OK....I know this has been discussed before. I have read the previous posts. But just wanted to get current opinions and experiences. I am ready to take the plunge for the suspension mod with Gert, but want to really understand how these suspensions PERFORM on the street and track. I track my car about 6-8 times per year with Michelin Pilot Sport Cups. I live in Florida where there are relatively decent roads (not much cobblestone, etc.). We have our share of potholes though. I understand the differences in the lowering amounts between the two mods, but want to know how you guys feel about the "real world" liveability of each of these. I don't want a bone jarring ride, but am willing to live with some additional stiffness. I do like the look of the lower X74....but is it worth twice the price???

 

Orlando,

I was very happy with the M030 on my C4S. However I am now ready to take the plunge and go lower with the Techart coilovers. The ride on the M030 is not harsh at all. You may be surprised as to what little difference there is in harshness, It just feels firmer - I'm also running 19" wheels on my set up.

 

I am really happy with the M030 option. It's firm, communicative without being harsh. Good enough for track use? I'll know in a few weeks.

 

The X74 will bring you down around GT3 spec and I know people with the setup that are happy with it, the ROWM030 is a more subtle change, if it were me I would do the X74, X73 here in the TT.

 

Go for the X74 setup - I love it.
The 030 setup just did not lower my car enough as far as I was concerned. When you look at the springs on the X74 kit and compare them with the 030 setup, they are way more progressive, thicker and much, much shorter in length. I assume that the damping rates for the X74 are higher as well to match the much shorter thicker springs.

In no way is it harsh or bone jarring. No problems as an every day setup and this setup suits the track fine without having to readjust the suspension. The X74 removes a lot of the understeer that is present on a stock car and the other thing I really noticed was the virtual ellimination of any body roll which really helps as the car is turned into a corner.

In fact before I purchased the X74 setup I was a little concerned due to not many people having this setup and I did not get a great deal of feedback from the forums in respect to the ride qualities of this setup.

Anyway I decided to go for it anyway as I wanted the lower ride height and in the end was very surprised at how compliant the ride is. Sure its a firmer ride but the improvement in handling is immediately apparent and I was impressed at how the damping setup with the X74 kit does not produce a harsh ride.

If you do not require the adjustability that other kits provide, you can't go wrong with the X74 package - basically its set and forget. I did not require the adjustability and the hassle of getting the car realigned every time after an adjustment on the suspension and as I wanted to take the car out on the track a couple a times in the year the X74 was a good choice for me.

Even my wife thinks the ride is smooth and when I am driving over reasonably good roads most first timers in my car do not really notice the firmer ride until I mention it and then they tend to say - "Oh yeh its firmer compared to my car". No one has shouted "Quick get me out of this car as my *** is aching already"

 

Thanks for the input. I have heard lots of great stuff about the X74. Gert was really high on it also. Decided to take the plunge on the X74 with Gert. Will let you know my thoughts after the install.

 

About how much did the X74 lower your car ZX7R?

 

If I measure from ground level to the fender lip on my front wheels (using wheel centre as measurement axis) - the car rides at about 640mm with a full tank of gas.

 

Im not familiar with the X74 but I have heard many good things about the PSS9's. YOu may also want to look into those. I have ROW M030 and M030 sport suspension. The ride is very comfortable but I would have liked it a little bit lower. My primary concern was that of warranty. I was concerned that anything other than Porsche spec would cause me problems down the road due to alignment issues which are common with cars lowered a good bit.

 

The X74 being a Porsche option does not affect warranty - itself being covered by the warranty as well and alignment is not an issue for this setup.

The PSS9's are fine if you require the adjustabilty etc but obviously not being a Porsche product, they are not covered by Porsche.

One thing you can count on is that the X74 is designed by Porsche to suit the 996 so you know it will work with the car correctly.

 

Thanks for the clarification Costas. I wish I knew of this option before I did the M0303 ROW, I probably would have done that. DAMN!

Does anyone have a photo of a car that has the X74 option?

 

Greyghost..I hope to have it installed before the Southern Fried event this weekend. I will have the car there and you may be able to check it out.