Suspension replacement question

[Dog'sLife]

I've bought front and rear suspension kits from Pelican for my 00 S, and I think I want to replace the shocks at the same time.

The car has 103K miles and they are likely original.

I'll be doing this myself, and I want to know should I get the B-6's or the black original spec? What are the differences? Pro's and con's? Also, whichever ones I get, should I get new hardware? Bump stops? Springs? Sway bar bushings?

I drive somewhat enthusiastically in the canyons of Colorado (when appropriate), and when I get a few more things sorted I'd like to try track and/or autocross.

TIA

Tim

[Dog'sLife]

I had hoped to get some personal opinions. I think the boards are slow this time of year. Pelican states the 10% off for PCA members ends at the end of the year. Maybe they'll extend that. Hoping to get a reply before that.

Happy holidays, folks!

[mikefocke]

Might try in the racing subforum. And yes things are slow this time of year which is why the sale. Most modified cars are hibernating till the season except the far south. Just wait till spring.

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by Dog'sLife

I had hoped to get some personal opinions. I think the boards are slow this time of year. Pelican states the 10% off for PCA members ends at the end of the year. Maybe they'll extend that. Hoping to get a reply before that.

Happy holidays, folks!

They have done it, with a new discount code, every year since I can remember.

You could also check out FCP Euro. No personal opinions on the struts you are considering…

[Marc_986]

What suspension kit did you order?

As far as the Bilstein shocks go (I guess you are referring to them), the black B4 is OEM replacement, should work as original on original suspension. Then there is the yellow B6 which is stiffer (so to say) which can go with standard springs or with the sport springs. If your car will get really lower, you should consider the yellow B8, which is a shorter variant of the B6 (as far as I've heard, some say these are also stiffer than the B6, most say they are identical but shorter).

I've just put on B6 with the M030 ROW springs which should be an ok combination., Will find out when spring comes.

[DSRJerry]

Is there a race shop in your neighborhood? They will have a spring tester.

[Marc_986]

And to answer your other question. Check whether the new shocks would come with bumpstop and boot (the B6 and B8 should, not sure about the B4), get these additionally otherwise.

While you have the strut out, I think it is best to replace the upper mounts and the bearings. These aren't that expensive and they do wear out.

[Dog'sLife]

Thanks for the help.

Good idea about a speed shop testing the springs.

I've got the bearings and mounts on the list. Braided brake lines also. That'll be nice.

[Dog'sLife]

Originally Posted by Marc_986

What suspension kit did you order?.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/2000100627HBT.htm?pn=20001-00627-HBT&SVSVSI=783&DID=248854

And the one for the rear. Both before the price increase.

[Marc_986]

Looking at the full refresh you are doing, I'd look for which springs you would like most (standard will be a bit soft if you want to autocross or track it). Consider either US M030 or ROW M030 and take the appropriate shocks. I'd take the one stiffer, so the B6.

That's about the same setup as I'm mounting. ROW M030 with B6 and mostly fresh suspension parts. Similar use as well, occasional day at the track (Zandvoort, Spa, Nord schleife) but mostly street driving. Can't compare our roads against yours though.

[Wret]

A note on preplacing your brake lines: I just did mine (or attempted to). I snapped a fitting on the hardline to caliper on one and aborted on two others. You might consider buying a couple of the short hard lines to the calipers ahead of the job.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Marc_986

Similar use as well, occasional day at the track (Zandvoort, Spa, Nord schleife) but mostly street driving. Can't compare our roads against yours though.

Ok, ok Mark, you succeeded on making us jealous..

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Ok, ok Mark, you succeeded on making us jealous..

I don’t think he was trying to. Those are great racetracks, no question, but daily driving in the Netherlands involves roads which would qualify as underwhelming, to say the least.

[986andmx5]

When I refreshed my suspension I replaced the sway bar end links and sway bar bushings as well. Looks like you already figured out to pick up the strut mounts, boots and bump stops.

The rubber grommets that attach the brake lines to the struts were disintegrating, so if you aren't replacing the brake lines, just be aware you may want to wrap them in that area so they don't chafe.

[Marc_986]

Just to report that I have received the Bilstein B6 front struts and did a trial assembly. In short, the B6 is too long for the RoW M030 springs. I can just drop the parts on and there is no preload on the spring.

For me it means I'll be swapping them for B8 struts (the seller stated they would be suitable for these springs), for others, be aware.

[10/10ths]

…the Suncoast Porsche Parts ROW MO30 kit.

It’s perfect.

[Dog'sLife]

I appreciate all the reply's. Thank you folks.

For the moment I'll try the old springs.

Thanks for the heads up 986 about the chaffing brake line potential. I did order the sway bar bushings.

I hate working on cold metal and my garage is not heated, but here in Colorado the temps fluctuate widely in the winter. Looking forward to that first drive!

I hope everyone survives this coming cold snap!

[Dog'sLife]

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

…the Suncoast Porsche Parts ROW MO30 kit.

It’s perfect.

For 3K I hope so!

[Dog'sLife]

Originally Posted by Wret

A note on preplacing your brake lines: I just did mine (or attempted to). I snapped a fitting on the hardline to caliper on one and aborted on two others. You might consider buying a couple of the short hard lines to the calipers ahead of the job.

I actually got these a couple months ago, still in the box. Thanks for putting that in my ear.