anyone else think their car needs lowered?

[Bavarian Motorist]

I was looking at my car a lot today and it just looks like it could use 1/2" - 1" of lowering. I think it would really add to the overall appearance.

There is a big gap now between the tires and the fenders.

Even when sitting in the car it doesn't feel nearly as low as other cars in its class.


Has anyone noticed this or read about lowering their 987s?


I can't comment on 986s because I haven't seen enough of them to tell if they need lowered.


Post thoughts

[Jeph]

I saw a lowered 987 after a recent Mavs game I was at. It was astonishing! I cannot believe how cool it looked. Until then, I was never really a fan of lowering, but it made me want to lower my car. It was so smooth and subtle. I really wish I had a picture of that.

Post a clear side view shot of your car and I'll lower it for you in Photoshop so you can see what it'd look like.

[bosxter7]

I have a 97, I want mine done soon.

[djomlas]

id like to do mine, but since its daily and gets driven in winter...it already scrapes everywhere

in general, most cars look better lowered

Damn son, you gotta get yo'self dems air ride suspension. You can be driving with one wheel in the air and bounce around and thatd be da illest stuff ever. You could let it be high for curbs N stuff, and drag it fo da ladies.

[djomlas]

air rie suspension is great actually

[jeffsquire]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

I was looking at my car a lot today and it just looks like it could use 1/2" - 1" of lowering. I think it would really add to the overall appearance.

There is a big gap now between the tires and the fenders.

Even when sitting in the car it doesn't feel nearly as low as other cars in its class
Post thoughts

________________________________-

Do you have 18" wheels on yours? We'll need to see a picture first.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Yup I have 18" 'S' wheels.


What's a ballpark figure for the shocks and springs? I can install it myself (w/ my friend)


This is something I really want to do.


Only thing I'm thinking about is speed bumps...but I don't think 1/2" will change that much.

[Jeph]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

What's a ballpark figure for the shocks and springs? I can install it myself (w/ my friend)

This is something I really want to do.

Only thing I'm thinking about is speed bumps...but I don't think 1/2" will change that much.

Springs: $250-300-ish
Shocks: ?

My quote to lower was $660 + parts + alignment (RUF Auto Centre). That's another thing, you'll require an alignment when you're done. From my understanding, the rear springs are difficult to do yourself. There's a lot of disassembing to do back there.

I read about lowering Boxsters somewhere that said, when looking for a place to lower it, look for a place that has experience with your specific car. Even places that tune suspension (race shops) may not know the tricks involved for, say, a Boxster specifically.

I don't doubt the ability of you and your friend, It's just my understanding that it's a process more elaborate than a simple spring swap. I'd hate to see anything bad happen to such a nice looking 987.

[racer_d]

The fronts are pretty straight forward. The rears, in the pics I've only "scanned" in the Bentley manual, indicate that entire rear hubs and axles and other components need to be disassembled before you can get the shock/springs out of the car. Labor is the killer. I'd imagine a shop would charge 8hrs of labor to do the whole job. Then you will need an alignment (figure $150-250).

Springs - $250-400?
Shocks - Lots$$ (Shocks could be, just a guess, $100-200 each)
Alignment - $150-250
Time spent - figure a whole day or weekend if trying it yourself for the first time (or say 8hr shop time X about $80-100/hr)

Please don't take these numbers as gospel. Just a regurgitation of what I've read elsewhere, plus the personal experience of redoing the entire suspension on my 911 a few years ago.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by racer_d

The fronts are pretty straight forward. The rears, in the pics I've only "scanned" in the Bentley manual, indicate that entire rear hubs and axles and other components need to be disassembled before you can get the shock/springs out of the car. Labor is the killer. I'd imagine a shop would charge 8hrs of labor to do the whole job. Then you will need an alignment (figure $150-250).

Springs - $250-400?
Shocks - Lots$$ (Shocks could be, just a guess, $100-200 each)
Alignment - $150-250
Time spent - figure a whole day or weekend if trying it yourself for the first time (or say 8hr shop time X about $80-100/hr)

Please don't take these numbers as gospel. Just a regurgitation of what I've read elsewhere, plus the personal experience of redoing the entire suspension on my 911 a few years ago.

Hi,

I agree with your estimates. One might be able to lower them slightly by prudent shopping or having say a lift, but in general, your's are good numbers...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99