Boxster S Suspension Upgrade

[dark_helmet]

Hi,

I am looking for your opinions on the best way to upgrade the suspension on my car (2001 Boxster S). I am using it more for track days and finding it a bit soft, and it pitches and rolls more than I am happy with. Most of this is probably due to my driving style I am sure, but I am interested to know if anyone has any advice.

Based on some internet research, the standard methods (in order of cost) seem to be:

1. Upgrade the anti roll bars and keep the standard shocks and springs. Use the GT3 front bar and a H&R or other rear bar.

2. Replace the standard springs with H&R or Eibach (both about 25mm drop), update the anti roll bars as per 1

3. Replace the standard struts with PSS9 or KW with matching anti roll bars

Your advice is appreciated.

Thanks

[Bumcrack]

Hi


I’m in a similar position; in that I intend to track my Boxster and also find the standard set up a bit soft, with a standard setup the car takes too long to settle in to a corner and dives to much under braking. Not sure if its suspension related or the Boxster doesn’t have a stiff enough chassis required to enable a faster transition into corners.

Looked at a few options like the PSS-9 coilcover, but I was going to go for the Euro M030 sport suspension from these guys
http://69.74.45.24/main.htm

I want to improve the handling, but still keep some degree of compliance for road use, might be a better option if you only intend to undertake a limited number of trackdays in the year. I know you can adjust the PSS9 for rebound and compression which is a big plus, but with the M030 kit all the suspension is new (roll bars, spring and shocks), and I like the idea of completely new suspension.

Not been in any cars with PSS9 or M030 setup, any one care to comment on the differences between a standard setup, M030, PSS9

Edited by Bumcrack on Wednesday 8th August 17:07

[silv]

See www.porscheshop.co.uk they offer suspension upgrades for the Boxster

[MogulBoy]

I too have found my standard suspension MY02 2.7 Boxster to be quite soft on tight tracks - although I thought it was very good on the 'ring - but I've only ever done 4 laps but that was my first impression.

I didn't tick the M030 box when I specced the car as it was a daily driver but 45,000mile later, I might also be tempted to upgrade..

You didn't mention it but are you getting a bit/too much understeer? I have been a bit frustrated by this on track (probably my technique) but wonder if following the path taken by many US owners who run 225's up front (instead of the standard 205's) would help.

A lower chassis and stiffer shocks should improve things on-track but wouldn't stiffening the front anti-roll bar should in theory increase understeer?

[dark_helmet]

I have already changed the front tyres on my track wheels to 225/45/17 and it is better, more neutral. I am thinking of changing both anti roll bars so the understeer shouldnt be any worse.

The M030 kit looks promising.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers

[markt79]

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

[Bumcrack]

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

[markt79]

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

Nah, I haven't done it to my boxster, as i'm not tracking it. I did it to a pervious car, as it had to much roll when I took it on the country roads or track days. I replaced the wheels so that it had low profile tyres, suspension, springs, mounts, bushs and struts. Sorted out complete, did have anymore roll in the body at all.

[Bumcrack]

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

Nah, I haven't done it to my boxster, as i'm not tracking it. I did it to a pervious car, as it had to much roll when I took it on the country roads or track days. I replaced the wheels so that it had low profile tyres, suspension, springs, mounts, bushs and struts. Sorted out complete, did have anymore roll in the body at all.

How compliant was the ride, was it much harsher day to day?

[markt79]

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

Nah, I haven't done it to my boxster, as i'm not tracking it. I did it to a pervious car, as it had to much roll when I took it on the country roads or track days. I replaced the wheels so that it had low profile tyres, suspension, springs, mounts, bushs and struts. Sorted out complete, did have anymore roll in the body at all.

How compliant was the ride, was it much harsher day to day?

Well it all depends how hard you want to car to drive like. All this would make it really hard, therefore if you hit any bumps in the road and you will feel it. But that is what I would change if I wanted to use it for the track.

[Bumcrack]

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

Nah, I haven't done it to my boxster, as i'm not tracking it. I did it to a pervious car, as it had to much roll when I took it on the country roads or track days. I replaced the wheels so that it had low profile tyres, suspension, springs, mounts, bushs and struts. Sorted out complete, did have anymore roll in the body at all.

How compliant was the ride, was it much harsher day to day?

Well it all depends how hard you want to car to drive like. All this would make it really hard, therefore if you hit any bumps in the road and you will feel it. But that is what I would change if I wanted to use it for the track.

Thanks for that

Sound a bit firm for my requirements, I don't mind feeling the bumps/ruts as long as it doesn't deflect the car off my chosen line, the ability to get the power down on lumpy roads is one of Porsche trump cards and makes up for lack of grunt imo.

Suppose it's about compromising some road compliance to get a well setup track car

[dark_helmet]

I am now looking at the KW coilovers, I think I will go ahead with them as they are adjustable so can be set up for road and track. Just working on a final quote for an install.

[markt79]

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

Bumcrack said:

markt79 said:

I would recommend the H&R full suspension kit, with the anti roll bars and the poly bushes. Also, maybe get the strut braces aswell, to stiffen the car up.

Have you got this on your car?

Nah, I haven't done it to my boxster, as i'm not tracking it. I did it to a pervious car, as it had to much roll when I took it on the country roads or track days. I replaced the wheels so that it had low profile tyres, suspension, springs, mounts, bushs and struts. Sorted out complete, did have anymore roll in the body at all.

How compliant was the ride, was it much harsher day to day?

Well it all depends how hard you want to car to drive like. All this would make it really hard, therefore if you hit any bumps in the road and you will feel it. But that is what I would change if I wanted to use it for the track.

Thanks for that

Sound a bit firm for my requirements, I don't mind feeling the bumps/ruts as long as it doesn't deflect the car off my chosen line, the ability to get the power down on lumpy roads is one of Porsche trump cards and makes up for lack of grunt imo.

Suppose it's about compromising some road compliance to get a well setup track car

Well I would recommend getting the struts, as that will just strengthen the chassis to stop it bending as much when you are cornering. The adjustable coilovers would be nice, but reckon you are going to be talking some serious cash for them.

[996C2Trev]

Tip 1

Chop in the hairdressers motor for a propper Porsche...

say a 911

he he only joking all....I love the 986.

[Grant3]

Honest opinion.. the standard Boxster S suspension settings are the best compromise & even Porsches own sports suspension is step too far!
I love the Boxster but it is cabriolet with the roof chopped off, ok very well made & very rigid, but it still doesn't take kindly to over stiff suspension settings.

If you want to go hard core with your suspension set up go Cayman or 911 tin top, or just enjoy the BoxsterS as is it's fabulous!

[Bumcrack]

Grant3 said:

Honest opinion.. the standard Boxster S suspension settings are the best compromise & even Porsches own sports suspension is step too far!
I love the Boxster but it is cabriolet with the roof chopped off, ok very well made & very rigid, but it still doesn't take kindly to over stiff suspension settings.

If you want to go hard core with your suspension set up go Cayman or 911 tin top, or just enjoy the BoxsterS as is it's fabulous!

Have you driven a Boxster with Porsches own sports suspension?

I ask only because I have my own doubts about rigidity, wondering if its worth while to go for a more aggressive setup and also wondered what you thought the differences were.

Already had a Cayman and 911, thought I'd get a BoxsterS for summer and I'm enjoying it as much as I can, having just left Cayman S ownership, it's a strak contrast in handling terms

[dark_helmet]

Hmmmm, I am kind of coming around to this way of thinking. The car might be ruined with the coilovers. Considering 996C2Trev has just got his GT3 today I might need to rethink the whole strategy, and get something else. The market for second hand cars is dreadful though and I would have to take it in the shorts from a dealer to move quickly.

[dark_helmet]

We could always do this

http://uglypeoplesuck.com/s/misc/rollcage/

Needs a bit of padding around the cage. I am sure it is awesome but it's a bit fugly though

[Grant3]

Bumcrack said:

Have you driven a Boxster with Porsches own sports suspension?

I ask only because I have my own doubts about rigidity, wondering if its worth while to go for a more aggressive setup and also wondered what you thought the differences were.

Already had a Cayman and 911, thought I'd get a BoxsterS for summer and I'm enjoying it as much as I can, having just left Cayman S ownership, it's a strak contrast in handling terms

First off let me say I am a fan of the 030 sports suspension on the 911 (I had on my 996C2 & 996TT) but (personal opinion) I didn't like on the Boxster. The S already has a stiffer set up as standard over the 2.7 & I think it provides the perfect balance between handling, ride etc. We run a 986S & it is a great car out the box IMO! Of course if you go 987 you can get one with PASM & play both set-ups to suit?
For roof down summer fun its a hard car to beat & a great drive!

[soopdragon]

Hi.

My 986 S is on the sports chassis and 18" wheels. I find this fine on the roads although it can get a bit jiggly on bad surfaces.

The car has also done several hundred laps of the 'ring and it works well on there too. The only thing I'd like to change is how long the rear seems to take to settle after fast direction changes. It is probably a little soft for modern circuits but it is still good fun and I reckon making it much stiffer would start to make it a nuisance on the road.