Hi all. After lurking on Rennlist for years, I finally joined. I can finally ask a question and maybe contribute occasionally.

Just picked up a new to me 1996 C4S (21,000 mi) to replace my e46 M3. I want to lower the car a bit for looks and improve handling but not at the cost of a decent street compliant ride as this car will primarily be used as an occasional commute and weekend car. Is the PSS9 setup too aggressive for the street? I want it to be stiffer, but not as stiff as a car set up for the track exclusively.

BTW, has anyone experienced an oil leak from the engine mounted oil filter (being too tight)? I have a leak that looks like it is coming from the filter. The engine is dry at the oil return tubes and everywhere else in the vicinity, except that the bottom and sides of the filter are wet. It looks like it may only leak under pressure. I tightened it with an oil filter wrench, but it was already pretty darn tight, maybe too tight. If it still leaks, I'll change the oil (only 2000 miles) and start over. I was sure to leave the engine under tray off the car. Do you guys leave the transmission under tray on?

Thanks.

 

Kurt,

As far as PSS9s for the street, I highly recommend them. I drive them on full soft on the street and love the ride. It is stiffer than stock, but I believe they are what this car was supposed to feel like.

I stiffen them up for the track and they work well there too.

Enjoy,

Skip

 

Unless you'll be driving on very rough surfaces, then I believe the PSS9 is a good compromise. you'll be able to accomplish your goal of lowering the car and maintaining good ride quality (and corner balance the car as well)....set the adjustable shocks at their softest setting.

Cooz 95C2 with PSS9

 

Thanks Skip, I agree that the stock suspension is way to soft even for the street.

One more question for you guys if you don't mind. Do all C4Ss have limited slip + ABD from the factory? When I turn one rear wheel, the other goes in the opposite direction indicating an open diff. I was under the impression that they all had limited slip unlike the C2Ss/C2s which I know this was an option for. Also, there is no option 220(?) indicating this under the boot.

 

you don't need to drain or change the oil just to replace the 2nd oil filter. It should not leak oil even if its too tight so long as the oil seal is not split or crushed, as was with my car - prior mech. must of over torqued it on.

if you just want to lower the car without the ability to adjustable shocks... I would go with HR set up from Gert. I believe its less costly than the PSS-9 system.

 

pss9 would be a great setup. I agree with George - if you're simply looking for a significantly better setup than stock, HR or Bilstein HD w/ ROW M030 will be great and save a $1k.

 

Kurt, dont be too alarmed at this as many 993's with LSD will spin the other wheel the opposite direction with car in neutral. If the car is in gear (e-brake off), the other tire HAS to spin the opposite direction, (unless your turning the engine over) LSD or not.

The LSD Porsche used for the 993's typically have a habit of losing their preload quickly, more so for those of us who have the two-plate iteration LSD. Dont worry too much about it, the LSD will still function, just not as well as one with proper preload..

 

Thanks Chris. But do you hapen to know if it is true that all C4Ss came with limited slip despite the fact that I do not have the code on the back side of the boot?

 

I am going through a similar situation only that I live in Chicago (very bad roads) and track the car. I am between PSS9 or Bilstein HD. What are M030 springs? Are they H&R? How much do they lower an already factory lowered C2S? How is the ride?

 

Softright - I believe all the C4S, C4, and Turbos came with Limited slip, therefore it wouldn't be a separate option code.

adgamis - when you say a factory lowered suspension, what are you referring to. The US suspensions (standard or M030) are at the same ride height. Unless the car was a ROW (Rest of World) spec car, the heights are all the same. When people say the M030 many times they are referring to the ROW M030 suspension which is the sport suspension that the rest of the world got with the 993. The ROW M030 lowers the car about 3/4" to 1" from the US ride height. More information about the suspension options can be found on Gert's site: www.carnewal.com

-Skip

 

agdamis - M030 are factory springs. US M030 are regular height springs from the US sport package. ROW M030 will provide a lowered ride height. There are about a million posts on the topic of suspension preferences.

 

I have a Carrera S, I thought they are a little lower and a little stiffer from the factory?? Is this the sport suspension code named M030. Is the Euro M030 lower than the US M030. If we establish that I have the US M030 sport package will a new set of Bilstein HD's to the trick? Is there an adjustable sport strut/shock that can be used with the existing springs.

 

No, I don't think Carerra S is any lower. Yes, sport suspension should show up as 030. You do know where you can find your option codes, don't you? Euro M030, or ROW (rest of world) M030, is lower than US M030. If you have the us sport package, putting bilstein HDs will enhance your ride but not lower the car at all. If you want to lower the car you will need to change out the springe to either ROW M030, H&R, Eibach or go full coil-over with Bilstein PSS9s.

Viken actually did a nice write-up on his conversion to M030 on p-car.com. Check that out. There is a lot of info there on these points exactly. Also, do the search. You will be rewarded.

Don't forget that alignment and corner balance is not cheap so if you can swing it, you should to all at once or pay twice.

 

Oh year, register as a member, you will be rewarded...

 

ROW M030 is lower than US (has to do with BS safety regs here in the US!!!). The ROW M030 springs are very good quality and I am quite happy with mine. People that don't go for the Pss9 package usually pick b/w the ROW M030, H&R or Eibach. People on this board have differing opinions as to the quality of each of these springs. My personal preference is for either the M030 or H&R (which drop the car a bit lower than the M030). Eibach would be last as a preference for me, though many people on this board are very satisfied with Eibach.
i don't think you can go wrong with any of these when coupled with the Bilstein HD - awesome dampers.