How involved is it to change the suspension? I am pretty handy in the garage and wonder if I could install the Damptronics myself. Any unusual tools required? Any source for instructions on the project? I figure I could do everything except the alignment.

Ideas? Thoughts? References?

TIA

 

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...stein-gmg.html

 

Thanks Alex. Your write ups have helped me make the decision to move to the Damptronics. I noticed that you ordered the club sport version. I was not aware of different versions. Can you explain the differences? TIA.

 

The F4-GA5-D598-H0 is what is sold specifically for the U.S. market 997TT. In Europe, it is referred to as the "clubsport version."

F4-GA5-D581-H0 are available for the 997TT as well. They are also made for the the Carrera 4S. They are referred to as the "standard version" in Europe.

 

Well Cargraphic use to say that the Damptronic kit come in normal or clubsport variants...

• GA5-D598 Sportsuspension B16 damptronic, FA+RA 15-35mm CLUBSPORT/
• GA5-D581 Sportsuspension B16 damptronic, FA 25-35mm, RA 15-35mm /

Yup, I fitted the Clubsport version.


HOWEVER now when you go to the Bilstein site it says the D581's are for Carrera 4 and the Turbo you only have a choice of the D598 or the non-PASM PSS10 kit (GM5-D601).


So I guess everyone here with Damptronic kits are either running the Carrera 4 soft versions or the correct Turbo version.


ie. you want the D598 version (PASM compatible)

 

If you are going to try the install yourself, I'd refer to these pics - which are all annotated:

http://picasaweb.google.com/alex.997tt/CenterGravity1
http://picasaweb.google.com/alex.997tt/CenterGravity2
http://picasaweb.google.com/alex.997tt/CenterGravity3

 

+1

I think an attempt at clever marketing has made it very confusing here in the US...

 

It's a 4-5hr ordeal to install these. This is the only mod that I deferred to my shop for install since they do it all the time. For someone who has not done this before, it's a bear. I would strongly suggest you take this to a pro.

Have them set the height per your requirements then drive it for a week or so. This will allow them to settle. Then take it back and get a custom alignment. Keep in mind that they will settle some more within the next several months so take it back and have them re-check the height and make sure that all are even. I had to take mine back 2 months later as my right side was lower than the left. Adjust then check alignment once again.

 

If you dropped the car 20mm do you need to buy some type of adjustable camber? I just don't want to go through tires too often.

 

I did suspension work on other cars but not on the turbo. I just want to see if it is much different. From what I can see, I won't even have to compress the springs.

 

installation writeup

 

make sure you have a ball joint separator.

 

The more info I gather the more I might consider having my shop do it. Some tools I do not have but it seems, from looking at Alex's photos, that I have to compress the springs. I hate doing that with my less than perfect spring compressor.

 

What shop are you using? I would steer clear of any dealers.

 

Well Since Farnbacher is gone I'll go to TKX performance. The only dealer I would consider is Porsche of Huntington.