Early 996 Shock Replacement Options
Discussion
Looks like at least one of my rear shocks is leaking. So any latest thoughts on the best replacement option?
M030 – Still available at a reasonable purchase cost level from OPC’s?
Bilstein – B4 / B6 / B8?
Koni – Any experience of their FSD product?
I use the car as the daily station car / toy / Le Man transport. So no track work.
Also preferred suppliers? Demon Tweeks seem to have some deals, any other sources?
M030 – Still available at a reasonable purchase cost level from OPC’s?
Bilstein – B4 / B6 / B8?
Koni – Any experience of their FSD product?
I use the car as the daily station car / toy / Le Man transport. So no track work.
Also preferred suppliers? Demon Tweeks seem to have some deals, any other sources?
I'm just about to have the original Bilsteins on my 70k mile Turbo S replaced with Bilstein B6s, since I have play in one of my front dampers that can't be rebuilt. My logic is that I don't track the car, and don't want it any lower than standard (my garage is accessed via a dirt road!), so want a sensible tradeoff between handling and ride quality for fast road use.
The advice I received from Ken at 9e was to ignore the Bilstein B4, which is effectively the same as the OEM Bilsteins. They are a pretty basic twin tube design, and at least in OEM form, are more expensive for two than for a full set of aftermarket B6s. The B6s are mono-tube, about 15% uprated compared to standard B4s (so a little bit firmer, but still well matched to OEM springs), and if you want to lower the car a lot you can buy the B8 which is shortened but otherwise pretty much the same as the B6.
I bought my B6s from Gert at Carnewal. Even with today's exchange rate, you'll probably save 20-25% compared to a UK supplier, and they arrived in 4 days from Belgium. For £800 that made a lot more sense than spending £2k+ on Ohlins R&Ts, PSS10s or KW v3s; for my use, I'd rather spend the difference on other worn suspension parts like top mounts and coffin arms.
Sorry I can't offer a view on how the car feels with the B6s, I'll know that in a couple of weeks!
Pete
The advice I received from Ken at 9e was to ignore the Bilstein B4, which is effectively the same as the OEM Bilsteins. They are a pretty basic twin tube design, and at least in OEM form, are more expensive for two than for a full set of aftermarket B6s. The B6s are mono-tube, about 15% uprated compared to standard B4s (so a little bit firmer, but still well matched to OEM springs), and if you want to lower the car a lot you can buy the B8 which is shortened but otherwise pretty much the same as the B6.
I bought my B6s from Gert at Carnewal. Even with today's exchange rate, you'll probably save 20-25% compared to a UK supplier, and they arrived in 4 days from Belgium. For £800 that made a lot more sense than spending £2k+ on Ohlins R&Ts, PSS10s or KW v3s; for my use, I'd rather spend the difference on other worn suspension parts like top mounts and coffin arms.
Sorry I can't offer a view on how the car feels with the B6s, I'll know that in a couple of weeks!
Pete
I'll report back after everything has been fitted next week. As a minimum, the turbo is getting the B6s all round, plus new front top mounts and coffin arms, and it's also had a full set of new PS2s to replace the ancient Bridgestones since I last drove it any distance. I'm sure we'll find some other knackered bits of suspension to spend money on while it's all in bits, so I'm hoping for a fairly dramatic transformation :-)
Interesting topic - was just about to start something similar myself.
The suspension on my 996 needs sorting - not exactly sure what needs fixing yet so first step is to get it to a garage.
Can anyone recommend a good independent that can look at my suspension in the south? I'm based in west London but happy to travel.
Thanks
The suspension on my 996 needs sorting - not exactly sure what needs fixing yet so first step is to get it to a garage.
Can anyone recommend a good independent that can look at my suspension in the south? I'm based in west London but happy to travel.
Thanks
My usual spam of south-westerly London type places: http://porsche.osmroulette.org/
Autofarm did a great allignment on car, was very happy.
It's an interesting thread this, I'm convinced that the original suspension on these cars is very good, but after many years certainly goes off. Upgrades look tempting, but I think I'll be keeping stock-ish when mine needs refreshing.
Autofarm did a great allignment on car, was very happy.
It's an interesting thread this, I'm convinced that the original suspension on these cars is very good, but after many years certainly goes off. Upgrades look tempting, but I think I'll be keeping stock-ish when mine needs refreshing.
I would strongly recommend Ken at Nine Excellence in Horley, near Gatwick. They usually have a workshop full of 996s, and I've always felt that I've had excellent service and honest pragmatic advice from Ken. I'm putting my money where my mouth is; they are doing my suspension refresh next week.
The other frequent recommendation for Porsche suspension is a company called Centre Gravity in Warwickshire. Many people swear by them for geo and suspension, but I was happy to use one specialist for all the moving parts.
Pete
The other frequent recommendation for Porsche suspension is a company called Centre Gravity in Warwickshire. Many people swear by them for geo and suspension, but I was happy to use one specialist for all the moving parts.
Pete
I've just replaced the standard shocks on my 997.1 with Bilstein B4s. They were quite a bit cheaper than standard porsche replacement (I got them from demon Tweeks) and the local specialist assured me that they're better quality than standard porsche. Ride is well composed at speed and certainally less roll cornering. They do seem bit bit firmer and more noisy hitting the bumps when cruising though. Not sure how much of that is just to do with the old ones being worn out though!
What put me off the B6's was that they seem to be firmer riding again and people recommend replacing springs as well if you go down that route because of the lower ride height.
Keep us posted on what you decide!!
What put me off the B6's was that they seem to be firmer riding again and people recommend replacing springs as well if you go down that route because of the lower ride height.
Keep us posted on what you decide!!
Having picked up my 996 Turbo S on Bilstein B6 Sports this afternoon, I thought I'd provide some early feedback as promised earlier in the thread.
My 996 has just hit 70,000 miles, and is going to be 11 years old in September. The last service revealed knackered front top mounts and worn front coffin arm bushes, along with a front strut with unrepairable play in the shaft. Given the age of the shocks, and the cost of OEM replacements, I opted to replace all four with a set of Bilstein B6 Sports. The B6 is a monotube, gas-filled replacement for the twin tube, oil-filled OEM spec Bilsteins (the same as the B4). It claims to be about 15% uprated in damping (no idea if that's in compression, rebound or both), but importantly it's the same length as the standard shocks, so suits OEM springs and the original ride height.
My shocks were fitted by Nine Excellence, who also did their "fast road" geo setup. Fortunately nothing other than the front top mounts and front coffin arms were found to be excessively worn, so I got away without spending even more money on control arms and other bits of ironmongery!
In terms of driving impressions, I'm very impressed. The car feels no more firm than it did on the elderly OEM suspension, but it does feel quite a lot tighter as you can imagine. Re-using the original springs means its perfectly comfortable, but the new shocks have brought a nice depth of damping control. All of the niggly issues I must have become used to over the past few years are now startlingly absent: there are no vibrations from the front that felt like an out of balance wheel; tram lining seems to have gone completely; and the car feels very planted through corners with acceleration and braking thrown in, whereas before it seemed to randomly veer between being crashy or a bit floaty. I've only done 50 miles of mixed motorway, A and B road driving (zipping around the back roads of Surrey to avoid M25 hell), so it's early days, but I'm very impressed that the car feels controlled, absorbs pothole hits smoothly, but nor is it in any way wallowy. I suspect it's the way a factory fresh 996 turbo would feel, if not better!
So, if you're looking for a road-biased replacement for 996 shocks, and don't want to muck about with ride height or affect factory comfort levels and usability, I'd strongly recommend the Bilstein B6 Sports, especially at about £800 for 4 from Carnewal. Excellent service from Ken and his team at 9e too, as usual :-)
Pete
My 996 has just hit 70,000 miles, and is going to be 11 years old in September. The last service revealed knackered front top mounts and worn front coffin arm bushes, along with a front strut with unrepairable play in the shaft. Given the age of the shocks, and the cost of OEM replacements, I opted to replace all four with a set of Bilstein B6 Sports. The B6 is a monotube, gas-filled replacement for the twin tube, oil-filled OEM spec Bilsteins (the same as the B4). It claims to be about 15% uprated in damping (no idea if that's in compression, rebound or both), but importantly it's the same length as the standard shocks, so suits OEM springs and the original ride height.
My shocks were fitted by Nine Excellence, who also did their "fast road" geo setup. Fortunately nothing other than the front top mounts and front coffin arms were found to be excessively worn, so I got away without spending even more money on control arms and other bits of ironmongery!
In terms of driving impressions, I'm very impressed. The car feels no more firm than it did on the elderly OEM suspension, but it does feel quite a lot tighter as you can imagine. Re-using the original springs means its perfectly comfortable, but the new shocks have brought a nice depth of damping control. All of the niggly issues I must have become used to over the past few years are now startlingly absent: there are no vibrations from the front that felt like an out of balance wheel; tram lining seems to have gone completely; and the car feels very planted through corners with acceleration and braking thrown in, whereas before it seemed to randomly veer between being crashy or a bit floaty. I've only done 50 miles of mixed motorway, A and B road driving (zipping around the back roads of Surrey to avoid M25 hell), so it's early days, but I'm very impressed that the car feels controlled, absorbs pothole hits smoothly, but nor is it in any way wallowy. I suspect it's the way a factory fresh 996 turbo would feel, if not better!
So, if you're looking for a road-biased replacement for 996 shocks, and don't want to muck about with ride height or affect factory comfort levels and usability, I'd strongly recommend the Bilstein B6 Sports, especially at about £800 for 4 from Carnewal. Excellent service from Ken and his team at 9e too, as usual :-)
Pete
I've just got my turbo back from 9E having had the B6 Bilstein upgrade fitted after discussing it with Pete as above, and I'd agree that the difference is night and day - it's a big improvement for reasonable cost. It's made the car feel like it's "new"; tighter, more controlled, more agile, sharper and rattle-free. It's had all new top mounts etc, the steering feels quicker and less affected by camber on the road/mway, no more creaks at parking speeds. Handling on fast bends is better, it felt good before but now it just feels more tied down and you can feel everything is tight. Ride over rough roads is massively improved, and as a nice unexpected bonus the in dash CD doesn't skip every 10 seconds now lol 
Service from Nine Excellence was first rate as always, Ken and the boys are very good at what they do!
Happy to take anyone out in my car who may be considering this route but isn't sure, I am located in Surrey KT20, just drop me a pm.
Service from Nine Excellence was first rate as always, Ken and the boys are very good at what they do!
Happy to take anyone out in my car who may be considering this route but isn't sure, I am located in Surrey KT20, just drop me a pm.
pete said:
Having picked up my 996 Turbo S on Bilstein B6 Sports this afternoon, I thought I'd provide some early feedback as promised earlier in the thread.
My 996 has just hit 70,000 miles, and is going to be 11 years old in September. The last service revealed knackered front top mounts and worn front coffin arm bushes, along with a front strut with unrepairable play in the shaft. Given the age of the shocks, and the cost of OEM replacements, I opted to replace all four with a set of Bilstein B6 Sports. The B6 is a monotube, gas-filled replacement for the twin tube, oil-filled OEM spec Bilsteins (the same as the B4). It claims to be about 15% uprated in damping (no idea if that's in compression, rebound or both), but importantly it's the same length as the standard shocks, so suits OEM springs and the original ride height.
My shocks were fitted by Nine Excellence, who also did their "fast road" geo setup. Fortunately nothing other than the front top mounts and front coffin arms were found to be excessively worn, so I got away without spending even more money on control arms and other bits of ironmongery!
In terms of driving impressions, I'm very impressed. The car feels no more firm than it did on the elderly OEM suspension, but it does feel quite a lot tighter as you can imagine. Re-using the original springs means its perfectly comfortable, but the new shocks have brought a nice depth of damping control. All of the niggly issues I must have become used to over the past few years are now startlingly absent: there are no vibrations from the front that felt like an out of balance wheel; tram lining seems to have gone completely; and the car feels very planted through corners with acceleration and braking thrown in, whereas before it seemed to randomly veer between being crashy or a bit floaty. I've only done 50 miles of mixed motorway, A and B road driving (zipping around the back roads of Surrey to avoid M25 hell), so it's early days, but I'm very impressed that the car feels controlled, absorbs pothole hits smoothly, but nor is it in any way wallowy. I suspect it's the way a factory fresh 996 turbo would feel, if not better!
So, if you're looking for a road-biased replacement for 996 shocks, and don't want to muck about with ride height or affect factory comfort levels and usability, I'd strongly recommend the Bilstein B6 Sports, especially at about £800 for 4 from Carnewal. Excellent service from Ken and his team at 9e too, as usual :-)
Pete
Thanks for feeding back post installation.My 996 has just hit 70,000 miles, and is going to be 11 years old in September. The last service revealed knackered front top mounts and worn front coffin arm bushes, along with a front strut with unrepairable play in the shaft. Given the age of the shocks, and the cost of OEM replacements, I opted to replace all four with a set of Bilstein B6 Sports. The B6 is a monotube, gas-filled replacement for the twin tube, oil-filled OEM spec Bilsteins (the same as the B4). It claims to be about 15% uprated in damping (no idea if that's in compression, rebound or both), but importantly it's the same length as the standard shocks, so suits OEM springs and the original ride height.
My shocks were fitted by Nine Excellence, who also did their "fast road" geo setup. Fortunately nothing other than the front top mounts and front coffin arms were found to be excessively worn, so I got away without spending even more money on control arms and other bits of ironmongery!
In terms of driving impressions, I'm very impressed. The car feels no more firm than it did on the elderly OEM suspension, but it does feel quite a lot tighter as you can imagine. Re-using the original springs means its perfectly comfortable, but the new shocks have brought a nice depth of damping control. All of the niggly issues I must have become used to over the past few years are now startlingly absent: there are no vibrations from the front that felt like an out of balance wheel; tram lining seems to have gone completely; and the car feels very planted through corners with acceleration and braking thrown in, whereas before it seemed to randomly veer between being crashy or a bit floaty. I've only done 50 miles of mixed motorway, A and B road driving (zipping around the back roads of Surrey to avoid M25 hell), so it's early days, but I'm very impressed that the car feels controlled, absorbs pothole hits smoothly, but nor is it in any way wallowy. I suspect it's the way a factory fresh 996 turbo would feel, if not better!
So, if you're looking for a road-biased replacement for 996 shocks, and don't want to muck about with ride height or affect factory comfort levels and usability, I'd strongly recommend the Bilstein B6 Sports, especially at about £800 for 4 from Carnewal. Excellent service from Ken and his team at 9e too, as usual :-)
Pete
Mines being serviced and checked over at Jaz currently, so dependant on what's recommended I'll decide from there.
Cheers
Just stumbled across this thread.
My 996 C4S has had a "misting to off side rear shock" noted on the MOT for a couple of years now so looking at a bit of a refresh, I want to keep the car at standard ride height, so the B6 look like a good option as an upgrade - just wondering how you guys are getting on with them longer term (if you still have them?)
Had been suggested the B8's but are these the same as the B6 but designed for lower springs?
What else should I consider having done at the same time?
I had Front Suspension Top Mounts, Bearing Plates and Bump Stops done last year to stop some squeaks.
The car has done 134k miles so hoping the refresh will make a big difference.
My 996 C4S has had a "misting to off side rear shock" noted on the MOT for a couple of years now so looking at a bit of a refresh, I want to keep the car at standard ride height, so the B6 look like a good option as an upgrade - just wondering how you guys are getting on with them longer term (if you still have them?)
Had been suggested the B8's but are these the same as the B6 but designed for lower springs?
What else should I consider having done at the same time?
I had Front Suspension Top Mounts, Bearing Plates and Bump Stops done last year to stop some squeaks.
The car has done 134k miles so hoping the refresh will make a big difference.
I'm in the same boat. My C4 has done 80k but the struts, ARBs and drop links look like they've been living in the sea.
I'm put off the Bilstein stuff as the price seems to have escalated to the point you are sitting in coiler money. Certainly in my situation where I need struts, springs and top mounts. A coilover kit will cover all this and some even come with drop links.
My original plan was to fit the M030 kit but it's sitting in Ohlins territory price wise now. As for what else to change/check. If purchased coffin arms, running forks and control arms and will be doing the ARB bushes as well. With no record of change in the history I guess that most bushes and ball joints can't be at their best by now.
I'm put off the Bilstein stuff as the price seems to have escalated to the point you are sitting in coiler money. Certainly in my situation where I need struts, springs and top mounts. A coilover kit will cover all this and some even come with drop links.
My original plan was to fit the M030 kit but it's sitting in Ohlins territory price wise now. As for what else to change/check. If purchased coffin arms, running forks and control arms and will be doing the ARB bushes as well. With no record of change in the history I guess that most bushes and ball joints can't be at their best by now.
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