Personal 964- Running Report 3

C o m p l e t e 9 6 4

RUNNING REPORT 3

BACKGROUND:

During hard cornering (and not so hard cornering), it was noted that the car had an excessive amount of roll.
Based on a check of the car's service history at Stuttgart Auto (local Porsche importer), it was noted that the shock absorbers had never been replaced. As such, the excessive roll, whilst not solely a result of old shocks, may have been partly attributed to them.

WORK DONE:

On a trip back to Perth, it was decided that I would pick up a brand new set of Bilstein shocks front and rear to replace the existing Boge shocks.
I chose to visit a company by the name of K-Tec in Western Australia, whom in turn duly ordered a set of shocks from Quadrant Australia for me (without going into detail, I would warn prospective overseas buyers to be more than a little careful with both these companies, and would suggest that parts be purchased from the US, where there are a number of reputable companies in existence).
The outcome of my trip to Australia was eventually a set of rear usable shocks, and a set of unusable front shocks (note that the left hand and right hand front shocks on the 964 are not the same, and not interchangeable).
Given all the suspension parts were coming out, it was decided that the springs also be replaced with Techart lowering progressive rate springs and the brake fluid be replaced. At the same time, the Techart supplier was requested to perform a complete four wheel computer alignment.
Total cost of service and upgrade of the springs (excluding the Bilstein shocks) was SGD2,400.

Note the lowered stance and the 996 17" rims

At the same time, a set of genuine 17" 996 rims were purchased and fitted directly onto the car. It was identified that spacers would be required on the front in order to clear the tyres at full lock (5mm genuine Porsche spacers utilised for this purpose). Alternatively, steering stops may be utilised, although this was determined to be less desirable given it would affect the turning circle of the vehicle excessively.

POST SERVICE SYNOPSIS:

Car is stiffer, and tracking is slightly erratic over rougher roads. Body roll has not yet been cured, and thicker sway bars and higher pressure shocks (?) may be required. Indeed, I would love to hear from anyone with what they view as a perfectly set up Carrera 4, so that I may garner some tips with setting the car up properly.
Lowered vehicle has not caused problems over speed humps, curbs etc.
To-date, rims have worked perfectly, with no interference of the ABS or four wheel drive system (given the slightly different offset).