Because any aftermarket strut will significantly improve your ride quality over the stock 30+-year-old factory-supplied struts, and most folks haven't used anything other than the one replacement solution they put on their car, it will be hard to get meaningful comparative feedback.
Here is what I have to offer:
- Direct OE replacement struts do not offer any adjustment over stock struts
- Some basic aftermarket struts allow for height adjustment but have fixed valving for firmness of ride. They are generally optimized for a smooth ride for street use on a 993
- An upgraded aftermarket offering Bilstein B16 (PSS10) allows for height adjustment & adjustable firmness (valving) so they can be set for various uses of the car. I would think for a street-driven car once at a setting that is liked, the setting is not changed much. They have a significant price premium.
- Aftermarket racing struts are for track use, sacrificing ride comfort for street use.
In addition, H&R offers progressive aftermarket springs with a non-linear rate, which, in theory, allows a smooth, compliant street ride that doesn't compress too much in aggressive hard cornering.
I use the most basic aftermarket H&R Street Performance Coil-Over kit (29954-1) struts complete w/H&R progressive springs.
They have adjustable ride height and can be had for a bit less than $2000 for a set of four, complete with springs but not the mounting hats.
Please note:
- If you swap out your springs, or even the mounting hats, save the originals, as the next owner of your car may want them.
- Be aware you can set the ride height as low as 30mm below US specification and still use the factory alignment settings; go much below this, and you will need to do a bit of experimentation, and you'll hit parking blocks and curbs when you park the car.
- Also, when you look under your car and find the struts have already been replaced, they may be good or can be rebuilt for a fraction of the cost of new.
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