PASM Ride Height: USA vs. ROW

[Einmalig]

Does anyone know if there is a difference in the ride height of PASM equipped US model car vs. other world markets? I have a 997 C4S coupe arriving and if available, would prefer to install factory ROW springs. I realize that PASM is already 10mm lower than the standard suspension, but I would like to drop the car by an additional 10mm mainly for looks.

I'm not looking for a radical change or an increase in spring rates which is typical of the aftermarket options out there. I replaced the factory springs on my 993 C4S with ROW Turbo springs and was very happy with the lowered stance, reduced body roll and mostly preserved ride quality.

If nothing currently exists, perhaps the new 997 Turbo's springs would work for this application as the ride height with PASM appears to be lower on that car and the suspension is likely to be acceptably tuned for daily road use.

Any recomendations or opinions are appreciated.

[berty987]

The PASM will be tuned for the spring rate , so a shorter spring is likely to have a firmer ride due to the reduced travel. I'm sure the PASM would have a good try at adjusting , but ultimately I would suggest that that the spring and dampers should be matched. Techart and FVD in germany offer reduced ride height kits for PASM fitted cars that include new PASM dampers. Ideally I'd suggest initially checking at the part numbers for the turbo vs your model to determine if the PASM dampers are the same. Bear in mind also that the turbo may have a different sprung weight to your car , so the springs will be designed around this. To keep the handling the same or better , i would personally opt for a matched kit of dampers and springs or shorter springs from a well known tuner that are matched to your car and OEM set up.

I looked at the porsche parts catalogue I have and the new turbo isn't listed. What I have found is that there are two part numbers listed fro the PASM dampers on the 997 non turbo models. This may relate to 2 and 4 wheel drive versions or possibly a revision in suspension mountings as the springs for certain models have a part number change based on year. What is apparent is that there are different spring rates (part numbers) depending on the model suggesting the springs are tuned to the size of anti roll bar and mass of the car , 2wd/ 4wd version. I still think a good tuning company will be a better route to an optimised ride height with original PASM dampers rather than raiding the parts bin of the turbo , and if TUV approved it should be similar quality.

Edited September 8, 2006 by berty987