I agree with this, my non-race stock aero 996 is ok/solid up to 140mph on the track. I had the same unstable feeling (above 80mph) as you had when I bought the car. Changes that improved the situation dramatically-->Vogtland lowering springs, New RS3 tires with careful tire pressure adjustment, and finally GT3 lower control arms.

 

Ratchet, thanks for insight. How is noise, vibration, harsh ride with the lowering springs? I want some level of performance but won't be tracking the car. As such, don't want a back breaking ride (this is my daily driver). Any insight is appreciated...think bilstein but open to suggestions.

 

I would separate the modifications...

Fr/Rr Lowering springs, and already had Bilsteins from previous owner-->Ride was good or even better (more controlled), no change in noise or other issues. Handling and steering improved, high speed stability dramatically improved.

Tarett front camber plates, Tarett front drop links, GT3 Lower Arms with Monoball bushings-->Ride is fine, there is a significant mechanical sound from your suspension at low speeds. I personally like this sound, but some are surprised by the metal on metal noises. This will dramatically improve your steering feel and yaw response.

Really good tires (I picked the RS3s), +10mm tire width, and a good alignment-->Transformation will be complete.

Of course, there are many other good modifications that will gain further improvement. I would go slow and try the feeling of the changes until you are satisfied.

 

For a street car that you want to be just a bit sportier/tighter feeling and a touch lower, the RoW M030 suspension with M030 sways is a hard combo to beat.

 

Hi James - I have them on my 03 996 turbo. They are stiff, but that's not a surprise as they publish the spring rates (448/672 for the turbo) unlike most companies so you know what you're getting. You'd have to call them to find out where they get their parts since I know they build each system themselves including welding up the mounting and they service them for a fair cost, too.

 

'99 - K sport with solid top hats
'00 - Bilstein with rubber top hats
turbo - Bilstein with rubber top hats

Rubber top hats and Bilstein felt like a stock ride to me, but the cars handled great. The solid top hats were my favorite for feel though.

 

I installed the H&R sporto spring with Bilstein B8 shocks/struts and Tarrett monoball camber plates/topmounts in front, stock topmounts in the rear. Amazing difference in handling/ride comfort. My stock shocks were shot, as were the stock front topmounts. I got a 1" drop, and have since put H&R adjustable sways and Tarrett adjustable drop links... The whole package really transforms the car.

 

So what happens at 147 mph? You get blasted back (or ahead) in time?

 

Gets scared and backs off on the throttle!

 

So, I've got PSS10 Bilstein coilovers (installed by previous owner). Not sure if there are any other mods, but there are no receipts for any. Toyo tires with good tread.

This happens to me as well. At about 85-90, the tires feel less firmly planted. The steering wheel doesn't shake exactly, but it seems more inclined to need adjustment. From what I'm hearing, I should look at redoing which parts of the suspension (tie rods, swaybars, etc.)? If it needs an different spoiler, I'm going to have to live with it.

 

Seems like the loose front end phenomenon is a thing I wasn't formerly aware of despite all my research. But, looks overcomable. The advice on what to do helps too. Trying to find right mix between better ride and daily driver acceptable (aka not tracking so no harshness/vibration).

Bilstein seems to be answer as I get the feeling some options run harsh even if they make it tighter

 

I think most of the loose front end feeling is coming from worn 15 year old suspension components.

I just went through it all with my 50k mile turbo. Lots of little things adding up to the loose feel. I'm certain that the car will be ok with a new OEM suspension.

 

^^ That, and a lot of folks aren't used to the way a 911 feels when it starts to go fast, which means the front end does get lighter as speed increases.

 

Possibly Murphy's law, though I owned a BMW m3 prior and never felt that front end lift at speed. Not sure why it's more prominent on the 996 (I've also driven a lot of other sports cars)

 

Don't know... by then it is time to enter Turn 1.