Suspension Specialists around the SE

[PMMatthews]

I'm looking for recommendations of suspension specialists within a reasonable distance of SW London to undertake some suspension replacement / upgrade work on my '93 C2 Targa. I've tried contacting Center Gravity, but they seem very busy and are potentially a long journey for me, so I'm wondering whether there's anyone who could do as good a job, given my requirements, within easier striking distance.

Apart from a strut brace, which I think has helped reduce the flexing of the front end, my car is otherwise standard, including what is probably the original suspension. I've read the previous threads on the subject of renewing / upgrading suspension, and have decided that this is 'the' big project for 2008.

Aside from being a Targa, the car isn't used on a track (not yet anyway), so I'm not really looking for the absolute dogs b*****ks in replacement suspension kits. However, I'm hoping to improve the handling for my Sunday morning blasts out into the country, without compromising too much on the ride when I'm running the family around the crap roads we have around our neck of suburbia. Thanks to some OCD tendencies, I always think that if the job's worth doing, it's worth doing well.......

Any suggestions, shared experiences and/or tips would be welcomed. How much should I be thinking of budgeting for this?

Thanks

 

[mr pg]

I'm in N London, and can vouch for Chris at Center Gravity. Well worth the trip (been twice). I too have a C2 targa, which has H&R green springs, and Koni sport front dampers. Original Boge rear dampers, which will be replaced when funds permit.
The work Chris did has transformed the handling and steering. He recommends the Konis for targas, as they suit them in particular. Don't be tempted to go too low, as this can be detrimental to the damper performance if the geometry isn't set up correctly. Mine now sits at just below M030 factory sport setting.
I also recently fitted a strut brace which has reduced body flex, rear view mirror vibration, and kickback through the steering when hitting pot holes, etc. Well worth it.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Paul (the OP),

The problem here is knowing what you want in terms of the car setup. The unique advantage of going to Chris Franklin is that his experience and knowledge can be utilised to tune the car to do exactly what YOU want. There are many indies and OPCs around the London area who will tune the car to what THEY want - usually the standard factory setup - but rarely will you get any interaction with them to adapt it to your liking. People like Parr, Fearnsport and J Z Machtech have good reputations, particularly with the track day enthusiasts and they have a host of experience but they don't involve you as much as Chris does. If your car is reasonably standard there is probably little to concern yourself about but once you get into lowered suspension, different shocks and a/r bars etc. Chris is the man I would trust.

I don't want to imply that the others are not good - they are - but when I had my first alignment done at JZM it was a case of asking them to do it - and it was done. There was no discussion about WHAT needed doing. I'm sure if I'd taken the trouble to ask I could have got more involved (it WAS early days in my 964 ownership) but the thing I really enjoyed and appreciated with Chris was his keeness to involve me and examine in some detail the issues I wanted to resolve before concluding what needed to be done - and then taking the trouble to prove that he'd done it!!

If you DO go to Chris the only thing I'd recommend is that you take a spare set of underwear with you. You'll understand why after the test drive!!!

Regards

Dave

 

[PMMatthews]

Dave,

Many thanks for your comments. Parr and JZ Machtech are two of the indies I was thinking of contacting. In light of your comments, it seems I should plan for a trek up the M40!

Thanks to Paul for his comments too.

Cheers,

Paul (2!)

 

[mr pg]

You'll love the test drive! Also be prepared for a long day if necessary. My first visit ended at 11.30pm! Chris is a workaholic. Try to get a sensible quote from him before you go.

 

[polar964]

I too can concur with what has been said. I visited Chris earlier this year, after having much discussion with him by phone and email. Chris is totally passionate about cars, Porsche imparticular and true to his customers. I had an absolute fantastic couple of days at Centergravity having had the privilege to work with Chris on my 964, which include new shocks, springs, rebush of front wishbones and complete geometry set-up. Don't let distance worry you, book into a local B&B as i did (the Red Lion in Atherstone).