Hi

Bonus time is next month and I'm trying to figure out what I want to go for. Currently I'm thinking of getting the Fister D mod done. And upgrading the springs to Eibachs to clear out that gap.

I'm a pretty hands on guy and do most everything myself. I know I can handle the muffler swap w/no sweat. So far I haven't found any DIYs on how to swap out the springs. I don't know what special tools I might need.

I've swapped out springs and shocks on other cars before. I think the trickiest thing I encountered was needing a ball joint separator. However I'm not sure if one is required for this job on my '96 997 C2 (stock, psm only). Also is there any special spring compressor required, or will a standard one I rent from the autoparts store be adequate?

Any pointers to other threads or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks, Derek

 

Looks or performance? If that latter, what improvements do you expect? dave

 

The modest reduction in height will improve looks more than performance. However I don't really expect any tremendous boost in cornering from a ~0.5" drop, by the same token I don't expect it to decrease my cornering ability either. Sounds like a win/win to me.

 

Good moves on both - lowering springs are not expensive and definitely gid rid of the 4x look. I had mine installed, but should be a DIY. Good luck, and send b & a pics.

 

Don't forget to have a proper alignment after doing the springs. I the that's why most people just opt to have a shop do the install.

 

Maybe have a shop compress/preload the spring for you. That's the biggest potential safety issue with this DIY. lMK if you do a write up and I'll post it on the DIY sticky.

 

The springs should be an easy DIY upgrade but just make sure you put all the parts back in the same order. There are some bearings that folks seem to forget or put in improperly that cause strange creaking and rattle noises.

This is what I think you should do:

<$2,500 Total DIY

1) B&W Short Shifter (Shifting Improvement) $250
2) Door Sills (Replace if all scratched up) $150
3) Lowering springs $350
4) Motor Mounts (Improves Shifting) $300
5) Fister D Mufflers (Great sound) $550 with Ceramic & Shipping
6) Third Radiator $300 with Gallon of Porsche Fluid

More Expensive DIY Other Upgrades:
(Other than the wheels and brake Rotors....sell your car and get a GTS IMHO)

1) Lightweight Brake Rotors $2000
2) Lightweight Wheels Forged $3000-8000
3) IPD $800
4) Cats $1000
5) Tune $1000
6) Full Exhaust $4000-5000 (Light Weight)
7) Headers $1000
8) Aero Kit

 

I have the same bug, this is what I currently have either on order or just arrived:

Fabspeed Maxflo Exhaust with Dual Tips - arrived
H&R Lowering Springs - arrived
OZ Superleggera III 19x8 and 19x11 - still waiting, been waiting for over a month now!

Shortly after:
LED taillights
GT3 rear bumper
B&W Short Shifter

Then I need a break..

 

It will look amazing for sure...

Didn't Tire Rack have the wheels in stock? Post some pictures when you're done.

 

Tire Rack said they did when i ordered. I then got an estimated ship date of two weeks then got one saying mid December. Still waiting...

I think I am going to lower it next week and install the exhaust myself later this week. I will post up some pics..

 

Get a set of H&R springs if you want to clear that wheel/fender gap. Get the Eibachs if you only want to clear it partially. About a half inch less drop as I recall it. May not sound like much but it's very noticeable, especially when you're on a mission with a certain result in mind.

 

Two questions: Where did you get the GT3 bumper and will the GT3 center exhaust fit?

 

I just did the Eibach's. they were just right for me. They tightened up the wheel clearance just right, and I like the uniform spacing around the tires now.

 

All about preference. Your car looks great and you're happy with it. That's all that matters. Just wanted to point out to the OP that there's about a 1/2" difference in drop between the Eibachs and the HRE's. Either one is a vast improvement over the stock stance as I see it.

 

Thanks SW... I get what you're saying, and I meant no judgement. I was only tossing in my $.02

I think that the HRE's create a terrific look, but I didn't want to risk my under carriage/front lip with all of the dips I have to traverse on a daily basis.

On the older 911's, they use the term 'ROW', (Rest of World), when referring to the ride height of the US models as compared to the Euro stance.