Leaking shock & upgrade question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
Leaking shock & upgrade question
My right rear shock has started leaking and "pops" a bit in corners or over a bump so I gues it's time to change them. I know there's lots of info in the archives but I had a few basic questions - service tech suggets Bilstein HD's and MO30 set up (about $1500 installed) - can I only do the shocks? Is this a DIY project (I am totally incompetent when it comes to mechanical projects without lots of hands on help)? I am driving about 9000 miles a year as a daily driver, no track or DEs, like to concours the car - still at stock SUV height - suggestions please and thanks in advance. 
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 4
From: Kauai, Hawaii
Peter,
If you can live with the present SUV height, HDs only is a viable option. If you desire a lower car by about an inch, the Row M030 is the way to go. Other than the $$$ for the springs, the cost will be the same for either route. My question is, why would you prefer the the stock height?
As far as DIY, if you are not confident about mechanical stuff, perhaps you should consider farming it out, unless you can find another enthusiast who has done this before and would be willing to guide you through it. That would be a great learning experience for you going that route.
Good luck... whatever you decide will result in a much better handling car.
If you can live with the present SUV height, HDs only is a viable option. If you desire a lower car by about an inch, the Row M030 is the way to go. Other than the $$$ for the springs, the cost will be the same for either route. My question is, why would you prefer the the stock height?
As far as DIY, if you are not confident about mechanical stuff, perhaps you should consider farming it out, unless you can find another enthusiast who has done this before and would be willing to guide you through it. That would be a great learning experience for you going that route.
Good luck... whatever you decide will result in a much better handling car.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 9,663
Likes: 557
From: Solana Beach, CA
Spare suspension for sale in PCA Mart
I talked to a chap name of Chuck today. He is selling a 993 suspension with about 30,000 miles on it. If you want to fix the car on the cheap...this could be a way to go....check out the classifieds on www.pca.org I believe you may have to be a PCA member to cruise the ads...or, call Chuck at 708 502 5537 He is in the Chicago area.
BTW, where do you get Bilstein HD and M030 installed for $1,500, I want to know. This is a real deal since the best price I have seen on Bilstein HDs is about $1,200 delivered and M03o springs are about $350....
schacht993@adelphia.net N. San Diego County
BTW, where do you get Bilstein HD and M030 installed for $1,500, I want to know. This is a real deal since the best price I have seen on Bilstein HDs is about $1,200 delivered and M03o springs are about $350....
schacht993@adelphia.net N. San Diego County
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 1
From: Sunny So. Cal.
Originally Posted by Dudley
You can always update the shocks now and go with upgraded sway bars and lowering springs later on.
You could however do the springs, shocks and alignment now. Then sway bars later without having to redo the alignment.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 4
From: Kauai, Hawaii
Originally Posted by 97Targa
If you don't do the springs when you do the shocks you'll be paying for a 2nd alignment if/when you go back and swap the springs.
Then sway bars later without having to redo the alignment.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 8
From: Shrewsbury MA
Craig is correct. If you decide to change the springs later on, you will have to pay for another alignment. IMHO, I don't beieve everyone has to go to "RS" height immediately. I am 1.25 inches lower than stock and it is a pain in the a** at times, especially when it comes to service and frost heaves. If you are not aggressively tracking your car, I would think twice about how low you really need to go. 
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
I do like the lower ride height and I am leaning toward doing the hocks and springs now. I have no frost heaves to worry about and a limited number of speed bumps - just need to keep up with the I15 traffic going to SD. I am verifying the price with the shop that does my work. Thanks for the input and I may take Chris Warlord up on his offer to help me do the work in his garage - this is a great place! 
Happy Channukah and Merry Christmas to you all.
Happy Channukah and Merry Christmas to you all.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve
Verdad Gallardo
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence
Verdad Gallardo
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First
Joe Kucinski
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!
Michael S. Palmer
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build
Verdad Gallardo
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile
Joe Kucinski
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap
Joe Kucinski
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes
Verdad Gallardo
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
The total installed price including a new alignment is $2100 for the HD's, MO30 springs, labor and the aforementioned alignment. Seems about right as the four wheel alignment is usually about $225. May be a little less if they can get a better price on the shocks. This is moving my "cost to drive/mile" way up but is also an investment in the future miles I plan to drive the car. Does this count as part of the slippery slope? My wife says "okay" - so she gets a surprise 60th birthday party! Holidays greetings and best to all!
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 4
From: Kauai, Hawaii
Peter,
I assume it's RoW m030 springs and not the US versions, correct?
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...highlight=mo33
That is an excellent price for the completed package... care to divulge the shop's name?
I assume it's RoW m030 springs and not the US versions, correct?
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...highlight=mo33
That is an excellent price for the completed package... care to divulge the shop's name?
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 9,663
Likes: 557
From: Solana Beach, CA
Prices
I have been seeing the Bilstein HDs for about $1,200, springs new at about $400...already at $1,600, plus alignment and corner balance...seem like a good price to me. Let the guy make a few bucks to stay in business.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
ski resorts in Europe?
i am seeking advice not on p-cars this time but from fellow rennlisters on ski resorts . I am planning a ski holiday in France/Switzerland this xmas and will have to make up my mind in a hurry...
Which one of the following would you recommend?
Courchevel -france
Meribel - france
Charmonix - france
St. Moritz - switzerland
i am only of intermediate level, and would like to ski for 6 to 7 days. Any hotels close to the ski lifts you would recommend. I am not after very expensive hotels but something similar to the hotels in Whislter/Blackcomb .....
Thanks in advance
. I am planning a ski holiday in France/Switzerland this xmas and will have to make up my mind in a hurry...Which one of the following would you recommend?
Courchevel -france
Meribel - france
Charmonix - france
St. Moritz - switzerland
i am only of intermediate level, and would like to ski for 6 to 7 days. Any hotels close to the ski lifts you would recommend. I am not after very expensive hotels but something similar to the hotels in Whislter/Blackcomb .....
Thanks in advance