Bob D.

OK, I have done the search , I have felt the search and I have become the search, and I have the headache to prove it....

Just kidding, but as many of you know, when it comes to choosing new shocks and springs, even diligent research can still leave you confused.

And NOT to be critical at all, but for whatever reason, many of the past posts on shocks/springs contain mostly questions, and then often end with somebody's purchase decision, not the results of that decision, e.g., now that the new stuff is installed, did it meet your expectations.

I was pretty well decided on factory M033 (not M030) shocks/springs but everybody seems to hate the Monroes. Are they just bad shocks right out of the box, or is the only issue longevity? At 3,000 miles per year and an uncertain future healthwise, the longevity issue doesn't concern me much.

Others say maybe Bilstein HDs and H & Rs...or maybe the HDs/RoW M030 really isn't much firmer than M033?

Botton line: if my goal is to lower my '98 C2 S to about RoW ride height and preserve as much ride quality as possible (100% street use), what shocks and springs make the most sense? Like anybody I want crisp handling, but do have to be concerned about ride quality due to crummy roads and health issues.

Anyone had the same goals, made a choice, and lived with the new system for a while? Can anybody share any advice or experiences?

Any info *greatly* appreciated!

DC from Cape Cod

I have the PSS-9 suspension (set on 4 front & rear) and think it is better than stock. Settings were at the advice of Jerry from EPE and I am perfectly happy with it.

adsc4s

Bob, when I had a 993 C4S, it originally had stock shocks with eibach springs. Although much more "supple" in ride than my previous 964 cab, it was still a jolting experience on every road imperfection.

I also went with PSS9's and was amazed at the transformation. I had them set at 5 front/back. I found the ride was firm but the shocks really dampened the road imperfections well. The car was lowered to below RS specs. In fact, it was very low and had 18" wheels.

ca993twin

I have the PSS-9s recently installed, and set to someplace in the middle. I find the ride to MUCH firmer than the old setup, which was ROW springs (not sure M030 or M033: its a turbo, if that helps), and the Monroe shocks, which were completely toasted. Based on my experience, I would not recommend the PSS-9 unless you like a firmer ride. I do. I think the Bilstein HDs and the M033 (or M030: I don't know which) or perhaps the Eibach progressives would give you the ride height and more comfortable ride you're looking for.

Mark in Baltimore

Bob,

Another PSS-9 user over here. Steve, like a few others, have said that they thought the ride quality was firmer than stock but, set on "9" (full soft), the suspension seemed super supple to my keister. Ride quality is quite subjective, as I'm sure you know, but another variable is the starting base line before the change. I had crappy stock shocks on my car and maybe they were so badly blown that the ride quality was worse than what others had experienced with their relatively nicer stock dampers.

fbfisher

My question exactly, and Tony Callas (a well regarded independent shop out here) said that the M033 with the Bilstein HD was the set-up to get. I will probably add the M030 or TT sways to tighten up and flatten the cornering. This will add a little more stiffness, but too noticable according to Tony.

I have not done it yet, but when the time comes that is what I am looking to do.

Anyone out there have a set of M033 springs and sways they want to sell?

FYI- AFAIK - M033 = stock euro ride height spring and struts (in the US the spring is referred to as a Porsche lowering spring) M030 = sport suspension spring and strut package and is stiffer than M033. M033 is available in US and ROW ride heights. M033 is only Euro/ROW. Someone please correct me if I am wrong about this.

GrantG

I love my H&R/Bilstein HD setup. Springs are progressive, so it's quite a comfortable ride.

Edward

Bob D.,

For the purposes you defined, I think the PSS9 may be more firm than you like. For reference, I've ridden in an RoW-M030-sprung 993, albeit with the factory M030 shocks and they felt compliant but controlled. I now have PSS9s and they are definitely firmer (fabulous system, but you have to like that). The Monroes aren't bad when new, it's just that they go bad prematurely. So if it costs you the same to install either suspension, why not put in the one that will last longer and cost (roughly) the same ...and hey, you never know, perhaps you'll be so smitten you'll drive it even more than 3K a year, thus getting a better return on your investment

So to answer your concerns, I would go with the HDs and M030 RoW springs if you want to lower to RoW ride height (which is the most modest lowering; H&R is lower) and tighten up the handling a bit. Couple this with M030 sways and I think you'll be plenty pleased with hardly any discernable degredation in ride comfort (if at all), but significant gains in body control over dips and through corners. Note too that these springs are a progressive-wound spring which will provide initially more spring compliance, and get stiffer only as it compresses, as opposed to the US M030 which is a straight wind. Hope this helps

Edward

Bob Dennis

I also have the PSS9 setup and the beauty of it is that on the "9" (full soft) setting, the car is VERY comfortable over highway expansion joints and the typical bumps, etc. we encounter on Seattle's famously under-maintained side streets. Note that the "9" setting is MUCH softer than an "8" setting (i.e. it's not linear from 1-9). A "1" setting is stiff, and generally uncomfortable for most secondary and less-than perfect highways... It's terrific for the track though. Adjusting the dials takes about 4 minutes all the way around, so you can easily dial in your preference. I typically run settings of 4/5 on the street and 1/2 on the track.

My car is lowered to just above RS settings and I have no problems with speed bumps or driveways when approached from a 45 degree angle.

If it's not too much more money, I'd spring for the PSS9's...

awilks

Well, this is my first post on the board after lurking in the shadows daily since buying my first P-car last summer. I just returned from my PSS-9 install and I've only driven about 40 miles but my car is exactly how I thought it should be from the factory. Lowered to ROW height w/ PSS-9's set at 5 and ride is definitely firmer than stock but even on the frost impaired C.T. roads it wasn't too firm. No more floating over uneven road at high speeds, car turns in much more directly, and feels much more planted getting on throttle coming out of turns.
I used this board extensively as well as talking with people like Steve W. and all my research led me to the PSS-9's over the other options you mentioned. Because of the cab and lack of rollbar I'm not planning on tracking the car but still like the option of being able to adjust firmness in the garage without a lift or even removing the wheels.
Good luck with your decision and thanks to everyone on the board!

FisterD

I have H&R springs/Bilstein HDs. I find the ride to be pretty firm, but I am very happy with it. I went with H&Rs because I wanted to lower my car lower than RoW.
I have never ridden in a car with Mo33 springs, so I don't know if mine are any stiffer.

Bob D.

Very interesting stuff guys! Particularly noteworthy to see the PSS-9 suggestions--never even considered that, assuming it was too track oriented (and it may be, but interesting to consider).

DC, the PSS-9 ride is OK even on MA roads?

JC, I am even closer than you think--about 10 minutes north of you on GB Road--so I may take you up on that offer of a ride. From your description. the RUF stuff sounds intriguing.

Where does one even buy RUF suspension pieces??? Anybody know?

Lots of great suggestions, keep them coming.

adsc4s

RUF actually has a revalved PSS9 system as well. It includes the rear sways but does not come with the Bilstein "limited lifetime" warranty.

fluid15

Bob D. - adsc4s's ride looked awesome!

Also, for a nice explanation of M029-M033 see Viken's post in the following link:
Link to explanation



BTW, I have Bilstein HD's w/TechArt springs on my car. The ride is a bit firmer than the stock setup.

Chris C.

I have the H&R sport coilovers on my 98 S. Ride is firm for the street, but still very much a street setup. Handling is sharp, and body roll much better on the track. A very nice compromise, but definitely sports car firm-without being jarring like my old US m030.

I have a theory that H&R mimicked the valving and spring rates of the factory RS settings (butt dynoed, after riding in a 993 with a factory RS suspension)

Good luck.