Suspension Refresh: Ohlins R&T
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Suspension Refresh: Ohlins R&T
[EDIT: Results along with Before and After pics posted below]
Since the first day I picked up my 996tt about 4 years ago, I have both appreciated that it is the best handling car I have ever owned, and at the same time known that it could be better. In my ham-like fists, I have always felt that it leans, squats and dives a bit more than expected. With that said, once the body moves into position after a transition it has an incredibly sold feel with tenacious grip, but there is just a moment there where it seems to float a bit. It also feels like it crashes through harsh road surfaces more than it should, although it handles smooth but undulating surfaces incredibly well. Aesthetically, I certainly have always thought that it sits just a little too high on its chassis. With this in mind and 20 years and 60k miles behind it, I have been planning to refresh the suspension. Although I think a new OE setup would be an improvement, I really want to address the ride height, so that option is out. I have strongly considered sourcing a ROW setup (perhaps swapping the OE ROW dampers for some Bilsteins) from Gert at Carnewal. But in the end, the reviews and impressions I read here about both the Bilstein PSS10 and Ohlns R&T convinced me that they are worth the incremental upcharge from the ROW setup, and the hit I might take on resale.
I just took the plunge, and bought an Ohlins Road & Track kit plus Tarett Engineering drop links. This was largely based on the overwhelming reviews I read here, and also some consultation with two local Porsche mechanics (I should say, THE two local Porsche mechanics, as there aren't a whole lot of options here in Montana). It arrived last week, and it's being installed as we speak. I've written much more about my thought process here:
https://www.revogarage.com/911-996-o...lover-install/
and I've posted some "before" pics along with some pics of the components pre-install, below. Once I have the car back, I'll update with "after" pics and some impressions. Hope this thread ends up being a good resource for anyone considering a suspension mod.
Before
Mmmm, shiny.
Beer and suspension mods, like PB&J
Stock/OE ride height on winter wheel setup: 18 inch Forgestar F14 with 8 inch front and 10 inch rear and custom offset, Bridgestone Blizzak LM 35, 235 up front and 275 in the rear.
Front wheel gap with OE suspension
Rear wheel gap with OE suspension
Since the first day I picked up my 996tt about 4 years ago, I have both appreciated that it is the best handling car I have ever owned, and at the same time known that it could be better. In my ham-like fists, I have always felt that it leans, squats and dives a bit more than expected. With that said, once the body moves into position after a transition it has an incredibly sold feel with tenacious grip, but there is just a moment there where it seems to float a bit. It also feels like it crashes through harsh road surfaces more than it should, although it handles smooth but undulating surfaces incredibly well. Aesthetically, I certainly have always thought that it sits just a little too high on its chassis. With this in mind and 20 years and 60k miles behind it, I have been planning to refresh the suspension. Although I think a new OE setup would be an improvement, I really want to address the ride height, so that option is out. I have strongly considered sourcing a ROW setup (perhaps swapping the OE ROW dampers for some Bilsteins) from Gert at Carnewal. But in the end, the reviews and impressions I read here about both the Bilstein PSS10 and Ohlns R&T convinced me that they are worth the incremental upcharge from the ROW setup, and the hit I might take on resale.
I just took the plunge, and bought an Ohlins Road & Track kit plus Tarett Engineering drop links. This was largely based on the overwhelming reviews I read here, and also some consultation with two local Porsche mechanics (I should say, THE two local Porsche mechanics, as there aren't a whole lot of options here in Montana). It arrived last week, and it's being installed as we speak. I've written much more about my thought process here:
https://www.revogarage.com/911-996-o...lover-install/
and I've posted some "before" pics along with some pics of the components pre-install, below. Once I have the car back, I'll update with "after" pics and some impressions. Hope this thread ends up being a good resource for anyone considering a suspension mod.
Before
Mmmm, shiny.
Beer and suspension mods, like PB&J
Stock/OE ride height on winter wheel setup: 18 inch Forgestar F14 with 8 inch front and 10 inch rear and custom offset, Bridgestone Blizzak LM 35, 235 up front and 275 in the rear.
Front wheel gap with OE suspension
Rear wheel gap with OE suspension
Last edited by Rustler; 08-04-2020 at 01:08 PM.
The following users liked this post:
kamlung (02-26-2020)
#2
Pro
Looks great! Awaiting the follow up...
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Excellent. I can't wait to see (and feel) the results. It'll be a little bit of a tease, because the roads around here will be pretty bad for another month or two and the Blizzacks are pretty squirmy on dry pavement (and don't balance as well as the summer tires). Anyway, works almost done, and I'll follow-up with "after pictures" shortly.
#5
Three Wheelin'
looking forward to the after pics, esp. since we're 'twinning'
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Look at that, Seal Grey with black interior and Forgestar F14s, we certainly are twinning. It's not the most adventurous color combo, but I must say I think it suits these cars really well. I love the way seal grey can go from almost silver to a deep gunmetal color depending on the surface. Work is done, I'll post "after" pics and my impressions as soon as I have a bit of time...
The following users liked this post:
Road King (02-27-2020)
#7
Trending Topics
#8
Three Wheelin'
Pacific Power Motorsports is one the better known local shops, they're in Walnut Creek.
https://pacificpowermotorsports.com/
There's several break/fix shops around, but for something custom I'd give them a shout.
#10
A very good friend of mine is a certified auto mechanic that left to start his own shop. He has experience working on Porsches and has worked on mine. If you are interested in a quote, you can call and mention "Mike" with the 01 Speed yellow Turbo refereed you . If you want to meet up to chat as well we can do a soft introduction.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/daly-city-a...er-daly-city-2
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
Glad @rsvmiller got some info on a local install, I feel like that's what these posts are all about!
The install is complete, and I've had time to have some pics taken and update my thoughts. I'm thrilled with results, both the driving dynamics and the new stance. Check out more about this project here: https://www.revogarage.com/oh-oh-ohlins/
And here are some pics:
Stance after installing Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers
Stance after installing Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers
The install is complete, and I've had time to have some pics taken and update my thoughts. I'm thrilled with results, both the driving dynamics and the new stance. Check out more about this project here: https://www.revogarage.com/oh-oh-ohlins/
And here are some pics:
Stance after installing Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers
Stance after installing Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers
The following 2 users liked this post by Rustler:
masti99 (04-10-2020),
TheDeckMan (03-03-2020)
#13
Instructor
Thread Starter
That, my friend, is Montana Gold, sometimes referred to around here as "Cold Smoke." (When it's actually cold out, that is).
#14
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Looks great!