Need New Shocks - Advise Please

MAGK944 · 11-06-2009, 11:56 AM

My shocks are shot so I am looking at upgrades, with springs also, for this road only car. It's a 2000 with stock 18in wheels and I have no problem with a stiffer ride. I did a quick search and found that this is a popular choice:

F&R Bilstein HD shocks with stiffer and 1.25in lowered H&R springs.

A few questions:

1. Any other "better" options that I should think about?
2. Bilstein HD or Sport? They seem similarly priced, what is the difference?
3. Who has the best prices?
4. Anyone have a slightly used set lying around?

TIA, Mike
.

Patrick E · 11-06-2009, 12:09 PM

You should probably do a search for items like "x74", "ROW M030", "PSS9 (or 10)", or "suspension mods". Lots of great threads on these topics in the past.

For what it's worth, my car has a similar setup to what you're thinking - I've got GT3 sways, H&R springs and Bilstein Sports. I like it because my car sees double duty between track and road, but I think most people would find this arrangement too stiff. If you're thinking Bilsteins for road use only, I'd go with the HDs, which are not nearly as firm as the Sports.

For street use only, lots of people have found the ROW M030 to be a good option, with one benefit being that it's all Porsche parts. Others really like the PSS9 (now 10s). As I said, do a search and if possible ride in some cars with different suspensions.

soverystout · 11-06-2009, 12:13 PM

I have always found this site as the best prices.
I orders a set of HDs for my Mazda. Nobody could touch them for price.

I am not affiliated or endorsing blah blah blah.

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?M...tein&SubChar=Q

RallyJon · 11-06-2009, 12:20 PM

Unlike with the 993, the 996 dampers (or at least the M030 versions) seem to be decent quality. I wouldn't hesitate to replace my stock suspension with OE parts if and when it wears out.

Bilsteins have a very irritating street ride. The low speed damping is too soft and the high speed damping is too stiff, so they crash over small bumps and still wallow too much when pushed hard.

himself · 11-06-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAGK944

My shocks are shot so I am looking at upgrades, with springs also, for this road only car. It's a 2000 with stock 18in wheels and I have no problem with a stiffer ride. I did a quick search and found that this is a popular choice:

F&R Bilstein HD shocks with stiffer and 1.25in lowered H&R springs.

A few questions:

1. Any other "better" options that I should think about?
2. Bilstein HD or Sport? They seem similarly priced, what is the difference?
3. Who has the best prices?
4. Anyone have a slightly used set lying around?

TIA, Mike
.

If you don't want to upgrade, I have a whole stock suspension - front and rear: shocks, springs (and sway bars if you wante them) - that I will sell it to you CHEAP. They came off my 2000 996, so I KNOW they will fit your 2000 996. They were in great working order when removed, and I will guarantee that the shocks are not dead.

Say $150 shipped to your door? Just let me know. Price is negotiable if you are really in a bind, but I think $150 for a whole suspension is a decent deal.

-td

jrgordonsenior · 11-06-2009, 03:12 PM

I will be removing and selling my almost new (4 race weekends) PSS10's with 700/900 Swift springs. We moved the spec to 2-way JRZ's as they made us (996Spec) an incredible deal.

The shocks were revalved by Bilstein before they left the factory to accomodate the spring rates. I paid $ 2,500 for the shocks, $600 to Bilstein to revalve, and $ 400. for Swift springs. I also have the longer Tarett drop links with shock collars. Available somertime next week, I have no idea what to ask....

medtech · 11-06-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrgordonsenior

I will be removing and selling my almost new (4 race weekends) PSS10's with 700/900 Swift springs. We moved the spec to 2-way JRZ's as they made us (996Spec) an incredible deal.

The shocks were revalved by Bilstein before they left the factory to accomodate the spring rates. I paid $ 2,500 for the shocks, $600 to Bilstein to revalve, and $ 400. for Swift springs. I also have the longer Tarett drop links with shock collars. Available somertime next week, I have no idea what to ask....

JR,

How do you think ur set-up would work on my 05 C4S?
I will be on the street only.

Aaron

skiracer · 11-06-2009, 06:07 PM

I also have a complete MY2002 OEM stock suspension w/ only 25k miles on it, and I'd part w/ it cheap! PM me if interested.

BuddyK · 11-07-2009, 05:17 AM

I have a dumb question, but I'd like to know how to evaluate your existing shocks on a 911.

On a typical sedan, like an old Crown Victoria for instance, I would push down on the body and see if there is any bouncing - but on my 1999 C4, I don't think I would notice anything like bouncing even if they were shot. So how can I evaluate them?

Curious to know. I think my shocks are fine, but, I autocross and drive year round on bumpy crap roads.

Thanks if you can advise!

JDSStudios · 11-07-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyK

I have a dumb question, but I'd like to know how to evaluate your existing shocks on a 911.

On a typical sedan, like an old Crown Victoria for instance, I would push down on the body and see if there is any bouncing - but on my 1999 C4, I don't think I would notice anything like bouncing even if they were shot. So how can I evaluate them?
Curious to know. I think my shocks are fine, but, I autocross and drive year round on bumpy crap roads.

Thanks if you can advise!

+1

RallyJon · 11-07-2009, 10:57 PM

Easiest way is to drive through a big wallow, or over a crest or small yump. You'll know. If it settles right down, they're fine. If you get a big butt clench, you need new dampers.

Lerxst · 11-08-2009, 01:55 AM

I switched over to RoW M030s with 40K miles on the stock suspension. I found it a huge improvement for the bumpy streets here, autox, and occaisional light track duty. I found the best price at Sunset Imports.

george996 · 11-08-2009, 02:27 PM

I really like my pss9s, adjustable dampening and ride height are great features. Soft dampening for around town and firm for auto-x and track. I also like playing with the ride height and am able to dial in exactly what I like.

sparks259 · 11-08-2009, 02:34 PM

street use=m030, good street ride
street/trac use=x74 w/gt3 sways, stiff street ride, ok for occasional track
all oem parts.
other than oem, anything goes.

garrett376 · 11-08-2009, 02:36 PM

I have a stock 02 C2 suspension (springs, shocks, sways with 93,000 miles on it) ... free with pickup in San Diego! My local dealer said the 996 shocks are in need of replacement if they leak, otherwise keep 'em.

JR's suspension won't be too street friendly I'd imagine! Euro M030 is great on the street, and does OK on track if you like feeling like you're wrestling a buffalo due to the slow weight transfer, and given how fast JR can pass me mid-sweeper/corner I'd say they don't hold a candle to his current offering for track duty!

11-06-2009, 11:56 AM	#1
MAGK944 Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 1,415	Need New Shocks - Advise Please My shocks are shot so I am looking at upgrades, with springs also, for this road only car. It's a 2000 with stock 18in wheels and I have no problem with a stiffer ride. I did a quick search and found that this is a popular choice: F&R Bilstein HD shocks with stiffer and 1.25in lowered H&R springs. A few questions: 1. Any other "better" options that I should think about? 2. Bilstein HD or Sport? They seem similarly priced, what is the difference? 3. Who has the best prices? 4. Anyone have a slightly used set lying around? TIA, Mike . __________________ Mike & Gina Rennlist Members #070719-6918 & #080718-9060 Our Fleet: 1986 951 (x2), 1986 944, 2000 996, 2002 325Ci

11-06-2009, 12:09 PM	#2
Patrick E Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 751	You should probably do a search for items like "x74", "ROW M030", "PSS9 (or 10)", or "suspension mods". Lots of great threads on these topics in the past. For what it's worth, my car has a similar setup to what you're thinking - I've got GT3 sways, H&R springs and Bilstein Sports. I like it because my car sees double duty between track and road, but I think most people would find this arrangement too stiff. If you're thinking Bilsteins for road use only, I'd go with the HDs, which are not nearly as firm as the Sports. For street use only, lots of people have found the ROW M030 to be a good option, with one benefit being that it's all Porsche parts. Others really like the PSS9 (now 10s). As I said, do a search and if possible ride in some cars with different suspensions. __________________ '02 Carrera 2 '03 Jag. S-Type R Previous - '87 911, '85.5 944

11-06-2009, 12:13 PM	#3
soverystout Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: The First State Posts: 131	I have always found this site as the best prices. I orders a set of HDs for my Mazda. Nobody could touch them for price. I am not affiliated or endorsing blah blah blah. http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?M...tein&SubChar=Q __________________ 03 996 6spd Cpe satin silver/metropol blue w PSE,Sport Design wheels, Alum/lthr shifter and parking brk,power comfort seats with heat,lumbar and supple leather,Bose,colored crests,Bi-xenons and PSM DD - 06 Mazdaspeed6 GT Titanium Grey/Black

11-06-2009, 12:20 PM	#4
RallyJon Weathergirl Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: SE PA Posts: 4,527	Unlike with the 993, the 996 dampers (or at least the M030 versions) seem to be decent quality. I wouldn't hesitate to replace my stock suspension with OE parts if and when it wears out. Bilsteins have a very irritating street ride. The low speed damping is too soft and the high speed damping is too stiff, so they crash over small bumps and still wallow too much when pushed hard. __________________ 02 996 C4S · 95 993 C4 · 911 RS look · STI · S4 · rally car

11-06-2009, 03:12 PM	#6
jrgordonsenior Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: South Pasadena, California Posts: 3,249	I will be removing and selling my almost new (4 race weekends) PSS10's with 700/900 Swift springs. We moved the spec to 2-way JRZ's as they made us (996Spec) an incredible deal. The shocks were revalved by Bilstein before they left the factory to accomodate the spring rates. I paid $ 2,500 for the shocks, $600 to Bilstein to revalve, and $ 400. for Swift springs. I also have the longer Tarett drop links with shock collars. Available somertime next week, I have no idea what to ask.... __________________ JR Gordon 99' 996 Spec 05' 997 S-garage queen 02' Boxster S 06' F350 CC, DRW, PSD 06' 28ft. Pace Aerosport tag 06' Featherlite 3110

11-06-2009, 06:07 PM	#8
skiracer Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisville, CO Posts: 534	I also have a complete MY2002 OEM stock suspension w/ only 25k miles on it, and I'd part w/ it cheap! PM me if interested. Last edited by skiracer; 11-06-2009 at 06:08 PM. Reason: forgot year

11-07-2009, 05:17 AM	#9
BuddyK Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 155	I have a dumb question, but I'd like to know how to evaluate your existing shocks on a 911. On a typical sedan, like an old Crown Victoria for instance, I would push down on the body and see if there is any bouncing - but on my 1999 C4, I don't think I would notice anything like bouncing even if they were shot. So how can I evaluate them? Curious to know. I think my shocks are fine, but, I autocross and drive year round on bumpy crap roads. Thanks if you can advise!

11-07-2009, 10:57 PM	#11
RallyJon Weathergirl Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: SE PA Posts: 4,527	Easiest way is to drive through a big wallow, or over a crest or small yump. You'll know. If it settles right down, they're fine. If you get a big butt clench, you need new dampers. __________________ 02 996 C4S · 95 993 C4 · 911 RS look · STI · S4 · rally car

11-08-2009, 01:55 AM	#12
Lerxst Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 252	I switched over to RoW M030s with 40K miles on the stock suspension. I found it a huge improvement for the bumpy streets here, autox, and occaisional light track duty. I found the best price at Sunset Imports.

11-08-2009, 02:27 PM	#13
george996 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 49	I really like my pss9s, adjustable dampening and ride height are great features. Soft dampening for around town and firm for auto-x and track. I also like playing with the ride height and am able to dial in exactly what I like.

11-08-2009, 02:34 PM	#14
sparks259 Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 271	street use=m030, good street ride street/trac use=x74 w/gt3 sways, stiff street ride, ok for occasional track all oem parts. other than oem, anything goes.

11-08-2009, 02:36 PM	#15
garrett376 C4 Specialist Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: La Jolla, CA Posts: 4,165	I have a stock 02 C2 suspension (springs, shocks, sways with 93,000 miles on it) ... free with pickup in San Diego! My local dealer said the 996 shocks are in need of replacement if they leak, otherwise keep 'em. JR's suspension won't be too street friendly I'd imagine! Euro M030 is great on the street, and does OK on track if you like feeling like you're wrestling a buffalo due to the slow weight transfer, and given how fast JR can pass me mid-sweeper/corner I'd say they don't hold a candle to his current offering for track duty!