AOW162435

I have spent many an hour reading old posts regarding the various suspension options we have at our disposal. If all goes well with the PPI on Monday, I will be on my way to owning my first 993 (and finally filling that rumpled car cover). For the most part, the car is bone stock, and I'm itching to drop it slightly and bolt on a set of Turbo twists or MY02 rims. One thing at a time though (buy the car first).

My understanding is that the M030 coils offer a more 'sporting' ride, while the M033s offer a nearly stock feel - and yet both coils drop the car an equal amount. If paired with the Bilstein HD shocks (from Gert), the front can be adjusted down even more. If my intention is to drive the car on the street almost exclusively for the first year or so, which coil is the preferred replacement? I've had great service from Bilsteins in the past, so I am fairly confident that I'd use these.

Also, can one simply install a set of M030/M033 & Bilsteins and call it a day? Or is the swaybar and dropped links a mandatory upgrade? (I know that the car then needs a proper alignment/corner weighting, etc. For now, I'm just interested in the correct hardware.)

The intent was to ask a question - not to spew drivel ad nauseum. Hopefully the post makes sense. I would like to know which of the two set-ups would make the most sense for the intended purpose, how soon can one expect to source a complete kit, and is Gert's the preferred vendor for something like this?

Many, many thanks in advance!

Andreas

ceboyd

There is M030 USA and M030 Euro... both are sport versions but the Euro or ROW (rest of world) M030 is lower.


M033 EURO (or row) also lowers but very stock-like ride quality remains...



...Basicly, only USA bound 993s got a higher ride height.. so if you want it at the height as designed by Porsche in the first place, you need to get an ROW suspension (OEM non-usa m030 or m033)

AOW162435

Thanks. For mostly street use and touring, do you think the M030 coils are too stiff? I guess it all depends on the driver.

Andreas

Edward

Hi Andreas,

M030 USA is stiffer than stock, but same ride height.
M030 RoW is same spring rate as US M030, but sits at so-called "euro" ride height (~20mm lower, IIRC...check archives, but it's close).

M033 is not a US spring. It's only RoW since it results in the "euro" height, but at the regular (i.e. softer, non-sport) spring rate. Good for those who like their current ride compliance and don't want it any stiffer, but want to drop it from the US' SUV-height.

Any of the above springs are fine if you're planning on upgrading the shocks to the Bilstein HDs. Swaybars can be done at any time you like, and their installation does not affect the shocks, springs, alignment, or corner balance in any way so you can do that swap at your leisure (hint: look for them used as you can find great deals on them ).

If you're asking, though, I think the M033 is a waste of time/money. The RoW M030 is only slightly stiffer, and I have never met anyone who thinks it "ruined" the ride; it's just not that drastic a spring-rate change ...it's noticible, it's more effective in controlling body mov't, but not even close to approaching what I would call harsh. Of course, your roads and sensibilities will vary so maybe try and hitch a ride with a Rennlister in your hood to get a better feel of what's available.

And as for your last question, Gert enjoys a very good reputation here so you're in very good hands should you go with him. Hope this helps.

Edward

InTheAir

I'm getting antsy for the M030 RoW & Bilstein HD setup on my 96 cab. From the many threads I've read here, it sounds like this is a great combination for cabs, as opposed to the stiffer PSS9's.

Andreas, let us know how they turn out, if and when you do it.

ceboyd

If you want a nicer ride with M030 ROW, just leave in the stock sway bars instead of upgrading to the M030 sway bars IMHO...

I started with M030 ROW (euro).. but eventually upgraded to something else barely streetable since the car is now just a track beastie...

Dan V

I got the full RoW M030 + Bilstein HD, incl sway bars (from Carnewal), and it feels "perfect" to me,,, street/freeway only driving for me so far, daily commuter. I feel every bump and seam on the road, but it's not overbearing. Firm but not jarring. if it were any softer it wouldn't feel like a sports car to me.

Scott 1996 993c2

Hey Andreas -

I see you've already gathered some good advice above. For what its worth, I love the RoW M030 and Bilstein HD set-up that I had installed on my '96 cab just 1 month ago. The ride is much better and the car looks night and day different with the lower ride height. I also went with the M030 sways in the front and rear. One thing to consider is that the front sway is much easier to install while the front shocks and springs are out, while the rear sway bar is a pretty simple swap out. Enjoy that slope -- hang on!!

Scott

AOW162435

I think I need to start wearing crampons each time I log on to Rennlist!


Very good info - sounds like the M030 ROW set, coupled with Bilstein HD shocks, would make the most sense.

Andreas

Texas993

I agree with the positive comments on the ROW MO30 Springs/ Bilstein. But I might suggest you drive the car as it is for a while. You may appreciate it more when you get to know the "stock" set up including the failed Monroes.

Aren't I the same guy that suggested you drive by Steve's on Portland and get the upgrade?

It took me 9 months to upgrade mine, and it is like a new car. Kinda fun.

AOW162435

Patrick,
I think that was you.

I will certainly take some time (2,800 miles) to get a feel for the stock setup, but then it's time to gather parts!

Andreas

ed devinney

I'll add to the RoW M030 comments - had them on my previous 993, with SA M030 shocks and the ride actually improved over US M030. The RoW springs are progressive, so minor bumps aren't as pronounced. The new ride has the standard suspension, and I'll just have to save my pennies for a RoW/Bilstein setup.

Mark in Baltimore

I think you should cut to the chase, do not pass go and just get a set of Motons. They are very, very compliant and will be your eventual end-point after thirteen months anyway. You'll save a boat-load on alignments, corner balancing, etc. and have what you should have had all along.

If for some odd reason the CFO vetoes the Motons, go with the M030 springs. Knowing your history, I can't see you dissatisfied with a better handling car.