How much difference does the M030 (?) sport chasis option make to the handling of the stock 996 coupe around the city or spirited country driving? I do not plan to ever track my car... the option is only $700 on a new order, so I will get it if worth the $$.... but dont want to buy a track option if i will never be on track...

does anyone have experience with this option on the 04 996?

 

The M030 is kind of a joke. You will get it with the American spec struts, springs, and stabalizers which are rally ride height at best (really jacked up).

In order to lower it you will need the ROW (rest of world) ride height springs that some on European models. This helps a bit with looks and performance. However, if you want the ultimate you need to replace the struts, stabalizers and springs with the X74 option which is only available after market. It is a Porsche product and very similar to the look of the GT3 in ride height.

I just ordered the X74 and will be installing it next week but from all indications it is the way to go. If you decide you would like the M030 ROW springs, let me know... I will be selling my struts and springs.

My recommendation... don't order the M030, save the $705 and order the X74 from Gert at Carnewal.com. The X74 will run about $3000 installed and aligned. It sounds like alot but after you drive the Porsche at the "rally sport" height the X74 makes such a huge difference!

 

yeah - in my case, i dont care about lowering the car...i would buy this option for better handling. however, if you are saying it doesnt make much of a difference and actually might RAISE the car, then i definitely dont want it...

 

The other option is to order the row m030, which will cost between $1,500 - $1,700 installed, so $800-$1,000 more than the US 030. If you don't want to spring for the extra $ however, i'd still go with the US 030, which will improve the handling over the stock suspension, which is quite lacking IMO.

 

Get the M030, well worth $700, and it does not raise the car. The car will sit at the same US spec height and handle better than the std suspension. It will cost $2K to retrofit.

 

This has been discussed a few times, I would recommend the X74 over the M030.

 

I have the M030 and recommend it. I am happy the car is not lower, since in city driving, there are enough ramp angles, kerbs, and "traffic calming" obstacles (e.g. speed humps) to worry about.

 

Can anyone clarify for me which suspension is fitted to the 40th anniversary cars? I've heard several different answers...

TIA!