I was talking to a friend in Germany about X73 and lowered Turbos, and he said European Turbos ordered with X73 have special body reinforcements (he didn't specify exactly what was reinforced) that are done at the factory, and because of this, X73 is not something that can be retrofitted aftermarket. He aslo said X73 in Europe includes different sway bars (front and rear) in addition to the different springs, shocks, and motor mounts. The X73 I bought did not include different sway bars.

If body reinforcement is required (in Porsche's opinion), what are we risking by lowering our cars without the reinforcements?

Also, for those with other "lowering systems", have you installed the stiffer motor mounts? They make a big difference on my X73.

 

I would like to know more about the sway bars.

 

Dock,
I am trying to understand the thought process of the stiffer motor mounts. Theorizing, my firs guess would be to better control the inertial changes from corner to corner. In other words, minimize the lateral shifting of the engine (big mass) from side to side with each turn.
What do you think?
I am very interested in this topic for obvious reasons.

 

This is from the Carnewal website:

Hard Rubber Motor Mounts for P96 Turbo and GT2
With harder motor mounts, the whole car will feel more solid and the shifting will be much more precise.
A must for cars with lowered suspension.


http://www.carnewal-europe.com/cpx_p96126.htm

 

That's exactly what I think. And I think any lowered car would benefit from them.

I have the stiffer motor mounts, and I can also say that the power comes on "harder" and quicker after each shift. There has to be less torsional movement of the motor between, and after each shift (i.e power off and power on), which results in sharper power delivery.

Knowing what I know now about the stiffer motor mounts, I would install them even without the X73 or similar lowering system.

 

I am looking into this mod.

 

I'm curious to. I think I can add to this discussion. Let me talk to me "people".

 

Do you get more engine vibration and road noise from the stiffer motor mounts?

 

Theoretically....yes.
Practically....Dock?

 

Also, anyone have the part number for these?? Gert's price is a bit high for two rubber pieces especailly when you compare the cost to the cost of the whole X73...

 

so, can the X73 option be ordered in U.S?

 

No.

 

Road noise? No.

More engine vibration? Yes, especially in the feel you get through the shifter and steering wheel. But you also get it in the seat of your pants (SOTP). These traits are in my opinion just perfect. The SOTP feel reminds me of the 993 where you could "feel" the car right from start up. The vibration is not in any way annoying if you like a real sports car (i.e. Porsche) presentation.

I have to say that X73/stiffer motor mounts with the B&M in-car shifter/Evo ShiftLink have turned my Turbo into a different car; it is so much more of a traditional Porsche feel, and WAY more fun to drive!!