Data:

a) I have a 2009 C2S with _regular_ PASM (not sport).

b) I would like to lower the car and get a stiffer ride while keeping the flexibility of the PASM button.

c) Ideally, I would like to run something like front -1.0/0.02 (camber/toe) and rear -1.5/0.12 as I have read it is a good start for a compromise of street/track use.

I did some research on the forums and here is my understanding of this so far:

1) I understand I could either do a full blown Damptronics coilover system or just do springs (Eibach/Techart). I am still a little fuzzy on the pro's and cons but it looks like the Damptronics are more refined but that is about it. Otherwise people seem to be divided. With $$$ seemingly the most popular deciding factor between the two options.

2) With a stiffer kit (PASM compatible springs of full coilover), I understand I would go from normal/sport to sport/supersport with the "PASM" button. Am I right?

3) For springs I know there are 3rd party options (Eibach/Techart/H&R/etc.) but is it also possible to put the OEM PASM Sport specs springs thus essentially getting PASM Sport minus the LSD? Any recommendations on the 3rd party options (TechArt looks like the favorites)?

4) Reading some sites, it seems that lowering the car will have an effect on alignment ranges and that with the factory parts on my car, I would not be able to align the car's geometry properly (see above alignment values). Is that right? Is it the same for damptronics and springs or is there a difference?

5) Following up on #4, I also read some reports that changing toe steer and rear link kits can lead to some added noise. Any recommendations there?

Did I get it right? Any info/comments will be appreciated.

Tanks in advance,

T.

 

T. you have the correct understand on this.

I have GT3 lower control arms and run a more agressive alignment but do not have any more road noise than normal.

 

I have a C4S, non Sport chassis

I lowered the car with Techart springs and I am fully happy with my car

Change was not dramatic, but it improved

Hope this helps !

 

I have Damptronics and love them . It is much more planted than stock and sport button as well as ride height adjustable.

On my Turbo I actually did a comparison of Techart springs and then switching to Damptronics . Of the springs group I happen to love the Techart . They also make coil overs too but they are not cheap . Since I was installing several things I opted for the Bilstein and the Gt2 sway bar . Whata huge difference .

With the springs I felt that the tires faced more cornering stress . With the damptronics I felt the suspension absorbed and adjusted to what the car is capable of doing.

My vote goes to Bilsteins .. BUT .. very important .. make sure you choose the best installer because it is crucial to have the suspension properly installed.

 

Here's a picture of my Turbo's Techart spring next to the Bilstein as well as a few from the installation taken by the guys who did the work and sent to me.

 

Nice suspension! I am using that on my 997.2 also!!

 

I had H&R springs for a very short period of time until I installed Damptronics. The handling characteristics drastically improved in doing the switch. I know each spring manufacturer's springs will handle slightly differently, but coilovers will give you a much more refined feel versus any spring.

 

How much time do you plan on spending at the track? We would certainly recommend the H&R spring setup if your planning on keeping your OE dampers / PASM. Please send me a pm and I'd be more than happy to help. We've done a number of 997.2 lately for track and street setup.

 

1-Damptronics are height adjustable, giving you more options on what you want (comfort or handling). Some track junkies find Bilstein too soft for track. I drive my car on both street and track, so I find them stiff enough to drive on the street without being too much of a burden.

2-With coilovers, the lower you go the stiffer the suspension will feel, and less bodyroll. So going lower gives you more handling at the sacrifice of comfort (approach angles, stiffer ride)

3-People have different preferences for springs. As far as I've read, Eibach makes the TechArt springs. So if you are considering TechArt save your money and go purchase from Eibach directly. Some people suggest H&R over Eibachs. Some people say H&R springs sag over time, but it is not sagging, rather the car settles further with time naturally.

4-Alignment/geometry issues have to do with how much you lower the car. The closer you are to factory the easier it is to adjust the alignment specs.

5-I have RSS components on my car (along with Bilstein Damptronics), and yes the car is stiffer than before. This is due to RSS parts having solid pieces where OEM factory pieces are rubber.

Hope this helps you out

 

if you will not track/auto-x/autosport your car a lot - there is no 'need' to get rid of stock shocks. just get eibach springs, put them on, get your maxed stock camber done as you stated and be done with it.
damptronics are good street COs but imho it is a waste of money as regular street ride does not 'need' to be stiffer and for dedicated track use damptronics are not stiff enough nor they come with correct springs for track so it is really an in-between solution that may work for some but honestly stock setup would serve you better in a long run and will keep you in your own stock class.

if you decide to rebuild suspension you may end up doing that jellis did and I do now - find very good shop and essentially do complete gt3 rs rebuild - lower arms, upper mounts, thrust arms, toe links, dogbones, whole setup without any rubber bushings left. it is stiff and not very street friendly. if you not sure if you need it or not and your car is your DD - do not do it, keep it closer to stock.

 

Saw you at calabogie for the corporate track day!

PM me if you want to talk track mods. I have just competed mine.

I have some springs available too.

 

what was the resolution on your JRZs issues?

 

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. Evidently, this is even more complicated than I tought... Damptronics or OEM GT3 setups seem like the best solutions. I tought I could just do a "quick & dirty" with springs but I am still worried about the alignment and, I am going to do all this, might as well look at the big picture.

Clearly I need to decide how much of a track oriented setup I want to go for and then look at my budget... These mods are racking up fast .

T.

 

You have stated my same questions very clearly. Unfortunately, the solution is not so clear....

 

http://sharkwerks.com/porsche/997-ca...rt-type-i.html