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Old 11-06-2009, 10:56 AM
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MAGK944
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Default Need New Shocks - Advise Please

My shocks are shot so I am looking at upgrades, with springs also, for this road only car. It's a 2000 with stock 18in wheels and I have no problem with a stiffer ride. I did a quick search and found that this is a popular choice:

F&R Bilstein HD shocks with stiffer and 1.25in lowered H&R springs.

A few questions:

1. Any other "better" options that I should think about?
2. Bilstein HD or Sport? They seem similarly priced, what is the difference?
3. Who has the best prices?
4. Anyone have a slightly used set lying around?

TIA, Mike
.
Old 11-06-2009, 11:09 AM
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Patrick E
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You should probably do a search for items like "x74", "ROW M030", "PSS9 (or 10)", or "suspension mods". Lots of great threads on these topics in the past.

For what it's worth, my car has a similar setup to what you're thinking - I've got GT3 sways, H&R springs and Bilstein Sports. I like it because my car sees double duty between track and road, but I think most people would find this arrangement too stiff. If you're thinking Bilsteins for road use only, I'd go with the HDs, which are not nearly as firm as the Sports.

For street use only, lots of people have found the ROW M030 to be a good option, with one benefit being that it's all Porsche parts. Others really like the PSS9 (now 10s). As I said, do a search and if possible ride in some cars with different suspensions.
Old 11-06-2009, 11:13 AM
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soverystout
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I have always found this site as the best prices.
I orders a set of HDs for my Mazda. Nobody could touch them for price.

I am not affiliated or endorsing blah blah blah.

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?M...tein&SubChar=Q
Old 11-06-2009, 11:20 AM
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RallyJon
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Unlike with the 993, the 996 dampers (or at least the M030 versions) seem to be decent quality. I wouldn't hesitate to replace my stock suspension with OE parts if and when it wears out.

Bilsteins have a very irritating street ride. The low speed damping is too soft and the high speed damping is too stiff, so they crash over small bumps and still wallow too much when pushed hard.
Old 11-06-2009, 12:47 PM
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himself
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Originally Posted by MAGK944
My shocks are shot so I am looking at upgrades, with springs also, for this road only car. It's a 2000 with stock 18in wheels and I have no problem with a stiffer ride. I did a quick search and found that this is a popular choice:

F&R Bilstein HD shocks with stiffer and 1.25in lowered H&R springs.

A few questions:

1. Any other "better" options that I should think about?
2. Bilstein HD or Sport? They seem similarly priced, what is the difference?
3. Who has the best prices?
4. Anyone have a slightly used set lying around?

TIA, Mike
.
If you don't want to upgrade, I have a whole stock suspension - front and rear: shocks, springs (and sway bars if you wante them) - that I will sell it to you CHEAP. They came off my 2000 996, so I KNOW they will fit your 2000 996. They were in great working order when removed, and I will guarantee that the shocks are not dead.

Say $150 shipped to your door? Just let me know. Price is negotiable if you are really in a bind, but I think $150 for a whole suspension is a decent deal.

-td
Old 11-06-2009, 02:12 PM
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jrgordonsenior
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I will be removing and selling my almost new (4 race weekends) PSS10's with 700/900 Swift springs. We moved the spec to 2-way JRZ's as they made us (996Spec) an incredible deal.

The shocks were revalved by Bilstein before they left the factory to accomodate the spring rates. I paid $ 2,500 for the shocks, $600 to Bilstein to revalve, and $ 400. for Swift springs. I also have the longer Tarett drop links with shock collars. Available somertime next week, I have no idea what to ask....
Old 11-06-2009, 03:43 PM
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medtech
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Originally Posted by jrgordonsenior
I will be removing and selling my almost new (4 race weekends) PSS10's with 700/900 Swift springs. We moved the spec to 2-way JRZ's as they made us (996Spec) an incredible deal.

The shocks were revalved by Bilstein before they left the factory to accomodate the spring rates. I paid $ 2,500 for the shocks, $600 to Bilstein to revalve, and $ 400. for Swift springs. I also have the longer Tarett drop links with shock collars. Available somertime next week, I have no idea what to ask....
JR,

How do you think ur set-up would work on my 05 C4S?
I will be on the street only.

Aaron
Old 11-06-2009, 05:07 PM
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skiracer
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I also have a complete MY2002 OEM stock suspension w/ only 25k miles on it, and I'd part w/ it cheap! PM me if interested.

Last edited by skiracer; 11-06-2009 at 05:08 PM. Reason: forgot year
Old 11-07-2009, 04:17 AM
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BuddyK
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I have a dumb question, but I'd like to know how to evaluate your existing shocks on a 911.

On a typical sedan, like an old Crown Victoria for instance, I would push down on the body and see if there is any bouncing - but on my 1999 C4, I don't think I would notice anything like bouncing even if they were shot. So how can I evaluate them?

Curious to know. I think my shocks are fine, but, I autocross and drive year round on bumpy crap roads.

Thanks if you can advise!
Old 11-07-2009, 08:17 AM
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JDSStudios
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Originally Posted by BuddyK
I have a dumb question, but I'd like to know how to evaluate your existing shocks on a 911.

On a typical sedan, like an old Crown Victoria for instance, I would push down on the body and see if there is any bouncing - but on my 1999 C4, I don't think I would notice anything like bouncing even if they were shot. So how can I evaluate them?
Curious to know. I think my shocks are fine, but, I autocross and drive year round on bumpy crap roads.

Thanks if you can advise!
+1
Old 11-07-2009, 09:57 PM
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RallyJon
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Easiest way is to drive through a big wallow, or over a crest or small yump. You'll know. If it settles right down, they're fine. If you get a big butt clench, you need new dampers.
Old 11-08-2009, 12:55 AM
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Lerxst
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I switched over to RoW M030s with 40K miles on the stock suspension. I found it a huge improvement for the bumpy streets here, autox, and occaisional light track duty. I found the best price at Sunset Imports.
Old 11-08-2009, 01:27 PM
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george996
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I really like my pss9s, adjustable dampening and ride height are great features. Soft dampening for around town and firm for auto-x and track. I also like playing with the ride height and am able to dial in exactly what I like.
Old 11-08-2009, 01:34 PM
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sparks259
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street use=m030, good street ride
street/trac use=x74 w/gt3 sways, stiff street ride, ok for occasional track
all oem parts.
other than oem, anything goes.
Old 11-08-2009, 01:36 PM
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garrett376
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I have a stock 02 C2 suspension (springs, shocks, sways with 93,000 miles on it) ... free with pickup in San Diego! My local dealer said the 996 shocks are in need of replacement if they leak, otherwise keep 'em.

JR's suspension won't be too street friendly I'd imagine! Euro M030 is great on the street, and does OK on track if you like feeling like you're wrestling a buffalo due to the slow weight transfer, and given how fast JR can pass me mid-sweeper/corner I'd say they don't hold a candle to his current offering for track duty!


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