stickypatch

My car is a ROW 1994 C2 - I use it as a daily driver and it's got the M029 springs on it as far as I can tell.

I'd appreciate any feedback on this - I'm poised to make an order in the next day or two.

nile13

What's important to you? If it's purely a daily driver - M033 is probably a better option.

stickypatch

It's a daily driver, but I do plan to do the DE days with the NZ Porsche Club.

Also, I'm not bothered by a harder ride going on what it's like at the moment. I've lived with a much harder ride before this on an Audi S4 (B6) and I wouldn't mind a harder ride especially given how much better it will be when I go on spirited drives.

MielsOnWheels

Based on your comments, Bilstein HD/M030 sounds like it would be a good choice, and its a very popular upgrade choice among RL'ers

stickypatch

I'm tending toward the M030 springs at the moment. I understand H&R make the car lower but are a slightly softer ride. I've also read in my searches on the forum that the close coils at the ends of the springs are often noisy.

But what makes some choose H&R over M030?

MielsOnWheels

I can't speak for all, but I think the Bilstein/M033 or M030 seems to be a more "traditional" upgrade. I think the H&R's are fine, but they will lower the car more than the 030/033 springs. It just seems that most go with the 030/033 vs the H&R, but that may be just my perception.

nile13

B6 S4 is downright supple compared to HDs with on a 993. After owning 993s with HD with both H&R and M030 I agree with more advanced souls here in saying that HDs are just valved wrong for either of these springs. Oh, and i have no idea what they are valved properly for.

Above conclusion is brought to you by my kidneys used to a 1000 kg Miata on 14kg/9kg springs. You know what? Miata is _much_ more supple and compliant on the street due to properly valved shocks.

But if you are only choosing from HDs, H&Rs and M030, go with M030. The ride is overly firn but not bone crunching. It's just not doing the car or handling any favors. If you have a chance to re-valve HDs by someone who knows what they are doing, I'd definitely recommend that.

nile13

BTW, either spring will lower your car depending on where you set your Bilstein's collars. So disregard lower/higher. We are talking about coilovers here.

stickypatch

So what about Koni - are they reliable? Or is the only good choice the PSS10s or other coilover system?

I'm not sure there's the expertise in my little corner of the world to re-valve the HDs - do I need a Porsche 993 expert? Or would a motorsport specialist shop be the place to go?

In the end, the Bilstein HDs are a budget driven choice for me. Here's the choice:

Either a set of PSS10s by themselves

OR

Bilstein HDs
Springs
Front control arm bushings
Cup Strut Tower Brace
Front protection bar
RS engine mounts
Kinematic setting tool.

Virtually the same price for each choice (within about $50).

nile13

I haven't met a Koni shock that had lasted more than two years. So can't comment on that. But Koni Yellows are very good shocks. I like them on my cars other than longevity. Also many here like new Koni FSD - I don't have first hand experience with them.

There was a very recent discussion on re-valving Bilsteins, like a week ago. Bilstein USA in San Diego, apparently, can re-valve them. I think they'd be a very good choice once re-valved but I'm not sure of the extra cost. My guess is $100 per shock or so?

stickypatch

This would make the Monroes very reliable by comparison.

P-track

I have the H&R with Bilsteins, mainly because I wanted a ride height slightly above RS. According to Gert the H&R's are better suited for lowering below ROW Sport height.

Very happy with the ride, still comfortable enough for those old cobblestone roads in Amsterdam but good for trackdays as well.

CarreraX

I would go with PSS10's if they are in your budget. Best of both worlds hands down.

RonCT

Honestly, I think you are looking at the wrong combination for the use you plan.

Koni FSD and M033 springs. Lower ride height, well matched shocks / springs. I paid a total of about $1200 for the combination through Tire Rack (shocks) and Sunset (springs) here in the states. Felt that was good value.

bart1

My Koni Sport (yellow adjustables) lasted forever on my 968.

I know Jeep folks used to get Bilsteins revalved out in CA. I forget the guys name, but he was pretty tight in the Jeep community and everybody was really pleased that did it. Like on our cars, the Bilsteins came over valved for the TJs.