice of dialing 1 to top dead center on the strut, or bottom dead center. WHICH IS IT????

My front struts have a hash mark and click, but the backs don't. Obviously I could go drive the car, but I suspect it may take awhile for the strut to adjust after being tweaked.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

Matt Vaughan

1 is the firmest.

1 should be at the bottom of the dial.

Yes, and the strange part is that the dial can turn either right or left. Just in case, when I turn the dial I ensure that I don't go directly from 1 to 9, and vice versa. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not.

Rob Wolford

Thanks Matt. Youdaman!!

BTW, your are fairly certain, right???

I feel like I just phoned a friend on "Who wants to be a Millionaire"!!

Matt Vaughan

Positive.

And, good luck! <click>

SMB993TT

I don't know how many of us have the RUF version of the PSS-9 system, but there are some differences between this and the Bilstein version. Supposedly, Bilstein valved the shocks to RUF specifications which are firmer across the setting range. Also, the numbering system for the RUF version is different. For the RUF version, the higher number (i.e., 9) is the firmer setting, while 1 is the softest setting. Therefor, turning the adjustment **** clockwise will make the shocks firmer.
I received this information direct from Weissach where I purchased this system.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on the differences between the standard Bilstein PSS-9 system vs. the RUF PSS-9 version since I haven't driven a standard Bilstein equipped car. However, RUF recommended only a rear adjustable (2 holes) sway bar with their system for my 993TT.

Steve

Ted Brewer

Rob:

I just checked the directions that came with my Bilstein PSS-9 set up and as Steve suggested you turn the dials counter-clockwise to firm the setting. ( I know nothing of the Ruf set-up). I take a mirror with a extendable handle to the track with me to help me see.

Ted

Don Magee

Steve, i am interested in your assesment of the RUF system. What did you have on prior to the Ruf? Can you share your impression of the system? i have a plain -jane 993, and i am interested in the PSS-9 system as well as the ruf version. Some have had issues installing the PSS-9, did you have any problems with the Ruf install?

Mike J

Steve,

I would also be interested in seeing what feedback you have for the RUF system. I understand that the rear sway bars are actually a RS rear bar. RUF recommends that you use the back bar to dial in the handling you want with the stock front bar.

I do like the idea of the RUF system since it has a strong name it most likely has a better chance of affecting resell value if you have "RUF" suspension instead of just 'Bilstien" shocks (hey, I gotta think of these things with a slim budget).

Now I just gotta keep saving those pennies!!!

Cheers,

Mike

SMB993TT

Don/Mike,

When I purchased my car earlier this year it was equipped with the stock TT suspension. During my first few DE's in the spring/summer I realized the shortcomings of the stock suspension for spirited driving. Also, I didn't like the SUV ride height as compared to other 993's at these events. A few of my friends had the Bilstein PSS-9 suspension installed and were very happy with the performance as well as the new lowered ride height. I received quotes for the Bilstein setup, including front and rear RS sway bars, that were in the range of $2700 to $3500 plus shipping. At about this time, RUF introduced their version of this suspension, but with only a rear sway bar, for a price of $2550 including shipping. Since this was a good price and carried the RUF name I felt that I had nothing to lose and ordered the system. Installation, including alignment and corner balancing, was performed by an independent Porsche specialist for approximately $900. They stated that the install went fine as they had installed other PSS-9 systems before mine.

The only negative experience that I had with this system is that the rear swaybar was backordered and was not received until a month after I had the shocks installed and the instructions were in German and did not mention anything about the opposite numbering system between this setup and the Bilstein unit. As a consequence, I didn't have the opportunity to have the swaybar installed prior to the track events (it is still sitting in my garage to be installed over the winter) and I utilized softer shock settings than intended due to the reverse numbering system. It was only after questioning Weissach did they advise that the numbered settings were different than Bilstein. I guess that if I never questioned them I still wouldn't know this.

With these caveats I can recommend the RUF system as it is not too hard for street driving on the softer settings in the Northeast and at full stiff setting, the car rides like it is on rails, even with the stock rear swaybar. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have not driven a Bilstein equipped 993 so I can't compare the performance to the RUF system.

Richard C2S

Steve,

Now I understand why you thought the suspension was still not firm enough. You had it backwards!

Richard

SMB993TT

Richard,

Probably not the last time I will get something backwards either. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

My car is at Rosen's for the wiring harness recall and I should have it back on Thursday. Over the winter I will get the last oil leak fixed and install a RS clutch and LW flywheel. Can't wait for next season.