Shocks only

**phredden** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 01:16 PM

Here's my dilema....there are two series I intend to campaign my Cayman normal in next season, a time trial series and an autocross series. In both cases the rules allow aftermarket, non-adjustable, shocks ONLY (no springs), free exhaust and r compound race rubber.

(For the record, the two series are: the COM Sports Car Club, class SSA, which operates a very successful time trial series in the northeast, and SCCA, class AS....which might make this information more relevant to more people on this forum.)

I've done a search for threads on aftermarket shocks, but didn't really find anything.

Anyone done this upgrade?

As much as I'd like to lower the car back to "world standard" ride heights, down from the US/agricultural/AWD-look (!), I do use this car as a daily driver all winter and the extra clearence is handy sometimes. And there might also be some folks out there in a similar situation.

BTW, I've just order an exhaust...FabSpeed...which is the make I had on my 996 some time ago. As I've mentioned on this forum before, I had mixed emotions about that system...it was a work of art, super high quality, but louder than I was led to believe and wanted.

I'll be glad to offer some feedback to this group when that gets fitted next week.

Meanwhile, any advise or experience with shocks...I've only been able to find the Bilsteins, which is fine, but are there alternatives?

RingSport · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:03 PM

It might be tough to find shocks only that match up well because the stock springs are progressive. The only ones I know of are the "heavy duty" from bilstein, I'm sure it will be an improvement but they don't have damping and rebound or ride height adjustability.

Jim Michaels · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 05:21 PM

Although Bilstein makes excellent dampers that seem to last forever, I can only support RingSport's suggestion that you're doing the right thing to try to learn as much as you can about the dampening rate match with the OE progressive springs.

My only direct experience with the heavy duty Bilsteins was on a 911 RSA with slightly heavier rate H&R springs. In that case, the Bilstein HDs seem to work a little better than the OEM heavy duty shocks, and even gave a more compliant ride on the road.

My CS has PASM, so I haven't even bothered to look for a better shock for SCCA SS class.

**phredden** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 08:26 PM

Here's what I've found...good sales pitch anyway!

Bilstein Shocks For 2007 PORSCHE CAYMAN From Performance Products

**SY987CS** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 08:32 PM

I don't know about the shocks but I am thinking about FabSpeed Exhaust. I'd appreciate you letting us know how you like it when installed. Thanks.