STANCE! Porsche 911 996 upgraded suspension - REVIEW!

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It's been a while since my Porsche 911 996.1 Carrera, aka "Little Irish", has featured on my channel! Despite lockdown, the car has had lots of upgrades behind the scenes and after a good road trip with friends I've FINALLY been able to review the upgraded suspension setup on my 996!
You'll recall from a previous video I had lots of chassis arms replaced on the 996, and also had a set of KW V3 aftermarket coilovers built for it too. Well now the coilovers have been fitted, and I've also splashed out on some new Fuchs wheels too - so how has the new look of the 996 come together, and are the new KW V3 coilovers really worth the investment?
Find out as I take to some brilliant roads in the north of England with some Porsche friends during a recent trip away. There's a full review of the KW V3s, plus the various other mods I've done to both the look and stance of the 996 in recent weeks, plus there's a full history of the Fuchs wheel and its special relationship with the 911.
What do you think of the 996's new look? Let me know in the comments below!
#porsche996 #996carrera #kwv3
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Grab your merch! Check our my dedicated 996 shop below.
Thanks for your time!

[@stefanjust1912]

Fuchs is the German Word for the English word Fox, and is pronounced similarly: Fooks (with a short vowel). Kudos, though, for trying to make the effort ! „sch“ ist pronounced like „sh“ and „chs“ is pronounced like „x“. Enough rant. The content is brilliant. Well done !

[@9WERKSTV]

Whoa, never knew that! Thanks for the info. I've subconsciously alternated between "Fooks" and "Foosh" for the last 8 years, good to know I've a definitive answer now.

[@Ramsi-Berlin]

For me as German, it sounds very funny... if you say foosh... and not fooks ❣️😅 Fuchs ... German word for fox 🐶 Love your British accent... it's so easyer to understand for me, as Americans or Australian people ❣️ Same like Shmee 😅 And you are a very nice guy. Love from Berlin 😘 BTW, your color is the same, what the Porsche family had. And Alois Ruf too. I know, normally is it a British green... but Mr. Porsche love that color 😅

[@9WERKSTV]

@@Ramsi-Berlin Thank you Ramsi! Yes, that's part of why I chose Irish green, as it has a big connection to the cars of the Porsche family (and Herr Ruf too, as you pointed out!). I shall now pronounce Fuchs as 'fooks'!

[@Ramsi-Berlin]

@@9WERKSTV Perfect ❣️👍🏼 But i had a lot of fun, with your foosh, thx 4 that ❕😘 At first, i did not know, what you meant... but you show the pictures of the Fuchs Felgen and i laugh so hard ❣️😂 So sweet...

[@leoedward7363]

Imagine you’re a Scotsman saying Loch

[@LuisSanchez-hn1iq]

OMG looks awesome just perfect color,duck tail and those Fuchs amazing I m love with your 996!❤️

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Luis, it's getting there!

[@marcuscopley131]

You’ve done a fantastic job of reviving this beautiful little car. Alloys and boot spoiler really work visually

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Marcus!

[@jamest5149]

I ran KW V3’s with 4 wheel lift kit on my 997 GT3... loved it and made accessing drives and speed bumps so easy, fast road and track work were perfect 👍

[@FredmChoice]

You've absolutely nailed every choice to improve the overall appearance, performance and handling on that wonderful bit of kit. My KW's V3 are less than 2 months on and have developed a squeak and a mild oil leak at the top front strut bolts. Apparently a known problem as evidenced by the BMW E90 owner's ongoing same complaints

[@barfmeister8509]

Yeah, now I’ve sold my 996, seeing little Irish looking gorgeous is making me wonder......what have I done ?

[@LivingLifeSlower]

What you've done, is that thing that people who suffer from status anxiety do on the internet. 😉

[@GetUpFalcon]

What a peach of an upload. You've gone about your mods the right way and the rewards must feel fantastic. Congrats from down under. Edit: leave those rims in black for a bit they don't look half bad!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you for your kind words! I'll be leaving the wheels black for a bit while the bank balance heals but will see where we're at later in the year! Time to drive and enjoy the thing now!

[@vlodeck1984]

Absolutely amaizing, rims match the color of the car perfectly. Love it 😍

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@zenscapeUKmedia]

Very well presented and informative video - the car looks ace. But be good to include costs for lesser mortals having to buy the same set up (£2.5K for the coilovers, £2.6K for the rims without centre caps). No worries doing that for a "keeper" car, but no way will it add any value to such an old car and may well even take money off it if intending to sell it. A few techy details to consider - adding the GT3 front PU (bumper) transforms the look again but costs around £4K plus fitting and comes with caveats. The front end and GT3 aero sills add downforce and you need to match the kit with the appropriate compatable spoiler (Porsche won't fit without as it can be dangerous) - same is true with the 986 Boxster which uses the same front and side sills, that requires the fat fixed rear spoiler and standard brake light delete. The GT3 suspension set up will wear the inner edges of the tyres like crazy due to the camber, happens on all 996 GT3's. The tyre N-rating is an important factor on rear engine Porsches. The back-end loads far exceed normal cars and the tyres need to be built in a specific way to cope with that. The N-rating isn't just a vanity thing, its about safety and means Porsche and the tyre manufacturer worked together to maintain the handling. Its really important! Just read the comment on the oil leaks the coilovers are prone to - not good for a set up costing £2.6K. You must have quite deep pockets with that coilover and rims setup as it costs over £5K. That's the bit I'm envious of! Some of the Porsche parts accessory costs (even from Design 911) are not of this planet. £65 a set of black and white plastic wheel centre caps, for example.

[@stephenauty2402]

I love the amber lights , they give it such a classic look. It's starting to look more and more like a Sport Classic, I bet it drives just as well after all the work you've done.

[@shed911cookiesgarage2]

Nice one Lee, very tastefully done indeed, and such classic looks too

[@tiamofj842]

Excellent! The Fuchs compliments the standard 996 very well indeed. Kudos mate!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@paullowen2707]

just watched this Lee .. we could tell how much you are enjoying your new suspension from following you down to west bay on sunday !! nice one

[@9WERKSTV]

Ahahaha! Yes you saw what I meant by "confidence inspiring"! Great to meet you in person on Sunday, especially after your 4am start!

[@shorehambeach]

Absolutely your best video so far - great content and nice that we got a longer video. Car looks superb and love the choice of wheels - has them on a 79 SC 👍👍👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Really glad you enjoyed it. Loving the wheels and the history they represent, as exemplified by your SC.

[@RogerFrigola]

The wheels in the picture of that 964 at 2:10 are not Design 90s, they are Club Sports which were manufactured by Fuchs. Very similar to the Design 90s but not quite the same.

[@tonyfot0]

Just fitted PSS10s with full arm refresh and new wheel bearings. M030 roll bars, Michelin PS2 N3 on turbo twists. Waiting on geo this week. Thought about Fuchs, but may go aftermarket. Good to see your progress.

[@BarryCoombs1]

Enjoyed this Lee so I gave it a like as it was stuck on 996 and as a 997.1S owner it was kind of satisfying. 😃

[@9WERKSTV]

Hahaha, thanks Barry!

[@PeterJUren]

Love the Fuchs wheels Lee.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Peter.

[@zbol9]

Great job! Love the job done on the Little Irish, many thanks for the great review on the KW suspension!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@rogerjohnson378]

I'm so happy you went the Fuch rout, it rounds out the car perfectly. I personally am a fan of the satin, the center cap needs to be matched as well imo. However, I'm excited to see what you choose, as everything I've seen so far has led me to believe you have excellent styling taste.

[@9WERKSTV]

Wow, thanks Roger! It's been great fun putting the car together so far. I'd best get photoshopping those wheel colours!

[@GarageBiljon]

Looking good! I just installed Öhlins R&T's on my 996.2 GT3. I had that same feeling you had. This is my second 996 GT3 but for some reason I never really liked the way the new one drove. I tried all kinds of alignment specs but nothing worked. I also refreshed the suspension arms like you did, but not much improvement. But now, after the upgrade to Öhlins I am besotted. I cannot get enough of it. The handling is completely transformed.

[@9WERKSTV]

Johann this is great to hear! My experience with Öhlins is limited, so it's great to get your feedback on them. a 996.2 GT3 with refreshed suspension will be mega, I hope you enjoy!

[@GarageBiljon]

Pelle van I am running PS2 N4's. For the track they are not the best, but on public roads I find them to be very good. What settings are you running on your R&T's?

[@pelle5227]

@@GarageBiljon 10 clicks front and rear. I just have fitted spacers on the back (just 10mm) and it looks like the roll is a littlebit less. I think I am trying with a set AD08RS to compare. Just don't like the shoulder of the Michelins (too weak and too little feedback). Probably I am biased due to too much track experience.

[@correcteur_orthographique]

Ireland is such a beautiful country ! Cheers from France !

[@lflei4403]

Glad to see you so happy with your 996, very well deserved! It's absolutely beautiful, really like the "foosh" (:P) wheels and the fact that you don't "hide" the orange part of the headlights.

[@cmarnold78]

Yeah, it is looking fantastic. That last photo from behind makes it look super old school 911 now!

[@contactJT1]

Fantastic content as always, love what you have done to the car

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers John!

[@lastrasp]

Little Irish is looking fantastic Lee. Couldn't agree more on the KW V3's and their impact on the drivability of a 911. They made an immense difference to the handling and road holding of my 964 C4. Additionally, I felt the ride quality was far superior to my PSS10's. Great content as always 👍🏼

[@TrevorsExotics]

You have the best intro video ever

[@grecopena]

Excellent explanation of your new coilovers. Glad to see the upgrades to little Irish. Its looking sweet.

[@rivaterrier]

A member of our local club has put a set of those Fuchs on his 996 cab and it looks awesome. Definitely have wheel envy. That car is now night and day different to the shrink wrapped ugly duckling it once was. Everything you have done is well thought through and extremely tasteful. It’s easy to end up with a blingy mess! Nice job, Lee, but don’t do anything too crazy with those wheels.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the kind words! It's getting there, and vastly improved from the mess it once was. I'm glad it's resonating with others!

[@jamest5149]

Great look with those fooxs wheels. Perfect.

[@hyunbeankim6058]

Love the journey watching your 996 getting better and better. maybe a tan interior can boost the aesthetic a bit. love your vids!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you for the kind words! The interior is definitely something to work on soon, as I don't like the Metropole blue presently.

[@michaeljohncox3898]

I like the Fuchs but I am glad you are going to change the colour from black. Gulf orange would look great with the green. Regarding merchandise, I would like a flying taco MK1 aerokit rear spoiler inspired shirt. My car has the M030 suspension that will eventually need a refresh so thanks for the great info on the coilovers.

[@9WERKSTV]

Great idea on the merch! For wheels I'm thinking of either green or bronze… the jury's still out!

[@daronyoung2685]

What a journey ! So enjoy your channel and your enjoyment - and the great information !

[@9T64]

Nice Video! Maybe I missed it, but you should definitely stress the fact that the forged Fuchs rims are easily 30% lighter than the middle of the road heavy GT3 split rims! This reduction in rotating and unsprung weight has a huge effect on how the suspension has to work, makes the car much “lighter” on its feet😉 The Fuchs are not just good looking but also technically very light, great rims👍🏽

[@BoneyBobsTreasure]

Hi, having run a 996 for ten years on M030 I fitted, I wondered why you didn't go for the full Porsche Techquipment M030 suspension option kit which uses the Bilstein '8' multi-stack dampers and lowered springs along with a full set of new anti-roll bars and bushes set up with GT3 geometry? The kit was £700 when I bought it which seemed a bargain? I like the green colour very much its good fun. I also wondered when you said 'traction control is off' I have a 3.4 1998 and didn't know that any of the 3.4 cars have traction control?

[@ideabrickworks9043]

I need one of those sweatshirts! I have my own 2003 Carrera C4S!

[@garyhaddock7264]

Lee the Fuchs wheels really set the car, it looks incredible; houndstooth interior next?!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Gary! I hope you're well. Houndstooth interior would be super cool, definitely something I'm considering.

[@davonpointer2310]

Looks great Lee... more importantly it drives great too👌🏼👍🏼

[@rnt45t1]

Been watching a lot of your videos.... super jealous of your car! I hope to find one here in Ohio for myself in the next year or so.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the kind words! Fingers crossed you can find the right car for you very soon!

[@dalehennessey6265]

Great watch! I've owned 996 C4s, but sadly lost it to a accident. I'm in the market in Canada for another 911 996/997. My worries arevthevsame for many, scored bores. I wonder if some info on how best to drive the m96/97 to best avoid this disappointment. Perhaps some thoughts from specialty shops (harteck). Be great to offer real suggestions such as warm up, avoiding wot at low rpm, thermostat change etc. Rrally enjoy you content, please keep producing. Thanks.

[@simonodell2103]

Nice subtle and tasteful mods. Big thumbs up 👍

[@grantgrant77]

I like the RS 4.0 following you. Was that by chance?

[@christmasisawesome9348]

Probably his friend

[@the_stoned_priest]

Momo Prototipo wheel next??

[@armsjunkey5702]

Where can I buy the FISH wheels please?

[@rickardlagrelius5555]

Seriously nice 996. Top tip for you: you should pronunce ”Fuchs” like ”fox”(wich it means), but with a ”u”.

[@bernardthefourth]

Looks good. These cars do great with coilovers. Consider some sway bars too.

[@robadrenalin]

Looks amazing!! Congratulations!!

[@TheThrottleCable]

Perfect choice to compliment the ducktail!

[@swervon617]

Irish green, ducktail, and Fuchs means the next upgrade needs to be Tartan seat inserts and door cards.

[@9WERKSTV]

Ooooh, now that's a great idea!

[@CSL-Tom]

I love that look too, but i think it will be looks also very nice with the original Gt3 wheels. The Suspension must stay in the Car, that KW' s works so well. I use it on my racecar (Abarth 595 competione) and on my 996 i use H&R springs and GT3 wheels. It is a GT3 street. The color of your Car looks really great also the duck tail 👍😘 Regards Tom from germany

[@johnnysmith863]

Excellent, nearly perfect now mate! I have a carbon fibre ducktail on the way for my guards red 996.1 and I'm also intending to fit Fuchs in future, along with some nice, compliant coilovers (anyone tried BC Racing on a 996?)... so it's very interesting to see how you're getting on with yours. I tried PS4s (not PS4Ss!) and Contis on mine but preferred the feel of the N-rated PS2s. P.S; Had a quote of £400 - 500 to replace the centre of the front seats with genuine Porsche pepita fabric... ; )

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers Johnny! Yes I realised I got the tyre name wrong this morning when oggling a Taycan! Good shout on the seat centres too, love the idea. I'd want to replace the whole seat, as I'm not a fan of the seats in a 996, they're uncomfortable and don't offer much lateral hold (even Sports seats, in my view).

[@Lou-f]

Car is looking and riding great now 👍 the black really works with the Porsche graphics on the sides maybe think about leaving them black. GT seats with the shoulder support ? I like the look inside with the lower dash console removed, gives the car a feel of a bit more space inside.

[@59Mrgamer]

Can you do a video about the cost of owning a 996 ?

[@9WERKSTV]

Got something coming up along those lines very soon.

[@nolanohana]

Thinking black crests would look better on the wheel? Awesome car and color!

[@2702simmo]

Fab video. I’m a new first time owner had mine 8 days. I had same squeak, it was the panel directly under the rear screen. Pulled it out and it stopped. Just need to figure out how to stop it?

[@9WERKSTV]

Excellent! I hope you enjoy your 996. Cheers for the info on the squeaking, I'll investigate!

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Personally I like the shinier 5 spoke look, but all together as a package your car shines. Great channel and maybe in the future we can drive together ~ I’ve been promoted and’ve always had an 👁 out 4 these cars...I live in N.Italy 🇮🇹 where spd limits are veeery relaxed 😌 😎 😃

[@Hansvv1961]

Fuchs (pronounced Fooks rather than Foosh) look great on your 996, especially with the nostalgic ducktail and striping. Are these wheels forged just like the classic ones or cast? And how do they compare weightwise with the GT3-alloys?

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers! They are forged and weigh 8.8kg (front) and 11.4kg (rear), which I believe is a couple of KG lighter than GT3… they felt lighter in my hands too.

[@ianhortonplant]

That's some acceleration at 5:52!!!

[@cmg4511]

Good video. Enjoyed that.Must get the geo redone on the 996.

[@herme99]

My 997 is on 'modern' dampers and Eibach springs at close to GT3 ride height. With the newer hardware on the ride is so much better even with shorter travel.

[@pjay3028]

Which dampers have you got?

[@herme99]

@@pjay3028 Bilstein B6

[@triggaz]

What are your thoughts on the v3s over a shock and spring setup? I have bilsteins and H&R springs and am thinking of going back to coilovers (had v3s in my m3 and liked them).

[@9WERKSTV]

In truth I've not had enough experience of the latter to offer a valid opinion here, I'm afraid. What I do know is others have tried to go this route on 996/997 and geenrally struggled to get it right in terms of correct spring rates etc, it takes a bit more playing around to get it nailed.

[@dbin8961]

Lee - what was the cause of the squeaking in the back? Looking to refresh the suspension on my 996. How have your components performed over the past couple of years?

[@DJBobbyChicago]

It looks really good!

[@dannsmcshane1233]

She's a keeper

[@clubracer6]

Looks great!! Nicely done!!

[@ilyasymonenko3809]

996 is looking good on those foxes

[@93printer]

Looking great Lee and another brilliant video. Would be keen to see some of your wheel colour ideas before you do them as I like them as they are 👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers! I'm thinking green or bronze at the minute, though am open to suggestions - it's proving a difficult decision thus far, though there's no rush to act just yet!

[@93printer]

@@9WERKSTV The good news is there is no right or wrong, either would work. I guess if you decided gold / bronze then you might want to tie in a few small detail accents elsewhere on the car in same colour (mirrors?). This wouldn't be required if going with green. Main thing is your having a great experience with the car.

[@9WERKSTV]

@@93printer Yes lots to consider, Photoshop will be my friend!

[@alexanderbeenen588]

Didn't you like the satin black centercaps with the gold crest for the 18 inch Fuchs?

[@exgunnerdaz]

Subscribed 👍great video beautiful car. Early sunday morning drive now required (Yorkshire pennines)in my silver 2004 targa after watching this and most definitely suspension upgrade from the 16yr old factory fitted...cheers.

[@bv2225]

Hey Lee, car looks great, congratulations ! There is no link to the merch you mentioned... thanks

[@benpenagonzales6014]

And Alpine new a110 wheels are Fuchs

[@davekizerian]

What are the sizes and offsets of the new wheels? They look great!

[@craftingmat5425]

Did I see some warning light on in the dashboard?

[@8enable]

Looks absolutely great!

[@alanwayte1688]

The Wheels look excellent, some interior work then it’s going to be some car

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed, interior soon!

[@morphyon]

@@9WERKSTV GT3 style buckets with pepita centers (in chocolate brown), if you take further suggestions ;)

[@9WERKSTV]

@@morphyon Very happy to take suggestions such as that! Kudos, will investigate.

[@Bryan-ir1ex]

Its coming together very nicely! Consider adding some spacer to get the perfect fitment?

[@9WERKSTV]

Considering it!

[@johnrb9397]

Do you need the back seats. Will look good with them out..

[@simonrose8558]

Well done

[@The9meister]

Black center caps with painted porsche emblem?

[@9WERKSTV]

Quite possibly! I am photoshopping all sorts to see what works.

[@craigmorling4711]

Lee, loved the video! I know you live down here on the coast (I’m near Poole), what roads were you on during the shoot? Cheers

[@peaktraveller]

Lovely looking car.

[@TheFleetflyer]

Hey 911Guy, can we talk about my big brake kit? I've just devised a 996 big brake kit that lets you use stock 997 turbo brake disks on a 996. Perhaps you'd be interested?

[@paulrowley4507]

Hi Lee What alignment/ tracking settings did you use? I’ve just fitted a set of gecko coil overs to my 996 and my alignment guy is struggling to dial them in. The wheels look great as they are, maybe some coloured centres to finish them off.

[@philnelson2607]

The Fuch’s look fantastic and I would be really interested in costs as I’m feeling the same about them 👍🏼 also really interested in why you went with the KW’s over Bilstein PSS10’s or the Ohlins R&T? I’m really torn as to which way to go as I’ve heard the MO30 set up is just to harsh for daily/weekend normal road use. 🤷🏻‍♂️ argh decisions! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@lebojay]

@Phil Nelson MO30 for daily driving works for me. I think a set of those wheels costs about $3000 USD.

[@9WERKSTV]

Fuchs were just over 2.5K GBP. I previously rocked PSS10s on my first 996 and while it handled great, they started rusting pretty badly after just one UK winter. The KW V3s I had on my second 996 fared much better so I was keen to rock them again on this one.

[@philnelson2607]

That Nine Eleven Guy Thanks Lee, really appreciate the reply and think the Fuch investment is worth every penny, I think I’ll be seriously looking into them 👍🏼

[@mAthXjAzz]

All good. But the lights.

[@nicholasjustinmiller]

how do the KW V3s hold up at fast highway speeds? Does it feel more planted?

[@markboycott6400]

That has to be the nicest looking 996 in the Uk, the wheels are they 17s or 18s,

[@9WERKSTV]

Wowzers! Cheers Mark. They are 18s, 8 on the front and 10 on the back.

[@radekw708]

those are not stock gt3 rims they are the 67247 2-piece wheel

[@stephenauty2402]

Your chassis wasn't worn out , your suspension was. Your car doesn't have a chassis it's a monocoque. I don't know why people refer to suspension arms etc as the chassis.

[@damonmitchell1805]

Proper job! Looks fantastic now. You just need to find that squeak/rattle 😭😁

[@user-eb8ld6kn8t]

Very nice. Did you consider ohlins coilovers and why did you favours KW in the end?

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers! No I didn't, as I've ran KWs on my previous 996 and loved them, so didn't see a need to change.

[@drewflanagan4296]

Satin platinum ftw

[@fairfaxa]

As I have a 1998 996 Manual and plan to run the KW V3 Coilovers, can youy please tell me; !) what size tyres are yoy running front and back, (I also have the Mk1 GT3 wheels), and 2) what swaybars (brand and thickness) are you running? I saw the 996 C4S on Friends Green Porsche (video 41 and 42) and they appear to indicate the KWV3 is pretty harsh,,, but then that car has uprated H&R sway bars.... Just tring to understand the exact set up you use on Little Irish, as that is what I looking for for my 98 manual narrow body 3.,4., Cheers, Adam

[@troytrivia]

Who made the duck tail? Custom?

[@matthewhomyak1665]

Lee, what was the source of the high pitch chirp? Did you get it sorted? I have a similar sound coming from the rear of the cabin. Sounds like two pieces of styrofoam jiggling. It's not always there but a bump will send it into a zone for a bit. Cheers.

[@rubioalejo]

Your car is a beautiful jewel 💎!!!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@INTERNA9]

Great job. Thanx from 🇺🇸🍻

[@testpilot2184]

Nice. How heavy are they?

[@awannagannaful]

"Foosh" omg LMFAO

[@andersb820]

When the steering gear broke on my GT3, I was surprised it was the same as a 996 base. So your updated chassis should probably be as nimble in the steering, but maybe are the GT3:s more aggressive angles. Keep up the nice reporting!

[@stephenauty2402]

It doesn't have a chassis , it's a monocoque...he uprated the suspension