braking to suspension

[XxKHxX]

do steel braided brake affect your braking distance noticeably?

Can these be installed by an at-home mechanic with simple tools, or will i need specialty tools.

It's that time to change the back shocks! its been...130k miles and 21 years riding with teh same ones. I did the "shock" test and they dont bounce much, yet they go down atleast 1-2 inches. Does porsche specifically engineer the shocks to be somewhat soft? If not, should i go with koni yellows, kyb gr2's, or bilstein? Thanks

[AaronM]

First of all, the shocks don't do a damn thing for how firm the ride is. Softness is strictly a function of the springs themselves. Shocks only manage damping, i.e. preventing the car from bouncing continuously.

Second, yes, Porsches are typically sprung somewhat softly with tight damping, this gives a better ride without sacrificing handling (obviously to a point, as it can't be too soft, but there's no need at all for it to rattle the fillings out of your teeth).

Regarding the brake lines: SS brake lines look cooler. That's all they do unless your original lines are in terrible shape and are stretchy. Rubber brake lines in good shape will be the equal of SS lines since in good shape the rubber ones don't stretch. Braking distance should not change at all.

Aaron

[Steve PH]

Rubber brake hoses expand very slightly under pressure, its no big deal unless they're old and past it. Steel braided hoses do not expand at all, this gives slightly better "feel" through the brake pedal and slightly less effort.

It wont really effect stopping distance but in theory at least you will have better control and will be less likely to lock a wheel as you get more info back through the pedal.