996 MK1 C2 Suspension upgrades + Wheel Tire Combo

[josimarlm1@gmail.com]

Planning a small overhaul of my 996 C2 Mk1 suspension/wheel/tires

Current:
Suspension: stock
Wheels: OEM Sport Design 2 (bbs 2pc- wheels)(mk1 gt3 wheels)
18x7.5 et50
18x10 et65
Tires: Sumitomo HTR Z III (225/40/18- 285/30/18)


Plan:
Suspension: H&R Street Performance Coilovers + H&R Sway Bars (front and rear)
Wheels: OZ Ultraleggera
19x8.5 et53
19x11 et65
Tire: Hankook Ventus V12
235/35/19
295/30/19

Any thoughts on the new set-up, issues i may have? experiences with the coilovers,wheels, tires?
With the increased wheel width I think the wheels will be flush with the fenders but if not are spacers even an option?- does anyone have this set up? need to roll fenders? pics?


thanks for your feedback

Edited September 12, 2013 by josimarlm1@gmail.com

[Wiz5X]

I've had the H&R Sway Bars on my 00 996 C4 for about 2 years and really like them. They are set on the middle setting. The H&R are direct bolt on without any drop links. Another option is the GT3 sway bars. The difference is the GT3s are hollow and the H&Rs are solid. I've seen both and can recommend both.

As for wheels on the 996 Mk1, my recommendation is to stay with 18" wheels. Look around at the forums and I think you'll see similar comments. I have the factory turbo twist and aftermarket both in 18". The 18" tire profile just works best with the 996.1, IMO. I have Michelin Pilot Super Sport (225/40/18 and 265/35/18). As a side note, I upgraded from 17" to 19" wheels on my 04 Audi A4 and while they look really sharp, the ride is not quite as smooth.

I haven't done Coilovers yet, but I was considering Bilstein PSS10s. I'd be interested to hear how the H&R Coilovers are.

Good luck!

-Frank

[josimarlm1@gmail.com]

thanks for your input frank

I think the H&R sway bars will compliment the coilovers well. I've also considered PSS10 and there plenty of positive reviews for them but i just can't justify the price. My C2 is really just a weekend cruiser/ canyon carver, i dont track and don't plan on it so the ease of adjustability is a non factor for me. I'd really just like to drop the 4x4 look, improve cornering, and reduce body roll.

I'm still on the fence about moving up to 19's. I do like my sport design 2 wheels- but they are quite heavy and the front 7.5 wheel is too narrow imo. One other alternative i've been considering is keeping my wheels and applying some 15mm spacers on all four corners.

i would recocommed you move up to a 285 in the rear- when i made that change it really transformed the feel of the car- it feels much more planted.

ill let you know how the coilovers work out

cheers

-Jo

[josimarlm1@gmail.com]

Preview and Before Pictures:

Decided to stick with my Sport Design 2 wheels for now- but i will be mounting 15mm H&R spacers on all four wheels. She should be done by Monday- I'll share after pics and impressions then.