Front axle/nose lift? Is there interest?

[mkivalex]

Hey everyone. A couple of years back, I ended up picking up a 997. After lowering it, I was terrified of destroying the expensive and hard-to-get front lip. So, with over 10 years of experience in mobile hydraulics engineering and design, I decided to make my own kit. I didn't want an air-based system (I know there are a couple of air options), as that involves a tank and is generally slower and less reliable. Plus, the KW kit costs way too much for what it is and only works with KW systems. So, after some time, I developed my own kit for myself. After some other 997 guys saw it, there was enough interest to make this as much of a plug-and-play kit as possible.

Now, I'm wondering if you A90 guys would be interested in a product like this. Not a universal kit, but an A90-specific kit with pre-made lines, mounting brackets, and a compact design.

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[JRedMKV]

I’m interested. Tell me more please! I’ve long considered an air cup setup because I don’t want to bag my car. How does this kit of yours work?

 

[mkivalex]

Thanks for the interest @JRedMKV

The way my kit differs from air cups, is first of all, hydraulic instead of air. This offers many advantages on its own.

This unit mounts below the spring on your coilover. When the unit is not powered the cylinder is collapsed and acts essential as a solid spacer, providing no negative impact on your suspension. The cylinders are roughly the same diameter as the spring and do not affect a wide wheel or aggressive offset that would be riding close to the spring.

This unit has a PCB controller as well, so its not simply press to activate, press to deactivate. There is a safety override so that if it is accidently left up when a set speed is exceeded the cylinders will automatically lower to the driving position. This is also controlled with a momentary switch, no need for an Up and down switch.

When pressed the switch LED will flash to indicate the unit is lifting, and will turn solid when full height is reached, and then pressed again, the LED will shut off and the vehicle will lower. There is also a safety to drop the vehicle to driving height if the vehicle is turned off while in the raised position, when the car is turned back on, it will auto lower to your driving height.

This mod has honestly been one of my favorites on the car, it allows me to drive my daughter to daycare which she loves, but the entry ramp is crazy steep, it makes jacking the car up easier as i simply activate the lift and can easily fit a jack underneath. I can take the car anywhere with 0 worry.

 

[JRedMKV]

Thanks for the interest @JRedMKV

The way my kit differs from air cups, is first of all, hydraulic instead of air. This offers many advantages on its own.

This unit mounts below the spring on your coilover. When the unit is not powered the cylinder is collapsed and acts essential as a solid spacer, providing no negative impact on your suspension. The cylinders are roughly the same diameter as the spring and do not affect a wide wheel or aggressive offset that would be riding close to the spring.

This unit has a PCB controller as well, so its not simply press to activate, press to deactivate. There is a safety override so that if it is accidently left up when a set speed is exceeded the cylinders will automatically lower to the driving position. This is also controlled with a momentary switch, no need for an Up and down switch.

When pressed the switch LED will flash to indicate the unit is lifting, and will turn solid when full height is reached, and then pressed again, the LED will shut off and the vehicle will lower. There is also a safety to drop the vehicle to driving height if the vehicle is turned off while in the raised position, when the car is turned back on, it will auto lower to your driving height.

This mod has honestly been one of my favorites on the car, it allows me to drive my daughter to daycare which she loves, but the entry ramp is crazy steep, it makes jacking the car up easier as i simply activate the lift and can easily fit a jack underneath. I can take the car anywhere with 0 worry.

Thanks for the info. So will this work with the stock shock/spring setup or any aftermarket setup? Or do I need to buy coilovers for this to work? Also do you happen to have any pics of this from your Porsche setup. What will the cost be?

 

[Darkmk5]

This would solve a lot of issues for me! I’m very interested in how you designed and engineered this. Would love to see some pics!

 

[mkivalex]

@JRedMKV

I think I could make a version for a stock strut with lowering springs, fairly easily as well, I would need to take a closer look at the OEM shock but I don't see it being an issue if there is enough interest.

I can send some photos of what the product looks like on my car but it is still technically in the prototype phase, not with powdercoat finishes etc yet. I will update shortly!

 

[ColonelAdama]

This would let me actually lower my car or put a front lip on. Interested

 

[mkivalex]

Here are a couple additional pictures. I can take pics later tonight of the actual cylinder on the car. But here is my 3D printed prototype as well as power unit.

The power unit is all prewired internally and will have an oem grade wiring harness to connect to the battery as well as an ignition source and for the switch to activate. All using Deutsch connectors. The enclosure lid and brackets will also be powdercoated and more "finished" for the production version.

The cylinder you see here is 3d printed. I have attached pictures of it collapsed and extended.

It sits on a specific spring perch that would be included as you can see. And the the spring sits on top of the piston just like it would sit on a spring perch.

The entire power unit is 10 inched long and 5 inches wide and less than 5 inches tall. You then connect this to the included hydraulic line that would have a splitter under the vehicle and feed to each wheel.

Any other questions feel free to ask

 

[mkivalex]

Oops sorry guys, pics didnt upload.

 

[MKVBlank]

I'd be interested

 

[ksalanguit]

As well would I be interested

 

[katsukare]

Very much interested!

 

[MKVZupr4]

I would be interested!

 

[ashari]

Hey everyone. A couple of years back, I ended up picking up a 997. After lowering it, I was terrified of destroying the expensive and hard-to-get front lip. So, with over 10 years of experience in mobile hydraulics engineering and design, I decided to make my own kit. I didn't want an air-based system (I know there are a couple of air options), as that involves a tank and is generally slower and less reliable. Plus, the KW kit costs way too much for what it is and only works with KW systems. So, after some time, I developed my own kit for myself. After some other 997 guys saw it, there was enough interest to make this as much of a plug-and-play kit as possible.

Now, I'm wondering if you A90 guys would be interested in a product like this. Not a universal kit, but an A90-specific kit with pre-made lines, mounting brackets, and a compact design.

Yep definitely interested

 

[mkivalex]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Seems like there is enough interest, now I just need someone local who wants to let me use their car for development PM if you are in the Southern Ontario area and interested to put a kit on

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