Stock 996 rear diameter is roughly 25inches...+/- a little depending on tire brand...your 295/30/19's are almost an inch taller. Depending on springs(ride height), camber and offset of wheels, you might rub a little. I guess you'll find out after you've lowered the car. I would reduce the diameter by going wider(315) and run 25 series tire. Just make sure to match a similar diameter to the fronts especially if you're a C4.

 

The fronts are about 25 1/4". But the rears, with the 295/30s are more like 25 3/4. Since the rears are quite a bit more worn, maybe it makes sense to replace those with the 315/25s now. Certainly would give me more room. I wonder how much harsher the ride will be with an even shorter sidewall?

Any strong feelings on Eibachs v. the H&Rs? Seems like the H&Rs might be a fimer, more sport oriented ride? Or are they so close you couldn't tell the 2 apart?

 

I have seen more complaints about HR being too harsh, than complaints against Eibach. Techart's coilovers are Bilstein Shocks and Eibach Springs. Gemballa coilovers are HR.

I have a set of Techart (Eibach springs) and I think I will be adding the HD's you have on, rather than the Sports, as ride will be low enough with the springs themselves. Although the springs are designed to work with stock shocks, I asked my shop and they told me that the HDs would be a welcome addition with the Techart springs. He happened to prefer Eibachs over HR, but did not make a big fuzz about it either because they both are good. He is the consultant (driver and engineer) for a well known shock manufacturer and they are releasing a new street set under his advice.

I'd go with the Eibachs on your HDs.

 

You'll get a lot of different opinions on H&R vs. Eibach. I have H&R on my cab and don't think they are harsh at all and think the look is perfect. For an objective way of evaluating the two look at the spring rates.

 

From my general experience with regard to springs, Eibachs have always been stiffer than H&R's. As far as the ride height they all settle a half inch or so within a year.

 

BTW...I went to my local Porsche dealer and looked at 6 or 7 996/997 Cabs they had on their lot. On every one of them with 19s, there is about a 1/2" difference in diameter between the front and back wheels. I think all of them had 35 profiles in front and 30s in the rear. Some of them used 295s in back while one or two used 305s.

I guess the upshot here is that the 19s I have are exactly what they should be in terms of diameter/tire size.

I found a set of H&Rs posted on the classifieds here that are local. I'm trying to make a deal on those as it wil save me a few $$. :-)

 

I've continued to read and research on the site. I found one member (who seemed pretty knowledgable) state that you need to use the Bilstein Sports with either of these spring options as they are shorter than the HDs and made to work with lowering springs. As I have said earlier, my mechanic is confident that the two shock models are the same length.

Will the HDs work as well (in terms of travel, etc.) as the Sports, assuming I put in the springs. I'm not concerned about handling/performance differences?

 

BTW....should there be the same distance between top of the wheels and bottom of fender when comparing front to back? In my case, there is at least 3/4" more clearance in front. Does that seem right?

 

what size tire are you running up front?
it does appear from the picture that the front gap is too much. you may want to double check that the install was done correctly.

 

I'm running 235/35/ZR19 up fron and 295/30/ZR19 in the rear. Pirelli P-Zero Rosso. I think those are the right sizes....correct?

I guess if I do the springs, my guy will have another shot at getting the shocks in correctly?

 

Guys-

I think I've decided to take the plunge and go with PSS9 setup. Solves all the problems at once. Lowers the car. Allows me to get the ride height perfect in both front and back v. the fixed ride height a set of Eibach or H&R springs would give. By doing so, allows me to keep the 19 inch Carrera S wheels I have....which I really like. My current shock would have to be removed to do the spring change anyway so the labor cost difference between PSS9 and just springs isn't that great.

Unless someone has a really good reason not to do this...I think this is the best choice.

Anyone want a brand new set of Bilstein HDs cheap!!!

 

You are correct, it is the best choice. I think everybody will tell you the same. There was a sale in PSS's in one of the sites that sell the some time ago, and member " Dharn55" did mention it in the forums. do a search and you'll find the link to the site. you might them call them and lobby a bit, as they do not have the sale all the time but often.

 

tarzancoe-sent you a PM

 

No turning back now! PSS9 setup is here and waiting on install, set for Monday. I should be able to dial in exactly what I want for both ride height and firmness. I plan on sticking with the 19s for now, but the beauty of this will be that if I decide to change back to 18s down the road, I have a setup to accomodate it.

Suggestions on what firmess to use to start? I think the softest setting is similar to stock?

BTW Anyone want to buy a brand new set of Bilstein HDs?!! :-)

 

Hi JKSherk
Sorry for the intrusion.
Cosmetics aside just wondering how you felt about the Bilstein HD shocks when used w stock springs.

I own a 2005 997, Non S, non PASM, C2.
At 55k miles I find the suspension to have grown jarring and quite unbearable over small little bumps on expressways and freeways.

Unlike most members who want ultimate handling and looks and track racing I just want to keep my car as a daily driver.

PSS9 is out of the Q as they are min $2600 + HEFTY install $$$ here in CA.

Any advice, opinion appreciated.

Sincerely,