I am intrigued by Viperbobs special on the JIC cross coilovers. Has anyone installed these so we can get a report? I am concerned about the street ride quality with the monoballs. I'd love to get more data on how this setup compares to the PSS-9s. I've held off from getting PSS-9s because of the rear mounting issues, which appear solved now, but given the current lack of availability and price increase, it looks to me as if the Cross coilovers are the way to go, provided the ride is not objectionable on the street. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

I'll be able to report back in a couple weeks. Bob will be adding them to my Turtle while I'm off in Hawaii. I have PSS-9s on my cab so I can provide a reasonable comparison. I do like the PSS-9s as they are great for a dual purpose car, but overkill for a street only car.

 

Tom, please cancel your trip and up the install date! I am weak and I feel the urge to upgrade.

 

Don,

Not exactly answering your question, but my car is at Dave's shop having Moton Clubsports with full mononballs installed. You're welcome for a ride to get a general feel of what you'd be getting into.

 

Great to hear from you, Kev. I would love a ride at your convienence. I have my work done there as well. I may have to run by at lunch one day and sneak a peak at your fine ride. Please let me know when you can give me a ride. Thanks.

 

Bob is installing JIC's on my C4S this Saturday. I'd be happy to give you a review although I'd be comparing them to my current setup with its very worn shocks.

I was originally going with the PSS-9's as well, but the price seems to be increasing pretty quickly.

 

I've heard those with Spherical bushings say that the ride isn't much harsher on the street than stock, but I haven't ridden in one myself. On a related note, I recall one shop telling me (I don't want to name the shop but it is a very well-respected shop that supports much POC/PCA events in SoCal) that sphericals will wear faster on a streetcar because of all the milage and rigors of daily driving. Any experts out there deny or confirm this?

Edward

 

Rob, I'd appreciate hearing your impressions of the setup. My 95 993 has 43000 miles on the original US spec suspension so we are in the same situation.

 

Hi Edward:

Indeed, that shop was correct although its mostly a matter of dirt getting into the spherical bearings.

Its quite difficult to keep ALL of the dirt and road schmutz (tech word) out of these parts (even with Seals-it) and they simply wear out faster than in a race car driven under 1000 miles a year.

Ride quality and noise issues are quite subjective in nature and if you are considering camberplates/monoballs, I'd really suggest a 30+ minute ride in a car so equipped to see if you can live with it.

 

WOW You could not last for too long could ya?
Good move Tom...

BTW my personal opinion is that the monoball harsness comments are highly overated. I have not noticed any major harsness increase with my monoballs. On the contrary a good coilover setup like the Cross even with monoballs will feel much better even on rough roads compared to the stock shot most likely setup...

 

Don,

I will be picking up the car tomorrow. Need to reinstall the passenger's seat this weekend, but if all goes well perhaps I can give you a call Sunday for a drive.

If you do get the coilovers give Dave a call ahead of time and let him know what you're thinking. Send him pics and specs of the parts . . . he'll have alot of opinions, negative and positive. Better to figure out install problems ahead of time and not while he's on the clock. Sound like I've been through this before?

 

Steve,

Thanks, as always, for the expert insight...AND this reinforces my faith in said shop! I wasn't thinking of sphericals for myself; I love my PSS9-daily driver, as is!! I just thought I'd chime in for others in case they were considering it for their street car. I will go the monoballs route eventually, when the time comes for a dedicated track zonker

Edward

 

Today's technologies on monoball (spherical bearings really) setups specifically for the rear and front shock mounts are not quite the same as even a few years ago. Between the better machining capabilities, and the newer coatings the life span of a monoball is not an issue. They have become common place, and require zero maintenance. If you just leave them alone and do not oil them as they are designed to be dry, they will last as long as your car. I have been running monoballs for years on every Porsche street car I own. This included driving in snow, rain, and poor road conditions. Never once has one of these failed, or worn out . Also remember, the harshness of the suspension is also directly realted to the quality of your dampers.

 

Good info here. Kev, good suggestion. I have spoken with David many times on this issue and will do so before I make any final decision. Please let me know when we can go for a spin, so to speak.

 

If a monoball setup is to harsh for everyday driving, and the PSS9's are also too stiff; what would you guys suggest putting on a 96 C4S whose suspension is ready for a little "refreshing" ??