993 C4s From stock to lower suspension

[EugeneGroysman]

How to make/upgrade a stock suspension lower? Is it expensive?

[Don Plumley]

There are several levels of suspension improvement, with increasing cost at each stage. Stock suspension is lowered with new springs. Porsche M030 springs bring ROW ride height and reasonable cost. However, assuming you have original shock absorbers, you should probably replace them. There are limited options there. At that point, it's easy to talk yourself into adjustable units, such as Bilstein PSS-10, JIC, etc.

Parts costs are what they are. If you are handy, you can do the labor yourself, but will need a competent shop (that works on 993's) to do the alignment. If you have adjustable units, then you'll also need a corner balance. Welcome to the slippery slope.

[911cedric]

hello,

your car is probably fitted with the original factory springs for the US MARKET,
which in my opinion, make your 911 looks like an off-road truck.

you can swap your us springs with EU type springs
you must check if your car is fitted with m491 or m030 or m033 struts
then you can pick the EU OEM springs that match with your suspension system.

however, the cheapest trick to lower your car is to buy an EIBACH spring lowering kit 30mm; we have it here in France for 230 bucks
then maybe $200 for labor
while swapping the suspension springs it might also be possible that few parts like belows, rubber stops, mounts need replacement.

its should be a $500 job, parts and labor included
hope it helps

Cedric

[911cedric]

i forgot as Don Plumey said, a full wheel alignement is needed
+ $120

[aigel]

Here is a very good overview.

suspensionFAQ

Hope this helps. And yes, it will cost you $$$.

George

[EugeneGroysman]

Good evening All,
Thank you for your comments.
I am planning to do this project over winter time.
I am setting up my house garage to bring my car from another storage.
Will keep you posted with pics.
Thank you, Eugene.

[AL Z]

Eugene,
You have a PM
thanks,
AL

[EugeneGroysman]

Bump

[EugeneGroysman]

Finally put out my C4S out of storage! I swapped stock springs with an EIBACH spring lowering kit at a local shop. Looks much better now. Alignment is done too.
I did a little test drive (the car is not registered yet), feels terrible. I was afraid to go over any bumps because it felt like it had no suspension at all. Very, very stiff.
Any suggestions.

[Jiggy25]

Anybody out there running the Bilstein HDs on their 993 with stock springs? I've heard they're a good option for those who don't want to pony up the bucks for the coil-over sets. I guess they're moderately adjustable also with external threading.

[EugeneGroysman]

bump

[Flieger]

Are you bottoming out the dampers or coil-binding the springs since everything is lower? On a 911, the first thing to hit is the A-arm on the chassis seam right near the crossmemeber/A-arm rear bushing.

[EugeneGroysman]

If this is the case, what is the solution?

[Flieger]

Raise the car up.

Beyond that, it sounds like you fitted stiffer springs and now say the car is too stiff, so...

[cgfen]

Originally Posted by EugeneGroysman

Finally put out my C4S out of storage! I swapped stock springs with an EIBACH spring lowering kit at a local shop. Looks much better now. Alignment is done too.
I did a little test drive (the car is not registered yet), feels terrible. I was afraid to go over any bumps because it felt like it had no suspension at all. Very, very stiff.
Any suggestions.

you took the cheap way and are suffering now.
lowering springs with stock shocks are typically a VERY bad idea.
stock length shocks and shorter springs = CRAP in many cases.

want a lower car and supple ride?

consider MO33 springs and Koni shocks.

Did you read the "overview" link that was posted above? it's dated, but has basis in reality, except IMO where it says eibach springs + stock shocks = acceptable ride.


Craig

ps, i'll bet you won't like HDs either.....................

[Stealth 993]

Your shocks are most likely blown out.

Go with Jic, PSS10's, or Bilstein HD & you should be OK.

I just put the factory ROW M030 kit on my C4, it's much lower, rides great, & is factory. The price for the kit was less then a set of Bilstein HD shocks.