Just wondering what the essential (key) recommended modifications would be to improve general ride quality? Not talking about racing mods or anything like that. Thanks.

 

Hi David,
If your struts are designed for street use and no performance modifications have been made to your suspension bushings or strut mounts (hats).
and your struts are not failing the current configuration of your car's suspension should not be contributing to poor street comfort.
If you have 18-inch wheels and you switch them out for 17" or even 16" you will experience a dramatic improvement in comfort on public roads.
The 911 ran on 16" wheels for years, large wheels became a fashion statement for street-driven cars even though they are not the right thing for most drivers.
The very bottom of the below page discusses wheel size, comfort, and safety.
https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...sdom-page.html
Andy

 

Tell us more about your car. Is it on the original Monroe shocks? How many miles? Any other suspension modifications?

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Thanks pp000830 and fatmike.
1996; 76,000 miles. I presume they are the original shocks; if they are, next step?
Wheel size 18 inch.
I am getting front control arm bushings replaced so this would be a time to get other stuff done...

 

For mostly street use, I would start with 17" wheels and shocks like the Koni Special Actives ( used to be called FSD).

 

Agree with above recommendations. You may want to go with A/S tire that has a softer sidewall to assist in the ride (Tire Rack tire expert should be able to assist with advice). On my C4S the orig Monroe shocks were replaced by the Bilstein B6 F&R and the ride is smooth and controlled (not harsh).

 

Can you elaborate on improved ride quality? Are you looking for better handling? Is the car too mushy? Is the car too harsh? Does it dive under braking? Does the steering feel slow or does the car wander? I noticed you said quality not comfort so………

I think ride feel is subjective but its hard to share thoughts without understanding your goal. Could be as simple as a proper alignment or new tires or as much as a new or rebuilt steering rack and a myriad of suspension updates/upgrades. These are 25+ year old cars so for many the rubber suspension bits are just worn and tired.

 

Thanks, yes, good question, and I should've been more specific.
No problem with steering or handling as far as I can tell, just too harsh... every tiny bump... And I do recognize that it's a 26 year old 911.
Tires are good, alignment and balancing have been done.
Front control arm bushings are going to be replaced soon, or at least as soon as they arrive from Germany.
So I was wondering what else I might do at the time that the bushings get replaced.

 

This is a very common issue. The original Monroe shocks need to go. I bet this is 90% of your problem.

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The OEM Shock valving is very poor. Harsh and abrupt. I was shocked to find a friends car with PSS9's rode better than my OEM suspension.

Over the years I began to understand why. Not only is the PSS9/10 initial spring rate softer the valving is more sophisticated.

Along with the other shock recommendations I'd suggest pairing it with some progressive rate springs.

 

If you're considering changing down from the 18" wheels I would recommend 17's which typically run around 5psi lower than the 16's at 40psi.

 

This is great advice - do it first, and then take it from there as this may address your issue without needlessly spending money on rims/tires.

As for which shocks/springs to go with, I'd recommend doing a search as there are plenty of threads and differing opinions.

 

Hard for a neophyte to decide but would probably opt for Koni Special Actives.

 

Hi David,
If your struts are original they are a major contributing factor to poor ride.
Andy

 

So after deciding on the Koni shocks, the garage doing the work say they can only get Bilsteins so if I want Koni I have to buy them..