968 Sport front shock absorbers

JohnB31 · Jun 23, 2022

Evening all,
I need to replace the front shock absorbers on my 1994 968 Sport, and am looking for information on which ones are fitted as standard.
The car is on standard non adjustable suspension, not Mo30.
Are the Sport models (and standard CS models) fitted with the same shocks as the 968 standard coupe, or are they something different.
If they are different, does anyone have a part number or other reference?
Can anyone give me a definitive answer please?
Thanks
John B

Chrishazle · Jun 23, 2022

John, unless you're lucky enough for members Waylander or Jakerade to read and reply to this post, you're asking in the wrong place as the 968 register on here is moribund - and I speak having been a PCGB member for 15 years this time (and extra years prior to 2006) and a 968 owner (until 2 1/2 years ago) for 21 years! The best place for 968 help is https://www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=3604&sid=8bac6dd0edcd340e9fea0fc164f6269b, well worth the £10 entry fee that stops anyone/anything other than registered members dead, never seen a Spam or similar on that forum in 25+ years! OK, getting registered can be a bit of a pfaff, but it is absolutely worth it - and the forum owner is a former PCGB 968 register sec and current/previous 968 owner, currently fettling his latest 968, also a Sport.
Pretty certain the 968 sport shockers are standard, M030 was an optional extra, the Sport was lowered by +/-20mm on the springs but not the shockers. However, I can't tag @Waylander or @Jakerade on here to flag your query to them, but I cannot suggest strongly enough that, as a 968 owner, you join the 968uk forum.

Chrishazle · Jun 23, 2022

John, unless you're lucky enough for members Waylander or Jakerade to read and reply to this post, you're asking in the wrong place as the 968 register on here is moribund - and I speak having been a PCGB member for 15 years this time (and extra years prior to 2006) and a 968 owner (until 2 1/2 years ago) for 21 years! The best place for 968 help is https://www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=3604&sid=8bac6dd0edcd340e9fea0fc164f6269b, well worth the £10 entry fee that stops anyone/anything other than registered members dead, never seen a Spam or similar on that forum in 25+ years! OK, getting registered can be a bit of a pfaff, but it is absolutely worth it - and the forum owner is a former PCGB 968 register sec and current/previous 968 owner, currently fettling his latest 968, also a Sport.
Pretty certain the 968 sport shockers are standard, M030 was an optional extra, the Sport was lowered by +/-20mm on the springs but not the shockers. However, I can't tag @Waylander or @Jakerade on here to flag your query to them, but I cannot suggest strongly enough that, as a 968 owner, you join the 968uk forum.

JohnB31 · Jun 23, 2022

Thanks very much for the comprehensive reply.
Good info, and I'll head over to 968uk as suggested.
Thanks again.
John B

Chrishazle said:
John, unless you're lucky enough for members Waylander or Jakerade to read and reply to this post, you're asking in the wrong place as the 968 register on here is moribund - and I speak having been a PCGB member for 15 years this time (and extra years prior to 2006) and a 968 owner (until 2 1/2 years ago) for 21 years! The best place for 968 help is https://www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=3604&sid=8bac6dd0edcd340e9fea0fc164f6269b, well worth the £10 entry fee that stops anyone/anything other than registered members dead, never seen a Spam or similar on that forum in 25+ years! OK, getting registered can be a bit of a pfaff, but it is absolutely worth it - and the forum owner is a former PCGB 968 register sec and current/previous 968 owner, currently fettling his latest 968, also a Sport.
Pretty certain the 968 sport shockers are standard, M030 was an optional extra, the Sport was lowered by +/-20mm on the springs but not the shockers. However, I can't tag @Waylander or @Jakerade on here to flag your query to them, but I cannot suggest strongly enough that, as a 968 owner, you join the 968uk forum.

graham.webb · Jun 24, 2022

I'd be interested to see what you decide to do. My 944 S2 will need shock absorbers soon, but indecision has made me put it off. Rumour was that OEM Sachs units were made as a batch many years ago and dried out seals lead to early failure. Most attractive alternative is Bilstein B6 but only available as an insert for the original strut, requiring it to be cut open and re welded...depends heavily on the accuracy of this, and several on here have not turned out well (including a friend on R19). I looked at KW, everyone seems happy with that but it's v.expensive. Most recent prospect is the GAZ set up, well reviewed and UK manufactured.

Confused!

mcgc0 · Jun 24, 2022

The original Sport shocks/dampers were standard factory Sachs I believe (not seen any other mention that Boge (also Porsche base damper) were used on the 968 - someone will chime in if different.

After some deliberation and checking with with others (including a chap who races and ex Dickie Attwood 944), I decided to keep as true as possible to the original adjustable Koni's M030 option available at the time - if it worked for Mt Attwood then it works for me! Discussed the setup and geo (for hill climb / fast twisty B roads) with Chris at Centre Gravity. Married to a set of sticky Goodyear F1 Eagle Asymmetrics my 968 was transformed - so much confidence and predictability. Lucky enough to have fast flowing B roads with twisties thrown in near where I am and 3 times a week my 'school run'. The 968 is truly driven hard and responds brilliantly.

End of the day it's completely down to your style and needs. Sachs, Billies, Koni's - plenty of choice.

JohnB31 · Jun 24, 2022

Thanks for all the info everyone.
I have decided to fit a pair of the standard F & S units. They are available off the shelf, and the price is almost reasonable by Porsche standards. The car isn't used on track, and I try to keep it as standard as possible. I find the ride/handling balance OK for my use. The reason to change is that one of the existing ones is leaking badly and I'm shortly off on a 3000Km retrospective classic rally through Europe which includes lots of mountain passes including the Stelvio and Gavi, which you certainly don't want to tackle with knackered shocks.
Thanks again for the input.
John B

Waylander · Jun 25, 2022

Hi john
shocks is a subject close to oil,
let’s start with original the coupe cab sport and CS all used the same damper the only difference was springs
i have a set of new Porsche ones on my coupe, they have not lasted at all done less than 10k when delivered they were dated 2007, they both flex in the middle and I get the mot tester complain,
I have now had my friend off TIPEC 51rider, rebuild my old strut cases with Bilstien B6 better damping the internals are 3 times stronger, and I have B6 on the rear too
i would have stayed standard but the replacement from Porsche were just not up to the job
ic you are doing passes you will appreciate the upgrade, and I would replace castor mounts, all anti roll bar mounts, if not been done they are 30 years old and worn
close inspection of the rear beam mounts might reveal some delamination and they are close to £800 for 4 bits of rubber, it all works to transform the car
if you want to contact 51rider let me know, he does an exchange service

mcgc0 · Jun 27, 2022

JohnB31 said:
...I'm shortly off on a 3000Km retrospective classic rally through Europe which includes lots of mountain passes including the Stelvio and Gavi, which you certainly don't want to tackle with knackered shocks.

What classic rally is this John? Any links?

As Waylander points out, if your changing shocks/dampers then ideally all said bushes/mounts etc should be checked for wear or movement. If sticking as standard then of course standard/oem bushes, but it kinda pays to improve, for little money more, with updated materials tech and better bushes and forget these for the rest of the car's life - e.g. SuperPro, Powerflex etc

Chrishazle · Jun 27, 2022

John, I suggest you pay full attention to Waylander, as he is not only a time served car mechanic but also there's very little he has not dismantled and rebuilt in his 7 years of 968 ownership. He also has full PET access for part numbers and current prices, and is a magician at finding alternative identical parts from other sources at prices much better than OPC! He's also very friendly with Jakerade,like Waylander a 968uk member, who has dismantled and rebuilt a number of 968 CS's. You'll see what I mean once you've got your 968uk membership sorted, as both are on there. Jake even occasionally posts on here, as does Waylander.

Chrishazle · Jun 27, 2022

John, I suggest you pay full attention to Waylander, as he is not only a time served car mechanic but also there's very little he has not dismantled and rebuilt in his 7 years of 968 ownership. He also has full PET access for part numbers and current prices, and is a magician at finding alternative identical parts from other sources at prices much better than OPC! He's also very friendly with Jakerade,like Waylander a 968uk member, who has dismantled and rebuilt a number of 968 CS's. You'll see what I mean once you've got your 968uk membership sorted, as both are on there. Jake even occasionally posts on here, as does Waylander.

JohnB31 · Jun 27, 2022

Hello again,
The rally is the Liege Brescia Liege retrospective. It is run every couple of years, usually for just one marque, and the 2022 running is supposed to be only for MGs. However, I had entered the previous 2020 event which was going to be for Porsches, but this was cancelled due to Covid. The organiser is letting me keep the entry and transfer it to a 2022 "non -MG" class as a favour. Ironic really as I had an MG prior to the 968 which would have been perfect for it!22LBL MG Brochure S (1).pdf
I've attached a pdf all about the event for info.
As I'm setting off next week, I'm sticking with standard front shocks, as I've got a few other jobs to sort as well and need the least hassle route, but the info about the alternatives is most welcome and food for thought for future developments.
The rest of the suspension is in excellent condition, and a previous owner has fitted Powerflex bushes throughout.
I must say I'm impressed with the knowledgeable feedback I've had from you guys, and it is all most welcome.
John B

Download

mcgc0 · Jun 28, 2022

JohnB31 said:
Hello again,
The rally is the Liege Brescia Liege retrospective. It is run every couple of years, usually for just one marque, and the 2022 running is supposed to be only for MGs. However, I had entered the previous 2020 event which was going to be for Porsches, but this was cancelled due to Covid. The organiser is letting me keep the entry and transfer it to a 2022 "non -MG" class as a favour. Ironic really as I had an MG prior to the 968 which would have been perfect for it!22LBL MG Brochure S (1).pdf
I've attached a pdf all about the event for info.

Very lucky. Sounds totally great fun. The last time I was in Belgium in an MG was Ypres and the Flanders Historic Rally as part of the championship I was in back then co-driving. Loved the whole area. Might keep an eye out for possible future LBL events I may be eligible for.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. The 968 should be a dream up/down Stelvio!