I know it sounds crazy seeing as the cars are not that old but here me out. Several times when I have taken my 2000 996 to the dealer for repairs they put me into a Cayman. Of course it is a new car and in great condition. However, driving it just seems so much more solid than my car. I do have very few little squeaks but nothing major. It just seems that my car slams over moderate bumps whereas the Cayman goes "bump" with a muted thud sound. I can't imagine that there is that much sound deading in the new car that makes this difference. Of course I have 18" wheels while the Cayman had 17". Is this strictly attributed to new suspension? I am currently investigating replacing my stock old shocks (110k miles) with either new Bilstein HD or PSS9. It is apparent to me that a car can have good suspension response (meaning absorb the bump and not slam in the car) and still provide responsive driving (again consider the Cayman). Besides supension I am considering adding Dynamat or sound deadening to make the daily drive less instrusive (I don't track the car so not concerned about a little weight gain, the car that is)(mine is a Tiptronic by the way). I guess there are many other bushing that will give over time.

Thoughts anyone?

 

i would forget the dynamat idea and focus on getting the PSS10s. it sounds like ur car may need new shocks and for the road noise, what tires are you running? aged tires sometimes produce more road noise

 

+1 on the PSS9's or 10"s. I love mine and the car seems much more solid and dialed in. Based on other members opinions, KW's are also an excellent choice.

 

I could not agree more, changing your shocks and slapping on some Bilsteins will make your car drive like new. I'd also look into new tires if you need them, that goes a long way as well.

 

How reliable has your 996 been? Im still on the edge about selling mine or keeping it. I've heard different things about their reliability

 

I'd go with H&R coils.

As far as bushings, perhaps Automotion may be able to help.

 

Hey Screamin, I would say it has been fairly reliable. I have 110k miles on the car. Although I have spent probably $8000 on fixes over the past couple of years. Some work done by dealer, some by me as my time permits. Just had to replace steering rack for $1500 last week. I spend much more on this car than on my wifes Acura MDX (she has 123k miles). But I drive this one every day and notice things more on it. I am kind of at the crossroads that you may be eluding to. How much more do I spend on the car. Well, with 110k miles it probably won't get me much money. The repairs I see coming down the road won't offset the price of a newer car (CPO w/ warranty). I still enjoy the car. Considering the economic climate it makes more sense to keep it unless the engine lets go. Then I don't know what to do.

 

Hey Texaschuck, I have an original '02 c2 cabriolet suspension taken off at about 14,000 miles. I would consider trading with your afterhours exhaust even trade if you still have your mufflers.

Thanks,
ruffy

 

Exhaust is already gone Ruffy.