Noob question about PSS9 expectations
 

Greetings everyone. Great site. I just bought my first Porsche, a 2003 996 C2. Very nice, clean car.

The previous owner installed the Bilstein PSS9 suspension and it's set quite low. I can barely fit my index finger between the top of the tire and the wheel well in the front. The back has slightly more room. When I push down on the front end it doesn't budge at all. The back does give when I push on it. I'm afraid it might be resting on the bumpstops in the front. When I drove it the 350 miles from where it was purchased to home, the ride seemed harsh even though the damping settings are 8 F/R. Should I have it looked at? Thanks.

looks tooooo low

I can barely fit a finger in the crack, but the ride doesn't bother me and there is no rubbing issues.

http://www.screameleons.com/ads/p5.jpg

That's too low. You may want to bring it up an inch or so. The ride will be much better.

Mine is as low as this on 19s, ride can get harsh, then again I have KWV3s and they are harder then PSS9s. I love the ride height

what is the distance from the ground to the highest point of the wheel well, mine is 25.25"f, 25.5"r and it is fine, no issues and comfy at 7/4 f/r.

Check your tire pressure... what are you using, some tires will ride harsh, like pirelli's

You are not resting on the bump stops. If you were, when driving, you would literally feel/hear the banging. If you are really concerned, find a specialty shop, not the dealer. All adj susp. are very sensitive to adjustment, so you don't want a novice monkeying around with them.

Just measured: 25" F&R. Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

its a little low, but people here run with 25" all around w/o a hitch, mps are actually comfy tires.

That is not an accurate way to measure since the wheel size and tire size may vary and will greatly affect the distant of the fender to the ground. A more effective way is to measure from the middle of the fender (highest point in the fender) to the center of the wheel hub. This way, no matter how fat or skinny your tires are, it will not affect the measurements for comparison purposes.

that's not low

first of all, congrats on the new ride, looks really nice. I'm sure you're not riding on the bump stops--that would be unbearable. What kind of car are you coming from? Have you ever ridden in a car with an aftermarket suspension?
I started in college with an Integra lowered on Eibach springs with KYB shocks...took awhile to get used to (I still have this as my beater car). Then I had an E46 M3 on eibach springs...nice ride, obviously harsher than stock. Now I have a 996 C4S on H&R coilovers--a bit harsher than the M3, but not significantly.
Anyway, I guess the point I'm making is that, if you're not used to an aftermarket suspension (especially on a sports car) it will feel harsh. Your car seems to be at a reasonable height. I'd drive it for a while and get more used to it. Eventually I found the handling benefits far outweighed the ride quality. If you can't stand it, you can always raise it up a bit and soften the suspension settings. Good luck!

whats this about a finger in the crack and rubbing ????

I've got a great local guy that can get it adjusted - I'm in Maryland too! I run PSS9s and can tell you that I don't have my fronts and rears at the same settings. My car hooks up!

Come on out to our AutoX on Sunday at Ripken stadium and we'll check it out.

www.pcachs.org


FTD last event - come on out and I'll pay your entry fee if you beat me. :)

I'll take you up on that. I live in the DC area, but was planning to be in Bel Air on Sunday. I'll send you a PM. Thanks.