kdh

Anyone have any M033 shocks they either don't need or bought by mistake?

I'll either buy outright or swap for a set of Bilstein HD's with extra threads and 2000 miles old.

I'm in the UK but don't let that put you off.

Many thanks, Kim

1pcarnut

What about the HDs did you not care for? Just curious.

kdh

I've tried and I've tried and I've tried...BUT...hand on heart, on the roads that I drive on every day in the UK, with my wife and my son in the back, the HD's are over-dampened and make for an uncomfortable ride, even with M033 springs and lower tyre pressures.

Yes, the ride height is very nice. Yes, on smooth roads they are perfect and the car corners like on rails.

But...in the real world of driving on roads that are more like donkey tracks, the HD's are not for me and I'm going to go back to the softest suspension available.
And before you ask, I do not want a Lexus.

Having said all that, (which wasn't meant to sound aggressive), the HD's are good shocks and probably very good on the track, but just not for a 50-year old with a young family.

deadhead1960

My independent shop feels the same way. He strongly recommends either H&R's if the car is mostly street driven or PSS10's if combination street/track. He said the "progressive" shock, which both of these are, are far superior to a "linear" shock such as the HD's. Tons of threads on the topic but he convinced me.

1pcarnut

Pretty much the answer I was expecting. My experience with them on my previous 993 was that they were harsh. I'm happier with the new stock Monroes that came with my current car.

Rinty

Kim:

If you can't find the shocks, consider installing Koni FSD's. They'll give you a nice ride, with good cornering. And your HD's should be easy to sell.

kdh

Thanks Rinty.

The problem with FSD's is that they are not compatible with the M033 lowering springs that I already have on the car. Which is a shame because I like the sound of them...and the price.

cheers, Kim

Rinty

Kim:

They will work with M033s; I have the combination on my car; and there are a few others here who have installed them.

But you can check with Gert at Carnewal.

[you were up early!]

Stealth 993

Call Sunset Motors in Portland, they were running a M033 kit special for like $750.

ppashley

Funny you should post that. Have been thinking the same thing. I have MO33 springs with HDs, and the ride (I am in London) is waaaay too firm, and juddery.

Ironically, they were selling the whole MO33 kit at a massive discount about 18 months ago but now the prices are back up again.

I am about 1.5k miles on my HDs, and this is one decision i regret.

Let me know how you get on.

Phil

MM993

I spoke to Sunset about a week ago regarding the M033 special and they are now sold out. I had my chance for a while and blew it!!!

Stealth 993

That sucks! You can get the M030 setup, it really is not a harsh ride at all, it's only a few hundred more from FD Motorsports.

kdh

Rinty, I'd appreciate a side-on view of your car showing the ride height if you had one please.

kdh

Hi Phil. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
The plot thickens with all this suspension stuff - everyone has a different opinion and it's all a bit subjective.

The latest news I've found out is that Standard Shocks combined with M033 Springs will lower the car and give a comfortable ride in just the same way as M033 shocks will. So why Porsche bothered to even make M033 shocks is a mystery.

Koni FSD's will keep the ride height the same as M033 or Standard Shocks when coupled with M033 Springs but will be slightly firmer in ride than standard, although no-one can say by how much. 'Slightly Firmer' may be too firm for us and another expensive mistake and installation bill on the way.

I'm leaning towards putting standard Monroe shocks back on with the M033 Springs and be done with it. That's as close to standard spec as is possible. It looks like still being over £1500.

csmab

I have just installed M033 Springs and Koni FSD shocks and they are a great match up as others have indicated. Very compliant ride. Before and after pics in my rennlist Album.