Lowering 964

[d S coupe]

Good Morning,

I have a 1994 RS America. I would like to know if there is a benefit to lowering the car. I do 3 DE events a year.

Thanks.

Daniel

[Newsboy]

I believe that the RS is already about 1.5" lower than a stock C2/4. To lower the car further would affect the handling, since you would probably be installing different shocks or springs.
You will have to be more careful with speed bumps, steep driveways etc..., and may have to deal with bump steer. Personally, I wouldn't do it, if your concern is 3 DE per year. Doing it for "looks" is something else.

[GregB7S4]

All US 964s (including RSA)have the same SUV like ride height, due to DOT regulations. Lowering the car to ROW (rest of world) ride height will lower the center of gravity and make the car handle as the Porsche engineer's intended, with no ill consequences.

[d S coupe]

Thanks for the reply.
What are the steps for lowering? And I asume an alignment is in order?
Thanks
Daniel

[GregB7S4]

You will need new springs (Porsche RoW(rest of world) M030, H&R, Eibach) and new shocks/struts (Bilstein HDs or Konis), or a Bilstein PSS10 system which is a full coilover package. Then get a good Porsche shop to set ride height, corner balance and alignment. It will be like a new car.

[d S coupe]

Thanks.
I have an RS america with the M030.
Dan

[GregB7S4]

All RS Americas have M030 suspension but it is with the USA M030 springs which have the high ride height. You need Euro/ROW M030 springs to lower it.

[d S coupe]

How can I see wich one I have?

[GregB7S4]

Post a good profile photo of your car. It should be pretty obvious if it is stock RSA ride height or if lowering springs have been added.

[d S coupe]

Good I'll take a picture and send it to you.

[d S coupe]

Greg hope the picture is clear.
Daniel

[Bill Verburg]

you can find the ride height specs here

[CT944]

Here's mine, lowered on PSS9's.

[GregB7S4]

Daniel it looks like normal USA ride height to me, but check the measurements in Bill's link.

[Bill Verburg]

I agree that it looks like std US ride height, another tell is the marking stripes on the springs
std US RSA will have green on both the front and rear springs

[d S coupe]

Thanks for the reply.
I will look at the springs. If it's std I have to change the springs and the shocks? Or the just the springs?

[Chakka71]

Eibach Pro-Kit springs will lower it 1.3" (front), 1.0" (rear)
More aggressive, nice look, better for the track. Suspension can get expensive if you want it to, but for 3 DE's and street driveability this would be a good upgrade that will be noticeable. Also, alignment and corner balance. Until you really get hooked............

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by d S coupe

Thanks for the reply.
I will look at the springs. If it's std I have to change the springs and the shocks? Or the just the springs?

just the springs if you use RoW 964 springs, but you only get ~10mm drop, most owners want more down to RS height which is ~50MM drop. To get there most owners will use fully threaded Bilstein hd struts and shocks w/ H&R or Eibach springs or go to a fully adjustable suspension like Bilstein PSS10 or JIC or KW

A caveat, if you get really low like down to the RS levels you might want to think about a bumpsteer kit, using 993RS uprights is the best way to go here but it's all getting pretty expensive at this point

[d S coupe]

Thank you for all the reply

[Chakka71]

I stand corrected, I looked on the website for the lowering numbers. I went back thru my records from the PO and it dropped the car 1/2". He then went to a full bilstein cup suspension for another 1/2". But 1/2" will give you a different look and help some handling characteristics on the track while keeping it comfortable to drive on the street. Not a bunch of money out of pocket to make these improvements. Fortunately for me this was all done(and paid for) by the previous owner. I do have the Eibach springs for the RSA in the garage if interested. Enjoy your car! It looks great!