I have a 2000 996 C4 cab with 94k miles and I’m looking for suggestions on refreshing the suspension. I have no strut leaks or obvious major looseness but every pothole is an adventure. The car has always felt every bump in the road and mones and grones , but it’s getting worse. I don’t track it so I don’t need a racing suspension , just something to smooth out the rough ride. Any suggestions? Or is this just the way a 2000 996 cab should feel ? I recently drove a 2014 cayman on the same roads and the suspension feel was much calmer which is why I’m asking.
thanks.

 

Ohlins Road & Track. That may not be as smooth as you want, but it is not nearly as stiff as a track oriented suspension. The better dampers will make an improvement in smoothness, even with stiffer springs.

The other advantage is the damping is adjustable (rebound only, I think) and the ride height is also adjustable. Ohlins will also sell you alternate spring rates if you want something firmer or softer. Expect to spend about $2,500 to $3,000. You will need an alignment when done.

I installed mine myself, then had a shop perform the alignment. Keep in mind that I have a GT3, but Ohlins makes kits for the C4.

https://www.ohlins.com/product/road-...1999-2005-996/

 

I had my 2000 C2 Cab suspension completely refreshed using OEM parts. Wasn't cheap - over $7000, but the car drives like new. I had a lot of squeaks and groans and some body roll. That's all gone. If you're using the owners manual chart for tire pressure, drop down a few PSI - the ride will be noticeably softer. I'm using 33 front and 39 rear. But if your shocks are worn that won't help much.

 

Covered extensively recently:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...er-2021-a.html

Bushings:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...g-removal.html

Here's what I'm doing. I'm currently replacing most all of the suspension. I list specific parts at the end of post 1: coilovers, control arms, etc., and coilover comparison shopping in post 6.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-2004-c4s.html

Edit: If you have specific moans, groans, etc., then something is definitely loose, or worn out. Could be as simple as sway bar drop links, could be control arms bushings, or something else.

 

We’ll, I’m guessing you need new struts at a minimum. Most likely, all the bushings are shot and you need to replace them. Most replace the entire control arms, ball joints, and drop links.

How handy are you and what’s your budget?

 

I am pretty handy and can do all but the alignment. I also have a very good and relatively inexpensive indi who I would get an installation price from. Budget is not an issue ( not that I want to waste money)
I just know I don’t need a track suspension and would rather a little smoother ride with it still being Porsche ride.
I really appreciate everyone’s help.

 

I recently put Koni shocks/struts all around, keeping the original springs. This was my 2001 Carrera with 58K miles on her. I also did new drop links, everything else looked and felt pretty good for now. I am very happy with ride feel, it's stiff enough but not too "hoppy" when in town. The grip is very good when pushing the car around a bit too. I went with Koni for a couple of reasons, first they have a longstanding, positive reputation and second they were priced very reasonably.

 

I put Feal coilovers and Eibach sway bars along with replacing every suspension arm with new parts. I didn't use OE (Porsche branded), but they were OEM. Car drives like a dream. Night and day.

 

With the mileage on your car and stated intent, I’d suggest new struts vs coilovers. Either way, you’ll want to do a full suspension refresh. The FCP Euro control arm linked inside the post above (https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-2004-c4s.html) are what you need.

All of this, save for the alignment, can be done DIY pretty easily if you have the time.

I’m in the process of putting Koni Special Active struts on mine and I had similar objectives as you. They are highly regarded by the 993 community (used to be called FSD) and recommended by Gert from Carnewal. OEM or Bilstein are options too but the latter will be stiffer. Here’s some info on the Koni’s. https://www.koni.com/en-US/Cars/Products/Performance/Special-Active/

I don’t have experience with coilovers personally but I also don’t see anything in your posts that suggest you need or want them. Just my opinion.

 

Did you go with Koni Sport’s or Special Active?

 

It seems that back when I was looking to do this (probably 5 - 6 years ago, C4 but coupe not cab) Koni’s offerings were for C2 only... Maybe that has changed by now...

 

I believe that’s correct based on what I’ve read but I’m seeing fitments for the C4 and also Turbo models now.

 

If you plan on keeping the car a long time i would go with the Ohlins coilovers and replacing all suspension arms with Mahle arms or similar OEM parts (not porsche branded). I did this and the car handles amazing, its compliant and fun to drive. Makes the driving experience so much better in every way. Potholes are not a big issue.

 

+1 for Ohlins. You'll be surprised at how smooth it is when you dial down the dampers. I no longer brace for impact when hitting short and sharp bumps all over ****ty DC roads.

 

My 99 c2 groans, bobs, and weaves, but handles beautifully on the track or anytime I push it on the street. Multiple people with experience have said that my car’s 23 yr-old suspension is just fine.

So why the discrepancy? Are good shocks only really for Chicago-style roads (terrible roads)? Or would a refreshed suspension reveal the difference (better)?