997GT2 Suspension Overhaul @ SharkWerks

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12-08-2009 | 07:30 PM

sharky

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997GT2 Suspension Overhaul @ SharkWerks

This 997GT2 is used primarily at the track and with that in mind we set about making several changes. Here's a few shots of some of the toys:

First up is new Moton double-adjustable (separate rebound/compression) coil over kit which just came out. One thing about Moton's newest kit is the hardware itself is pretty much jewelry (and it's always been good prior to this) but it's also smart- right down to the self-recessed/retaining nuts for example:

The RSS track suspension kit:

Here's a close up of the adjuster knobs (pretty neat hardware):

And at the top of the shock:

The first step is to "disarm" (aka disable) the factory PASM system using the Porsche PIWIS tool. Once that's disabled you are now ready to install non PASM-compatible suspension kits.

Removal of the rear has always been relatively easy on the 996/997 platforms although space can be tight when you have a roll bar in there:

Rears installed:

The fronts are quite a bit more tricky and the entire assembly is removed:

And installed:

Setting the ride height with "dutch" made tools/wrenches that come with the kit:

For this car we also used our replacement Monoball lower control arm bushings which replaces the neoprene factory lower control arm inner-pivot bushings with steel monoball joints, giving more direct handling and better road feedback. This increases the precision of the pivot motion of the control arm as it travels up and down under cornering.:

The factory one has to be pressed out:

Installed:

Also installed was the adjustable thrust arm bushing kit which replaces the factory, neoprene bushings on the wheel-end of the control arms with aluminum, for better handling and road feedback. This also allows for the adjustment of caster.

Next up is the adjustable toe-steer kit. On lowered Porsches with a factory toe steer link, the limited adjustment results in incorrect toe geometry. This part replaces the OEM part with a fully adjustable unit, allowing the toe to be adjusted to factory specifications. The inner, neoprene bushing is also replaced with a steel monoball, which reduces dynamic changes in rear toe and further tightens up the car's handling.:

We also installed the RSS adjustable rear links which allows the negative camber in the rear to be correctly adjusted to factory specifications, improving handling and road feedback. On lowered cars, the OEM links do not allow for sufficient adjustment, which forces an improper alignment and leads to excessive tire wear. Additionally, the neoprene bushings have been replaced with steel monoballs, resulting in more direct handling feel and less movement among suspension components.

There's Jurgen ready to go for an initial test drive.

Back from the test drive and wanting $ for a Moton kit for his car...

Ready to go home...

It needs to be said that the 997GT2 was already an incredibly poised/settled set up as far as the stock suspension goes but with Tony@TC Design's help and some RSS parts the early drives I've had have been quite eye opening. I was never a fan of the PASM stuff to begin with but Porsche had obviously improved it up to the GT2. Once again though you just can't beat the dutch (Moton, JRZ etc..) when it comes to shocks... We're still in baseline/dialing it in mode but I've not yet driven a car that tackles corners and uneven surfaces quite like this one does.