maxrod

Many have given me comments on the need to upgrade suspension, and the M030 has been talked about. What about the X74. It is $1500 more, and it says "race" suspension and presume this means adjustability. Then again the PSS9 or PSS10.

Plan to do the work myself other than the alignment.

Given that 1) want to lower car, 2) don't require much adjustability, 3) DE maybe once twice a year, 4) an autocross or 2, the M030 may be best bang for buck.

Thanks

Ray S

I have the x74 on my car and I've driven a standard US, US 030 and ROW 030 cars.

First, the x74 is a coilover, but it is not adjustable.

Here's my one sentence review of each

Standard US - High ride height, too soft
US 030 - High ride height, but stiffer
ROW 030 - Proper height and sports car stiffness. A great compromise of ride and handling. They should have delivered them all this way.
X74 - Almost a perfect ride height (I'd still like it a titch lower), but be very careful driving around if you have the aerokit (bumps and curbs will scrape if not driven with care). Suspension feels awesome and is super sharp (waaaaaay more lively than the other choices).......but (and it is a big one) it is very stiff. It suits me very well, but I suspect many may find it too harsh.

LiveNupe

If you do a search, you'll see that this issue has been discussed in the past. I think Ray provided a nice summary, but there's a lot of details that support his summary in the Rennlist archives.

To add another dimension to your dilemma, toss the 996 GT3 suspension in the mix. You'll find the GT3 guys who upgraded their suspensions to Motons, cup car parts, etc. will offer their take-offs at attractive prices. Since the 996 GT3 isn't current, there may not be as 996 GT3 take-off parts for sale as there were a few years ago, but I'm sure you can find the parts with patience. If you decide you want to go that route and you don't have the patience, you can always buy new parts from the factory. If you're looking to track your car on a regular basis but don't want to invest in Motons, etc., it comes down to "X74 vs. GT3 suspension".

juankimalo

I don't understand why to purchase an used suspension.
We are talking about Porsche and the security is a prime important question.
The shocks in all the cars begin to wear at 60.000 km but the problem is the users don't realize about the wear because It becomes very progressively

There some used Porsche parts you can buy, but I'll never buy a used suspension. Besides GT3 suspension doesn't match in all 996 models. Better to go with the proper kit. GT3 chassis is very different to C2 and though is based in C4, is different too

Ray advised you very good.

LiveNupe

juankimalo,
You present some good points that fall into 2 categories. 1) compatibility amongst the 996 variants 2) the virtues and compromises of buying new vs. used.

1) My suggestion of considering GT3 suspension parts assumes that the parts are being installed by a knowledgeable mechanic who understands Porsche suspensions and parts compatibility amongst the 996 variants. The fact that the OP is considering the X74 package implies that he owns a C2. If he doesn't own a C2 and/or doesn't understand what's compatible and what's not, I'd hope he's using a shop that does. I've read posts from several Rennlisters and personally know several guys who installed GT3 suspension bits on C2s and loved the results. As for my personal experience, I had GT3 control arms and anti-sway bars on my car and loved the results. Although I didn't go as far as installing the shocks and springs, several reputable shops have told me that the parts would match up nicely.

2) Buying used shocks may or may not make sense. I would certainly consider low mileage shocks. If I wasn’t looking to compete and didn’t place a premium on shaving the last 0.1 second off my lap times, I would certainly install take-offs from a low mileage car. I’d definitely pass on used shocks from a 80,000 mile car. But very few GT3’s have that kind of mileage. I’d guess that a lot of GT3 take-offs have less than 10k miles and very few more than 20k miles. I’d think these parts have a life expectancy of 60k-70k+ miles. If I can get a 50%+ discount on parts that are still in their prime, I’d go for it.

Everyone’s assessment of value is different. For someone who’s in the “money is no object” camp, this is a silly discussion. For someone who’s looking for value, I think it’s a worthwhile debate.

My $0.02

Dell,
Insert opinion here_____________________

Fissionx

I vote ($1200) ROW M030 or aftermarket; ($3000+) H&R coilovers with GT3 swaybars. IIRC the H&R 'street' coilover set-up is close spring rates to GT3, with proper shock valving. ROW M030 is by far the best bang/buck out there.

maxrod

looks to me that the ROW M030 is the best all around and according to many of you best price is thru SunCoast. However, if the right price becomes available for an x74 that will fit my 03 C4, then I might go after that. Then again I think I remember seeing PSS9 for around $1700.

Thanks again...

Barn996

Maxrod, did you try Sunset Porsche for pricing as well? Just a thought. GL.

Ray S

What model do you have (it does make a difference)?

I (and I suspect others) have been assuming you have a C2. Above you say you have an '03 C4 (a model that to the best of my knowledge Porsche never produced in the US market).

What year is your car?
If it is an '03, is it a C2 or C4S? Coupe or Cab?

juankimalo

Livenupe, as I can see, you have the M030 suspension in your 40 th (It was a stock factory for this special model.)
And, could you explain me how did you get the GT3 control arms installed?
I thought that they could fit in a C4 but not in C2.

Thanks for the info. I can see that I was in an error, and love this post for learning.

Could explain me the improves in the handling with GT3 control arms (before and after) ?

Did you find the front train less floating?




(excuse my english.)


I didn't know that Carrera 4 MY03 was not available for US market. In europe was very common



Joaquin

Ray S

After '01 Porsche dropped it from the US market.

juankimalo

Thanks Ray.
I had a look at The Essential Companion and that's ok

I read the book with interest but It's impossible to remember all the things.
Two years ago I wrote a 996 Buyers guide in spanish after a hard investigation and searching work. (sent to Loren renntech to be downloaded)

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...&showfile=1107

I could write it better with the pile of info from Adrian's book

chsu74

Is X74 available for C4s?

juankimalo

Yes but the option code is called X73
Lowers 2 cm from C4S RoW stock suspension

I drove one C4S with this option and It's fantastic. The only problem was the expossed front lip because had C4S aerokit
Not very harsh, not uncomfortable, I loved it.








Finally my friend decided to remove the C4S aerokit, because was too expossed to the road humps.
A good news: In Spain we have a new law: All the cities have to modify their urban humps at maximun 10 cm height (most of them pass this height)

Ray S

Yes, but it's called the x73. The C4S weighs considerably more than a narrow body 996. The x73 is designed for the C4S.