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So I assume now this is the best combination along with the TPC DSC module?
Re. sway bar, the idea is you would like the replacement to be stiffer than stock. Check with Tarett but I would very much assume GT3 bar to be stiffer than stock and hence should do the job. Note I have the GMG sway bar, but no experience with GT3 sway.
I have no experience with the TPC DSC module either. The TSC people are (of course) extremely knowledgeable pro's. Probably a good idea to check with them. Personally I don't see why not.
Nice set up there OP what about the overall ballpark cost (parts/labor) on your suspension transformation?
stiffer, tighter,better! is the fore and aft improved too?
It has been a long time so please check for yourself, but off the top of my head, the Bilstein Damptronic was roughly 2500 (?), the GMG sway bar around 700 (?), labor for install and re-alignment around 1000-1200 (?). So around 4500 total. This is the minimum I would do, and expect no less of a TOTAL transformation from the very soft and boring stock suspension of 997TT. It's going to be a different car, pure and simple.
I consider Bridgestone RE-11 (among stiffest sidewall of all street tires, nearly matching R comp tire like Michelin Cup) to be part of the transformation. But cost here doesn't count since you'll need replacement tires anyway. Hope this helps.
Re. sway bar, the idea is you would like the replacement to be stiffer than stock. Check with Tarett but I would very much assume GT3 bar to be stiffer than stock and hence should do the job. Note I have the GMG sway bar, but no experience with GT3 sway.
I have no experience with the TPC DSC module either. The TSC people are (of course) extremely knowledgeable pro's. Probably a good idea to check with them. Personally I don't see why not.
Hope this helps.
There is a lot of reviews that can be found on our DSC Sport module to give a true active suspension characteristics instead of relying on the Porsche presets to the suspension Normal being 20% and Sport being 80% stiffness on the OEM PASM controller and adapting their suspension setup to such. Our controller paired with a set of sway bars is a great setup for suspension and we have seen great results on just this combination alone. The DSC Sport controller uses a dynamic algorithm based on many inputs off the CAN system to work each shock independently dependent on the driving that is being done and adapts within milliseconds. The controller works the suspension actively from a 1% to 100% stiffness range based on the calibration file set in the controller to give a dynamic range to be utilized. With our system, understeer and nosedive is eliminated because of the adaptability of the DSC Sport controller. If you have any further questions on suspension setup or using the DSC Sport controller feel free to email us at info@dscsport.com.
Tire Update
I now have had 4 popular tires in my Turbo and following is an updated evaluation for anyone interested:
1. Michelin PS2 (rear lasted about 12k miles)
2. Pirelli Corsa (this is an R compound tire, not normal street tire, lasted about 1 year/10k miles both front and rear)
3. Michelin Pilot Super Sport (lasted about 2 years, from 8/2011 to 2013, 20k miles!)
4. Bridgestone RE 11
What to consider in a tire, for the enthusiasts? 1. Traction Self explanatory. More traction is better, but in general usually means shorter life. 2. Sidewall Stiffness (not talking about the rubber compound, but the *sidewall* construction) Everyone knows about traction, the stickier the better of course; not frequently discussed is the importance of tire sidewall stiffness. The sidewall of a tire is a critical factor in suspension tuning; yes the tire is part of the suspension system and will affect body roll and weight transfer as much as stiffer springs! The tire therefore involves a trade-off, just like the rest of the suspension, and this trade-off again is about ride vs. handling. Stiffer tire is good for handling, but bad for comfort, and vice versa. *Street tire tends to has soft sidewall, and therefore is more comfortable, but will also cause the car to lean more in corners. *R comp tire (Michelin Cup, Pirelli Corsa, Toyo Roxes R888 - made for track, but legal on normal road) has stiff sidewall and will noticeably decreases body lean. The difference is significant and easily noticeable, a night and day change. These tires of course should not be used on wet road and are not as comfortable.
Tire Comparion Michelin PS2 vs. PSS
Comparison is difficult because there was a gap in between my usage of the 2. But to best of my memory, all IMHO:
1. Equal road noise, equal comfort between PS2 and PSS.
2. PSS has better dry traction (objective data, faster time at same track) per Michelin's claim, also per user's opinions, although this is obviously anecdotal and subjective.
3. PSS does seem to last forever - very true to Michelin claim. Remarkable for such a high performance tire to have such long tread wear and I believe best in industry (tirerack has tread wear rating for comparison, where PSS is among highest for hi-perf tire IIRC). I believe tread wear is where PSS is a game changer: everyone makes high performance tire, but to make it last so long and cost so little is where this tire shines.
4. PSS is about 10% heavier than PS2. 2-3 lbs per wheel. Increased unsprung weight means worse steering, handling, braking, accel., etc. Particularly bad at outer part of wheel, as in the tire. How important is 10%? Up to drivers.
5. In US, it's unheard of to have problems with warranty claim from using non N Michelin tire. I could be wrong but I would be shocked if there is such a confirmed case, based on non N tire alone.
6. PS2 is being phased out. If you have a non-fixable flat, finding replacement in future could be difficult.
7. PSS also has claim of special construction between inside and outside part of wheel for wet + dry handling. I believe wet performance is either very similar or might even be better per Michelin claim.
I think that all things considered, PSS is actually the better choice for reasons above. Basic tire construction doesn't change but the compound used in the construction of the tire has changed/improved and PSS has the newer technology (twaron, etc.). The only negative is the increased weight - about 2-3 lbs per weight, a touch disappointing since this is unsprung weight is at outer part of wheel, where it would cause the most harm to handling, steering, etc.
Tire Comparison R Comp (Pirelli Corsa) vs. Street Tires (Michelin PS2 and PSS) General comments for those new to this: R comp tire is street legal, track oriented tire. They come standard in GT2 and GT3, as opposed to Turbo, which has street tire. R comp tire has 3 important characteristics: 1. The sidewall stiffness of R Comp's is significantly stiffer than street tires. Tirewall stiffness is critical because this is part of the overall suspension system. Tirewall stiffness is an integral part of suspension tuning and matching: stiffer tire means less leaning, less weight transfer. 2. The tire compound itself however is actually softer, wears much faster, and has significantly superior dry traction. The gain in dry traction is easily felt and utterly remarkable. It sticks like crazy glue and like magic. I was skeptical previously how much this gain is for amateur drivers - *NOT* anymore. MHO: If you are nutty about motorsports, once in your life try R compound tire. This one should be on everyone's bucket list. :-) 3. Very poor wet traction and actually dangerous when it's wet. When it rains, all bets are off with these tires - you must slow down or better yet not driver at all IMHO. 4. When new, the Pirelli Corsa was reasonably quiet and not too stiff, but as the tire aged, it did become extreme noisy on freeway and was quite a bit stiffer.
Tire Comparison Bridgestone RE 11 (EDIT 2019 - replaced by RE 71R) vs. Michelin PS2 and PSS
RE11 is stiffer than PSS, about 1/2 way between PSS and cup tire with respect to stiffness. The stiffness reduces ride comfort a little bit (I think it would be fine for 95% of people with stock suspension and 90% of people with Bilstein :-).) but makes handling and steering so much more precise and fun. Body roll is reducing noticeably compared to PSS. The key is that the reduction in body roll makes the car corners as if it is on rails. This is the best my car has ever felt when it comes to steering and handling, short of the Pirelli Corsa cup tire (which I don't want to use because it is so dangerous on wet roads and so costly). Really, the car corners *beautifully* with these Bridgestone babies.
Road noise is about same between RE 11 and PSS. Traction is close enough that without instrumented, professional-level testing, I doubt I could ever tell a difference. Wear: I don't expect RE11 to last nearly as long as PSS, which IMHO is a game changer with respect to performance tire: 20k miles in my Turbo - unprecedented.
Before you run out and order these tires, please note my bias: I place handling above all so I tend to sacrifice comfort a little more than normal people . I also live in a hilly/mountainous area so body roll has to be minimized for my taste. If you find yourself with same preference, I would recommend them without hesitation. I think of RE 11 as cup tire with less dry traction, but without the wet road danger ;-). Cheaper, sporty, SO MUCH fun!
Just a note that my favorite tire, Bridgestone RE 11, is no longer available, replaced by the RE 71R. RE 71R similarly has quite aggressive thread pattern and very stiff sidewall, much closer to a racing tire (R comp/cup) than a street tire. In other words, a lot of fun and recommended without reservation if you're looking for a sporty street tire.
Nice write up Cannga! My favorite tires on my turbo have always been Hoosiers lol. The A series autocross tires make the beast a ballet dancer as far as agility. And the weight of 24# per corner is noticed immediately. For street, I have lately been on Continentals. The 5P Audi R8 spec tires is what I have used and they are replaced by the newer Extreme Contacts which at 27# are only 1# less than the Michelin cups - the lightest pure street tires as far as I know. Cheers
Just a note that my favorite tire, Bridgestone RE 11, is no longer available, replaced by the RE 71R. RE 71R similarly has quite aggressive thread pattern and very stiff sidewall, much closer to a racing tire (R comp/cup) than a street tire. In other words, a lot of fun and recommended without reservation if you're looking for a sporty street tire.
Nice write up Cannga! My favorite tires on my turbo have always been Hoosiers lol. The A series autocross tires make the beast a ballet dancer as far as agility. And the weight of 24# per corner is noticed immediately. For street, I have lately been on Continentals. The 5P Audi R8 spec tires is what I have used and they are replaced by the newer Extreme Contacts which at 27# are only 1# less than the Michelin cups - the lightest pure street tires as far as I know. Cheers
Thank you.
BTW, just like that 10 years have passed! Seems like yesterday when I was reading every one of your posts on suspension and tuning carefully.
Still in love with the old girl after all these years. New Precision Porsche lip installed (replacing old Techart lip that broke) so I took "her" out for a picture session LOL.
TPC DSC module would make a significant difference in the feel of your suspension. I have had it now on my 997.1 with Bilstein Damptronics for over a year and its one of the best mods I've done to the car. Much more compliant and confortable. The car can be driven faster now with confidence.
Please keep in mind this thread was started almost twelve years ago. TPC DSC was non-existent at the time. It is a truly amazing system and after being allowed to race with it on the professional level, it was outlawed after the first season in use. If I could go back in time, I would have done a DCS Tracactive DDS-RTx Plus Package on my vehicle. Unfortunately, this technology just wasn’t available over a decade ago.
Outlawed? That seems a bit extreme since anyone would be able to use it on any active suspension. Does that mean the Tractive/DSC combo would be outlawed also? Are stock active suspensions outlawed?
Outlawed for IMSA and Porsche Pirelli CUP. It gave the cars an unfair advantage over traditional systems. It can be use for street, DE, and I’m sure certain Club level racing.
. I also live in a hilly/mountainous area so body roll has to be minimized for my taste. If you find yourself with same preference, I would recommend them without hesitation. I think of RE 11 as cup tire with less dry traction, but without the wet road danger ;-). Cheaper, sporty, SO MUCH fun!
New Precision Porsche lip installed (replacing old Techart lip that broke) so I took "her" out for a picture session LOL.
