Where to get my suspension assessed?

[DaveW22]

Hi,

New member here. Recently bought 993 C2 - and absolutely love it. She's done 85K and still on the orig shocks and springs I think so am thinking I should look to renewing to bring her back to 'new' (if indeed not already still there!). But do I need to .. and to what should I go? Should I replace like for like, or perhaps go stiffer. And if I go stiffer will I regret what is a great ride .. but maybe could be tighter? What I really need is to take her to a specialist that can access the state of my existing suspension and advise on what needs doing - and the the pros and cons. So to my point (sorry - do tend to waffle!) - I am based in Somerset (near Taunton) - can anyone recomend a specialist that really knows his stuff, can test my set-up and advise? Thanks in advance folks.

 

[Mark Elder]

Dave, I've just been through same situation (except I'd had the car since 2006 at 27K miles so I had some sense of how much the suspension had deteriorated.).

I'm going to do a write up (with pictures!) on what I've had done when I get time - but you will likely find a lot of "minor" parts in the suspension that are well worn and are contributing to a lack of precision in the driving. The very short version of my story is that I decided that replacing with original "Munroes" with "Bilsteins" (what a lot of people on here have done) was going to move the car too far to "track" for me and I've gone (after lots of advice from various sources) to Koni FSDs. So far I've only had time to drive the car back to Scotland after the work was done and a couple of times to office and back, but the car is completely transformed! - I'm really pleased with it. I need to do some more testing (for which I will get time next week as long as weather is OK) - but they seem just a little firmer than the originals (or at least the originals in "shot" condition after 70K miles). So far I'd recommend them.

 

[szklarek]

At the same time as a (forced due to a snapped camshaft) engine rebuild I decided to 'refresh' the suspension as the car has 130K on the clock. Fitted M033 springs (lower but same spring rate as standard), Bilstein dampers and rebushed A-arms - parts from Gert Carnewal and fitted by Northway's. As Mark says they're will be other parts that will need replacing. The difference is unbelievable and I don't find the ride too harsh - the car is my daily drive.

My impression is that most people seem to be going for standard Porsche springs (lower, standard or sports) and either Bilstein or Koni dampers.

I think the key is to find a good local Indy and then either get them to source the parts or somebody like Gert (who Northway's know).

Welcome and enjoy the 993 it's a great car!

Anton

 

[jimcook]

Hi Dave - I'm also new to the forum, and new to 993 C4S ownership (having owned a 996 C4S and 997C2S in the past).

From the first drive I was convinced that all was not correct with the suspension (somewhat skittish and generally "unstable") and that prompted me to get the car checked over pre-purchase by Christian at Steve Bull Specialist Cars at Devizes.

The check showed up a worn rear toe control arm, which was replaced, and the car had a full alignment.

After driving the car for a few months I was still not happy and after much very helpful discussion with Steve and Christian I eventually went ahead with an almost full suspension re-build. Like Mike I keep meaning to write up the work, sorry I haven't yet done so.

Suffice to say that several problems surfaced that are impossible to identify without removing the components from the car and testing in the vice. One major issue was the n/s shock absorber (all 4 were still original) which was excessively stiff and very different compared to the right.

Christian and I spent a long time discussing shock absorbers and eventually I went for Koni Sport adjustable, on the basis that some adjustment would be a good idea.

Many parts were replaced including both wishbone assemblies, several of the bushes were replaced with uprated rubber bushes from Elephant in the USA, a bent rear track control arm was replaced and I also ended up replacing all 4 tyres with Michelins as, bizarrely, I picked up screws in both rears. Thankfully they were due for replacement. We also replaced the standard steering tie rods with motorsport versions and the work was followed up with another full alignment.

I could not be happier with the result.

The car is stable and feels extremely solid and well planted on the road - even passengers notice the difference.

So far I haven't had the chance to experiment with adjusting the dampers, they're on full soft at the moment, but the handling is already very good without any excessive crashing and banging. I use the car every day on our rubbish roads and it's fine - but the adjustment capability gives me the chance to firm the ride if I want to.

I highly recommend Steve Bull at Devizes, Christian in particular is extremely knowledgable and very helpful.

Please PM me if you'd like a chat by phone etc.
Regards
Jim

 

[DaveW22]

Thanks for your responses guys .. much appreciated. I do use a local indy (excellent chap based near Honiton - I've previously had a 3.2 and 964 both of which he's lovingly maintained for me) but not sure whether he's able to test existing set-up (eg. measure how the shocks are performing - I assume you need specialist kit to test them and compare to how they should perform?). Personal experience of options appreciated too - like Mark I'm not wanting to set-up for the track but good, tight handling on our (less than) glorious public roads is what I'm after. Mark - I'd love to hear more about how you find your set-up over the coming weeks.

Thanks again for taking the time (never posted before!).

Dave

 

[DaveW22]

Thanks Jim (our posts crossed). Sounds like a visit to Steve Bull is on the cards. I also find that she tram-lines on roads that are pretty worn - even on the inside lane of the M5 where lorries have created grooves and find her a tad light at the front (certainly compared to the 964 - though that was a C4 so perhaps that would make a difference). I assume this may point towards worn bits.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Mike M]

ORIGINAL: MoC2S

Hi Dave

There is plenty of info on the forum tech articles on this topic, so sign up membership and get access !

Down your way I'd probably be in touch with Steve Bull at Devizes, our Assistant RS is his main man, owns at least 2 993s, and has experience of several of your options ..

cheers, Maurice []

Maurice,

Please can you advise where the tech articles are? Are they within the 993 forum or tech forum listed where all the forums are listed, either way I can't find them. I am a member but my identity doesn't show this so not sure if that is blocking it! I'll phone the club to have it changed if you think this is the problem.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: Mike M


....I'll phone the club to have it changed if you think this is the problem.....

Yes I think it will, if the forum does not know about your membership it does not show the technical articles link (I'm guessing!) - Tech articles are the 2nd main link the the 993 section of the forum.

I think the article Maurice refers to is the one almost at the end of page 1 of the tech articles ("993 Suspension, Options and Upgrade Paths") - was written in 2005 but from my research it still pretty much holds true except for there being a couple of additional manufacturers of dampers now.

 

[Mike M]

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

ORIGINAL: Mike M


....I'll phone the club to have it changed if you think this is the problem.....

Yes I think it will, if the forum does not know about your membership it does not show the technical articles link (I'm guessing!) - Tech articles are the 2nd main link the the 993 section of the forum.

I think the article Maurice refers to is the one almost at the end of page 1 of the tech articles ("993 Suspension, Options and Upgrade Paths") - was written in 2005 but from my research it still pretty much holds true except for there being a couple of additional manufacturers of dampers now.

Cheers Mark, ill get my profile updated.

 

[Lancerlot]

Dave,

Many of us here in the West Country use Center (sic) Gravity, Atherstone, Warwickshire.

Chris Franklyn there specialises in Porsche and will analyse, fault-find and set up your car to its optimum.

It's a bit of trek, I know, [8|] but we all find it very well worth the effort. He will very likely transform your car. []

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[DaveW22]

Marvellous .. thanks for the steer Clive.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: Lancerlot

....

It's a bit of trek, I know, [8|] but we all find it very well worth the effort. He will very likely transform your car. []

....

Even further (a little) from Scotland - but very worthwhile trip. Yesterday was my first "real drive" since Chris Franklin worked his magic on my car 3 weeks ago. Wow! Oh! That's what it's supposed to drive like. [][][]

 

[Porker993]

Don't forget shock absorber top mounts ? That made a massive difference on my NB C2, which felt positively dangerous at speeds of over 60 mph. Never did get the handling totally fixed, after shelling out thousands over the years [&:] that's one reason I sold it.

 

[Mike M]

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

ORIGINAL: Mike M


....I'll phone the club to have it changed if you think this is the problem.....

Yes I think it will, if the forum does not know about your membership it does not show the technical articles link (I'm guessing!) - Tech articles are the 2nd main link the the 993 section of the forum.

I think the article Maurice refers to is the one almost at the end of page 1 of the tech articles ("993 Suspension, Options and Upgrade Paths") - was written in 2005 but from my research it still pretty much holds true except for there being a couple of additional manufacturers of dampers now.

Sorted Mark, I'm now logged as a member and can see Tech Articles now. Thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[nfearn]

Another endorsement from me in favour of Center Gravity. I have posted previously on the forum about my experience with CG setting up my car and I would be very reluctant to use anyone else now.

Nick

 

[polar964]

ORIGINAL: Lancerlot

Dave,

Many of us here in the West Country use Center (sic) Gravity, Atherstone, Warwickshire.

Chris Franklyn there specialises in Porsche and will analyse, fault-find and set up your car to its optimum.

It's a bit of trek, I know, [8|] but we all find it very well worth the effort. He will very likely transform your car. []

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Clive.

I to can highly recommend Chris at Center Gravity.