Slipstream - June 2002

Park Place April Tech Session - Suspension Upgrade
By Robert Van Buskirk
Photo by Mike Mead
For the month of April Park Place Porsche selected a 993
C2S to demonstrate a suspension upgrade to our club
members. When Maverick members arrived we were
treated to breakfast, Porsche logo merchandise, and a very interesting
explanation of what they intended to demonstrate to
include a discussion of the available options. There was very
broad member interest in this session and as a consequence a
large group attended. Pictures are compliments of Mike Mead.
Initially, a suspension upgrade sounds like a very straightforward
process. However, the available options are very complicated
when you take into consideration the cause and effect issues
related to any adjustment on a Porsche. Additionally, everyone
has an opinion as to what the best set up is. As a consequence we
chose to stay with Porsche parts and installed the "030" option
with "ROW - rest of world" enhancements. I wanted to improve
the cornering performance of the car but was unwilling for a
"harsh" ride in this daily driver.
The professional lifts allowed everyone to get a close up view.
The car was prepped Friday afternoon so that there would no
delay Saturday morning. Jimmy Hays and Jeff Lee provided a
running commentary of what was being done and why. Both suspensions
were presented side by side so we could see the difference.
Additionally, many questions were answered as relates to other
member cars and what could be done to enhance their suspension.
Photo by Mike Mead
Mark Steele getting some hands on experience.
Among the many lessons we learned was the impact adjustments
have on the performance of the car relative to each corner.
Jeff got the car on the rack later in the morning to illustrate
the effect of adjustments and tracking. A lengthy discussion
centered around setting the correct weight on all four corners.
The suspension work and questions took longer then expected so
Park Place brought lunch in and we worked until mid afternoon.
The corner weight balancing was finished at a later date.
...the car is much more predictable
and aggressive . .
Briefly, the performance change of the car is quite amazing.
I am not an aggressive driver but I must say the car is much more
predictable and aggressive in the corners. Everything feels much
more stable and balanced. I am completely pleased with the work
Jimmy Hays, Jeff Lee, and their team members did in installing
this "030 ROW" upgrade and recommend you contact them
directly regarding any questions you have.
Photo by Mike Mead
Photo by Mike Mead
The entire process was explained and demonstrated step by step.
Ready for it’s wheels and a road test.
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