Suspension Options

[steveoz32]

Well, my new front and rear ARB's are here, so I will be fitting as soon as I get the time.

I've started looking at new shock and spring packages as well, and I am not sure what to go for. It would seem that a lot of the sports set up's lower the ride height by 30mm - that seems a bit too much for my liking, I'm not sure the arches would even clear the wheels!

I am wondering what options are out there? There is no real need to change the shocks or springs yet, the OPC said at the inspection that there was a slight notch on the nearside front turret, but it may or may not be enough to warrant even an advisory on an MOT. So, I suppose I could just replace that strut at some point soon, but I thought I may take the chance as an excuse to upgrade the shocks, springs etc the whole lot to better units

So, what kits if any have you guys opted for?


Thanks,


Steve

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Porsche are still doing the Tequipment M030 Sports Suspension package (4 shocks, 2 ARB's, and 4 springs) at a very keen price. Less than £600 inc VAT with PCGB discount! Lowers the car by 10mm, btw, and a good compromise between the standard suspension and the 30mm lower X74 package.

 

[paulus]

Richard,

as the owner of a 40th Anniversary model with the MO30 suspension as standard & potentially worn dampers (~50k miles & minor "float" under certain road conditions), this price looks very good.
Do you think the dampers alone are likely to be cheaper still - or are they only discounting the package ?

Paul

2004 C2 40th Anniversary Coupe,
MO30 Suspension, X51 345bhp engine,18 in Carrera Wheels etc

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It is only the package which is discounted, which makes it a no-brainer if you need all four shockers. The standard price for the fronts is £305 each, and the rears £330 each. Or you could get a nice set of Bilstein B6's for £900 or less, which is what I had put on my Turbo.

"Minor float" my not be the dampers though. I would get the suspension arms checked. Being located where you are, I would get Chris at Center Gravity in Atherstone to check it out.

 

[steveoz32]

I saw this package - looked very good indeed, problem is I would have wasted an ARB, I've yet to fit the new one, I suppose I could fit new bushes and ebay the ARB I've just got if I buy this kit.

On another note, any idea what component I need to get rid of the slight 'notch'. I am assuming remove the turret and top plate and put a new bearing between the cap and mount?


Thanks,


Steve

 

[chriscoates81]

ORIGINAL: paulus

Richard,

as the owner of a 40th Anniversary model with the MO30 suspension as standard & potentially worn dampers (~50k miles & minor "float" under certain road conditions), this price looks very good.
Do you think the dampers alone are likely to be cheaper still - or are they only discounting the package ?

Paul

2004 C2 40th Anniversary Coupe,
MO30 Suspension, X51 345bhp engine,18 in Carrera Wheels etc

Do you find that its feels 'floaty' on bumpy roads and/or above 70?

 

[paulus]

Richard,

thanks for the update ref damper / package costs. As you suggest, it probably is better to start with a Center Gravity check-over first.
I've recently had new tyres - same Pirelli Corsas as before - and the problem was there before the tyre change. However, its worth checking with CG before I find I've got a tyre wear problem & before spending £600 on dampers which may not be the problem.

Chris,

the "float" is only occasional @ higher speeds ( 70 ish !) & more associated with road undulations & cornering combined, less undulations on there own. Before I changed from Pirelli PZeros to the Corsas, the "float" was more noticable, but the much stiffer sidewalls of the Corsas are probably reducing the tyre flex significantly (as well as improving the grip markedly).

Paul

2004 C2 40th Anniversary Coupe,
MO30 Suspension, X51 345bhp engine,18 in Carrera Wheels etc

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: steveoz32.

On another note, any idea what component I need to get rid of the slight 'notch'. I am assuming remove the turret and top plate and put a new bearing between the cap and mount?

Not sure exactly what you mean by 'notch' but it is usually the rubber bush in the top mount which disintegrates. If you are changing the mounts, it makes sense to change the angular contact bearings at the same time, as they don't cost a fortune.

 

[Black80XSA]

Steve - suggest the first thing you need to establish is what suspension you have currently, and when it was last replaced. The pre purchase pictures you posted looked to have the car sitting reasonably low anyway , not excessive but indicative of a M030 set-up. From your post purchase threads here, you are obviously fairly handy with a spanner so it can't be beyond your skill to establish the quality and condition of the current suspension.

 

[Davedavies]

Just ordered the M030 kit from OPC Bolton.
£536 plus VAT (£629.84) less discount.

Only 1 in UK but plenty in Germany (for C4 Cab Tip)

Just slightly cheaper than Porscheshop and quite a lot cheaper than Design911

Richard, can you suggest anything else to replace whilst doing this - I read you mention the top bearings?

Thanks
Dave

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I would suggest checking the top mounts and replacing them if they look a bit dodgy, as to fit them later means you have to take off the whole strut again. If you take off the plastic caps where the strut bolts on to the wing, you might be able to see if the rubber has separated from the central bush. Otherwise you will have to wait until you get the strut out to be sure.

It is a fairly common problem, so it might be some preventative maintenance, depending on the current mileage, of course. Mine were replaced at 70,000 and they were both shot.

 

[steveoz32]

Hi,

I've documented the history of the vehicle, and throughout the service receipts there is nothing to suggest renewal of the shocks / springs. That said, when looking underneath the springs and shocks seem to be in very good order - certainly not the condition I would expect from the originals. The springs are not chipped, corroded or cracked, and the shocks do not appear to have any leakage, the bellows are also in good condition, normally one of the first things from experience that age on an old strut assembly. When we checked them over at the OPC, the only issue we found was a slight 'notch' when rocking the NSF wheel left and right from the centre point (a similar feeling to a notch in a race head bearing on a bike, but nowhere near as dangerous!). My only reason for wanting to replace the ARB's was due to some corrosion on the rear unit where it connects to the drop links.

I'm not certain how to identify the setup, especially if the canisters are inserted into existing OEM struts. Perhaps the struts will be marked with MO30 code if it is already fitted? Do you know if there are other ways to tell?

If it is already an MO30, then I may as well just replace the bearing that's the issue and save myself a heap of cash. Of course, I just want what is best for the car, and thinking mine is a standard set up I wanted to opt for a better set up, but then again I have nothing to compare it to, it certainly 'feels' like it handles very well with little body roll.

Thanks,


Steve

Edit, a few pics below for reference, it's not high by any means, but certainly not that low either. A 30mm drop from this ride height would sit the front arch on the tyre, and the rear not far off, 20mm front and 10mm back seems acceptable:

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It would show 030 on the options sticker if it was factory fitted with sports suspension. Check the coloured dots on the springs, and look them up on the PET - that should show what you have.

 

[steveoz32]

Thanks the only option is 740 which is for a show vehicle...

 

[chris gibbs]

M030 Shocks have a half inch size green dot on them. Should be visible once cleaned. It will also have a thick front anti roll bar.

 

[p5hrr]

Ive just bought an M030 kit from Porsche for my carrera 2,£566 inc vat and Porsche club discount.The parts dept said there arent many left!!!

 

[steveoz32]

Sounds like a great deal, my shockers have an orange dot on them, the springs have lots of yellow marks / lines on the black springs, sadly the label on the shockers has worn off.

 

[Davedavies]

Just finished fitting all mine now - the cost doesnt end once you have the kit:

2x wheel brearings
1x track rod end
2x top mountings
1x ABS sensor
Assortment of nuts, bolts & spacers.

Replaced front discs & pads also as inside of discs corroded.

Car feels $1millon now, great improvement, really glad I replaced them and I know everything is ok now.

Dave

PS OPC at Bolton also have one in stock (they orderd wrong one for me in case anyone wants one for pre 2001 cabrion C2)

 

[stevett]

Is there a significant benefit changing wheel bearings at same time as fitting M030 suspension kit out of interest and if I was to do it would you recommend making all the following changes at same time?

replace top mountings - front and rear*2
lower wishbones - Wishbone Ball Joint *4 (if worn - at least one of mine is according to last service)
Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Front/Rear
Front/Rear Subframe Bush*4 (poly)
Track rod ends*4?
Various bushes/bits - Any advice?

I imagine getting as many obvious changes in one go is likely to be easier in long run and get alignment done once only?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Davedavies]

Steve,
I changed my bearings as when I bought the car one was noisy but I didnt trust the garage where I bought it from to change it.
As Richard says, the top mounts may have gone - one of mine had seized onto the damper and had to cut it off.
Both rubbers had also become detached and were no good anyway.

If yours is a C2 and want the thicker packing pieces for the front springs, let me know as I ordered the wrong ones by accident.
You know if you need thick ones by the single green paint mark on the springs. (The thinner one is shown by either a single silver or white paint mark).


Dave