In recent years, we’ve launched one of the most extensive product ranges of dampers and coilovers for classic Porsche enthusiasts. Now, the KW V3 Classic is also available for the transaxle Porsche 944 and 944 Turbo models from 1981 to 1985.
Since we also offer KW Classic suspensions for later Porsche 944 models, please ensure you select the correct year of manufacture when ordering our stainless steel coilover suspensions. Transaxle Porsches primarily differ in their rear axle design.
While the transaxle Porsches manufactured between 1981 and 1985 with the two KW coilover suspensions can be continuously lowered by between 10 and 30 millimeters on the front axle and from 0 to 20 millimeters on the drive axle, other lowering is possible for the models built from 1986 to 1991.
For the later model years, more extensive lowering is possible 
Struts are used on the rear axle of the facelift model
According to the parts certificate, the trapezoidal thread of the front axle strut allows for a continuous lowering of 25 to 55 millimeters, while the rear axle struts allow for a lowering of 20 to 45 millimeters.
In contrast, pre-facelift models use a torsion bar spring rear axle, where the vehicle height is adjusted via the torsion bar and axle. Lowering is achieved by adjusting the shock absorber on the front axle.
The independent tuning of low-speed compression and rebound damping allows for precise customization to meet the needs of even the most demanding drivers. 1 The combination of adjustable low-speed valves with fixed high-speed valves in KW V3 Classic suspensions delivers both sporty handling and exceptional driving comfort.
Low-speed compression damping is adjusted with 12 clicks, while low-speed rebound damping offers a 16-click adjustment range. However, no need to worry. The suspension is pre-set to our recommended basic setup.
The compression damping determines how much the suspension compresses when driving over bumps. In other words, it influences how direct and sporty the Porsche 944 feels when driving. A firm compression damping system ensures precise handling, while a softer setting offers more riding comfort.
The rebound damping, in turn, controls how quickly the vehicle comes to rest again after a bump. A hard rebound damping improves handling but can also lead to a somewhat uncomfortable ride. A softer setting provides more comfort but can make handling a bit worse.
It’s no surprise that we equip the KW V3 Classic coilover suspension for the Porsche 944 with uniball-bearing Clubsport strut mounts on the front axle struts. Original strut mounts are scarce, and many aftermarket replicas fall short of expectations.
While both the stainless steel KW V3 Classic and KW V3 Clubsport coilovers (Clubsport only for Facelift) offer adjustable low-speed compression and rebound damping, they differ in design to accommodate the more demanding conditions of track driving. Trackdays on race tracks put much more stress on the components than when driving on public roads.
The KW V3 Clubsport coilover suspension is specially designed to enable fast lap times on race tracks in conjunction with semi-slicks and a road car. The focus is always on ensuring that the Porsche 944 Turbo is safe and easy to drive, even on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
A Porsche 944 Turbo with KW V3 coilover suspension offers a more comfortable ride than the KW V3 Clubsport and is the ideal choice for Porsche 944 drivers who don’t frequently participate in track days.
The KW V3 Classic suspension is also available with black springs and spring plates as part of the KW Classic Line for an additional cost.
