The long slippery slope of track mods - lets start with the suspension

[rob76turbo]

I have a 2001 Box-S with US MO30 Suspension. But I want it to be just a bit stiffer, so I am asking everone what would be the sequence of adding mods to get the suspension to handle a bit better / be a bit stiffer. I want to take is slow, a little at a time (budget... ). I am thinking:

1. Adjustable drop links for the F / R Sways.
2. Delrin bushing for the sways.
3. H&R or Eibach springs (also helps to lower the car a bit).
4. Camber adjustment plates.
5. ???

Thoughts, opinions, options.....
Thanks in advance.
Rob

[j.fro]

Hmmm...I've got some suggestions, but they'll alter the course a bit:
1) R-comp tires or an extra set of wheels with R-comps. The BEST mod you can do.
2) Adjustable drop links are only beneficial when you've already got adjustable sway bars. The drop links allow you to set the sways without preload when the car is level.
3) If you are looking to keep your stock road comfort, get stiffer sway bars and the drop links...But, if you are more interested in overall track handling, get a set of adjustable coilovers. I've got the K-Sports, and they have enough adjustability for both daily driving (rougher than stock, but tolerable) and competitive autocross. As a bonus, the K-Sports come with camber plates (and don't need adjustable toe links!!!), and they can be had for around $1200.
4) Depending on the track, some track brake pads may be a "must have" item
5) stainless steel brake lines and a flush with ATE Blue
6) 4 or 5 point racing harness or at least one of those seat belt locks

[Kirk]

I agree that I wouldn't start with adjustable links or stiffer bushings for the M030 sway bars. I'd instead go to a GT3 bar in the front and Tarett in the rear, both with adjustable links. That would give you MUCH MORE roll resistance and level handling without making the car too stiff for regular driving.

After that I'd look at a set of coil overs. You've already got upgraded shocks and springs. I don't know that you'd see that much of a difference with just adding sport springs. It would drop the ride a little bit lower though.

The biggest improvement that I made to my ride are the coil overs. I've got JRZ coil overs with adjustment and remote reservoirs. The car now handles incredibly. I can push it to the limit on public roads and the car doesn't even break a sweat. The car clearly has more capability than I have nerves!

I've done camber plates. They can be brutally stiff. I would leave that for last when doing the final tweaks. Understand though that my suggestions are not cheap, but that's just the way it is, none of this stuff is cheap.

Kirk

[rob76turbo]

Probably should have given a bit of background. This Boxster is new to me, so I just want to have it set up a bit better for track events. I do 5-6 DE / HPDE's per (year since 2002), have R rated tires, Porsche Motorsport pads, SSBL, Motul brake fluid already. I just came out of a decently prepared 968 and want to take the Box-S to the next level.

I think that ultimately a set of coilovers is in the future, but want to find the best bang for the buck until that time.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

[goldsc_78258]

I have a 2001 boxster s and I think the best bang for the money would be a set of coil overs with the right spring rates. then a set of adjustable sway bars and a good track alignment. I go to a track here in San Marcos H2R, the first time I went there with stock car and street tires, my best time was a 1'33:50 I have only worked in suspension set up and tires, I'm down to a 1'28:7 on my last session yesterday

Good luck and if you want to email me direct is porsche911tx at yahoo dot com

[Kirk]

Originally Posted by rob76turbo

I think that ultimately a set of coilovers is in the future, but want to find the best bang for the buck until that time.

Thanks for the background info. I would focus then on the sway bars. Again, I recommend the GT3 front and Tarett rear. If you check out the Spec Boxster racers and what they use that seems to be their favorite setup. The H&R adjustable bars are another option.

You might want to check out www.boxsterspec.com Now these guys are limited by class rules and stuff like that, but the setups they run for Spec Boxster would be nearly perfect for track days too. Here's their forum:

http://www.boxsterspec.com/boxster-garage-f1.html

Kirk

[mdex]

Since you are running R comps I would suggest that you start off with rear toe links and split front A arms.

This will let you set the car up properly for the tires, and I have found that the toe links make a huge difference on track when you are on sticky tires since they remove the "passive" steering that is built into the cars letting you push with more confidence in the corners.

After that if you go lowering springs / coilovers / etc etc you will still have the basic foundation to adjust the alignment where it will work best for you on track.

You don't really need to do that much with these cars for DE events... with a good alignment they are very neutral and fun to drive and still comfortable on the street.

Marc