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Porsche 993: Lowering Modifications

Not only will lowering your Porsche 993 completely change its overall look, it will also give it a whole new feel. Check out these three ways to correctly lower your 993.

By Neftali Medina - April 29, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

The art of lowering a vehicle began as a way for racing car teams to increase the performance of their automobiles. They would cut the springs on their cars in a Mad Max type fashion, with hopes to help increase their vehicle's handling capabilities. The further development of racing technology has since paved a path for consumers and race car drivers alike–making coilover kits an industry standard in the automotive community. So go ahead and ask yourself: how can you make your Porsche 993 corner faster and look sleeker? The answer can be found in this article. Here are the three ways to lower your 993.

Lowering Kits

There are three common options drivers can choose from to lower their vehicles. Lowering springs offer a basic drop, coilovers offer the driver full customization of their suspension, and airbags allow the the convenience of adjusting the suspension without leaving the cabin. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of performance; however, lowering the car is still an upgrade from the stock suspension.

Figure 1. Porsche 993 lowered on JIC coilovers.

Lowering Springs

DIY Cost – $300 - $400

Professional Cost – $800 - $1,000

Skill Level – Moderate; Installing lowering springs involves safely raising the vehicle and removing the wheels and struts from each side.

Lowering springs are usually the most inexpensive option available and offer a basic drop for the car. It's important to note that these coils are non-adjustable, which means the car cannot be risen or lowered on a whim. These springs can be combined with aftermarket shocks to help increase the driving performance of the car. Once installed, the coils will break in after a few miles, at which point they will seat at their specified height. The most popular lowering springs available for the 993 are H&R Sport Springs, which lower the car 1.2 inches and offer a stiffer ride.

Adjustable Coilovers

DIY Cost – $300 - $3,000

Professional Cost – $2,000 - $4,000

Skill Level – Moderate; Similar to installing lowering springs, the only difference is they require complete strut assembly removal.

Adjustable coilovers are the next step in upgrading suspension components. Basic coilovers allow a user to adjust the height of their vehicle. Sport-oriented coilovers have increased damper and toe adjustments. Professional-grade racing coilovers offer the whole sha-bang and include additional components such as camber plates that allow users to completely fine tune their suspension. It's also important to note that coilover kits can actually be pieced together. For basic height adjustability, RoW coils are generally used together with Blistein shock absorbers. For readily available mid-grade kits, take a look at JIC and Ground Control.

Airbag Suspension

DIY Cost – $7,000

Professional Cost – $8,000+

Skill Level – Difficult; Installing an airbag suspension system requires lines to be routed from the bags to the cabin, old struts to be removed, and new units custom fitted to the chassis.

Although some Porsche models, such as the Cayenne, have factory-installed airbag suspension systems, many believe these units are used more for looks as opposed to functionality. Air suspension utilizes a compressor which pushes and releases air into the struts of the car at the push of a button. This system is very convenient for show cars and drivers who want easy access to the height adjustability of their car. However, there are drawbacks to an aftermarket airbag system. The handling from the 993 greatly decreases, along with the durability of the suspension kit, as opposed to coilovers or lowering springs. Custom airbag kits are available from AirRex.

Pro Tip

Coilovers are generally argued to be the best option available for those seeking height adjustability and increased handling performance. Each kit is relatively easy to install, maintenance is a breeze, and the car can be raised or lowered according to the driver's preference.

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