guys,

I'm about ready to have my 996 c4 cab to the shop for a suspension upgrade. The kw is a maybe 400 bucks more then the pss9. What do you guys think. My car will probably not see the track and is not winter driven. My other option is a quick set of new springs and shocks for half the price?

thanks

 

PSS10 replaced the PSS9 last year. That's what I would get.
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...+Coil-Over+Kit

 

Both are a good suspensions - with the KW really meant for a track oriented solution [Manthey racing using this product]. For your intended uses, the PSSX is probably a better fit. And you can save big bucks by going the PSS9 vs PSS10 without any real compromise on function.

One reason that many here in North America go with Bilstein is they have an extensive US support/user base, whereas KW is primarily European. This may make it more difficult to get repair, tech support, tuning, etc, in North America. [edit: I should have mentioned that the V3 and clubsport have remote reservoir dampers. The V3 is 3 way adjustabie (slow bump, fast bump, and rebound) whereas the PSS9/10 are one way adjustable (bump/rebound at the same time). KW has more adjustability for track applications, which will almost never be needed on the street).]

Also, you probably need the KW Variant 3, which normally runs around $3500-$3800, which is $1000+ more than the PSS10, and $2000 more than PSS9 which have been floating around on sale for ~$1800 recently. The KW clubsport is another $2000 on top of the V3. If you have found lower pricing on the KW V3, please let us know!!

-td

 

Both are great choices as far as a coilover system. We have found the Bilstein PSS10s to be a more streetable setup in that it is easier to adjust and more compliant than the KW V3s. With that said, the KW V3s offer a tremendous range of adjustment (height, compression and rebound) and is a top notch setup if you track the car. They also work well on the street although they will be more performance oriented in terms of stiffness as compared with the PSS10s. If you are a track junky, the V3s would be the way to go. The PSS10s would be a better setup for a mainly street driven vehicle that sees monthly or occasional track use.

 

Have been very happy with pss9 over the years. I would go for the Pss10's

 

I have the PSS9 set-up. I don't track my car, street only. I am very happy with this set-up. Significant improvement in handling over stock both in town and on the highway, although firmer the suspension actually rides more smoothly and no more 4x4 look.

 

I installed a set of the PSS10's this past summer and have been extremely happy with them. Before my purchase I was looking at the same choices as you are now. In the end I decided I would probably not use all of the adjustability of the KW's and was a little concerned about my ability to set them up properly for optimum performance. I decided that the straight forward 10 click adjustment was all I really needed for my daily driver. One main advantage to the 10's over the 9's is the more defined indents on the setting *****.

I was able to buy the PSS10's for just over $2000 while the best price I was able to find on the KWV3 was $2750 for a group buy. Both setups are excellent and I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

 

guys,

thanks for the great information, the dealer i'm using I believe has carried the kw product for sometime and in talking with the guys at the shop installed many sets with many happy customers. KW Variant 3 is the exact product he suggested and it's sounding like it's going to cost 5k installed, with exact adjustability and a lifetime warranty it's the way i'm headed, I think...

I'll let you guys know which road I take and my feedback after it's all finished.

thanks again for the great info

 

Good luck! One last piece of advice - you will get back pennies on the dollar for your upgraded suspension, no matter which route you go!

-td

 

That sounds really expensive. What is he charging for the install?

 

If you're just planning on lowering with improved ride but no track work and no driving in adverse weather conditions etc what's wrong with Porsche OEM X74 coilovers? Cheaper than the PSS9 and much cheaper than the KW. Plus they will not add value but also not detract like the others, also no warranty issues. Have you considered this option before spending $1000's on suspension?
For the record I have KW V3's and very happy...

 

Don't forget that if you go with such an aggressive set of struts, you'll need larger ARBs to match. X74 & M030 use same bars, usually bought with the kit. PSS9/10 you have to buy separately. Currently I think PSS9 is less than X74, but I may be wrong.

 

If ride is what you want (with control) KW is the best out there right now. For the Track JIC is the smooth road / track set up. I'd forget the PSS series if you are serious about driving the car. $400 for the KW over Bliston is only a couple of dollars a month if you own the car for only a couple of years, even with install. Less if you sell them and put OEM back in.

 

Hi fallas

a friend of me here in Germany used to work for H&R for several years. Now he started his own business with modifying cars here in Germany. He was doin alot of with sports cars especially Porsche (Uwe Alzen Racing just to tell you one).
He got invited from KW directly two weeks ago to visit their Factory. He called me after that and told me that he never saw a better place and a better company doin supensions than KW. They have really improved the last years and they are doin such a great development that he will do now business with them. They have germanwide the best testing and chassis attitude. He was really impressed by KW. He said H&R is a little light when you see KW. I have installed H&R coils in my 996. I guess i will go for a KW when i safe some money. But he can fix me one for small money !!
Greetings from Hamburg

Z

 

the higher price is a result of the currency exchange.