Porsche 996 Suspension Upgrades: Improving Handling and Performance

By Tom on Monday, January 30, 2023

The Porsche 996 is a legendary sports car, known for its classic design and impressive performance. However, like all vehicles, it can benefit from upgrades to its suspension system. In this article, we will  Design 911 explores some of the best suspension upgrades available for the Porsche 996, and why these upgrades are essential for improving handling and performance.

Lowering Springs
One of the simplest and most effective upgrades you can make to your Porsche 996’s suspension is to install lowering springs. These springs lower the ride height of your vehicle, reducing its centre of gravity and improving its handling dynamics. Lowering springs also give your Porsche 996 a more aggressive stance, making it look as good as it handles.

Suspension Bushings
Another key component of your Porsche 996’s suspension system are the suspension bushings. These bushings connect the suspension components to the chassis and help to absorb road vibrations. Over time, the original bushings can wear out, reducing their effectiveness and compromising your car’s handling. Upgrading to performance suspension bushings made from high-quality materials will restore your Porsche 996’s handling and provide a noticeable improvement in road feel.

Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts play a crucial role in controlling the suspension and damping road vibrations. Upgrading to high-performance shocks and struts will give your Porsche 996 improved handling and a more controlled ride. These upgrades are especially important for those who plan to track their Porsche 996, as they will provide better handling and stability during high-speed driving.

Sway Bars
Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, help to reduce body roll during cornering. Upgrading to larger sway bars will improve your Porsche 996’s handling and provide a more predictable driving experience. Larger sway bars also increase the amount of grip available to the tires, improving overall performance and making it easier to drive your Porsche 996 at the limit.

Selected Porsche 996 Suspension Parts

Bilstein B16 PSS10 Coilover Suspension Kits. Porsche 996 C2 1997>>

Bilstein B16 PSS9/10 Hieght & 9-Way Damping Adjustable Coilover Kit.The PSS9/10 Kit is a ride height adjustable coil-over system with 9 different damping force settings. This Coliover Suspension Kit has created an entirely new level of performance suspension.

Based on the monotube inverted technology, the Bilstein B16 PSS9/10 meets the highest standards. This system features threaded body ride height adjustability, and also allows for adjustable damping in both the compression and rebound cycles. Once fitted to the car these damping settings are easily changed by turning the aluminium adjuster to fine tune for your driving style. The Bilstein B16 PSS9/10 suspension kit lowers from 10-60mm and is TUV approved.

Fits:
Porsche 996 C2 09/1997-08/2005
Porsche 996 C2 Targa 12/2001-08/2005

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Powerflex Stabilizer Bar Bush Rear 20mm

Powerflex Black Series – Designed for the Track – Ready to Race – Engineered to be the best.

Powerflex Black Series bushes are manufactured using a 95 Shore A compound to provide maximum control of chassis geometry. This compound can be up to 80% more resistant to load than standard rubber and 25% stiffer than our purple performance material.

If your requirements are purely for the ultimate in handling and chassis performance then Powerflex Black Series are unique, offering the most precise and accurate alignment for your chassis.

Replacing your car rubber suspension bushes with Polyurethane Suspension Bushes will give you:

– Better road holding
– Constant steering geometry
– Increased tyre life
– More responsitive steering
– Longer service life of suspension components

Fits:

Porsche 996 1997-2005

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Rennline Rear Toe Contol Arm With Bump Steer Kit.

Manufactured from 6061 aluminum and feature a turnbuckle design that allows each arm to be lengthened or shortened as needed to restore proper suspension geometry on a lowered Porsche.

The FK Teflon-lined rod end bearings ensure precision handling and lock in your car’s alignment settings, ensuring predictable cornering under all conditions. Rennline arms come with all required bolts and machined bushings to get the job done.

Fits:
Porsche 996

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Lowering Springs (Lowers: 30mm). Porsche 996 C2 Only 1998>> SPAX

Springs are an essential part of your car’s suspension system. They absorb much of the initial road shocks. SPAX SSX spring kits are ideal if you want to lower your car to get cool looks and a sportier ride.

Performance Lowering makes your car less top heavy. When combined with SPAX optimised spring rates, you get less body roll, reduced bottoming out and better handling. Most SPAX spring kits are progressively wound. This offers a softer ride at low speeds and a stiffer ride at high speeds, when you need it most.

SPAX springs are manufactured and tested to German TÜV standards but doesn’t come with an actual TÜV certificate.

Fits:
Porsche 996 C2

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RSS Non Adjustable Thrust Arm Bushing Lower Control Arm Kit For Porsche Models Cars With Lowered Suspension

RSS Tarmac Series Motorsport Lower Control Arms are specifically engineered for use on lowered vehicles that have reduced travel struts/dampers such as PASM or M030 option. Alternatively if the car is equipped with high quality aftermarket or motorsport coilover kits ie Bilstein PSS10, KW V3 or Ohlins etc.

RSS Tarmac Series Control Arms are manufactured from 6061 aerospace grade billet aluminum. This allows for a more uniform molecular structure.

Fits:
Porsche 996

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DesignTek Lowering Adjustable Coilover Suspension Kit

DesignTek D220 suspension coil over kit has 36 adjustable damping settings – Easily adjustable dampening settings to meet the requirement of street setup, speed driving or track days.

McPherson coil over’s with top mount camber plates can be adjusted by pillow ball upper mount for camber and handling. This kit includes rear adjustable drop links.

The monotube design has a 50mm strut & 44mm piston oil and gas separated to increase the stability dampening force.

Lowers car by: FT 20-40mm / RR 20-40mm

Fits:
Porsche 996 C2 Coupe
Porsche 996 C2 Targa
Porsche 996 C2 Cabriolet

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Shop Popular Suspension Brands

Bilstein

Öhlins

KW Suspension

RSS

ST Suspensions

In conclusion, upgrading the suspension system of your Porsche 996 is an essential step towards improving its handling and performance. Whether you’re looking for a more aggressive stance, improved road feel, or better handling dynamics, there is a suspension upgrade that will meet your needs. So why wait? Start improving your Porsche 996’s handling today!