New shocks for a 1990 964 C2 Targa

New shocks for a 1990 964 C2 Targa

Author
Discussion

roygarth

Original Poster:

2,674 posts

261 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
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I've got new Porsche OE springs but must renew the 4 shocks.

I'm after a combination of good performance now, but don't want to put off potential buyers if/when I come to sell it.

Any thoughts?

ean21

421 posts

212 months

Friday 4th December 2015
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I put Bilstein B6 on mine. A recognised brand, and it copes well on the road or track.

roygarth

Original Poster:

2,674 posts

261 months

Friday 4th December 2015
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ean21 said:
I put Bilstein B6 on mine. A recognised brand, and it copes well on the road or track.
Thanks…and these work with Porsche springs?

Poorsh

112 posts

123 months

Saturday 5th December 2015
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I spoke to both Jaz and Redtek about this topic, what to do with regards to upgrading my suspension or replacing existing for OME. Jaz recommended KW's at cost of near to £3k including fitting and setup. Nick Fulljames of Redtek had the opposite of view of sticking to OME shocks and springs and even cringed when I mentioned KW's. Personally I feel Nicks view is right for me especially as I don't track my car.

Edited by Poorsh on Saturday 5th December 20:17

Steve Rance

5,453 posts

244 months

Saturday 5th December 2015
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Id go softer on a Targa. Presumably You were advised by Jazz to take the base KW? The damping control will be ok but if you are not looking for track performance you may as well stick to std. I

roygarth

Original Poster:

2,674 posts

261 months

Sunday 6th December 2015
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Steve Rance said:
Id go softer on a Targa. Presumably You were advised by Jazz to take the base KW? The damping control will be ok but if you are not looking for track performance you may as well stick to std. I
I agree as I won't be tracking and drive on bumpy B/C roads.

Does 'standard/OEM' mean buy from Porsche?
What brand are they?
Are Bilstein B6 similar?

Thanks.

Poorsh

112 posts

123 months

Sunday 6th December 2015
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Yes, they recommended Variant 1
Steve Rance said:
Id go softer on a Targa. Presumably You were advised by Jazz to take the base KW? The damping control will be ok but if you are not looking for track performance you may as well stick to std. I

ras62

1,092 posts

169 months

Sunday 6th December 2015
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The Bilstein B6 is a good choice, slightly less firm than the KW imo but there isn't a huge difference, although the KW allows more ride height adjustment. KW V1 and V3 only differ in that the latter is adjustable, the spring rates are the same. All of these options are tried and trusted upgrades on the 964

m040

64 posts

132 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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A good alternative for the standard shocks are the Koni FSD.
These are however only available for the 964 with the later style rear shocks.

boxsey

3,578 posts

223 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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roygarth said:
I agree as I won't be tracking and drive on bumpy B/C roads.

Does 'standard/OEM' mean buy from Porsche?
What brand are they?
Are Bilstein B6 similar?

Thanks.
I'm not sure if the Bilstein B6 will work with standard springs? Most people fit H&R green springs when putting the Bilstein shocks on. It will probably only cost you an extra £200 to change the springs at the same time. This combination is a tried and tested set up for a road 964. However, it's worth remembering that the detail is in the set up....so ensure you use someone who knows their 964s to fit them.

P.s. I believe the H&R greens are actually purple in colour now!

Wozy68

5,429 posts

183 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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After renewing all parts of the suspension on my 993 and 'upgrading' to Koni FSDs instead of going OEM, I'd be tempted to leave well alone and go the OEM route.
The difference between OEM and FSDs IMHO is minimal and you may well find that an OPC will be cheaper on the supply and install. FYI I was quoted by OPC Solihull £2350.00 inclusive of VAT for 4 x dampers, 4 x M033 springs, 4 x top mounts, installation and GEO.

In the end I went FSDs and so had to get an Indy to install it all, and it cost more than 2.3K.

I truely believe that if the car is purely for A & B road use, it's better the devil you know is the way to go on suspension, as you know exactly what you're getting.

Edited by Wozy68 on Monday 7th December 11:31

LeoSayer

7,489 posts

257 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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If it's currently on the original suspension then suspension components will probably be siezed, perished or broken which will greatly increase the bill.

Unless you drive on bump free roads then go for something no harder than stock suspension - I've experienced scuttle shake on a 964 Targa and it was the only thing I didn't like about the car.

The alignment is as important as the kit used so get it done somewhere with a good reputation. A properly setup 964 C2 is a dream to drive so get it right first time.


ean21

421 posts

212 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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roygarth said:
Thanks…and these work with Porsche springs?
I don't know. I think it is hard to make a case to replace the shocks but not the springs...if the shocks are tired then so are the springs. Also, if you are going to all the trouble of getting the car off the ground, being without it for a day, replacing the shocks, getting the alignment done, then why leave the old springs on? Heck, I put new tyres on as well. It was like a new car! One of the best things I ever did for the car.
Hope that is of some use.
Nick

roygarth

Original Poster:

2,674 posts

261 months

Monday 7th December 2015
quotequote all
ean21 said:
I don't know. I think it is hard to make a case to replace the shocks but not the springs...if the shocks are tired then so are the springs. Also, if you are going to all the trouble of getting the car off the ground, being without it for a day, replacing the shocks, getting the alignment done, then why leave the old springs on? Heck, I put new tyres on as well. It was like a new car! One of the best things I ever did for the car.
Hope that is of some use.
Nick
Long story but I recently put new Boge (for Porsche) shocks, and springs from Porsche on rear. Want to renew fronts now but similar Boge for front are not available now. Plus Porsche front shocks are not currently available from Porsche!

AW10

4,532 posts

262 months

Monday 7th December 2015
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m040 said:
A good alternative for the standard shocks are the Koni FSD.
These are however only available for the 964 with the later style rear shocks.
Contact Center Gravity - I think they have an "adapter" that will let you use late rear shocks on an early car.

ean21

421 posts

212 months

Tuesday 8th December 2015
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That's a difficult position to be in. I would hold out for a matching set for the front, and maybe try other suppliers to get them. Someone outside the UK perhaps (Gert at Carnewal maybe). Boge availability may change.

If push really comes to shove and in spring you just can't get Boge then if it were me I'd put it down to experience and and replace all four corners. It will drive properly, and also be better for you if you consider selling.

There's a lot to be said for doing a job fully and once, but I do hope that you can get a set of Boges on the front to get it all matching.


roygarth said:
Long story but I recently put new Boge (for Porsche) shocks, and springs from Porsche on rear. Want to renew fronts now but similar Boge for front are not available now. Plus Porsche front shocks are not currently available from Porsche!

Nineexcellence

1,931 posts

188 months

Tuesday 8th December 2015
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Would tend to keep stock but it is a no brainer to go the b6 - Bilstein were asked to produced the dampers for Porsche at a price, and the b6 is a better damper at a cheaper price. No contest really. Having driven one for 10000 miles with b6 it much better than stock.

Steve Rance

5,453 posts

244 months

Tuesday 8th December 2015
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The B6 is a very good damper, very good damping control. If I were you, that's where i'd go

Nineexcellence

1,931 posts

188 months

Tuesday 8th December 2015
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Steve Rance said:
The B6 is a very good damper, very good damping control. If I were you, that's where i'd go
Absolutely Steve, it is a no brainer as I mentioned. I actually have driven with them at Spa as well and it is pretty good on track as well.

avaF1

300 posts

133 months

Saturday 19th December 2015
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B6 perfect choice on our 964