Audidude

Considering H&R lowering springs and Bilstein B8 Sport Shock replacement for my 996.2 C2. It's done 40,000mi on OEM setup.

I want a streetable result (this is NOT a track car) but as I'm used to race settings in my ITR, and have a Megane RS, harder is not a huge problem for me.

Should I be rather, considering coilovers instead?
Haven't fully researched yet so not sure of price difference...

Thanks

ejdoherty911

Sounds like H&R Street Performance coilovers would be a great option for you. I have them and I'm happy with them. If you can afford to spend $1000 - $2500 above that price point there are many wonderful options but maybe more than you need. If you do a search you will find the information you want.

dporto

I ran into a similar dilemma when I did my suspension. Whatever you think the cost is going to be, add 20% or so, for extra parts/tools/labor etc. I was figuring about $12 - $1500.00 for a H&R/Bilstein B8 setup and wound up going a bit over $2k by the time I was done (new camber plates, top bearings, various hardware etc.) and I did all the work myself. Don't forget that an alignment is going to run you between $250 - $400. In my case, the "adjustability" and added expense of the coil-overs just didn't make sense. I suppose if you want to track the car it might...Good luck

NYoutftr

+1

Audidude

Thanks for the advice guys.
Have decided to go with H&R lowering springs and Bilstein B8s.
Coilovers clearly give you options for ride height and damper settings, but as I'm not tracking this car more than very occasionally (I have other track options), it seems like a sensible compromise for street use, particularly as the coilovers were significantly more $$$

Seen a few pics of 996s with this combo and the ride height looks perfect - removes those SUV-like gaps above the tires of the standard setup!

mp2day

I do HPDE my car. While doing a major engine rebuild I decided to do a suspension refresh as well. I chose the PSS10's based on lots of feedback. The comment about "budget for an extra 20% is excellent advice. When my installer got into the project he found other parts that really needed to be replaced. PSS10's, sways, install, corner balance & alignment... wasn't cheap... but on the other hand - FIRST thing I noticed in getting the car back was not how powerful the new LNE 4.0 was, but how much BETTER the suspension was. Overall, despite the $, I'm glad I did it. Still haven't tracked the new suspension.

Mike Mullins

Just what I was looking for, a little firmer, lot lower -1.25", Back end feels a lot better.
Didn't need to replace any other components but was prepared to if needed.

Mine had similar mileage at 31K miles so it wasn't worn out or anything, but the new setup does give that confident feeling in a turn, it sticks.

Wish I had some Michelin's now instead of the Conti's

Maybe next year....

Mike

Audidude

Got the car back today after the fit (H&R lowering, B8s). 25mm drop.

It looks perfect - lost that on-stilts SUV-like look (yes I'm exaggerating, to make a point), but the best part is the improvement in handling.

Much less roll, perfectly damped, better turn-in - much more a cornering-on-rails feel to the drive - and yet the ride quality has not been degraded as much as I expected. It's firmer, but by no means hard - good one Bilstein!!

Pics tomorrow when the sun comes out...

Mike Mullins

Bilstein B8's w H&R Sport Springs, I also changed out the Rear Sway bar to H&R Adjustable set on middle setting and with all three changes, it tracks fantastic. I was worried that there might be alignment issues but local shop knew 996's and dialed it in for what I wanted. Minimal tire wear, but useful at AX's or DE's.

I have some spacers coming which I hope everything will fit as expected.

Car feels great. Can't wait to slide in a new 997 shifter I just got for install this weekend.



Mike

Jnelso

I installed B-8s with H&R springs and sway bars, didnt want to mess with corner weights and height adjustments. Ive run a couple of track events and very happy with the results. Firm ride on the street but not to harsh. I originally installed the frt struts with AM lemfoerder strut mounts, having trouble with alignment so I ordered a set of Tarrett camber plates.

Audidude

vitaminC

Looks great! Next stop: wheel spacers

Audidude

Already talking to my mech....

dporto

And Michelins... Just sayin'.... The car looks great - and I'm sure it rides and handles great too !!!~

TonyTwoBags

I have an 03 C2 with the same wheels & 15mm ECS spacers fit beautifully on all 4 corners. They're not the cheapest spacers, but quality seems good. I'm on OEM suspension, so not apples to apples. Planning to do Eibach springs or coilovers if my budget improves by the time the work is done.