Best bang for buck on suspension renewal

[Matt99man]

Evening all!

I've just had the wishbone bushes changed on my other classic, it's completely changed the car for the better and feels so much better in how it seated on the road. Just 25 year old bushes all round so it makes sense!

No my 996 c2 isn't bad, there is the odd noise I'd expect on a 20 year old car, but it got me thinking, what should I start to replace first? What will make the most difference and not cost the world. Coffin arms and tuning forks? Or inner /outer track arms/joints. Should I then do the shock top mounts and numb stops too? What the best bang for buck on an old 996!?

 

[markh1]

probably best to get a specialist to inspect and say what needs doing rather than jsut replacing random parts that might or might not need replacing. If nothing is desperate just get the garage to inspect at your next service

 

[Shalmaneser]

Probably best to ask centre gravity if you're looking to do it piecemeal.

 

[corneg1]

Centre Gravity are great, if you are able to use them. For my last car they did a pre inspection and told me what components to change. I did the work and then they did the geo. For my current car I changed every component first (it was all bad due to a botched job previously) and then had CG do the geo. They are meticulous in everything they do.

 

[Matt99man]

I'd planned to do this myself as a project, I know when in for a mot nothing came up, I had a gander and everything looks ok, just old! I'd expect it to be ok, which was the same on my other classic, but change things made it feel much better. Searching through it seems coffin arms seem to go and often issues can't be seen until everything is hot!

 

[Thunderace]

What the best bang for buck on an old 996!?

Well I can only comment on my experience and my preferences, my 996 was tired when I got it and my view was brakes and suspension components first (less shocks initially if ok) short shift gear change linkage if yours is sloppy like mine was, perhaps emgine mounts amd then on to other stuff.

This has worked very well for me and my 996 now handles like a go-cart, the susppension components are rubber bush based and when worn wreck the feel and handling.

 

[Matt99man]

What the best bang for buck on an old 996!?

Well I can only comment on my experience and my preferences, my 996 was tired when I got it and my view was brakes and suspension components first (less shocks initially if ok) short shift gear change linkage if yours is sloppy like mine was, perhaps emgine mounts amd then on to other stuff.

This has worked very well for me and my 996 now handles like a go-cart, the susppension components are rubber bush based and when worn wreck the feel and handling.

Thanks..

Looking tonight I can replace most parts (excluding shocks) from Spyder performance for less than £1k. I'd hope this would be effective and make a noticeable difference!

 

[photek]

Don't forget to replace/upgrade engine and gearbox mounts, they have a huge effect on the car.

 

[911munKy]

Upper arms on the rear are usually ok but all the other components will probably benefit from replacement. Powerflex gearbox mount and updated engine mounts are a good call as are the front Top mounts (rear ones should still be fine). Shocks & springs are often still ok (but bump stops are usually toast), quality s/s replacements will really improve the car although it will add significantly to the cost. They will be much easier to replace at a later date once all the old bolts are renewed though, on that note you'll probably need new eccentric bolts from Porsche, don't damage the old washers as they are now expensive.
I'm sure CG are amazing but if you live far away from them a specialist tuning shop should be able to give you an X74 setup for a much less £, if you plan to fit lowering springs you may need adjustable rear toe arms to get the geo into spec so factor that into your plan.
Last but not not least read the many threads on here and buy the right tools to make the job easy otherwise you'll spend a fortune on the swear box!