996 C2 MO3O Anybody's experience....? (no C3PO or R2D2 jokes please :)

JuliusF · Mar 8, 2016

Hi all,

Suspension refresh beckons for my MY98 C2
Questions:
1) Any reviews/experience of M030 suspension please - the kit (fitted) is very good value compared to just a new all round shock kit - I'm looking for daily driving use and its the hardness of the rebound I'm needing to live with - is there much noticeable difference?
2) Mad idea, what if I changed everything out of the M030 and kept the existing standard ride height springs - is this even feasible?
3) If on the other hand I keep the existing set up and change the shocks, woudl stiffer anti roll bars be worth considering as an accompaniment?
4) All 4 top mounts probably need doing - has anybody tried rebuilding these with individual bits (design 911 sell them) or is it just not worth attempting on a set up as old as mine (1998, 98,000) ?

Any all thoughts from the forum appreciated.

wibble · Mar 8, 2016

My C4 is same year as yours and came with M030. It is firm and noticeable on poor road surfaces, but comes in to its own on good fast road. It is lower than standard and copes with speed bumps well in my locality, but I need drive on ramps to get into my inclined garage!

Any combination could be used in theory, but you don't want to alter the dynamics of the handling. I would keep things simple and go for known set-ups. Even a new standard setup will make a noticeable difference, especially if all suspension components are replaced. Check Carnewal in Belgium, who do some competitive deals on various packages. I've read good reports on the PSS coil-overs, but then how deep are your pockets. Personally, the investment on suspension is probably the most worthwhile on a Porsche.

joneslight · Mar 9, 2016

my 02 C4 has factory fitted M030 and was a bit concerned that I wouldn't get on with it but still purchased the car any way! Its not a daily driver and am not sure I'd want M030 on one as the roads around here are not to good but as wibble says on a good surface its wonderful! Can't wait for the summer trip to Le Mans and the Alps.
Down to personal requirements really, good luck!

JuliusF · Mar 9, 2016

Thanks, guys, I really want to get away from jarring clunks over bumps and pot holes, and I'm not planning to track the car really (though I'd like to have a go someday!).
Think I'm going for Koni FSD's all round, bit beefier than B4's, cheaper than B6's) adjustable set on the front, standard springs, new top mounts all round.
Sooo, I wonder any point in adding those stiffer anti roll bars? Probably spending enough already, so I guess I could add them later.

philippe · Mar 11, 2016

Hello

A couple of years ago I bought the m030 suspension what a bargain. I was concerned it would be to firm but I haven't really noticed the difference apart from when you crack on then the handing is even more excellent. The car sits 10mm lower so looks slightly better as well.

Good luck with it all.

Phil

mikeklein · Mar 19, 2016

My current car had the M030 option at birth and is the first 996 I've had with it. It's noticeably firmer and sits very well on the road. On bad roads it can be quite harsh but if you're a driver it's worth it's weight in gold. I just love the handling and the confidence it gives me on a fast drive in the country.
A previous 996 I had I lowered and stiffened but it just wasn't the same. The settings the factory have created are just perfect in my opinion.

paulossie · Mar 19, 2016

Mine has 030 from the factory and its fine, but I am changing it for some coil overs only because it is cheaper to change the lot rather than just change the leaking Porsche shocks, I will have some 030 new springs for sale off the car they were fitted 90 miles ago if your interested but only when my coil overs get here which should be soon.

Pieman7 · Mar 21, 2016

Hi guys been following this about the 030 etc is this listed on the option sticker on the hood? If your how do you find out mine is a 2003 c4s and it sits very low already. I admit is quite a stiff ride but the handling etc is superb a real dream on higher speed corners.

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 22, 2016

On the option sticker you will have 029 (standard), 030 (sports - C2/C4) or X74 (sports - C4S & Turbo). The C4S and Turbo usually have 029, which is 10mm lower than a standard C2/C4, but has 'standard' dampers.

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 22, 2016

@ Jules - My 1998 996 C2 came with M030, and I fitted standard dampers, which I found to be a good compromise. It still had the more 'planted' feel of M030, but with a slightly more forgiving ride.

Dazza140 · Mar 22, 2016

Hi new to the whole porsche experience" and was wondering how I could tell if my 2000 C4 has this option amongst others" getting to know my porsche slowly lovein" it thanks....Darren

joneslight · Mar 22, 2016

Certainly are wonderful! In the service booklet page 4 vehicle identification if the three numbers 030 are in the specification table then you have it as an original. Otherwise its 10mm lower and a harsher ride over the bumps that are our B roads.
Enjoy!

JuliusF · Mar 22, 2016

Hi Paul, could well be interested in those springs - could you email me please and we can have a little chat.... ??

JuliusF · Mar 24, 2016

Got my Koni FSD's fitted yesterday along with new top mounts, bump stops and track rods (kept std springs and anti rollbars) and have to say first drive the experience is much improved over the original shocks which had done 97k to be fair.
The research has paid off I think with full sett of FSD's, including front adjustables, costing just under £800 plus fitting and geometry circa £600 (plus top mounts). I don't think they are quite B6 standard, but definitely would give B4's a run for the money, plus the adjustable option for track mods if required.
All in all, pretty pleased with the whole exercise. I think the only possible tweak further tweak might be stiffer anti roll bars, but for now overall ride and handling is pleasantly improved.