Iceter

I'm looking for advice from those who have done these mods.

I am seriously considering lowering my '09 base cabriolet slightly. From reading previous threads, I think the Eibach lowering springs will give me the best ride with just enough lowering to look good and not require bump-steer modifications. This is solely for cosmetic reasons--I don't track the car and drive it almost daily.

My car has 75k miles on it and while I'm doing the springs, I'm considering replacing my shocks and front lower control arms. It's probably too early to do this maintenance, but if I'm going to have the struts out, I may as well do it now instead of doing it all over again in 20 or 30k miles. This is a typical situation where I am starting with one simple job and "while I'm at it" has taken over and it's quickly blossoming into a major R&R.

I am wondering if I should go with stock OE shocks and control arms, or is there a better, similarly-priced option that people have used?

Again, stock car, daily driver, no track use and I have no problems with how the car rides or handles. I'm also looking for advice on where to buy the parts.

DesmoSD

Since it's a stock car, daily driver and not going to the track, I would stick with OEM components. You have options and what you're trying to achieve. If you want to just lower it and maintain the OEM feel, I recommend going with Eibach lowering springs, new shocks and shock mounts. When you start changing things up, you'll have to dial it in; either yourself or at the shop.

http://www.rennline.com/Control-Arms/products/1269/

https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/SKU997FSM.html

jamesinger

I also recommend going with Eibach Springs. I have had them on almost every car I have owned since 1992. They are mellow and have never negatively affected any of my cars. Easy first "mod." Also, easy to take back to stock, and easy to sell if you do not like them.

sandwedge

If you're lowering just for a better looking stance I would go with H&R springs. I know.....lots of folks here saying the ride is to harsh and all that. I've driven 997's with stock springs, Eibach/Techart springs and H&R's and I'll be damned if I can tell the difference in ride quality between all of them. Maybe the H&R's are a tad bit firmer but to me, negligible and not even approaching the "unbearable" or "back breaking" ride some complain about. At a 1.25" drop compared to the 1" Eibach/Techart drop it's definitely the best looking drop if you want the flush look without looking slammed.

nwGTS

Jeremy Hazeltine

JQ911

I'm on Eibachs before and would have chosen H&Rs as my preference was having a significant drop. Depends if you want a conservative (Eibach) or more aggressive drop (H&R). I cannot compare ride quality but having H&Rs on my Benz w124 and BMW2002 I'd say it has identical firmness.

Wolfk

But by just barely, you will end up with rear toe adjustment maxed out and be on the higher side of max toe tolerance. If you care about rear tire wear, get a set of adjustable rear toe links and have your alignment shop adjust to the min toe tolerance and enjoy less rear tire wear. Now, there is plenty of toe adjustment in the factory front tie rod links, so you don't have to worry about the fronts.

ALEV8

sandwedge

If it's that extreme on the bad side for you I don't see how even stock springs will get you the relief you're looking for. Hate to say it but it sounds like you need a different car rather than just different suspension parts on what you're driving now.

808Bill

You need less rim and more rubber!

Mike5070

I'm using the stock shocks on my 997.2 Targa which are B4's I believe, installed the Eibach springs and found the ride better than the original springs. The rear toe came into 1/2 degree of spec. It now sits as the car should. Couldn't be happier 😁

Iceter

Thanks for the input so far, guys. My butt has become more sensitive to ride as I have gotten older, which is why I don't want to go lower than where the Eibachs will take me. I can tell the difference between the ride with my winter (18" Bridgestones) and summer (19" Hankooks) wheels and tires so I fully expect to notice some difference between the stock and lowered springs. I think I'm still young enough that lowering a inch or so won't beat me up too badly. The roads here are not awful and not great.

How about opinions on replacing the LCAs and sources for parts? I have ordered various parts from Suncoast, Sunset and Pelican for this car and had good experiences with all of them. If I go with OEM shocks and LCAs, it just boils down to cost and service. Anybody got any other suggestions?

ALEV8

zdeckich

Want to sell the lowering springs? Im local lol.