968 Performance Options

[Coloradocurt]

I'm relatively new to the front engine Porsches but with lots of flat-6 background, and I'm intrigued with the possibility of picking up a nice '94 968 Cab. I've always felt that the Porsche factory short-changed the USDM by not offering the RoW suspension performance options that were available to other parts of the world.
While any autocross or track time is relegated to my past, I'm curious what performance-oriented upgrades are available/recommended for spirited daily driving. And while handling is my top priority, I have 1st hand experience with a couple of my cars that were supercharged with the neat Rotrex unit and feel that they are absolutely amazing when well done on a daily driver.
I'd welcome any suggestions addressing specific performance-oriented questions, as well as what other Forums which might have a more in-depth 968-specific focus.

[flash968]

you mean like this?

PERFORMANCE

[jeff968]

Hi Curt,

In addition to Pelican you'll find a great group of 968ers over at RennList who have built some of the best 968s in the country. You'll also want to check out your local region of the Porsche club. I'm the advocate for the PCA 968 register and would be able to put you in touch with 968ers that are local to you. I like to keep my 968s stock but I respect anyone who has a vision to improve upon what the factory built.

Check out this amazing 968:

https://www.pca.org/classified-ad/307415

If you need any additional info please PM me.

Jeff

[chudson]

Originally Posted by Coloradocurt

I've always felt that the Porsche factory short-changed the USDM by not offering the RoW suspension performance options that were available to other parts of the world.

The only 968 suspensions upgrades were the M030 option which was available to the US but without the lower RoW ride height. Since the rear ride height of all 968s is adjustable, and the M030 front height is also, it is not difficult to set a M030 968 to RoW at which point you would have the "Euro" equivalent.

Problem is, Porsche did not feel that the cab chassis was rigid enough to offer the M030 suspension option and the non M030s coupes have no factory installed front ride height adjustments. So without the addition of lowered or (forgive me purist) "cut" springs or adjustable ride height (coil over) front shocks, you are stuck at US front height.

[jeff968]

Good stuff Cliff.

[flash968]

since others have piped in about resources, this is the largest, most active, and most complete 968 website:

Porsche 968 Forums - Where the Porsche 968 Enthusiasts meet!

here is a link to the fastest 50 state legal 968 in the country, which is a cab, and is for sale:
Flash's car for sale - 968 Cars For Sale by Member - 968 Forums

[chudson]

And many including Flash have put performance suspensions under their cabs with great success. But it wasn't something that Porsche condoned. There's also a Porsche bulletin stating that 18" wheels are forbidden on a 968. Many including me have disregarded that also.....

[jeff968]

Originally Posted by chudson

There's also a Porsche bulletin stating that 18" wheels are forbidden on a 968.

Yet they were OEM on the 968 Turbo S and RS??? All 18 of them

[chudson]

Originally Posted by jeff968

Yet they were OEM on the 968 Turbo S and RS??? All 18 of them

I know. I've pondered and questioned that as well. I have the build list (showing the unique part numbers) for Turbo S and RS, but have yet to scrutinize the list to see if a different part number spindle and/or hub happens to be in the list. It's also all German which is one reason why I haven't tackled it.

It would not make sense for Porsche to state that a non turbo car could not have 18s when all the S and RS did unless they had some spindle or hub even beefier than M030.

Do any of our members definitely know this answer?

[flash968]

i'm willing to bet it was a liability thing. if your suspension is not in tip top shape, 18" wheels add a lot of stress that it may not be able to handle. they have to issue warnings like that to deal with the idiots who would put big wheels on a 10 year old suspension.

that being said, i know for a fact that even with new parts, 18s with bigger tires really wears out components faster. i went through 2 sets of caster blocks, and am now about to change my second set of front control arm bushings.

[J1NX3D]

flash, does your strut tower brace fit a 944 with a 968 engine? (I'm not sure if clearances are the same...)

[flash968]

not sure. i looked at a 944 not long ago in which i installed a supercharger on a 968 engine, and it looked like it would fit, though i might need to modify or change the brackets. i didn't have time to test fit it to be sure. i need to see a car and try one. i just don't know anybody locally who has a 944.

[333pg333]

lol forbidden...

Anyway to the OP...see, I told you so! ;-)