Advice for PSS9 Installation
 

I just acquired a 99 996 C2 and will use the car for DE's. I am shopping around for suspension modifications and am inclined to go with PSS9's based on most everyone's recommendations. I talked with RPM, Inc of Springfield and they have a reasonable price for the parts as well as reasonable cost of installation that includes alignment.

I have also talked with Curry's in Dulles and Intersport.

Anyone used RPM before or have any idea of the reputation. From previous posts, Curry's and Intersport have good reputations. Any other advice/comments is welcome as well.

Thanks

Tuffy von Briesen

Can you give a hint wrt price + install? I've been tempted by the X73 (?) Porsche suspension too. I've heard great things about both suspensions.

No motons, eh? ;)

Re: Advice for PSS9 Installation
 

Location, location, location. I’ve used all three to good effect. My choice for what you want would be based almost entirely on location. There are several other shops around that I would also use. Long term you might want to select a shop and build a relationship with them. It helps long term to have you mechanic know you and your car. Good idea for Fords, excellent ideal for trackable Porsches.

If I Remember correctly, RPM quoted a price of about 2700 for the parts and around 850 for installation. I could be a little low but not much. Curry's was about 3200 for the parts and 98.00/hr for 10 hours of installation. Intersport was about 4000.00 for all.

RPM was recommended by one of the service guys at Porsche of Arlington. He said one of the owners is a former Porsche tech. I believe I talked with Stan and he was very helpful in talking about prices and different systems. I tried to get comparisons between the PSS9's and Porsche ROW but none of them seemed to familiar with the ROW.

During some of the conversations, the prices seemed to vary based on where they got the PSS9's and what the exchange rate (Euro's v $) when they got them.

Any suggestions on the other shops?

Curry's was very helpful. The down side for me is the distance. I live at 395/495/95 interchange.

Tuffy von Briesen

IMA Motorsports in FairfaxHave been with Ivan for quite a few years.He is a knowledgeable racer as well 703-849-9590. Main thing if there is little difference in price, go see and interview all in your area and see who you can work with best.I think Ivan is the only one with that computer thingy that hooks up and actually can turn lights/wipers on etc.
Dirk

We are lucky to have more than a few great Porsche specialist shops around town.

I've worked with Charlie at Intersport for a long time, and he is one of the very best. Its a busy shop.
I've also worked with Stan at RPM, and can assure you that his operation is detailed and careful, and very knowledgeable about our cars. Rock solid.
Another outstanding choice would be Geoff Schwartz at ASG. Expert race prep for everthing from his partner's red hot 2.0L 914 to professional race team work. Geoff ran the technical operation for the GT class winning Farnbacher team at the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona last month.

I know Ivan well, but have never had work done at his shop. No reason not to, its just the way it worked for me.

Given your location, RPM [in Newington, a few miles south of the mixing bowl interchange] is almost a natural choice, and it would be a good one.

ASG
 

I'll second the recco for Auto Sportsystems Group (ASG); they've always done right by me. Geoff Schwartz is the person Tony was referring to. He also crews for Farnbacher (including Wolf Henzler) in Speed World Challenge.

suspension install
 

Are you not interested in trying to install them yourself? I think there are enough people around that would help, so it wouldn't be a problem....

I for one would be happy to help.

-DS

Re: suspension install
 

I only trust RPM and ASG. Used to live by RPM, now I live near ASG. Marc and I installed my Bilstein HD's and springs in under 6 hrs., having no idea what we were doing. I think PSS-9's would be a little easier, since they come with the springs already on them. If you reall hunt around, you can find them for under $2300, DIY the install and them pay $300 or so for the alignment. I had Stan do my alignment after my 993 shock install. If your car is not gonna be a serious track monster, you may wanna consider going with HD's and H&R springs. PSS-9's are great, but they're overkill unless you seriously track the car.

Dirk, contrary to his ads in dV, Ivan is not the ONLY local shop with the Porsche factory diagnostic computer. Roger at Autotherapy has had one for a few years. They've run my codes for me for free at their last two tech sessions.