Option code 030 on a 993

[mikep1]

just been checking out the option codes on my new '95 993 C2 - first one is '030' which apparently means 'sport group', saw somewhere that this means stiffer shocks/springs - anyone know if this is correct ? also, would this lower the ride-height as mine looks a tad lower than normal ?

[Grant3]

030 is the sports chassis, 10mm lower (& stiffer) than standard, definitely the "drivers" choice!!!

[mikep1]

thats a bit of luck then ! do many UK 993's have this option from new ?

[mikep1]

Also apparently have sports seats ! (codes 373/374) which I didnt realise !

[Pickled Piper]

Yep M030 is the sports suspension. This means it is lower and has progressive rate springs and IIRC the stiffer anti roll bars. It is a sought after option. I'm not sure how many cars came from the factory with it. It's a popular upgrade i had it fitted to my 993 last year together with Bisltein shocks.
pp

[997gt3]

Mike - just check its still got the 030 suspension. If the suspension/shocks have been changed through wear and tear, is it possible standard suspension may have been refit by an owner who didn't like the stiffer ride?

[mikep1]

yes good point, that did occur to me .. is there an easy to check by looking underneath ? I can obviously also check back through the paperwork as it has had all the usual bits and pieces done that you would expect of a 100K car ...
When I first saw it I thought it did look to be sitting slightly lower than a normal car which I still think is the case ...

[993_C2S]

mikep1 said:

yes good point, that did occur to me .. is there an easy to check by looking underneath ? I can obviously also check back through the paperwork as it has had all the usual bits and pieces done that you would expect of a 100K car ...
When I first saw it I thought it did look to be sitting slightly lower than a normal car which I still think is the case ...

Mike, if the shock absorbers are red with black springs, chances are the suspension is the original M030.

[leosayer]

My car had M030 on it when I bought the car. I never felt that confident driving the car at high speed.

Now it's stiffer and lower as it's been ripped out and replaced with H&R Coilovers.

[993_C2S]

leosayer said:

My car had M030 on it when I bought the car. I never felt that confident driving the car at high speed.

Now it's stiffer and lower as it's been ripped out and replaced with H&R Coilovers.

I'd suggest it was knackered dampers rather than the M030 being pants.

[993_C2S]

Sorry to add, all 993 suspension (except RS) use Monroe dampers which will be shot in 90% of cases by now (given the age of the 993). Changing the dampers to Bilsteins will TRANSFORM the car. Interestingly the RS got Bilsteins from the factory...

Factory M030 lowers the car, the springs are firmer rate and progressive and you get the uprated roll bars. The shite quality dampers are the main weak link in the chassis. Front wishbone bushes will probably also need replacing (commonly you replace the whole wishbone). With these 2 bits sorted the car will handle like a go kart!

Coilovers - unnecessary IMHO inless you do more track miles than road miles.

[leosayer]

993_C2S said:

Coilovers - unnecessary IMHO inless you do more track miles than road miles.

I disagree, it is stiffer but great for the road even with 18" wheels. Much softer than a 964 RS for example.