more needy suspesion/wheel questions

[Darkshark]

I have a '98 2.5 that I am setting up for autocross. I'm planning on running in BS but may change classes if there is no competition. It does not have the factory sport suspension. I am thinking about having my dealer install the factory sport suspention bits but would go after market if I could save some money. Any suggestions? Also I am looking for some affordable light wieght wheels. I must stay ahead of the pesky S2000s.

[HenryV]

Bilstein PSS9 are very impressive, albeit pricey.

You want the lightest and strongest wheels. I'd go with the one-piece alloy - e.g. the OEM Carerra 5-spoke. If you get the 996 dimensions (8" up front versus 7.5" and 10" in rear versus 9") you'll get a slightly wider rim (same tire width) which may help you - but the rears require a spacer - check whether your class allows this or not. You can get the sport techno 18" in 11" width, allowing wider rubber, but they get very pricey.

Check with the Wheel Enhancement guys - maybe they can recommend a light aftermarket wheel.

[KevinC]

If you don't want to spend $2000+ on the PSS9 coilovers, you could do pretty well with Bilstein SP shocks along with either Eibach or H&R springs. The springs will lower your car 1-1.5", allowing you to get a lot more negative camber in front. This setup should perform better and be cheaper than the factory kit. I remember seeing prices around $1200 for the factory ROW 030 parts. You should be able to get the Bilstein Shocks and the springs for less than $700. The factory 030 kit includes new sway bars, but I'm not sure how much difference they make. You might want to wait then either get a stiffer rear bar for less understeer or get a set of adjustable bars so you can tune the balance.

Regarding wheels - 3-piece forged are generally the lightest and strongest, but they are pricey. Brands like Fikse, Kinesis, and HRE can be up to $1000 per wheel. However, CCW (Complete Custom Wheels) makes forged wheels for about half that cost. http://www.ccwheel.com/

Edited November 5, 2004 by KevinC

[mmoore]

I'm planning on running in BS but may change classes if there is no competition.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In 2005 the SCCA has put all Boxster's and the S2000 in AS with the Boxster S, Corvette, and Subaru STI. It seems totally unfair to put a car with 201 HP up against a car with 280 HP but they make the rules.

The springs will lower your car 1-1.5", allowing you to get a lot more negative camber in front.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you lower the car it is now longer in a Stock class.

Mitch

[HenryV]

In 2005 the SCCA has put all Boxster's and the S2000 in AS with the Boxster S, Corvette, and Subaru STI. It seems totally unfair to put a car with 201 HP up against a car with 280 HP but they make the rules.

Mitch

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where do they put the Boxster with a 3.4L engine? Same class (stock) or custom?

[adsach]

Darkshark - consider hanging out on the Boxster Racing Board. It's a good place for AX and DE drivers. I t won't eat up your time as there are only a few posts per day.

Boxster Racing Board?

:drive:

[Darkshark]

Thanks for the info. I have been checking out the Boxter racing board but I try not to be to pesky and ask a ton of questions all at once. I have a tendency to be an info vampire.

KevinC: I was quoted $2500+ for the 030 package at my dealer. Yikes. I had bilstiens on my Miata and really liked them.

What is an acceptable wheel weight for A 17" Porsche wheel? The 16" Rotas I was running on my Miata were a scant 14lbs. And that was a little heavy as far as Miata wheels go.

[Darkshark]

Any opinions on SSRs?

[ar38070]

You can asked all you want on the race board. We do not get that much traffic and you will certainly get a lot of opinions.