Suspension Work / Center Gravity Set Up

[jlsmith1970]

I've been lurking on here for a while now and have enjoyed reading many threads and picking up useful tips. I wanted to contribute for a change and thought I'd share my very recent experiences relating to refreshing the suspension on my 2007 3.6 and then having the car set up by Center Gravity in Atherstone.

In terms of refresh, I chose to replace my OEM springs with one of Eibach's pro handling kits and at the same time fit some new Bilstein B4 shocks. In addition and to complete the stance I was looking for, I fitted some H&R spacers (15mm at the rear and 7mm at the front). Whilst these were fitted, we also opted to have droplinks, control arms and top mounts replaced where appropriate - fortunately some of this work had been undertaken prior to me buying the car.

Pete at CG fitted all of the this and then undertook the usual suspension tuning work that they are famous for.

Before fitting any new parts, a test drive highlighted that my suspension set up was way off which had led to the car being quite fidgety which if I'm honest I had put down to the quality of the country roads around where I live. Funnily enough, I watched a YouTube video before I booked of a car reviewing his experience of his Cayman at CG and my car was behaving in a number of similar ways.

Having got the car back and driven it for a couple of days, I'd say both the look and handling are both transformed. The suspension is very supple, despite being lowered quite a bit and is now very sure footed and feels very planted, behaving exceptionally on the country roads I previously thought was normal to be a bit frenetic. Ultimately my confidence in the car is significantly higher - something which will increase further once the roads get a little drier and the temperature warms up.

If you haven't tried Center Gravity, I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Both Chris and Mike are both incredibly engaging, encouraging me to be in the garage as much as I wanted whilst they did their work as well as clearly knowing how Porsches should behave and how to resolve the sorts of issues my car had, which was mostly down to just bad geometry set up. They were also extremely accommodating in terms of recommending a place to stay overnight, as well as dropping me off at the place I was staying.

I'll try and post some before and after pictures in case like me, someone who is thinking of going down a similar route, may find useful.

_________________
997 Gen 1 Carrera
Sold:
968 Coupe
3.2 Carrera
964 Carrera 2

 

[tom_nieto]

Glad you had a good experience! It was pretty much top of my list after buying my car back in 2017 and I've not looked back since. Thankfully I didn't have a long list of remedial work to be completed.

It always amazes me how high the standard 3.6 rides. Looks much better now, and I bet the handling is transformed.

 

[The return of Marty Wild]

First things first, is that a Dalek? :?:

CG is amazing, just everything about them is top drawer. Can't recommend enough.

Standard wheel arch gaps do look naff.

 

[jlsmith1970]

It is a Dalek - my neighbours. Hopefully it's a decent deterrent to car thieved

 

[The return of Marty Wild]

Colour matched nicely :grin:

 

[jlsmith1970]

Yes - it is quite a close colour match
_________________
997 Gen 1 Carrera
Sold:
968 Coupe
3.2 Carrera
964 Carrera 2

 

[drmark]

I've been lurking on here for a while now and have enjoyed reading many threads and picking up useful tips. I wanted to contribute for a change and thought I'd share my very recent experiences relating to refreshing the suspension on my 2007 3.6 and then having the car set up by Center Gravity in Atherstone.

In terms of refresh, I chose to replace my OEM springs with one of Eibach's pro handling kits and at the same time fit some new Bilstein B4 shocks. In addition and to complete the stance I was looking for, I fitted some H&R spacers (15mm at the rear and 7mm at the front). Whilst these were fitted, we also opted to have droplinks, control arms and top mounts replaced where appropriate - fortunately some of this work had been undertaken prior to me buying the car.

Mike at CG fitted all of the this and then undertook the usual suspension tuning work that they are famous for.

Before fitting any new parts, a test drive highlighted that my suspension set up was way off which had led to the car being quite fidgety which if I'm honest I had put down to the quality of the country roads around where I live. Funnily enough, I watched a YouTube video before I booked of a car reviewing his experience of his Cayman at CG and my car was behaving in a number of similar ways.

Having got the car back and driven it for a couple of days, I'd say both the look and handling are both transformed. The suspension is very supple, despite being lowered quite a bit and is now very sure footed and feels very planted, behaving exceptionally on the country roads I previously thought was normal to be a bit frenetic. Ultimately my confidence in the car is significantly higher - something which will increase further once the roads get a little drier and the temperature warms up.

If you haven't tried Center Gravity, I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Both Chris and Mike are both incredibly engaging, encouraging me to be in the garage as much as I wanted whilst they did their work as well as clearly knowing how Porsches should behave and how to resolve the sorts of issues my car had, which was mostly down to just bad geometry set up. They were also extremely accommodating in terms of recommending a place to stay overnight, as well as dropping me off at the place I was staying.

I'll try and post some before and after pictures in case like me, someone who is thinking of going down a similar route, may find useful.

Who is Mike? It's Chris and Pete - or have they got a new member?

 

[jlsmith1970]

Sorry - meant Pete not Mike.

 

[CB911C4S]

I had the pleasure of spending a day last week at CG. Unusually nobody else was there - it's always good speaking to the other Porsche owners making the pilgrimage.
Pete had recommended new front mounts plus front and rear track control arms on my previous visit so it was a full day to fit and do a new geo for the car. Chris had a 2 day job installing new suspension on an early 996 being prepped for competitive hillclimbing.
I love their knowledge, dedication and level of professionalism they bring to the work, plus their willingness to make you part of the solution and sharing their knowledge - as we have with DeMort on this forum.
There is a reason CG receive so many glowing recommendations and they will always be my go-to specialist for suspension set-up. My car is feeling great and I look forward to putting it to the test on the country roads.
PS
Is that Dalek sporting GT Silver finish?

 

[MaxA]

I'm starting to feel that I should make a point of visiting Centre Gravity if I should ever find the opportunity for a road trip to the UK.

 

[Robertb]

I know a visit there is rarely cheap, but this is due usually to the bits required and the attention to detail. The labour rate is in line with other specialists and they work very hard for your £. I was there from opening to well past closing time when I visited, as various problems cropped up as they were doing the requested work and Chris literally did not stop... I was appointed tea-boy for the day!

I was surprised when Chris told me that until something critical needs to be replaced, or unless I whack something hard enough to damage a tyre or wheel, I will not need to return to have the geo re-set.

Given what people seem happy to shell out for an exhaust or ceramic coating, I'm surprised people quibble about getting their suspension sorted properly, given this is one of the main things that makes Porsches what they are.

 

[Slayer]

Given what people seem happy to shell out for an exhaust or ceramic coating, I'm surprised people quibble about getting their suspension sorted properly, given this is one of the main things that makes Porsches what they are.

Point well made :thumb: