Porsche 911 996 - my suspension upgrades make it drive better than new | Mat Vlogs

I bought a Porsche 911 996 3.4-litre Carrera back in September 2016. It was in pretty good condition, but after 18 years’ use and 55,000 miles, its suspension was well past its best. Also, out of the factory the car was set up with plenty of understeer built in to make it far more benign than any 911 before it. I wanted to make my car not only feel like new, but better than new.
And so a complete suspension overhaul was needed. I decided to go with Ohlins Road and Track coilovers, Powerflex polyurethane bushes and Tarett Engineering adjustable anti-roll bars and drop links. Please note that in this video all the parts were supplied by the relevant manufacturers free-of-charge for use in the video. However, I selected them based research as to which set-up would be most suited to my needs for the car. Design 911 also did the work free-of-charge, once again I chose to feature them in the video due to their expertise in Porsche parts supply and fitting.
Thanks to:
Design 911 for fitting and supply of some of the parts
www.design911.co.uk
Ohlins for the Road and Track suspension
www.ohlinscoilovers.co.uk
Powerflex for full bushing kit
www.powerflex.co.uk
Tarett Engineering for the adjustable anti roll bars and drop links
www.tarett.com

[@iantownsend5480]

Love your 911 posts

[@CristianFarapon]

Yeah, some people could say that 911 is the best thing that happened

[@terrywaylon8521]

instaBlaster

[@ryancooper73]

It is crazy how there is a specialist for everything car related in the UK. Same goes for the UK episodes of Wheelers Dealers where they can fix anything instead of buying new parts!

[@DeanoTXR53]

Glad to see another 996 on Ohlins R&T! I don't know why this setup is so rare on a 996, I've had mine for 4 months and the difference is incredible. Rides better than stock in mid-soft settings, and is razor sharp at the stiffest. Modern damping (PSS9/10 are pretty old IMHO) on this chassis is pretty astonishing. Keep the updates coming!

[@MatWatsonCars]

DeanoTXR53 thinking of doing engine mounts next. What do you think?

[@DeanoTXR53]

I actually had rennline semi solid mounts on for about 400 miles this winter. Loved the handling benefits, pretty incredible really. But the added nvh was actually triggering my knock sensors and the ecu was pulling timing. Swapped in fresh stock mounts for 70% of the benefit but none of the issues. Not everyone has the problems I did, but it does happen. Spoke with Jake Raby about this and he says this is why he won't put semi solids on any of his builds

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Beautifully-made video! So happy to hear of your mods and how they're helping the driving experience. When you get your head around the idea that the money you put into "the least loved 911" is an investment into your enjoyment of the car and not simply a pounds and pence issue, the 996 is definitely worth it!

[@longtailgt]

I have no idea why people find this car ugly, cause I think it looks pretty!

[@billding8627]

BlackWind sales of the 996 were lower than expected due to the "fried egg" front light design which didn't make it to the 997.

[@longtailgt]

But I still think the 996 is a pretty looking car. People were just too obsessed with the round lights to accept the new lights.

[@hasanal-habbobi4018]

I guess cuz it's old but looks pretty good for it's age

[@Kaisuke971]

Just because it's the 996... People's perception of a whole car will be biased completely because of a pre-conception they have about it, even in areas that literally have *nothing* to do with the problem. The 996 is often known as the worst 911 so they'll call it ugly as well even if it really isn't. The lights also have something to do with that obviously but we have trouble with change that's just how it is.

[@DeanoTXR53]

Shhh!! Let them keep their opinions! Don't convince people otherwise or you'll drive the prices back up. Let's agree to keep the 996 as the affordable bargain 911 for all of us enthusiasts who will buy and actually drive the hell out of them :)

[@andrewpatton2510]

Over the moon! Thanks so much for these delightful 996 posts and sharing your expertise... stellar!

[@peten6445]

It is so nice to see someone so in love with his vehicle. I love the 996 and hoping to pick one up soon before price go up.

[@The1LMG]

Really like the process. No shortcuts, no forcing things! Great job, keep going!

[@d0718]

These vlogs are absolutely amazing!! Please keep it up!

[@leebottrill4044]

I'm really enjoying these vlogs 😊 thanks Matt! 👍

[@Ant_rud]

This video gave me the motivation to work on my car as I'm currently doing a full bushing refresh this winter.

[@f1knight]

Great to see the 996 back in the spotlight!

[@AKA001]

Matt even though the 996 is not my favorite 911, I admire your love for it. Keep up the great work!

[@roblombardi7099]

Really pleased for you Mat, you deserve it. It's a peach of a car anyway and now the handling looks much better, you'll enjoy the car even more now as I can clearly see. Well done and money well spent.

[@adamh1399]

I'm not a Porsche man, but I love watching this get properly built

[@senseihEnRY16]

always love to see your 911 vlog. Nice work for the director and cinematographer, the video looks like it have a high production value

[@robertmyers4390]

Brilliant,,,,, I had no idea you were such a massive car fan outside of the car wow reviews,,,, love it mate,,, been watching your reviews on the Ford Focus,,, we're pickin a 2016 model up this evening,,,,, can't wait,,,, we loved the test drive,,,, keep up the good work mate, thanks, Bob

[@WatchHobbyist]

Great to see you've got the 911 you wanted in the first place. Enjoy 👍👍👍

[@ponkacik8641]

God damn Matt! Why have you stopped? These blogs are awesome! I love your videos on carwow, best an most enjoyable among all. But I would really like to see more of this type of videos. It feels more Top Gear-y then. Do your job! You are doing it great! (Ofc hello from Slovakia 🇸🇰👋🏻)

[@biggabutdalltheway2175]

Great vloging Matt keep Em coming

[@DONDA8888]

What a awesome series!

[@Skybird_]

Awesome vids about your 911. Far better than the stuff for your day job! More!

[@TheJoeMB]

Product Placement on fleek.

[@faisalrahman7]

I upgraded my bushes about 10 years ago on my then seven year old Golf (over 100k on clock) and it felt amazing, new even, completely transforms the car.

[@norberthofer5830]

I put the polyurethane bushings in my 1988 911 Carrera and they ruined the ride of the car. The ride was so terrible afterwards I had to sell the car. I would never do that again. The Ohlin shocks are fantastic.

[@fundoc48]

@@norberthofer5830 I would absolutely limit the amount of Poly bushes in any road car. Hard bumpy experience just like yours.

[@yezbozz]

i live the life of a vicarious porsche owner, watching matt testing out the mods with a huge smile made my day

[@MD-jf7en]

The joy is real. I can feel it.

[@fredvandevelde4576]

Had a 996 for >10 years as my every day drive -looks like new ,much admired everywhere I go, love to drive it and so does my wife. Is original (except for upgraded Nav/interainment system) but not sure weather the bushes have ever been replaced but will check with my mechanic next time it is in.

[@ziggyfreud5357]

I knew that you would love it. Did the same exactly the same on my 2010 e90 M3 and the transformation was unbelievable. Forget about power up grades. Suspension modification / refreshing is the first thing that you should do on an older car IMO. Even some new ones will be better with it !

[@ziggyfreud5357]

@S S Yep - nothing with any sort of performance is "good" on a crappy road except maybe air ride or McLaren hydraulics. But the Ohlins I find most satisfactory. Might be firm for the "normal driver but for a sports orientated driver I reckon they are a very very good option- IMO of course - good luck with what you finally choose :) BTW - I had Bilstein PSS10's on my now deceased e46M3 - I think the Ohlins are better - more refined :)

[@thiagobartolo]

Outstanding content!

[@RDubbayah]

Great vid mate!

[@neilnarwade6118]

Matt should've starred in TopGear

[@Chongching420]

Thank you he really should

[@jshim100]

Great video, a beautiful car, very envious!

[@coastermadab]

Mat Watson is bloody amazing. Just had to say that.

[@googlereviewer1944]

Very interesting video. So much better when Matt isn't messing around and pulling silly faces and instead focusing on the pure car stuff.

[@MatWatsonCars]

Gavin S HOW VERY DARE YOU! my faces aren't silly, that's just my face.

[@Engineerboy100]

Good job on the video. Thanks for posting. I will be doing something similar to this, with Ohlins, on my 996tt x50. I will be posting a video as well. I will be doing all the work at home myself as well.

[@superdiscount100]

Good videos Matt. I was never quite convinced by these porkers, kind of felt I was in a giant lawn mower that didn't feel that quick? Glad you are enjoying the car though and have enjoyed a few ups and downs, all part of the owning experience I guess. Clearly brilliantly engineered. Maybe I'll come round to these things one day. Keep up the good work.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Obviously not cheap - but you've got real value in all those upgrades and expert fitting. And demonstrates that a proper, if again expensive, mechanical suspension setup with instant response still has big advantages over the current semi active stuff. Oh yes, and praise be to Ohins.

[@dschonsie]

Gary Walker a lot of promotion, the repair wasn't as expensive as you might think.

[@UnseenSpirit]

+dschonsie design 911 did the work free of charge according to the information

[@NeboReve]

Gary Walker Carwow obvs sponsored it aswell

[@al8161]

Man, you have gone the full bananas there Great job, mods and video Very soon going to do the same on my car, albeit with Bilsteins instead of Ohlins

[@MatWatsonCars]

Alberto Laita I thought about the Billies but liked the idea of the Ohlins based on forum comments

[@xaviercruzji]

Very enjoyable video

[@Engineerboy100]

Nice video, thanks!

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Nice one mate! I love the older cars 😉🍺

[@izzelyy3189]

I love your car. :)

[@JH-tj5kp]

You seem so happy. I'm glad the upgrades lived up to expectations for you!

[@timcheou5649]

Hi Matt, 996 is the best love the engine howl sound from 4000rpm onwards. It was such a good car back then many business people drive it daily.

[@AaronMattheus]

Hey Matt, I think it would be a really interesting episode if you would let your 911 get full paint corrected and detailed by a professional and let them explain everything they are doing. I could see quite some swirls at 4:52 so I think it would do wonders for the old porsche!

[@mikec1096]

sweet car!

[@CarsonmyMind]

Awesome!

[@captainmeatsadventures7954]

Yo Matt! Love yer vids! You need to be on Top Gear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beauchamphuberville1355]

Good piece...

[@DavidLee-ug3oq]

Definitely worth changing the suspension shunts every 5 to 6 yrs, even if you dont drive the car much. Recently installed a full set of bilstein B6 by reusing the coils and without lowering, now drives much better than the original factory-fitted Sachs, and my A4 was on 38000 km (23500 miles) only...

[@astrogen1960]

Good call, doing this upgrade. Other than a brake upgrade, it's money well spent in the right area.

[@AJTalks]

Throw on a full fabspeed exhaust with a plenum, tune, and an intake and you have my exact dream project car. I might throw in a rear roll cage in for extra chassis stiffness and put some Recaros in, too. Ohlins is they key ingredient. I am a jelly mofo right now

[@itsmereadyplayerone7338]

Matt you are a brave guy buying second hand

[@Rustyybucket]

Mat, you need to get this beauty detailed!

[@MatWatsonCars]

Assa Laos that's the next vid

[@Rustyybucket]

Cant wait to see it

[@rootsmanuva82]

I wish I could afford Ohlins on my GTI. They’re amazing. A good set of Bilsteins with firmer but complaint linear springs are a good substitute for Ohlins though.

[@PaulLukeBonenfant]

It's a worth it investment- they're going up in value quickly

[@moemonney]

Ive been contemplating doing this to my 996. After watching this video I researched the ohlins road and track suspension and it seams to be amazing. Better than Bistein Pss10 Coilovers even. Wish i could find a used set of the Ohlins Road and track system for the 996.

[@leehartshorn1479]

sounds like your pleased with the results recently had a lot of suspension parts changed on my 996 and was talked out of poly bushing by the garage as they said they would squeal and they doubted I'd be able to tell the difference over new standard bushes anyway :-( you hearing any of these squeals? and some ohlins are certainly on my list of things to do too

[@davetravels9273]

Ugh it seems everyone is recommending look at me wheels. Please keep it OEM, there is something nice about stock. If your wheels and car was in bad shape, then I could understand after market wheels, but OEM is so subtle. Spend the money on more important things. Just my 2 cents. :)

[@th415263]

Some people get wheels for more than just aesthetic reasons. A lot of the track guys I know just need to run wider aftermarket wheels for more grip. It depends on your needs, but wheels are often the best investment to make it you're looking for more grip. Adding another inch or two of tread, for probably less than suspension and bushings, makes a much bigger difference.

[@DavisSgt]

th415263 Also weight savings going along wider support for tires and better cooling

[@VirusTornado]

That's great and all, but you can tell what he's going for mate. He's kept it as OEM as possible with subtle mods to freshen it up and improve it. The suspension is the single biggest receipt he's had to pay, and wheels easily cost as much without adding that much performance. Upgrading the tires first is a better idea, then maybe finding wider wheels if you're really looking to get going around track. But you can tell that he just wants a daily-ish sports car for the *street.*

[@Fee.1]

th415263 and as important if not more so in some cases, dramatically reducing unsprung weight. Cutting the weight of wheels in half day from 30lbs a piece to 15lbs a piece (random number) or hell even just shaving 5lbs off each is like taking out exponentially more weight from another part of the car, people don’t appreciate how much every bit of unsprung mass makes a big difference, you may not feel 60lbs. Removed from throughout a car but removing 60lbs total from your wheels makes a shocking difference. Plus most solid wheel manufacturers offer OEM style and OEM center logos. Just be sure to get proper 3 piece forged wheels not cheaper knockoff single piece cast wheels

[@Fee.1]

Strictly Come Driving some quality OEM looking 3 piece forged wheels will make a huge difference especially for a car like this, drastically cutting unsprung weight not only improves acceleration perceptively but on a 911 maybe more appreciable would be the turn in. That said I don’t disagree with you, he can do that at another time, I’m just saying recommending new wheels is not “look at me wheels”, and in most cases people recommending certain style wheels on Porsche’s are usually recommending another Porsche OE wheel style not some gaudy cheap aftermarket stuff, so the original comment is off base regardless

[@TomCastello1]

You should look at getting a set of wheel spacers so that the wheels aren't so tucked. They're inexpensive, helps handling, and makes the car look way better.

[@kenthgreen2249]

Fab car 👍🏽

[@OldNorth7]

Awesome car. Love the coupe, color and new suspension. Like 10+ people already said, it's screaming for a set of aftermarket 18" wheels and tires. I have a 996 and recently spent a ton of $ on upgrades, including h&r coilovers, black victor wheels, gt3 toe links, and way more. Oz also makes a nice wheel for this car. OEM 18" wheels painted with spacers also would give it a wider, more subtle look. Keep up the great vids.

[@MatWatsonCars]

What do the GT3 toe links give you? More adjustment? Also have you done the engine mounts? I think that's next.

[@OldNorth7]

The rear gt3 locking cup car toe links were recommend by shop who did the full suspension work. I got a deal on my neglected 996, and have since spent $23k CAD on sorting it out (crazy I know). The suspension was the most expensive job.. other things I've done: wheels/tires, windshield, various cosmetic pieces, swapped for newer turbo seats, heater core, engine mounts, BM short shift kit, GT3 alcantara shift knob, engine mounts, spark plugs/tubes, belt, all fluids, frunk latch, mats, apple carplay head unit, water pump/thermostat, door seal (leaking water), ignition coils, stone guards, clear turn signals, carrerra emblem, control arms, some paintwork and other fixes. I underestimated the 'porsche tax' somewhat and it gives me more appreciation for my camaro ss and newer cars in general. Good news is that I don't think I'll lose much if I sell it as it looks pretty sharp now. Triple Black cabrio w murdered out look. Definitely engine mounts, ignition coils, and water pump are good to do in older 996's.

[@OldNorth7]

The toe links apparently do a better job of locking in alignment/camber etc and almost a must for track use, especially with lowered suspensions.

[@AwesomeBob]

Worth it.

[@dkdanis1340]

8:34 they both accurate if its done properly with high precision it is very accurate just like laser. Keep in mind that their system is more advanced cause they have measurement plate and other things so it's not just a string. Laser alignment is incredibly accurate and fast to use and hard to make an error.

[@996_tt2]

Without a doubt my next upgrade.

[@Apexjuha]

Yeah .... well .... I did basically the same changes except that I took the Bilstein B16s and Eibach AR-bars. The technology is very similar. The damping set up method is nothing that only belongs to Öhlins. All the good brands have usually an adustable (needle)valve of somesort and another cut-off valve which is basically a plate spring preloaded valve. Once pressure difference is great enough to overcome the preload the valve opens and cuts damping forces for high piston velocities. All performance dampers (Bilstein, K&W, Koni, JRZ, Öhlins, Sachs,..) work the same principle. The thumbrule is almost that cutt-off is always too mild. My experience: First of all the standard 996 suspension is wonderful for B roads. The M030 Sport suspension is just slightly stiffer. Both are excellent for B-roads and good but a bit living for track. I wonder about the claim of understeer since that to come up you really need to drive aggressive. Frankly, I think it is a bit hot air in public road speeds. Anyway, I lowered my car about 22 mm from standard and I also took the Powerflex bushes but AR-bars I took from Eibach. The car is now stiffer, less comfortable, more accurate but under bumps more lively - all logical. I think my front AR-bar is a bit too stiff. also I think the B16 front rebound/Bump-ratio should be slightly higher as now I get a touch of that famous 911 front bouncing. In a 911 the bump damping must not be too stiff as it will make the light front hop up aided by the engine hanging over the rear axle. My recommendation for B roads is still the M030. If you do track frequently and as a driver you are in the last second/km of the car potential then you might want to have more adjustability and pick up a coil-over pack of one the leading brands. Knowing the principles I dont think there is much difference between "good" brands. Ruben Zeltner, who you can consider as an ultimate 996/997 specialist chose Sachs and won German Rallychampionship twice. About the Powerflex bushes I am a bit inconclusive still. Honestly, I can not really say I could sense a big difference. There is maybe a little bit less bump noise but more tyre noise passed to the vehicle frame. They most likely contribute to the increased accuracy of the car. The one doubt I have is what do the stiff urethane bushes do the the Weissach-principle of the rear axle. (In Cup cars they eliminate the Weissach toe-in gradient by urethane bushes...). As a driver I am about 1.5 s/km off my car's potential on a race track. However, I do testing for my profession so I guess I should be trained to be pretty objective. I am definitely not a forum besserwisser without a Porsche. That's my two cents for my Porsche brothers.

[@pjvenda]

Awesome video, thanks! Mine is booked in for a wavetrac + light flywheel soon. Next year I'll renew the suspension although I may not go as far as ohlins r&t.

[@MatWatsonCars]

Pedro Venda I decided not to go with light fly - the dual mass helps harmonise some of the engine vibes and you know that M96 engine doesn't have the best reliability record.

[@pjvenda]

Yup aware of it, thanks, but made the mistake of driving one... felt wonderful, really enjoyed it! No way I can afford a GT3 but rebuilding an M97 (in my case) would not be impossible.

[@mcneil83]

am currently installing a kw v3 and am also just before the decision with the bearings, either the original new or the improved ones. how about the remaining comfort. is the chassis too hard for everyday use? thank you for your feedback

[@1petulko]

Matt, would you not power hose and clean under the wheel arches b4 you brought it to the garage?

[@abdulmalikali4359]

Carwow, can you please do a video on cars for new drivers. And also a review on the BMW x5m. Dream car😍

[@chrisogrady28]

Getting those powerflex bushes on my alfa made a big difference to the steering feel

[@kl3ag1]

quick non-related question: did you upgraded your camera? the sharpness of this video is amazing, looks like something shot on A7RII. would love to know what was this shot with

[@timrodierides]

carwow uses a mix of A7sii and FS5…

[@jknox34a]

Bimmer44 a

[@galloping5273]

You should do a TV show with Edd China?

[@mlee6136]

Gallopingclap what a fantastic idea!

[@acchaladka]

Gallopingclap Can you imagine two truly nice guys? Would be a pleasure to learn from them. Also Mat uses one t and Edd uses two ds...that works.

[@TheEGGtech]

Yes Yes! That'd be great!

[@galloping5273]

acchaladka totally agree. They would be the perfect combination. 👍 (just corrected spelling!)

[@klackon1]

Gallopingclap: What a cracking idea.

[@Ab20222]

Awesome mod. What's the weight dif between oem vs ohlins suspension?

[@natashag8398]

the roll difference jesus that is crazy

[@997GURU]

Tomorow 7/8 2022 my 997 will have the same upgrade, i Cant wait

[@cpa1204]

Mat, I am going to ask Xzibit to 'pimp your ride'.

[@maciej5310]

When you do such a suspension mods, generally improving car handling. Is it mandatory to inform an insurance company about this and if so what impact does it have on your premium ?

[@Track_Star]

I have a '99 996, did the Ohlins R&T coilover, but didn't do the stabars and bushings. Wow what a difference. Totally agree with your assessment. I'm thinking of just replacing the arms instead of removing bushings and replacing with polys. Are the poly bushings stiffer than the base bushing? If so, any idea how much stiffer?

[@MatWatsonCars]

SVTEnthusiast I've had it all done at once so it's hard for me to answer, but as I said in the vid, I can feel the effect of the poly bushes - that's what makes it feel like new, not just handle better than before. The key upgrade tho are the coilovers. So you have done the best thing first.

[@angeloponzo7971]

Hi Matt, I have this same car and I’ve done the ohlins, I’m going to do the sway bars next, what can you tell me about the settings your car is at? I’m also lowered and looks just like yours, thanks

[@TheN00bPolice]

Drinking game - take a shot everytime you hear "bushes".

[@odaishams2648]

what a bushie car. lol every time they say that i crack up

[@Markuhs1234]

Is the key on the right side? I have one, left handed, and the key is on the left side. Is it on the side of the drivers door always?

[@kashv2500]

Now it's on coilovers, some 996 sportline design wheels would properly suit it!

[@rosinor6406]

Would replace the arms directly not be cheaper ? As opposed to release the old bushes from the actual old arms? Once you take into account labour etc.. if you pay for all your parts and labour of course.. and it’s not gifted.

[@seymorebutts2478]

Also had the bushes done on my 350z and it's a fortune. This must have cost at least £5000 for all that kit and labour. You can pick old sports cars up for buttons but is it really worth it when your throwing thousands at it?

[@CarPEDiemas]

Yes ofcourse Öhlins is good things its Swedish ! ;-) I love my 996 MY01 as well. I had te Sport Exhaust System amazing Sound !

[@willporter2666]

The hovercraft fitment is real on that 996! You need some new rims

[@davetravels9273]

Will Porter lol nooooo! I really like his wheels. :)

[@p____p4tel]

Keith from PSS has worked on my cars and they are an impressive indy specialist.

[@chrisbutler2636]

Matt you need the 18" twists on it 😁

[@godzillasballs]

New tires...summer only compound. Better than the suspension upgrades. Please review.

[@ericokompatzki7110]

Are you putting new bushes into the mx-5?

[@princesssolace4337]

Do really like that interior colors? Won't change the interior?

[@TheWakerX]

I have a C300 w205, I was curious if anyone knows, if tuning it slightly is a good idea?

[@CORNABY242]

Bushes are easy to change, all you need is a vice, a threaded rod, a nut and a few washers

[@richardmaddock4902]

I did similar to a mk2 Golf and it had a similar effect. Your 911 needs a detail now as the bodywork looks ropey.

[@shopwithaaron]

Nice upgrade...since you're over joyed of course!!

[@stenhouse8569]

off topic but can you review a *SEAT LEON 1.4TSI FR* within like the next year ?

[@chrisogrady28]

Hey mat, did you have to report disowned upgrades like this to the insurance? Even though it makes it safer I would be charged a fortune if I mentioned any modifications

[@theufoexperience3859]

Love this Porsche shop. Can you recommend a shop in America?