Best Coilovers for Porsche 996

A 996 is 20 to 28 years old now. Even a well-kept Carrera is running original dampers that were designed for roads and tyres that no longer exist, and a coilover conversion lets you set ride height and corner weights properly rather than accepting whatever rake the car has settled into.

What to check before you buy 996 coilovers

• Which 996 you own. Carrera and Carrera S (C2 / C2S) kits are the common ones. C4, C4S, Turbo and GT3 variants differ, so never assume a kit fits simply because it says 996.
• Height adjustment range. A 911 sits low already, so check where the kit's range starts, not just where it ends.
• Damper body material and corrosion protection. Porsches live outdoors and get used in winter.
• What comes with the kit. Springs, adjusters, spanners and documentation vary.
• Who is fitting it. This is not a job for a driveway and two axle stands.

Our 996 picks

TA Technix lowering coilovers, 996 C2 / C2S, £387.00

A height-adjustable kit listed for the Porsche 911 996 C2 and C2S. This is the straightforward way to get adjustable ride height on an early water-cooled 911 without spending four figures.

TA Technix coilovers, 996 Carrera and Carrera S, 1997-2005, £467.00

The full TA Technix kit for Carrera and Carrera S models, supplied through our Lion Tuning range.

Worth doing at the same time: strut braces, £79.00 each

Front and rear steel strut braces for the 996 and 986 chassis tighten the front and rear turrets, and they are a sensible addition while the suspension is apart.

A note for Boxster 986 owners

TA Technix also list a kit for the Boxster and Boxster S, 1996-2004, at £385.78. The 986 and 996 share a platform but not suspension fitment, so do not cross-fit.

See all Porsche 996 suspension.

Fitment checklist for the 996

1. Variant: Carrera, Carrera S, C4, C4S, Turbo or GT3.
2. Whether the car has any factory options that change the suspension.
3. Top mount and bearing condition.
4. Wheel offsets and tyre sizes, particularly if you run 18 or 19 inch wheels.
5. Intended use: fast road, track days or both, which decides whether you need damping adjustment.

Fitting tips

• Get a specialist to fit the kit and set the ride height, then corner-weight the car if it will see track use.
• A four-wheel alignment is not optional on a rear-engined car. Rear toe and camber have a huge effect on stability and tyre wear.
• Replace top mounts and bearings at the same time.
• Expect a lower ride height to need a gentler approach to speed bumps, kerbs and ramps.

FAQs

Is a coilover conversion worthwhile on a road-going 996? Yes if your original dampers are tired, which most are by now. You get adjustable ride height and modern damper valving for less than a set of factory replacement parts.

Will it ruin the ride? Set at a sensible ride height, no. Setting it too low and running it on the bump stops will.

Do I need to tell my insurer? Yes, a suspension change is a modification and must be declared.

Not sure which 996 kit fits your car? Send us your registration and we will confirm the correct listing before you order.