New suspension mods from RSS for my 997TT
#13
08-04-2011, 05:06 PM
Jason, I'm glad you like the RSS gear. I can't agree more on the telepathic statement. With this setup, the car is literally hooked up as best it can be foe road and track.
I recently got some good track days in and the setup is amazing! Enjoy!
I recently got some good track days in and the setup is amazing! Enjoy!
#16
08-04-2011, 06:30 PM
I made the mistake of driving a friend's 997.2 GT3 RS that had just gotten a number of modifications done to it.
In this case, I'm referring to these:
2 piece lower control arms for both front and rear
Adjustable rear link kit
Adjustable rear toe steer kit
And let me tell you guys, it was a revelation! I'd driven a number of other GT3/GT3RS before and it just does not compare to the way this example felt. The way it handled felt almost telepathic to the point where you literally could think where you'd want it to go. I was impressed and far from it for me to think that it'd be possible to make my Turbo handle exactly the same way but I knew I probably could get close. And so, I decided to order the same kit for mine. My Turbo was already in the shop because the front coilovers needed to be rebuilt for unrelated reasons so I figured I might as well get the new bits installed. I had them installed by the very capable techs from Motoring Unlimited whom also installed my tailights last year too.
The parts were all finally here so it was time to get them installed.
Wow, these rotors are HUGE!
Lower control arms
Specs
Installed in the rear
Afterwards, the Turbo was delivered to my home where I had a chance to try her out briefly because of rush hour traffic. A real drive would have to wait until a later date.
A few days later, I finally had a chance to truly put my Turbo through its paces on a 400 mile drive to Yakima for lunch with some friends.
Now that I've managed to soak it all in and think about my impressions since these new bits were installed, I can share them with you. First off, I can't stop raving about the change then and now because of these simple modifications. It really did go a long way in improving the overall feel/handling of my Turbo. I already had Bilstein damptronics, H&R sways and Tarret droplinks previously which definitely improved handling from stock form but these new RSS bits took it one step further. My car feels almost much more assured around the corners and the steering feel has especially been taken to a new level. I was also very impressed at how compliant this setup was. Not quite bone jarring but hardly Cadillac smooth either. It's close to how well the GT3 RS handles now. I can't wait to try it out at the track next month!
In this case, I'm referring to these:
2 piece lower control arms for both front and rear
Adjustable rear link kit
Adjustable rear toe steer kit
And let me tell you guys, it was a revelation! I'd driven a number of other GT3/GT3RS before and it just does not compare to the way this example felt. The way it handled felt almost telepathic to the point where you literally could think where you'd want it to go. I was impressed and far from it for me to think that it'd be possible to make my Turbo handle exactly the same way but I knew I probably could get close. And so, I decided to order the same kit for mine. My Turbo was already in the shop because the front coilovers needed to be rebuilt for unrelated reasons so I figured I might as well get the new bits installed. I had them installed by the very capable techs from Motoring Unlimited whom also installed my tailights last year too.
The parts were all finally here so it was time to get them installed.
Wow, these rotors are HUGE!
Lower control arms
Specs
Installed in the rear
Afterwards, the Turbo was delivered to my home where I had a chance to try her out briefly because of rush hour traffic. A real drive would have to wait until a later date.
A few days later, I finally had a chance to truly put my Turbo through its paces on a 400 mile drive to Yakima for lunch with some friends.
Now that I've managed to soak it all in and think about my impressions since these new bits were installed, I can share them with you. First off, I can't stop raving about the change then and now because of these simple modifications. It really did go a long way in improving the overall feel/handling of my Turbo. I already had Bilstein damptronics, H&R sways and Tarret droplinks previously which definitely improved handling from stock form but these new RSS bits took it one step further. My car feels almost much more assured around the corners and the steering feel has especially been taken to a new level. I was also very impressed at how compliant this setup was. Not quite bone jarring but hardly Cadillac smooth either. It's close to how well the GT3 RS handles now. I can't wait to try it out at the track next month!
-mike
#17
08-05-2011, 05:11 AM
Interesting thanks for sharing Jason.
Only difference to mine now I believe is the lower control arms which allow you to dial in/out negative camber ie. shouldn't make much difference on public roads but will on the track (especially at the front where it's hard to get more than a degree of neg camber without this part). I wouldn't want to run huge cambers though on public streets, not great in the winter or on rough terrain or for tyre wear. Hence why I haven't fitted those (yet).
Oh and I don't think you have upgraded dog-bones which also help improve handling and feedback?!
Do you know your new camber/toe settings?
PS: drives me mad on forums where someone does a huge post (which is good) and then someone quotes the entire thing again (which is bad) ^^^
Only difference to mine now I believe is the lower control arms which allow you to dial in/out negative camber ie. shouldn't make much difference on public roads but will on the track (especially at the front where it's hard to get more than a degree of neg camber without this part). I wouldn't want to run huge cambers though on public streets, not great in the winter or on rough terrain or for tyre wear. Hence why I haven't fitted those (yet).
Oh and I don't think you have upgraded dog-bones which also help improve handling and feedback?!
Do you know your new camber/toe settings?
PS: drives me mad on forums where someone does a huge post (which is good) and then someone quotes the entire thing again (which is bad) ^^^
Last edited by Alex_997TurboRSC; 08-05-2011 at 05:15 AM.
#18
08-05-2011, 09:16 AM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 5,879
^^^Alex, it's been a while..good to see you posting around here still.
My goal or rather Brian and RSS' goal was to eliminate the rubber bushings in the stock setup which goes quite a ways in providing that "direct" feel. As you can see above, I believe that I did get the dogbones but in my case it's called the rear link and toe steer kits.
I guess you have to go with a certain amount of compromise when it comes to increased tire wear vs improved handling/steering feel. In my case, I went with the GT3 suspension specs which I've been using for a while now. I'm satisfied with this setup. Brian has a much more aggressive setup which definitely causes a much greater degree of tire wear.
What suspension specs did you go with, Alex?
My goal or rather Brian and RSS' goal was to eliminate the rubber bushings in the stock setup which goes quite a ways in providing that "direct" feel. As you can see above, I believe that I did get the dogbones but in my case it's called the rear link and toe steer kits.
I guess you have to go with a certain amount of compromise when it comes to increased tire wear vs improved handling/steering feel. In my case, I went with the GT3 suspension specs which I've been using for a while now. I'm satisfied with this setup. Brian has a much more aggressive setup which definitely causes a much greater degree of tire wear.
What suspension specs did you go with, Alex?
#19
08-05-2011, 10:16 AM
Jason, in case I missed it-did you replace your PCCB's? With what brand? Also, in terms of $$ can you tell us how much was spent, in total just in suspension?
I think this is an important lesson for those who already have these cars and get bored. It can cost much much less to invest in some new shiny kit for your existing car- and make her NEW, and fall in love, -all over again.
it's amazing how just a little bit here or there can alter the personality of a car.
I think this is an important lesson for those who already have these cars and get bored. It can cost much much less to invest in some new shiny kit for your existing car- and make her NEW, and fall in love, -all over again.
it's amazing how just a little bit here or there can alter the personality of a car.
#20
08-05-2011, 10:23 AM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 5,879
What was it, Chris...is that your name? I can't recall..sorry.
I didn't replace my PCCBs like Brian did because I don't plan to track my Turbo on an extended basis like he does. They just took it out to put the suspension components in.
So, I'm not sure exactly how much I spent altogether because all together I put in:
Bilstein damptronic coilovers
H&R sways (front & rear)
Tarrett droplinks (front & rear)
RSS lower control arms (front & rear)
RSS rear drop link kit
RSS rear toe steer kit
If I had to venture a guess, including labor, I'd say that I spent maybe about $10k USD for the whole thing. Like you said, way cheaper than buying a whole new car and the differences between stock and now is like night and day.
I didn't replace my PCCBs like Brian did because I don't plan to track my Turbo on an extended basis like he does. They just took it out to put the suspension components in.
So, I'm not sure exactly how much I spent altogether because all together I put in:
Bilstein damptronic coilovers
H&R sways (front & rear)
Tarrett droplinks (front & rear)
RSS lower control arms (front & rear)
RSS rear drop link kit
RSS rear toe steer kit
If I had to venture a guess, including labor, I'd say that I spent maybe about $10k USD for the whole thing. Like you said, way cheaper than buying a whole new car and the differences between stock and now is like night and day.