I have a stock suspension currently, and am already scraping some areas due to the new bumper I just installed. I have this question - I recently bought the H&R Sport Springs and was going to install them - after talking with my oil change guy at Porsche he said that it is low enough and would really give it a bumpier ride, and ultimately I wouldn't like it as much as the current set up. I already complain about the Minnesota roads being too bumpy as it is....I can already feel everything pretty good.

I guess I am looking for feedback from people who have put the Springs on - is it REALLY that much bumpier once the Springs are installed? Does it REALLY drop it 1 full inch? Just curious - I am now thinking I might sell the H&R springs and skip this mod!

Thanks!

 

Yes, the H&R springs do drop the car 1 inch and they give a bumpier ride for your application if you can already feel every bump.

 

<raises hand>
IF.... it comes to selling the H&R set up I would be interested....

 

PM sent, however I would like to hear some more opinions at this point - pretty sure I am going to opt not to put the springs on!

 

On the ride side It's not a drastic difference in ride quality from stock to the H&R's...and if you've already got the M030 package on your car the published spring rates for are almost the same for the H&R's. The dampers may be in a slightly different area of the curve which could make the ride a bit stiffer but I'd bet you hardly tell a difference at all. Here are the published spring rates for comparison sake. At most you're looking at an increase of 30lb/in front and 60lb/in rear. To put things in comparison I've currently got 915lb/in rear springs on my car and my wife daily drives it more than me and doesn't complain about the ride. My car Had H&R springs on the US M030 dampers for the first 5000 miles that I owned it before I switched to a more serious setup. The H&R's were too close to stock for me.

Stock rates 146 F / 203 R
M030 rates (ROW AND US) 170 F / 260 R
H&R Springs (progressive) 170-210 F / 230-260 R

As for the bumper clearance. Have you tried adjusting your driving style to address scraping issues to make sure you're taking all big transitions at an angle? I'm below GT3 ride height with the Aero I front bumper and splitter on there and never have rubbing issues as long as I'm aware of my surroundings and take transitions at an angle.

**I'll put a disclaimer out there though. Everyone has a difference in what they feel is acceptable when it comes to NVH. What is acceptable for me may not be for you.**

Andy

 

Interesting thoughts - thanks for the write-up! Sure helps to see those numbers when contimplating what to do...

 

Another thing is that I was hoping to be able to drive it this winter, but that would require winter tires and wheels...more $!

If I choose to lower the car, my guess is that I would basically be putting it to bed all winter since the snow can get pretty high here in Minnesota...

 

so not to jack this post, the info will help him if he wants to do the job too...

What all is required for this job (ie... springs only and go, or do you need new struts and sway bars, drop links yadda yadda)
second, how hard is the swap, (ie... a weekend in the garage, or take it down and spend money at the indy shop, and how much aprox?)
both of these bits of info would be helpful to have...
Thanks for your time!!

PS PM Reply sent ....

 

To do the spring swap...all you need is the springs as they're a direct replacement for the stockers.

If you've got access to a spring compressor (you can "borrow" them from most AutoZone's and Advanced Auto stores) and a pretty standard selection of tools you can do the spring swap yourself. Probably a 4-5 hour job on your own. There's a good write-up over on Renntech for the M030 install that will give you the basics on how the suspension comes apart and goes back into the car.

Car will need an allignment no matter what when you're finished so don't forget to account for that spending.

Andy

 

and it lowers it about an inch from stock... That sounds good. I am sure there will be added "bump" factor but that is not an issue for me, the wife however already gets "tired" when riding ini the car, so she is not part of my equation

 

What is it that you are trying to accomplish?

yes, the springs will drop the car and stiffen it up as well... also it will decrease the life of your damper (shocks)...

Its not really advised to install the springs, because there are handling issues with this. You are lowering the car, which shortens the shock travel, and compresses the shocks...so with just a little bump, the shock tries to push back to its normal position, which is higher than the lowered height then it comes back and rests at the lower ride height. So the shock compresses on bump hit, then EXPANDS back to STOCK ride height and the settles on lowered ride height. Its called the Pogo effect and it does it very fast, and creates a floating feeling in the front end especially on high speed corners....its not confidence inspiring. So the key is to get shocks and springs designed to lower cars.

 

In my research you're correct on the stock non sport shocks, but I think guys with the M030 shocks will be fine. I tracked mine for the whole first year I had it on the stock M030's and H&R springs and never had any ill effects. I was actually suprised at how well the car did with a pretty simple setup under it.

 

Yes, I can confirm that it's fine with M030 shocks - no floatiness issue here!

 

How is the ride? Bumpy?

Also, how might I find what shocks I currently have? Not sure I have the non-sport or sport stock shocks...but people have commented that the car sits a bit low already...?

 

Color'd dots on the springs, shocks and sway bars should tell you. but I can't remember which color for the life of me. Green maybe. Do a search and you should be able to find out pretty easily.