Can anyone provide feedback regarding how much stiffer the ROW M030 is than the US stock suspension? Considering the upgrade (and maybe some spacers while I'm at it) for my c4 daily driver. Thanks!

 

I wouldn't say stiffer as much as I would say more planted (less floaty).

 

Good upgrade, I did the same. Agree with Dell, it doesn't rattle your teeth but is noticeably more stable.

 

It is not stiff, but rather firmer and more planted. I highly recommend the ROW M030 as it is the design reference suspension for the 996.

 

Between 8% and 36% stiffer than US sport, which is also stiffer than US stock, depending on the component you are talking about. Read HERE: http://www.pca.org/panorama/sample_article_3.html.

Last table in the article comparing US Sport vs. ROW:


-td

 

Perfect. Thanks!

 

When I got my ROW M030 installed, and was driving it for the first time, I was totally amazed at how it felt. I guess I was expecting it to be uncomfortable or bone jarring or something. It felt great, and actually felt more comfortable. It was more planted, and the floatiness was gone - it was a complete transformation for the better, in every category. I wish I had done it earlier.

I had hesitated doing it before, because I hate cars that are soooo stiff that they lose their comfort. I drive my car every day, over various road surfaces, and wasn't willing to make it overly stiff and lose it's comfort. I couldn't be happier with the upgrade.

 

Do you use different alignment specs with the ROW M030?

 

ROW 030 is a great suspension... I have it on my C2 for 5 years now and I love it... it greatly increases the performance quotient of the car that's for sure... planted smooth... not as much lean in the corners.... for every day its the perfect compromise in suspension.... but if you mainly go over rutted and pothole laden roads... stock is more comfortable.

 

Initially I had mine set up to the euro specs, but that put a lot of rear camber that ate the insides of the rear tires up in just 15K miles. I reset it to US specs and now the rear tire mileage is back to 22-23K miles.

The handling is a little less crisp, but not 7K miles of tire life bad.

 

Great article, thanks for the link!

 

I have a C4 cab too. Love the ROW M030 and the spacers. Don't hesitate.

 

Thank you all for the feedback! Called for a couple estimates on the install today. Will see how it goes. Any recs on size of spacers for a 99 c4 cab with 18" turbo twists?

 

8" and 10" widths, I used 7mm spacers all the way around. Just be careful if you get bigger than that (on the front in particular). You'll need hubcentric.

-td

 

what's the ballpark cost for install?