996.1 C2 suspension refresh recommendations

[ScottMc91]

hi All,

I've not posted on this forum for a long time but still proud owner of my 996.1 Carrera which i've had since 2009!

It has had a pretty easy life and is now approaching 70k miles (around 40k of which has been with me over the last 15yrs).
Before winter set in i had the full front end resprayed to sort out the stone chips which have accumulated and the car now looks perfect so i'm now keen to sort out the suspension as the next step.

I would think that at a minimum i will need to replace the lower coffin arms and 'tuning forks' but not sure if it is worth getting OEM parts or aftermarket and there seems to be conflicting information online about what is best (Last time I changed them i had OEM ones fitted at a specialist) - i would be keen to get some first hand experience on that and what else i should look to replace while i'm there.

I wish i had bought an M030 kit from my dealer years ago when they were cheap but i think the price of those has gone through the roof - is there an aftermarket alternative? I don't really want to have the car any lower as its an aero kit and the front splitter already catches speed bumps if i'm not careful.

any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Turkish]

I did a comprehensive renewal of the suspension on my 996.1 c2 a couple of years ago and went for complete replacement with spyder performance arms (all) and Ohlins R&T with reduced spring rates and it has been great. Obviously a massive improvement over worn out stock components. I also replaced roll bar bushes with poly ones and fitted adjustable tie rods and drop links and would highly recommend. Brings a 25yr old car much, much closer to the current crop.

 

[sim996]

B8's and H&R springs will bring it to MO ride height and are a matched setup and well proven.

I fitted the polybush coffin arms.

 

[photek]

In addition to all the advice above, don't forget to replace the engine and gearbox mounts - both quite cheap and easy to do. I fitted and highly recommend the 964/993 RS engine mounts from Type911 : link

One more, only suspension related in so far as it's connected to the LCA... 997 GT3 front brake cooling ducts (16 quid...) link

Oh, the shock top mounts probably also need replacing..

 

[Indischrot]

In addition to all the advice above, don't forget to replace the engine and gearbox mounts - both quite cheap and easy to do. I fitted and highly recommend the 964/993 RS engine mounts from Type911 : link

One more, only suspension related in so far as it's connected to the LCA... 997 GT3 front brake cooling ducts (16 quid...) link

Oh, the shock top mounts probably also need replacing..

Which brand of gearbox mounts did you go for?

 

[sim996]

Can I just advise against any "uprated" components with rose joints. They'll be noisy, and harsh for road use and offer zero noticeable improvement.

 

[photek]

Which brand of gearbox mounts did you go for?

I have a 996 turbo, so I think the mount is different to the non-turbo cars (maybe the same on C4 & c4s?).

I bought this from partworks.de, although it was a lot cheaper when I bought it...

 

[ScottMc91]

In addition to all the advice above, don't forget to replace the engine and gearbox mounts - both quite cheap and easy to do. I fitted and highly recommend the 964/993 RS engine mounts from Type911 : link

One more, only suspension related in so far as it's connected to the LCA... 997 GT3 front brake cooling ducts (16 quid...) link

Oh, the shock top mounts probably also need replacing..

thanks i had wondered about doing the engine mounts but was put off uprated/aftermarket ones as i heard it introduced too much vibration in the cockpit? assume you've not had any issues with that. will check out those brake ducts thats a great idea.

 

[ScottMc91]

B8's and H&R springs will bring it to MO ride height and are a matched setup and well proven.

I fitted the polybush coffin arms.

sounds good - is it worth getting the roll bars done too or is this unnecessary?

 

[sim996]

sounds good - is it worth getting the roll bars done too or is this unnecessary?

I wouldn't bother myself.

 

[photek]

thanks i had wondered about doing the engine mounts but was put off uprated/aftermarket ones as i heard it introduced too much vibration in the cockpit? assume you've not had any issues with that. will check out those brake ducts thats a great idea.

The RS mounts definitely don't introduce too much NVH, I honestly can't recommend them highly enough - they will also help the gear shifting.

 

[Mallone]

I found the RS engine mounts were a huge improvement on their own, highly recommended and no issues with cabin NVH, but when paired with a poly bushed gearbox mount it all become far too harsh.

I endured for maybe 50 miles before I pulled the gearbox one back out. I'd suggest doing one or the other.

 

[sim996]

I used torque solutions engine mounts in my build.

Porsche Engine Mount Kit

Porsche Engine Mount Kit

www.torquesolution.com

 

[ndg]

I've put 964RS mounts in my C2 (with standard transmission mount). There is a degradation in NVH, notably at ~3200rpm, but also a general increase across the rev range. My biggest bug bear is that it has increased the number of bits of trim in the cabin that now tizz so I need to pull it apart and put squeak tape on the back of everything. I have a Savanna Beige interior though and the anti-soiling coatings for light leather are more prone to squeak and rattle than those used with black leather so YMMV.

All the above said though, the improvement in turn in response is worth it for me - the old mounts had enough lateral compliance that you could turn in and 0.2 of a second later you'd feel the engine settle against the snubber. That feeling has gone with 964 mounts. N.B. My comparison is between new 964RS mounts and very used OE mounts, new mounts would probably be a lot better. What you should go for depends on how you use the car - weekend B road and track use , go for the 964 or RSS mounts; Cruising about on A roads and to shows or as a daily I'd probably go for the OE hydro mounts.

On suspension - I used a full set of Spyder Performance links and I'm happy with them, no issues in the 7-8k I've done over the last couple of years.

 

[JM30]

Regards Suspension Kit I used Koni sport suspension kit 30mm and 40mm drop options H&R springs come supplied with this kit too, similar drop to M030 Kit I believe. Nice bit of kit for £1300 adjustable damping but fixed drop. not harsh at all on the road (can be adjusted) nice drop not too low I had these fitted to both my C2's along with new tuning forks and coffin arms.