Bilsteins now fitted!

[polar964]

Those of you that followed my earlier thread on the 'Bilstein Shocks' saga! back in February, I am now pleased to say they are fitted []

Long awaited but finally fitted. And yes it was worth the wait !!

For those interested I thought I would share my experience with you folks, so that if you are considering having your car's geometry looked at in the future or any suspension related work for that matter, you may well want to consider Chris Franklin at Centergravity first. I have no affiliation with Chris and went to him based on the enquiries I had made and the recommendation of others.

I ordered all my components (Bilstein shocks, MO30 Springs and Powerflex bushes for the wishbones) through Chris, having booked my car in with him for the work. The replacement, installation and geometry set-up was all carried out at Centergravity by Chris with me to assist, which took a full two days. Those that know Chris, know that he is more than happy to allow his clients to get involved, if they want to that is. I was more than pleased and so turned up with overalls prepared for a suspension masterclass, from a guy whom is passionate about cars and meticulous to the point of perfection.

I hand a fantastic couple of days and extremely pleased I had entrusted Chris to work on my 964 and all importantly I am absolutely chuffed to bits with the new lease of life, which Chris has brought to the cars dynamics.

Here's a pic' with the 964 undergoing the geometry set-up


e: info@centergravity.co.uk
w: http://www.centergravity.co.uk

 

[mr pg]

I'm with Chris next Monday. Sadly can't afford the new shocks I think my targa needs, but am having the geo setup done for now.

 

[brian williams]

I hope you are going to drive the bloody thing now!!!! Not leave it in the garage???

 

[polar964]

Hey up Brian, it's had an airing two weekends on the trot []. Got yours booked in for a trackday yet ???

PG you'll be well impressed, Chris is a top guy.

Paul C, i tried to reply to your pm but was unable to, you may have to alter your permissions!!

 

[Steve Brookes]

Great news Paul. Now come on and give us your full thoughts on how the car now feels, including the Chris Franklin test drive []

And, I hope you are going to do as Brian said and drive it to our meet next month. And that goes for Brian too []

 

[polar964]

Thanks Steve. The shocks that were replaced were the originals, hence 15 years old, they were knackered! totally. Also the bushes in the lower wishbones had seen better days, although they are a b*tch to remove. Hard to tell with the springs, the likelyhood is they had lost 30% or more of their stiffness! So without doubt it was a job well needed.

The car now feels taught and planted. The steering is really positive and responsive. Without stealing Chris's words.... 'the car feels like a new 964!' Any adjustment required in the future will be a dream as everything that had been removed or replaced has been meticulously cleaned and copper slipped, then the completed job wax-oiled...... beautiful.

The test drive was great and in the dark! as the time that day had marched on!. Chris drove first and as with his work, explained in detail and at every stage along the route exactly what and how he expected the car to handle, on differing road surfaces, differning road cambers, cornering, twisting, roundabouts, under breaking and so on ........ You guessed it, it passed. Then my go, great, would have been good to have done the circuit a few times, however time was clocking on and besides i had a 100+ mile drive back home., fantastic!!

 

[Sir Rocco]

Sounds really good - I am thinking of going this route with the factory spec M030 springs and bilsteins. I went with the 964 group to the C of G group visit and was well impressed with his set-up.

Did you find the M030 springs lowered the vehicle much? I would like mine to be set-up 25-35 mm lower than standard. Also have you fitted a strut brace.

Good luck and well done.

Mick

 

[polar964]

Thanks Mick,
I've gone factory setup, (same as you MO30 springs) although the car sits far better than it did (not suprisingly!) and angled down at the front 1 degree. Looks far more balanced. Chris had pointed out that as the new suspension settles it will drop approx 10mm. Intend fitting a strut brace. That's another item on the list of things to purchase!
You'll have a great time at CofG [] and you'll be chuffed to bits

 

[George Elliott]

Paul, good to see you got sorted and are pleased with the results.
I have also completed replacing the dampers, - just needs tracking done which is booked for next Tuesday.

I asked Chris F at CofG about an Ireland visit, no reply yet so will e-mail him again, or I may just go to Promax but it means taking the car across the water.

I will try to post a pic when its done.

regards
George

944t
964

 

[polar964]

Thanks George,

Pleased also that you've got yours installed. Sure hope that Chris's trip to your neck of the woods goes ahead. I'm sure he will reply to your email.

 

[Paul Cheetham]

permissions now altered !!


thanks

Paul

 

[polar964]

Paul, i've sent you a pm!

 

[Black80XSA]

Glad its all worked out now Paul - certainly some saga in the early stages !

and just in time for the Lakes weekend

 

[Isa Ho]

Hi i am new here, I have a 90 964 coupe, my suspension shocks springs and bushes are all as when they left the factory, could you please tell me the replacement items so i can have them ready . Thank you>

 

[mr pg]

Isa ho,

if you're thinking of going to Chris, I would suggest you contact him to see what he recommends fitting to suit your driving needs.

Paul.

 

[polar964]

Hi Isa Ho,
Agree with Paul, that is, if you are considering going to Centergravity. There are many variations on what i have replaced and used on my 964, which might not be what you want!

 

[Isa Ho]

Thank both for your hints, I think I have a lot to learn about my 964. Thanks.

 

[Paul Cheetham]

Paul, I picked up my car today from 9m. Having just driven it home and been for a quick blast, i think i have come home in a different car!!. fantastic

jobs done include : kw suspension,wishbones, geo, clutch, brake pipes, steam clean ,wax oyl, etc, etc


decent weather now required to use the thing!!!


thanks

Paul

 

[polar964]

Paul,
Hopefully you will be able to make it to the next regional club meet on 14 May. You can update me in more detail.

 

[Steve Brookes]

ORIGINAL: polar964

Paul,
Hopefully you will be able to make it to the next regional club meet on 14 May. You can update me in more detail.

and hopefully both of you can join us at the 964 meet on Sunday 11 May and maybe a mini convoy along the A50 to get there []