bambam993

I contacted my dealership parts department about ordering a complete factory M030 package to replace my finely aged original 96 C2 US stock suspension. The springs, sway bars, bushings, and links are likely many years old while the Monroe shocks would probably only be a couple of years old. No way to tell until they actually show up and we check production stickers. I figured this would be the case.

Question is, is the Bilstein shock substitute I see many people using entirely a driver preference or is it also partly due to the age of the available factory Monroes?

CaptainGSR

Everybody says that the monroes don't last very long. It seems to be the main reason for the Bilsteins. At least that's what I found on this forum.

I think the car should be lower with the bilsteins too. Unless you get the ROW M030 package.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

Anyway, order from sunset, it will be much cheaper. It's also a dealership.

Van1

Unless you are looking to upgrade to M030 because you want to, I submit that springs and sways you have will last the life of the car under normal conditions. Shocks do wear out. Opinion on mileage and age varies.

mike993c2s

Agree totally with Johan. The stock Monroes don't last very long..... with the Bilstein HD's, you can also adjust the ride height to your desired level. A good combo would be Bilstein HD's with ROW M030 springs and sways - this will run you about two grand. I recommend that you chat with ViperBob before pulling the trigger.

Wilder

Unless you want to upgrade to thicker sways, there's nothing wrong with the ones you have. Monroe's are crap that should've never been put on a Porsche and the stock SUV height is ridiculous and hideous...unless they are the RoW M030. A much better alternative is Blistein HDs with RoW M030 springs. You'll never have to do suspension again as long as you own the car and they are height-adjustable. Do a search...this topic has been covered ad nauseum.

matt777

That is true but if you read the archives there are some who complained that the HD's were harsh with smaller road imperfections. So now the dilemma is HD's or spend another $700 for PSS10s. I joined the local Porsche club in hopes of meeting other 993 owners who have gone through this but have had no luck so far as Boxster and Cayman owners are the primary participants.

Wilder

The search can be global...type "suspension" or "shocks".

Good point though...after you do a search for all available options, the best way to determine what's right for you is to find 993 owners local to you either through RL or PCA who have upgraded their suspension and are willing to take you on a ride-along.

My experience is as follows:

Stock = garbage
RoW M030 = excellent ride and height but shorter life (~60k mi maybe) and not adjustable.
HD/RoW M030 = probably cheaper than RoW M030 but high quality, adjustable though true...it's not plush, not that it should be though.
PSS9s = best of all worlds but most expensive street option.

I would be tempted to try KW.

TAI2

Is the M033 + Monroes between the Stock and RoW M030? Thanks.

mike993c2s

Matt, I did the same search here before I went with the PSS10s. My justification for the extra $700 is that I do take the car to the track and I like the adjustibility. Besides, I plan on keeping the car for a long time, so the extra money is well worth it.

matt777

We have no track around here so adjustability is probably overkill. I was just trying to determine if I would be happy with the HDs as it seems that the stock units are not a very good option.

mike993c2s

I agree that PSS10s may be a bit overkill for just street use. But getting back to your original question, I have been very happy with the PSS10s overall. In fact, it soaks up the smaller bumps really well. Unfortunately, I can't give you any real world impression of the HDs.....

Ed Burdell

I did HD/RoW M030 this spring and found no issue with ride comfort. Stiffer, yes, more communicative, yes, vastly preferable to stock setup, yes.