Do you feel that your Porsche 964 is not behaving like a sportscar, let alone a Porsche? Are you overtaken left and right by hockey mums in SUV's? Time to have a look at your suspension components. Your 964 may stil have the original suspension shocks and springs that are by now at least 20 years old. Old and worn shocks cause
unpredictable behaviour, especially when driving a sportscar close to the limit ( and you do don't you? ). A fresh set of shocks will literally transform your Porsche 964.
So what was under your car when it left the factory? Well, in general all 'normal' Porsche 964 models were fitted with shocks manufactured by Boge. The 964 RS/RS3.8, Turbo S and Turbo S Leichtbau ( more on that car in a later Blog...) were fitted with special Bilstein shocks. If you bring your Porsche to a Porsche dealer for new shocks they will fit the same Boge parts. Nothing wrong with that actually, but for half that price you can have better more modern shocks.
There is a wide choice of manufacturers for shocks and suspension sets, all large European and American brands have at least a basic replacement shock in their program. Besides these large companies there are several niche factories that focus on more track oriented setups. For this article I will focus on the most common replacement sets and upgrade options by Koni, Bilstein and H&R. All three brands have a long history with Porsche and their components are specifically designed and tested for each Porsche model.
Although it's impossible to have an exact number my guess is that at least 75% of all 964 that need a new suspension are fitted with one of the options described below and based on internetforums it may be much more.
There are three basic reasons to have a new suspension fitted:
1. Replacement of worn shocks, no lowering wanted
A modern high quality shock, fully adjustable on the front and rear for precision height adjustment and corner balancing. Re-use your factory springs and the ride height will remain the same but obiously the handling will improve dramatically.
A new kind of shock that automatically adapts to the roadsurface. Comfortable when cruising around, firm when driving in a more sporty manner. Combined with your factory shocks the ride height remains the same. Only the front shocks are height adjustable for corner balancing! We have received very good reviews for these shocks.
2. Lowering and/or replacing shocks
If you just want to lower your car it is tempting to install lowering springs and re-use your old shocks. Do not fall for this trap. It will kill the handling of the car. Besides that, fitting lowering springs is just as time consuming as fitting all new shocks and springs. A full alignment is needed after any ride height change anyway so basically you are paying a lot of money and time to have your car's handling screwed up. Do it once, do it right.
You can re-use your old springs. Check them for any damage or signs of metalfatigue by cleaning them thoroughly and by getting rid of all surface rust.
Topchoice if you want a fresh suspension with a more sporty lowered look and better roadhandling. Often described as "HD/H&R Green*". A combination of the above described Bilstein B6 and lowering springs of H&R. As the Bilstein are height adjustable you can lower your car as much as 40 mm. The ride will be firm but still comfortable enough for daily use, even on less than perfect roads.
* generally known as H&R green, the springs are actually coated purple as of this year.
The FSD system was designed to operate with standard height springs. Although Koni does not forbid using lowering springs but Koni headquarters informed us that they advise to not lower more than 30mm.
Our advise: For lowering use Bilstein shocks.
3. Upgrade
If you want the best performance with fully adjustable rebound settings than the PSS 10 is the set for you. Double springset and full stainless steel tubes. A 10 step adjustment that requires no tools. Settings range form comfortable streetdriving up to fully trackready.
Installing your new shocks
If you have a good set of tools, safe jackstands or even better a lift then installing new shocks is a perfect DIY job. The 964 suspension system is fairly starightforward and installation guides are readliy available on the internet. An indepent specialist should be able to do this job within one day maximum, expect 6 to 8 hours including alignment. Whilst doing the suspension install it is advised to replace the front lower A-arms bushings. Defective bushings ( and they will be defective after 20 years ) cause instable cornering and"sidestappeing" on bumpy turns.
For any job on your Porsche 964 the Enthusiasts Companion is a good book to have in your garage.
Flugplatz 911.com is official dealer for Bilstein, H&R and Koni suspension products. We specialize exclusively in Porsche 911. Have a look around in our webshop: http://www.flugplatz911.com.
 |
| Bilstein B6 HD Sport shocks Porsche 964 |
 |
| H&R Lowering sport springs for Porsche 964 Formerly known as H&R Green |
 |
| Nice set of Porsche 964 Bilstein PSS10 coil overs |