Attention track rats...Expert advice needed.

[obsessed]

After reading how many people were upgrading one suspension component after another and then frequently later upgrading the same parts again; and finding I myself was starting to spend a lot on realignments, etc. as I progressively upgraded, I bit the bullet and "did it all at once". I went with Tarett sways and extended drop links to go with my Moton Club Sports and have been very happy. The Tarett stuff is first rate - not cheap, but the plan is to be happy with what I bought, not wonder if something else would have been better, and save money and aggravation by not "having to" upgrade again, redoing work and realigning again as a result - at least that's the plan and so far the strategy is holding up... knock on wood. I don't mean to push Tarett necessarily, there are several high quality choices - just suggesting investing in high quality parts you are confident in and therefore won't likely need to replace again later. It seems most of us that compromise later end up redoing the work. Lots of good advice above. Take the input from here and discuss the issue with Tarrett, Sharkwerks or the other great shops mentioned, with this input as background - they have lots of track and street experience with your car.

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[TT Gasman]

"BTW, stock front sway bar and GT2 rear sway -- is that what RUF recommends?"
Ruf used an adjustable rear sway bar with Bilstein coilovers on their 996TT/ rturbo, this carried over to the 997TT as well. While I knew this is what they used, it was also recommended by a local Porsche race car builder so I thought it was worth a try. It also met my criteria of a simple setup using an OEM Porsche sway bar.
It works pretty well. The last thing I want is a car with too many adjustments and variables. At the track all I have to do is change the rear bar from medium to full stiff with R compounds, and the car is neutral with a little oversteer near the limit.

[bbywu]

Originally Posted by Mikelly

I'm running the Tarred and the middle setting in the rear, and the TRG front set to the softest setting. I'm also running the Bilsteins at stiffest setting in the rear and 2 clicks from full stiff up front.

And I personally don't think the Sharkwerks part is the "Definative" solution. It looks like a beefed up stock, non-servicable part, which is part of the benefit of the aftermarket links. Nothing against Sharky and bravo to him for "supporting you", but that particular part isn't what I'd want on my car.

I also agree that by spending the extra on the Tarred relocator for the pickup point, you're not really getting a lot of benefit. Softening the front for more mechanical grip, along with a very well balanced alignment will help, alot.

Mike

Thanks for the response Mike...

[bbywu]

Originally Posted by obsessed

After reading how many people were upgrading one suspension component after another and then frequently later upgrading the same parts again; and finding I myself was starting to spend a lot on realignments, etc. as I progressively upgraded, I bit the bullet and "did it all at once". I went with Tarett sways and extended drop links to go with my Moton Club Sports and have been very happy.

Thank you for your input. Appreciate it.

My biggest beef was the lack of beef in the Bilstein drop links. They look like twigs. And when I went back and inspected my stock drop links, I found that I had already bent the threaded insert into the shaft, and not realized it. When you look at the two, the OEM and Bilstein links, they look almost identical in their wimpy-ness.

I agree with you...I hate replacing things over and over again, and thinking that I should have done it right in the first place.

- bob

[cannga]

Originally Posted by TT Gasman

"BTW, stock front sway bar and GT2 rear sway -- is that what RUF recommends?"
Ruf used an adjustable rear sway bar with Bilstein coilovers on their 996TT/ rturbo, this carried over to the 997TT as well. While I knew this is what they used, it was also recommended by a local Porsche race car builder so I thought it was worth a try. It also met my criteria of a simple setup using an OEM Porsche sway bar.
It works pretty well. The last thing I want is a car with too many adjustments and variables. At the track all I have to do is change the rear bar from medium to full stiff with R compounds, and the car is neutral with a little oversteer near the limit.

OT

Thanks Doug. Do you know which specific sway bar they use, is it the GT2's or is it something they make (do they sell it if so)?
Just really curious. No plan to change mine!

obsessed,
Agreed. Tarett very well deserve the highest recommendation. Great & proven products, great price, and Ira is a wonderful person to deal with. I remember searching the forums for "Tarett" when I was looking around and to my amazement, there is not a single negative posting about this name. All rave reviews.

Bob,
Because the Tarett drop link is (relatively) so inexpensive and completely reversible, and because it is a proven product that's commonly used by people who track cars (and in race cars), & inspite of our discussion of whether you need it, my (humble) opinion is you really don't know until you give it a try. The car DOES feel very different with it & you may just love it. And even if you don't, the experience/education alone is worth the price of admission.

[TT Gasman]

Can, honestly I'm not sure what brand bar Ruf uses. But it looks just like the GT2 bar in terms of size etc. I've always used the OEM bars going back to the 996 030, GT3 etc. The Porsche Supercup bars are supposed to be good too, but they were on forever backorder from Porsche Motorsports.

[TT Gasman]

What does the OEM GT2/3 front drop link look like? Anybody have a pic...

[cannga]

^ I think it is the plastic bushing type, like our Turbo's stock link. In fact where I researched and heard about the Tarett drop links is the GT3 forum.

Do you happen to know I could buy Porsche Motorsports stuffs? Is there a web site or dealer? I am thinking about the rear toe link and debating between Tarett, GMG ($$), and Porsche Motorsports ($$$) units.

[GT3 Chuck]

here is what the stock GT3 droplink looks like...

[jcb-memphis]

I did the whole thing at one time....and with all the talk of broken links, I just went with the AP's. Tarretts were my other choice at the time.

Good luck.

Jeff

[TT Gasman]

GT3 Chuck, thanks for the pic. I bet that's the same size as the Bilstein.

Can, go to Porscheusa website and find motorsports. There you will find all the contact info for PMNA. I believe Phoebe used to be the contact person for parts.

[AlFromCalabasas]

I love this thread, so much good info here I just learned!

Thanks!

[bbywu]

Originally Posted by TT Gasman

What does the OEM GT2/3 front drop link look like? Anybody have a pic...

Here's the new 997 GT2 drop link...looks just like my twiggy Bilstein drop links. Rubber bushings. So much for "advanced suspension."

[GT3 Chuck]

here are the Tarett links (just a tad beefier):

[bbywu]

I'm assuming installation goes as removing the old twiggy set, mounting top bolt to suspension and lower bolt to sway under load, and then adjusting the length and locking it with the counter bolt.

Anyone have any other hints?