Don't forget to properly align it too.

 

Since you brought up alignment.

Where does a Porsche novice find out what modifications justify alignment specs other than factory, ie. lowering spring?

 

Following alignment is used by a number of people here, essentially the alignment specs of the GT3, for street (not track). The main change is to increase front camber adjustment, hence increasing front wheel grip in corners, hence better cornering, less understeer, more sporty feel. First page of thread has basic discussion of basic principles of suspension tuning: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...red-turbo.html

 

something like that is what I was looking for, ty very much
would this be the same for a 2003 996 C2 3.6L NA?

 

I don't have direct experience so this is only a guess, but in general, yes. Porsche, understandably, sets up their street cars from factory to behave more like a "normal" cars for better mileage, tire wear, etc., etc. All modern 911's alignments however, are meant to be adjustable to driver's taste. This means if you are interested in better/faster cornering, you HAVE to change the alignment, and in general and within reasons (no I am not a lawyer), this means increasing negative camber so the outside tires stay flat and remain in contact in high speed cornering.

Don't know about 996, but for 997 with stock components, the max you could go is -1.2 in front, hence that recommendation.

 

So is possible to align to factory 996 specs with springs that lower the car about an inch?

 

Has anyone ever run Weitec springs? They offer a front 20mm and rear 15mm drop kit.

 

No reason to think otherwise (it is possible for 997) but for 996 you probably want to post in 996 forum or check with your tuner to make sure.

 

First time I have heard of these. Unless there is some compelling reason to use them (is there?), my vote would be to use the tried and true: Techart, GMG, Eibach (all 3 rumored to be stiffer than stock), or H&R (rumored to be softer than the other 3).

 

For some the drop is just too much. I rode in a factory turbo back to back with my H&R spring equiped turbo and I'd agree that the ride is better on H&R in every regard. comfort and handling, which is remarkable (disclaimer: mine is a coupe and the stock spring car was a cab). That being said, it's just too low to be a daily driver in NYC.

Are there any other options? Is there maybe some sort of aftermarket/other application spring islotor that will raise the car ~10-15mm? I'm not excited about having to go back to stock.

 

A bit contrary to what I've always heard. H&R are stiffer and lower than Eibach. Be careful also adding sway bars, they will also make the ride stiffer. These days it seems like springs and the dsc suspension control system, along with an alignment, would be the best street alternative.

 

There is a lot of confusion about lowering springs since no manufacturer releases info, and no trustworthy source has measured. All rumors. That said, to best of my knowledge and based on many years of following this forum, *ALL* major lowering springs (Techart, GMG, Eibach, H&R) lower the car similarly, about 20mm-24mm. (Anyone correct me as needed pls.)

H&R spring is known to be softer than GMG and Techart, and likely even a touch softer than stock. This has been confirmed with actual measurement by a major and very capable vendor here - I don't mention it often because the measurement was never released for public viewing. Nevertheless, the "same as stock" character has been mentioned by a number of users. I tend to recommend the other 3 springs for this reason as I prefer stiffer springs (personal preference).

Sway bar is a crucial part of suspension tuning (understeer/oversteer behavior), I personally woudn't dismiss it. The sway bar has adjustable settings such that if you don't like the stiffness, you could go to the soft setting. It is true this is strictly personal preference, no right or wrong: if you want softness of stock, then stay with stock. OTOH, if you want to improve the handling, then IMHO it is a must. Because of the adjustability, in general I recommend it highly. Valuable learning tool/education too about handling for us enthusiasts.

Note that regarding the 3 mods you mentioned: lowering springs, DSC module, sway bars, I wouldn't pick any 2 and indicate it to be the "best" as this is again, a matter of opinion/personal preference. Keep in mind they act on TOTALLY different areas of suspension functions (springs, damper, anti-roll) so one can't say a is better than b. (Different, not better.) I got a little carried away with this discussion, didn't I?

 

cannga,
You bring up the most important fact. Actual measurements of lowering comparing stock with the popular aftermarket springs. I am new to this forum as well as owning a Porsche 996 for only a year, but it seems like we all should not have to re-invent the wheel.
It is unfortunate, after a diligent search, I have come up empty on actual comparisons on lowering height, not mfg claims, but actual mods on cars with before and after spring installs.
I understand the sway bar adjustments can stiffen or dampen ride.
However, and don't laugh, I have no idea what "DSC" stands for, LOL.
I read it all the time, and have no clue!

 

Welcome to the forum

http://www.tpcracing.com/dsc.html

I agree. I can contribute my H&R figures. How should we measure? ground to top of wheel arches? ground to body directly in front of wheel?

 

do you know what the stock height was, I think most of the standard measuring techniques go to inside the highest point of the wheel opening, should get all four.
I will measure my stock height and report back.
ty