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993 Factory Shock by Porsche Classic/Bilstein installed - first impression
My C2S has been with me for 8 good years. And since I got the car, the original Monroe shocks were replaced with Koni FSD. I was happy with FSD, it was a great budget buy.
Recently some squeaking noise was coming from the rear especially when the car was cold, which led me to think the rear shocks might be playing up. I then decided to give Porsche original shocks, which are newly offered and made by Bilstein, a go. Even though I couldn't find much feedback or review on this suspension in this forum or 911uk, anyway, I am always curious how the car will drive in "original" form so I just went for it.
Factory M033 springs
I would say the new setup really has transformed the car. FSD was indeed pretty good, but by comparing with the factory's shocks, I would definitely say the latter is better. It is a little bit stiffer, but in a very nice way. The Indy who did the installation for me, he recently installed a Bilstein B6 in another 993, his comment was "B6 is harsh, factory shock is more compliant". In brief, I am really happy with the new setup.
If anyone is considering shocks replacement, I would definitely recommend factory ones.
To be clear these are not "Factory" shocks as they were never offered on new production 993 cars.
They are aftermarket ones branded Porsche so the aftermarket Porsche dealer network can access a very profitable parts segment and also be able to offer struts/dampers through their parts network at a premium price when they service a 993.
They may have a slightly different valving to make for a more compliant ride.
Unfortunately, we can only subjectively compare them as the manufacturers don't publish dampening data and most folks who replace struts/dampers are comparing their old failed ones to new so no matter what the brand a drastic improvement should be expected.
Andy
Hi, Andy, thanks for your input and it's always good to have different views from other perspectives.
My perspective is largely based on my mechanic's comments. As mentioned earlier, he did replacements on two different 993s, one with B6 and mine with Classic struts, and the two incidents happened in a short period of time. And based on his first person perspective (he drove both cars after the installations), he concluded that the Classic ones are superior for street use. And this was not a new vs old comparison, it's a comparison of two new sets of struts on two different 993s. For me, it makes a good reference.
Whether you see the Classic struts as factory or not, for me it doesn't really matter. I didn't do it just for the name.
We don't see many reviews or comments on the Classic struts on this forum or others, so I thought I would share my humble views here, and hopefully anyone of interest would find this info of help.
Originally Posted by Ranger520
I went to the Bilstein site with the part number and couldn’t find the shocks for purchase, I would like to go this route. Would the M030 springs fit for a little lower ride height?
These are not offered as Bilstein items so I guess you won't find them on Bilstein site. The part numbers are Porsche numbers and you can refer to PET for further info. For M030, I think you have to go for the "Red" struts instead (different part numbers) Here I attached pics from PET for your quick info.
Thanks...I am planning to do the same on my C2. Did you change anything else?
Also curious about the cost for each of the parts and the labor.
Enjoy!
You are welcome.
Yes, I did give the rear suspension some refreshments...namely some wishbones and control arms (on required basis, so not all). And top mounts of the shocks as well.
I got the parts from Sunset. You can go to their website to check for price.
Very Nice! While, I replaced my original low mileage Monroe shocks with the B6. They definitely stiffened the ride but can't say harsh. Love that the replacements are painted much like the original Monroe's. The question is why didn't Porsche use the Bilstein's when they made our cars? No doubt it was the Accountant's who called those shots as it reduced their vehicle production costs. Now when we're buying replacement products from Porsche those same Accountant's are just fine with those being Bilstein.
Nice, Good information on the comparison, I wonder how they compare with the H&R Sport kits designed for street use? Seems they would be similar.
Wait a few months and somebody on eBay is going to make some of those nifty co-branded tri-color stickers and matching green paint to update their existing Bilstein shocks/struts. you know, like those Brembo branded plastic caliper covers for kids who want to give their cars a sporty look on the cheap.
Why? Just get the regular Bilsteins .... your paying extra for the Porsche Classic name and some green paint.
According to my mechanic, he did notice the difference between the Classic shocks and regular Bilstein B6 (he did both the replacements). I can't say it myself because I have not test driven the car with B6 newly fitted. Anyway, I did pay extra, but hopefully for something more than just name and paint in return.
OK- so you are "happy" and the stuff looks great...
How about an actual review? Cracks on the highway? Potholes? Cornering?
thanks...
Wasn't really trying to give a review. I have only done less than 50 miles I think, maybe later I come back with a review. As captioned, it's just my first impression. And yeah, I did yell "wow what a difference" when I was driving it back home from my indy. So yes, I am pretty happy.
I went to the Bilstein site with the part number and couldn’t find the shocks for purchase, I would like to go this route. Would the M030 springs fit for a little lower ride height?
If anyone is considering shocks replacement, I would definitely recommend factory ones.
To be clear these are not "Factory" shocks as they were never offered on new production 993 cars.
They are aftermarket ones branded Porsche so the aftermarket Porsche dealer network can access a very profitable parts segment and also be able to offer struts/dampers through their parts network at a premium price when they service a 993.
They may have a slightly different valving to make for a more compliant ride.
Unfortunately, we can only subjectively compare them as the manufacturers don't publish dampening data and most folks who replace struts/dampers are comparing their old failed ones to new so no matter what the brand a drastic improvement should be expected.
To be clear these are not "Factory" shocks as they were never offered on new production 993 cars.
They are aftermarket ones branded Porsche so the aftermarket Porsche dealer network can access a very profitable parts segment and also be able to offer struts/dampers through their parts network at a premium price when they service a 993.
They may have a slightly different valving to make for a more compliant ride.
Unfortunately, we can only subjectively compare them as the manufacturers don't publish dampening data and most folks who replace struts/dampers are comparing their old failed ones to new so no matter what the brand a drastic improvement should be expected.
Andy
Hi, Andy, thanks for your input and it's always good to have different views from other perspectives.
My perspective is largely based on my mechanic's comments. As mentioned earlier, he did replacements on two different 993s, one with B6 and mine with Classic struts, and the two incidents happened in a short period of time. And based on his first person perspective (he drove both cars after the installations), he concluded that the Classic ones are superior for street use. And this was not a new vs old comparison, it's a comparison of two new sets of struts on two different 993s. For me, it makes a good reference.
Whether you see the Classic struts as factory or not, for me it doesn't really matter. I didn't do it just for the name.
We don't see many reviews or comments on the Classic struts on this forum or others, so I thought I would share my humble views here, and hopefully anyone of interest would find this info of help.
Originally Posted by Ranger520
I went to the Bilstein site with the part number and couldn’t find the shocks for purchase, I would like to go this route. Would the M030 springs fit for a little lower ride height?
These are not offered as Bilstein items so I guess you won't find them on Bilstein site. The part numbers are Porsche numbers and you can refer to PET for further info. For M030, I think you have to go for the "Red" struts instead (different part numbers) Here I attached pics from PET for your quick info.
To be clear these are not "Factory" shocks as they were never offered on new production 993 cars.
They are aftermarket ones branded Porsche so the aftermarket Porsche dealer network can access a very profitable parts segment and also be able to offer struts/dampers through their parts network at a premium price when they service a 993.
Andy
And how does that differ from the "factory shocks" that were installed on our 993's originally? They were made by Porsche?
08-21-2020, 03:34 AM
993 Factory Shock by Porsche Classic/Bilstein installed - first impression
