Ak3249

Hello All,

Saw this topic discussed numerous times via search feature but never regarding a 95 cabrio.

I have a 95 Cab with a vin after the recommended SS 323614. I've seen that of course this part is necessary with a 95 Coupe but no word regarding the Convertible variant of that model year.

I'd be installing 18 inch RS Speedline onto my Cab, any word on whether or not I need the brace?

Thank You

P-daddy

Remove front under belly pan to confirm presence of rack brace. If not present, I'd put one on prior to installing bigger wheels.

pp000830

If your car may already have the brace. It is easy to see once the front underbody cover is removed.
I would think the brace is a good idea to stiffen up the mount as the larger wheels have larger patch contact to the ground putting greater loads on the mechanism when turning under certain conditions. Adding the brace will require swapping out two 60mm bolts for the new 80mm bolts with the pre-applied thread locking compound. Not reusing the bolts and getting the correct ones with the locking compound is important because under the specified torque the bolts are not drawn into their typical clamp load range due to the very soft metal they screw into. The compound ensures the bolts don't back-off in this condition. Be sure to use a torque wrench as to not over-torque the bolts and strip their soft alloy mounting. If you hear the bolts galling (squeaking) when screwing them in, stop, back them out and use a little anti-seize, the locking compound seems to still work even when this is done. Finally, the strap is just cast aluminum and if too expensive I suspect one could just fabricate a functional DIY alternative from some bar stock purchased at The Home Depot to make the cross member & two stand-off spacers one for each end.
Left-hand drive strut 993.347.131.02, saw them at ECS Strut Brace
The 80mm Bolt is 999.218.103.09
Andy

Ak3249

Appreciate the quick replies, as always very helpful.

I've owned the car since new, and have never installed the brace. I read in certain places that it may not be a good idea to put 18 inch wheels on a 95 Cabrio period (brace or not). Just want to confirm that once the brace is installed its ok to run the larger wheels on the car.

I was going to order the part off Suncoast Porsche, has anyone done so and know if it comes with all necessary hardware?

LPMM

Ton of folks run 18s without issues, cabrios or not. Check for a brace as P-daddy suggested and go from there. Not sure about Suncoast, I purchased mine from Rothsport and it came with the necessary extended bolts. Be careful on the torquing though, too much and you will snap the bolts.

2RedPorsche

No problem running 18" wheels on a 95 cab, mine has had them for close to 10 years. I have OE twists from MY96 and installed the brace right away, an easy DIY.

evilfij

Added the brace on my 10/94 build 95 C4 cab. Still on 17s and the tech bulletin about the braces says not to run 18s on cabs, but many people do. Got it from pelican with the bolts but can’t remember whether it was included or I bought them with it.

Endoman

There are 2 rack braces depending on year of car. Early 993s used what appears ro be a 964 rack the later brace will not fit. One is flat across the mounting points (later) the other has a 45 degree twist to clear a union (early) or pehaps its a lhd/rhd difference the straicht one didn't fit mine as supplied by OPC.