Thinking of adding lowered springs. Possibly H&R since it seems they make a good product. I'm worried about effecting the ride of the car. Does the car handle any different? I would hate to change something that has been engineered so well, Just for it to look a little better. I can't stand the amount of space between the tire and the fender. It looks huge to me. So I would be lowering for that reason.

Also, what is everybody's take on doing 20" wheels? I think that would change the handling as well.

 

I have H&R's; ride firmed up just a little bit; by no means uncomfortable (YMMMV). In fact I wish my dampening was even firmer, but I'm a guy who would have no prob putting PSS9's on either No adverse handling effects, change of direction is a pinch more direct.

I'm sure that most here would agree that most of the popular spring kits out there speak favorably about them.

As for the 20's? DON'T DO IT. Why would you put anything on a Porsche that would decrease performance. 20's most certainly will. Save big wheels like that for an Escalade or something similar. Not a Porsche

 

after you lower it...have it corner balanced and then alligned...should handle just fine...

 

I have Tech Art springs on my 4S which lowered it by 1". It handles much better at the track, but it is harsh on bad roads. I live in San Francisco where the roads suck and I'm worried that it's beating up the car. So consider what the quality of roads are that you'll be driving on. I'm getting the electronically adjustable PSS9 shocks when they're available in the hope of softening up the ride while maintaining adjustability for the track.

 

do you think even with just springs install that are not so progressive you would need allignment and corner balance?

 

First of all, I love my Dubs. They look great, and I'm having trouble understanding how they hurt the performance of my car. Sure they weigh a couple of pounds more, but I'm pretty sure I can't tell the difference in day-to-day driving, and I have different wheels for the track. Besides, I've got ceramics anyway, which more than offset the difference in wheel weight. A couple of years ago people would have been howling and protesting about you considering 19s! Nor is it a huge change in ride quality going to the slightly lower profile tires. It's not like I was running 70-series on my 19's anyway.

As for the springs, I have the TechArts too (Eibach), and love 'em. The ride is slightly stiffer, but not too bad. And I think the ride in sport mode is actually improved and not as harsh with the lower ride height. Whereas before I rarely selected sport mode for around town driving because it beat me to death, it is my default for all driving now.

Two votes yes for lowering your car, and slapping on some bling (Dubs).

 

any time you change the ride height you change corner balance and possibly allignment...the correct sequence is to set the ride height and corner balance (one affects the other) and then check the allignment for spec...if you are not tracking then it may not be necessary but watch for odd handling characteristics and unusual tire wear...

 

heavier wheels hurt performance, not necessarily larger wheels so long as the overall diameter remains similar to stock via lower profile tires your in good shape if weights are kept in check.

 

golfman, I have check with a couple of local Porsche dealers and got the workd from the guys themselves at Champion Motorsports that if you lower the car you will need an alignment. Champion uses H&R springs and to there specs for the 997. They said it will firm up the ride a little but not as much as some that will make the car very harsh.
If you want dub city bling then 20" are it but the ride will even be more harsh from what I've been told. I'd say stick with 19" wheels and keep your 18's for the track.

 

Lowering will always harshen the ride to some extent. It may or may not be objectionable, depending on you.

The product of spring rate(pounds per inch) and suspension travel(inches) equals the loading the corner of the car can withstand before bottoming out, either by striking the bump stop or coil bind. Lowering reduces suspension travel, so the springs must be stiffer or the car will bottom out on smaller loads.

You will have more frequent groundings of the air deflector forward of the front wheels. At stock ride height, the car strikes the pavement fairly often.

 

I fitted PSS9's to my C2 (with base suspension) last month. Lowers it about a inch and also matches springs and dampers. I am very happy with the set up. Looks better, handles way better, rides better (more hunkered down...not harsh at all) and does not scrape noticeably much more than before (just the air splitter in any case).

 

There is no need to corner balance a car if your just changing springs. They are not adjustable like coil-overs. Alignment, yes.

 

I was thinking the same thing 19's and keep my 18's for track.

 

golfman, if you can go with some lite forged 19"s you will gain performance.

 

i put the h and r springs on my car but had it done prior to taking delivery. so, i don't really remember what the ride was like on my initial test drive with a cayman s that was not lowered. my wife and i were blasting down 95 south and SHE mentioned what a good ride the car has. i was like, damn honey, get some of that with the ride comment. this from the same woman that wanted me to step up and go for the extra inch with the 20's. i said, even you can't handle that and went with the 19's.