does size matter

yellowbird · 09-09-2006, 05:56 AM

does lowering 911 sc by 1 inch really affect handling in such a positive as to offset ride harshness is it worth it for primarily street im getting some mixed opinions can local garage do job or better to travel to porsche shop?

Oh Haha · 09-09-2006, 06:01 AM

If you lower the car by 1 inch, yes, it will handle better BUT you will need to have it aligned again and if possible corner balanced. You can really mess up the already great handling of these cars by not doing it properly. A Porsche specific garage would be the best choice if you can't do it yourself.

pwd72s · 09-09-2006, 07:32 AM

A LOT to think about when thinking suspension, and it goes far beyond ride height. Shock valving, sway and torsion bar sizes, wheel & tire selection, the list goes on. Speaking VERY generally, as you reduce the amount of suspension travel by lowering, one should increase the spring (or torsion bar) strength, so one gets the same forces in a lesser distance. Ditto shocks.

When I was rethinking suspension, my mind began to spin. Then I had the good sense to take the car to ROTHSPORT and turn Jeff loose with the instructions to make it a car that he'd like to drive on the street. He did just that...

Nine9six · Nine9six's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
When I was rethinking suspension, my mind began to spin. Then I had the good sense to take the car to ROTHSPORT and turn Jeff loose with the instructions to make it a car that he'd like to drive on the street. He did just that...

Just two thoughts on this "good sense"...

1. What was the net cost of turning Jeff of Rothsport loose on your cars' suspension?

2. Not all pockets are of the same depth.

HarryD · 09-09-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nine9six
Just two thoughts on this "good sense"...

1. What was the net cost of turning Jeff of Rothsport loose on your cars' suspension?

2. Not all pockets are of the same depth.

I cannot speak for my buddy Paul but I also faced the same decision.

My instructions to Jeff were a bit different (need to navigate city streets with wife and two kids in car plus better handling at AX). Prior to bringing the car to him, I spent much time discussing which parts I needed to upgrade/replace with both Jeff and Steve Weiner. Once I replaced the parts, my car was in his shop for lower/align/corner/balance. While costing more than Les Schwab, the setup meets my objectives and is even lower than I expected. I felt the price was fair for 7 hours of shop time I was charged.

Just count me another happy cutomer.

randywebb · 09-10-2006, 01:32 PM

OK, for Harry the time was 7 hrs. for lower, align, corner balance. Is that aobut right? Or was he also charged for some of the expert advice he got?

And, Paul, maybe you can post the hours & cost for your '72?

Then it's just a question of the hourly rate.

One could also save some $$ by doing the lowering themselves -- esp. the rear.

HarryD · 09-10-2006, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
OK, for Harry the time was 7 hrs. for lower, align, corner balance. Is that aobut right? Or was he also charged for some of the expert advice he got?

And, Paul, maybe you can post the hours & cost for your '72?

Then it's just a question of the hourly rate.

One could also save some $$ by doing the lowering themselves -- esp. the rear.

I am sure the 7 hours included some time for expert advice (that I willingly paid).

I asked Jeff about spending some quality time lowering the rear and he pointed out that it was highly likely that they would still be doing some disassemble/assemble for me so it would be of minimal value. I should also point out that the car is about 3/4" lower lower than I expected but still has full suspension travel with my Stock t-bars.

All in all, I think the apparent extra cost I paid to Jeff was worth the extra value I received.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I just lowered one of my cars by ~1". Yes the handling is drasticly improved. On a 993 the ride quality doesn't take a big hit even when spring rates and sway bar rates are more than doubled from stock sport. But the issue becomes pavement transitions, the front end is extremely vulnerable. Probably for most people the stock euro sport ride height is the way to go, not race car ride height.