986 suspension tune up for an average Joe - advice?

[woodsman]

I see tires as an investment and so I went with what I think is the current 'best' but choose the super sports to get around the P-taxed PS2's. I am amazed at their grip and how long-lasting they are. World class.
If you don't mind the brake dust, stay with OEM pads as they are awesome in every way- world class.
Brake lines age and if yours are original now would be a great time to replace them. I know someone who has had total break failure twice due to a rubber line developing an aneurysm- it bubbles out and sucks up the line pressure that's supposed to be forcing the pads out! NO BRAKES, no warning. They're cheap whether you go with OEM or stainless covered.
Springs do age. They loose some of their spring rate, ride height and responsiveness. Touch AN ICON just got the ROW M030 kit for $ 979? I suggest replacing the FR strut mount bearings as they're cheap and effect steering.
Also the ROW kit will lower the car slightly while adding a slight nose down rake that Porsche had to do away with in order to meet North American bumper-height regs. I think the rake looks cool!
I've read here that the anti-roll bars are the same between ROW and M030. On my car, 70 000 mi the front bar was significantly worn by the bushing! Toughest bushings ever! Glad I was able to replace that one but the rear was fine. Regarding bearings- I changed all mine but afterwards read here about a tool that could do the job without removing all of the suspension. If it works ( Casper labs???) then one could wait till they NEED changing instead of being proactive.

[Dave2001S]

Wood, I noticed you went with the ROW M030 for tiptronic, but you have a 6-speed manual (as do I). Any issues there?

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by Dave2001S

Wood, I noticed you went with the ROW M030 for tiptronic, but you have a 6-speed manual (as do I). Any issues there?

No problem but it should be a little higher spring rate. I saved $ 250 by doing so and it should make the car closer to mid-corner neutral.

[Dave2001S]

Point well taken on the out of place advertising. I've had many sets of Michelin tires on other standard cars over the years, and I've always felt they are the best tires available. The huge discrepancy in cost gives me pause to consider the options nevertheless, and those Hankook V12's do get very positive reviews from what I can tell. If I go with the M030 kit, is there a tire that you guys favor in terms of its compatibility with that setup? Here in So Cali, I'm assuming a summer tire will be appropriate most of the time. I don't plan to drive the car in snow, and a severe cold snap is when the thermometer dips below 60 degrees F. Tread wear, handling, road noise, warranty are therefore my chief considerations.

[eicheldp]

I'm also searching for new tires for mine and am comparing the 18" Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 against the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Tire rack gives very similar ratings for each brand. The Hankook's are approx. 1/2 cost of the Michelins. Has anyone looked at / tried the S1's?