Suspension queries - Bilstein B6, B8, B10, B12, B16, Ohlins Road & Track, K&W...

[Mani_S_Bhogal]

Hi guys, have any of you tried B16 by Bilstein? My suspension is tired (what did I expect after 14 years!) and I am replacing all 4 corners with an updated system. Do let me know what you think is best? Bilsteing, KW, Ohlins and what have you done personally? What have found worth doing.

I have a Carrera 4S and this suspension saga has been going on for a while I just dont know what to go for and what is worth paying for. I had considered the Porsche Original parts relative to MO30 suspension but have been informed by two specialists that the after market producers have a better product than the original systems, unsuprisingly given 14 years of progress! Have you changed your bushes? Is this worth doing?

What costs were involved? HELP REQUIRED

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Suggest remove word Damptronic from title as that version of B16 is for PASM (997 on) equipped cars only. If it was my money would go for Ohlins.

http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod127575/Adjustable-Suspension-kits-Porsche-996-C4--996-Turbo-Ohlins-DFV-Technology/

Why not give Centre Gravity a call for some suggestions and advice.

 

[Mani_S_Bhogal]

Thanks Geoff. I initially thought that but apparently you can apply the damptronic system to pretty much any vehicle.

I will be giving as many people a call as possible. The Ohlins stuff seems great - have you experience of this system?

Mani

 

[peterg1955]

Just give Chris Franklin at Centre Gravity a ring as he will have experience of way more different setups than most people on here have even heard of and is an acknowledged expert regarding Porsche suspension and geo...he knows the M030 option (that's what is fitted to my C2) and said some people find it a bit harsh and will know of all the available options.

He will be able to recommend the best solution 'for you' i.e. the best equipment for what you will use it for, there's no point spending out on multi adjustable expensive kit if you're never going to use the capabilities of something which will ultimately compromise it for normal road use.

The problem is if someone has shelled out £1 - 2k on new suspension (probably replacing well worn factory stuff anyway) they'll just sing the praises of whatever they have fitted to justify it to themselves, it certainly happens on other car forums where whoever has fitted Koni says they are the best, then the next guy says he fitted Tein and they're great, then the next says get Ohlins etc etc

 

[markship]

After too long deliberating i have taken the plunge and bought the Ohlins kit for my 996C4, having to wait a few weeks for a suitable slot at Centre Gravity for them to do the fit and set up. Can't wait. From the discussions i have had with the CG guys they feel they are at the top of the pile when it comes to what you change your shocks to.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Peter's advice is spot on, however now you've bought the Ohlins I'm sure you won't go wrong, they have an outstanding reputation for quality suspension. Good luck!

 

[Mani_S_Bhogal]

How much are you looking at to get the suspension + fitting at CG mate?

I am thinking of getting my bushes replaced also as at a guess mine are probably cream crackered after 14 years of abuse! I am also getting my IMS bearing and Clutch replaced - the car has done 44,000 miles and so again is probably worth doing. The RMS was fixed by Porsche themselves in 2009 long before I purchased the vehicle.

I am also getting my rotors and and pads done although I am thinking of doing that myself to save cost! As you can see I am going to have to put alot in at the moment and whilst CG are probably best I am not sure if they can deal with the rest of the work I want to get done.

 

[markship]

Mani, if you email Chris at CG with what you want to do they will give you a quote with options on what they can do, and the time it will take. Its worth giving them a call to chat about your wants and needs, both Chris and Pete will give you good reasons why one option would be better than another depending on what you want out of the car.

I am having new top mounts front and back, using std ones to keep the car manageable on rural bumpy roads. The change out of the shocks and setting up is 2 days work. Having had the car set up by them a couple of years ago i know just how much time and dedication they put into getting your car set up right. The change in drivability of the car after they worked on it was quite a surprise, well worth it.

 

[Mani_S_Bhogal]

Mark thanks so much. I will give CG an email and see what they recommend.

 

[M444TTB]

A timely thread as I'm looking at replacing the suspension on my Carrera 4. I've swung between the full monty of Ohlins R&T with some decent bushes, H&R ARBs and anything else new OE and simply a new M030 set and replce everything else with OE. The fact M030 is quite old and new aftermarket may be better does weigh on my mind. As does the full fitted price for the full monty!

Out of interest does anyone watch the CarWow videos on YouTube? The presenter does occasional videos on his Carrera and recently had Design911 fit this lot: [link]https://www.design911.co.uk/mobile/#part;id=135341[/url]

 

[wibble]

I agree with the comment made earlier that a 'suspension' refresh from OEM or any after market will transform a tired setup.

My engine is out (see my blog on other thread) and considering the suspension refresh before it all goes back as everything is accessible. I have seen the CarWow video and tempted to fit the adjustable roll kit with M030 replacement and polybush. Possibly may also consider uprated engine/transmission mounts, but need more research on chassis noise going down this route. The coilovers do look fantastic, but cannot justify price for essentially a road use car.

I think CG will be contacted for final setup before I take the plunge. As a note, the best money spent on my 944 turbo was standard OEM shocks with polybush and new tyres - positive change to the whole dynamics of the car.

 

[Pieman7]

I have read many suspension articles on various forums and I personally feel a Oem refresh is the best way to go. Unless you track you car every week and race to at a high class. Surely porsche know what they are doing.

 

[M444TTB]

I think there are two considerations. 1. How much has damper technology moved on since the mid-90s. 2. OEM suspension is always a compromise. Someone decided what those compromises were and they may not be those you'd choose.

 

[markship]

Had Pete at CG fit the kit and set the car up on Tue/Wed then had a nice drive home down through mid Wales on the A483. The Ohlins have transformed the car, its planted and giving a great level of feedback that my tired old OEM set up not was providing. The change has not made the car uncomfortable with the shocks set at mid range, its very controlled and stable, all i had hoped for and a bit more. Got to get a few more miles on them to see what they are like on different settings.