First Porsche- 2003 911 Carrera 4S (Journal)

Hello All- Last November I purchased this C4S and had it shipped to me in SoCal... Clean Title, 3 owners, aBlack interior, 6MT, 86k miles, and good bill of health (wish I had bores scoped but no signs of any issues so far). The car has been really fun so far and has its little issues but seems very well sorted for the age and is cleaning up very well. In hindsight, I probably should have waited and purchased a local car but what's done is done and I love the car. Prior to this, I was without a 'fun' car for 18 months after selling my last Subaru WRX. I owned 11 WRX's/STI's/FXT's since 2003, every generation and body style, including a JDM imported 1995 STi Type RA. Loved all of them, but was just over it 18 months ago. Here is my last WRX build thread and photos if anyone is interested... https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2829196 Since the arrival of the C4S I have been working on some maintenance and replacing some small things. So far I have done: LN Engineering Porsche OEM 986/996 Water Pump Kit inc. Gaskets, Belt, Bolts, Low Temp Thermostat, & Driven CSP Porsche OEM Thermostat Housing Porsche OEM Coolant Porsche OEM Expansion Tank CAP Porsche OEM Coolant Lines- Replace ALL engine bay hoses including Heater hoses and Upper Hose Flange Rauch & Spiegel 996/997 Connection For Coolant Hose To Oil Separator BMC Engine Air Filter Replaced Cabin Air Filter New cowl hardware for battery cover and (2) access panels Porsche OEM License plate hardware, brackets, and mounts F/R Ziza Master LED Interior Lighting Kit Replaced all rear taillight lamps Light Savers Porsche OEM Wiper Hardware and Covers, Wipers F/R RENNLINE Competition Lug Stud kit and Lugnuts RENNLINE Phone Mount Porsche OEM Floor Mat Set- Black Porsche OEM Fuel Cap Porsche OEM Non-Smokers Shelf/Center Console Cup Porsche OEM Key Head- Replacement (Needs to be reprogrammed) FISTER Sport Exhaust- Velvet Black Ceramic Coating OE Exhaust Clamps Refinished OEM Exhaust Tips and Ceramic Coated Centers Black Powerflex Swaybar Bushings- Street F/R Porsche OEM Sunroof Glass Seal Forgeline GA3R Wheels- 18x9.5 +46 & 18x12 +46, Refinished in Hampton Gold and rebuilt by Wheel Enhancement in LA. *Not installed For the immediate future I have planned: IMS Replacement Clutch/Flywheel while in there Plugs Transmission and Diff Fluid change Dry Ice Cleaning of full underside Suspension refresh OEM arms (maybe 991 LCA upgrades) Tarret Sways and endlinks Feal Coilovers Retrofit Lab XENON HID Retrofit Here is the C4S as it sits today

Dirty car with the wheels prior to refinishing... Refinished

Welcome to the club! Wow, great list. Consider adding the UAOS to the list and you will have everything covered. Makes sense when you do the IMS.

Lovely car! Just picked up a C4S myself, your mod list is much longer than mine!

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Thanks! I will do my research and look into the UAOS. Appreciate it. I read your thread, congrats We'll see what happens on the mods I want to do a few more things than I have listed but nothing I cant undo and retain all stock parts. Thanks.

I would have done the IMS before I spent the first cent on it, but that's me, Where do I get my exhaust tips reconditioned like that?!

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I felt the same way and immediately took it to a reputable indy, Performance Independent in San Diego, and he told me that I shouldn't be too worried but get it on my list for the future. I'm getting ready to get all the rest of the maintenance done. When I had the water pump done we found out it had a new one already. The clutch feels new, so there was some thought that perhaps the IMS was already done. We'll see what we find when we get into it. Everything else on the car is totally up to date and taken care of so there is a chance it was done. It belonged to a PCA member prior. I did negotiate a $3k reduction in sales price for not being able to confirm the IMS was done. I did the tips myself

Long over due update� Car was running great, but occasionally would make a ticking noise when cold, and go away when warm. It would come and go with really no rhyme or reason, no smoking, and no crazy oil usage. Finally, the other week I started the car to head home from work and the ticking wouldn't go away and it started to misfire and threw a CEL. I had the car towed to my local Indy to do some diagnosis. They found: - Compression good across the board - Leakdown good across the board - SPEEDiagnostix Oil sample turn out really good- no metal, no signs of bore scoring materials, no water, etc. - Audible ticking from head, and from DMF - DME info shows issue with fueling on Cylinder 4 We then decided to pull the engine and then eventually the heads after initially thinking a lifter was stuck. It was discovered that a valve seat on Cylinder 4 had become loose and would seat and unseat depending on the heat... which is why the compression and leakdown came back good. The mechanic showed me how the valve seat would go back into place when the cylinder had air fed into the cylinder. Good News: - Bores look great, no scoring - No metal in engine, SUPER clean filters around whole engine - All chain guides intact The heads are at a Porsche experienced machine shop for a valve job and all the repairs needed. We are also doing the following: - Dual Mass Flywheel - Clutch - IMS Bearing - Wear and Tear items on the driveshaft (forgot names) - AOS - Oil Cooler - Low Temp Thermostat (water pump just changed) - New Subframe Bushings (PowerFlex) - New Transmission Mount - Transmission Mount Inserts (PowerFlex) - All needed hardware - Injectors Cleaned and Tested - New OEM Coil packs - New Plugs - Powder coated exhaust bracket and coil pack covers - New Cam? Solenoids? (Forget name) - New Rear Main Seal - New Chain Rail Guides - New Lifters (ALL) - Anything else that comes up Here are some photos:

Wow. You got a good tech there! Here is one for "while you are in there." Coolant to AOS connector, 996-106-226-52. Porsche product is made of plastic and will break when you least need it. Replace with the Rauch & Spiegel and not the URO product. URO is made of pot metal and can also break. Ask me how I know. The R&A product is more expensive than the URO but it won't break and is a better design than either the original or the URO. If the voltmeter on the dash reads 13.5 or lower when you pull into the garage, check your starter/alternator cable. Curious, since I need to do the vacuum test, where can I get the connector and plug that you screwed into your oil filler cap? That's the setup I want, so I don't have to buy two caps!

While you have the engine on the ground, go all the way with the UAOS track version. It will save you many headaches in the future. Not to mention bypass the coolant thru it. Use the oem aos for cigar ashes.

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I would love to but I�m not sure I can pass CA smog with that. It�s visual dependent, but I�ll look into it. Thx! Yes sir, RS connector is already installed after water pump job I�ll ask my mechanic, he made it I think. Super good shop from the times I�ve used them. I feel like they are very methodical and clean. Thx!

Got some more photos today� 1 head is done and the bad head is going to a different shop for all new exhaust valve seats, new valve, and all the other work needed. I guess the 2nd shop wants to do the valve seats vs the 1st shop. You can see the loose valve seat in the pics I respect when someone passes something off vs doing something they are not 100% with. Some photos of bores included too

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Dont remember. You can always pm @Porschetech3 or maybe some of the CA guys see this thread and will comment. I do believe a number of them have the UAOS.

It�s great you found that valve seat issue ahead of it tearing up the cylinder, or worse, snapping a chain and wreaking havoc on the entire engine.

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despite the large repair bill coming, I do consider myself super lucky as well� could have been so much worse as you said. Now I get a refreshed car that will probably drive so much better and will be rock solid. The fears or bore score or other lurking issues will be subsided as well

Beautiful car and nice write up. On your future list was a set of coilovers. I would seriously consider Ohlins R & T for the C4S. They are magical and transforms the driving experience. Paired with adjustable sway bars you will be able to dial in the suspension for canyon carving or track days.

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Thx! I had my eye on the Ohlins but was also thinking of doing all the RSS arms and H&R RSS coilovers� think it�s better to do Ohlins and stock arms or what I was considering?

Here is the obligatory tow truck photo...

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I don�t think it is an either or. If you want to replace the control arms and coilovers they can be mixed and matched, of course. For the C4S the Ohlins come with Elephant Racing Camber Plates as part of their system. I would approach it systematically and do the Ohlins + adjustable sways first and see what you think. You need adjustable sways so you can tune the car to your liking. The Ohlins have 20 clicks of adjustment as well. Some play with f/r differences but I keep them the same and use the sways for that fine tuning.

The UAOS System is legal for Cali, and there has been dozens of people pass Cali Smog with no issues what so ever...So I will be taking that warning down from the website... BTW I just had a phone conversation last week with someone who had an intermittent missfire on a 3.6 3 chain engine that had already eliminated the plugs, coils, injectors, and I had mentioned the possibility of the loose valve seat...was that you? I can't remember who it was...

997 oil cooler fits, just sayin'...

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ok, good to know, thx! I will definitely consider when I get to suspension later this year. Would love to go with the Ohlins. Awesome� UAOS ordered! Nope that was not me. lol, I�ll check it out.

Part number for the 997 oil cooler?

Got an UAOS 😉

Took advantage of Black Friday sales and ordered- - Tarett Front and Rear Drop Links - Tarett Front and Rear GT sway Bars - Demonspeed Front and Rear Toe Arms- Pinch Style - Demonspeed Rear upper Arms - Meyle LCA - Meyle Support Arms/Tuning Fork - Ohlins Coilovers - Porsche PCCM+ and all misc required bezels etc - Numeric 996 Shifter Bundle, short shifter, cables, wrench, and cables - Tarett rear monoball strut mounts Just need to get my car back from the minor rebuild and order tires

OP - The lower control arms are stock? If so, seems a waste of $ for having all the sweet suspension parts and not being able to adjust your cambers past stock.

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What coupon code did u find for tarrett?

Loose valve seat = good technician.

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Ya I get that� I�m still new to the platform and went with parts recommended by MGC. I don�t mine eventually ordering adjustable LCAs. MGCsuspension.com code Holiday10 He does seems really good� enjoyed the process with him.

Ditch the yellow side markers and get the European ones. I got these from Pelican: Porsche Side Marker Light Genuine Porsche 996 631 043 03 996-631-043-03 99663104303 996.631.043.03 | Pelican Parts They look better on the silver cars IMO.

Nice thank you, I�ll check them out. ok, so I am returning the Meyle LCA�s and I ordered 4x Rennline GT3 Style LCA with shims. Not a full on race set but better than stock and camber adjustable. 1400$ for the set of 4 vs 450$ for the Meyle arms.

Update- Got the car back from the shop 2 weeks ago. It rips and everything came together very nicely. My local Indy did a great job, and took care of it like it was his own car. Here is the list of things done... Some shots along the way... And finally... Got a quickjack and all the new suspension stuff ready to go

Dug into the front suspension today and last night. Everything is out and went very smoothly... right tools make all the difference in the world. New dewalt impact and ratchet are paying off Taking my front right axle over to my Indy to get the CV boot done. I also ordered new bolts for a few things, new dust shields, caliper bolts, and support beams for the bottom since the original ones were pretty crusty. Going to clean everything up best I can along the way as well.

Ohlins fully assembled and adjusted� ready to go in the car.

Running great�

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Well played. What did you do on tire sizes, 255/ 315?

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thank you� 235/315 GT2 sizing.

Beautiful write-up & update. Enjoy! P.S. Curious what the labor/hourly rate is for your Indy?

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thank you sir� $148

Looks like you are in good shape for the next couple of decades with your C4S. Love to see it when an owner refreshes their 996. Life is too short to keep repairing a car and worrying whether it will get into trouble on a drive.

Great detailed write up on that gorgeous car! How do you like the Quickjack and which model did you get? Also which dewalt rachet did you get and your thoughts on it? I have a long list of things to do but nothing as extensive (and impressive) as yours haha

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I hope so I love the process of rejuvenating a car with maintenance, mods, elbow grease, etc. Thx! Quick Jacks are really nice. I�m using the 5000TL model. Dewalt ratchet works for me and I like that you can switch between 1/2 and 3/8, but I�m curious about the Fuel product line I hear about all the time. I�m using this: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless... Amazon Amazon

Never posted photos of the rear� was interesting working on this type of suspension for the first time but really rewarding. I went ahead and replaced dust shields, cross bars, bolts, and other odds and ends to really clean up the rear end.

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Beautiful, enjoy the ride!

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Thanks! Those were the exact products I was looking at so very glad to hear they're working well for you.

Random shots at one of my offices. The car developed rattle at a SB drivethru that I am sure is just a loose heatshield. Taking it in for an oil change at my Indy and Ill have them check it out. Its only at idle and its inconsistent, being more of a vibration vs ticking or knocking. The car is running really well without any issues.

Been a while, getting ready to install a Porsche Classic Momo wheel and a few other goodies.

No amount of nostalgia would have me throwing out my steering wheel airbag. It's not a good idea.

I have it so I am going to try it out. Its my grocery getter so not too concerned, but appreciate your comment. I bought a spare clock spring to scavenge the OEM wiring/plugs to make fully reversible airbag defeat and grounding wire, along with the OEM pin seat etc. Everything will be reversible.

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OK. I just don't want to come off as Captain Buzzkill. I know forums and social media can hype people up to do all kinds of things (not saying that's what's happening here). I'm saying that, if we can praise the good ideas here, we should be able to bemoan the bad ones and have them be heard with the care as intended. Don't shoot the messenger: https://www.autoweek.com/news/a21089...ur-close-home/ I'm trying to find the original source for that article. I'll report back when I find it. But, that being said, the trend of "things happen close to home" stand true for lots of stuff. It's simply because that's where we spend most of our time. I just want you to be safe.

Understand 100% and appreciate your comment as I mentioned. I will mull it over. I do like that there are no airbags in the seats so no issues with putting in Recaros

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I like those wheels

Great write up, your C4S is beautiful. 😍 Care to share the name of your Indy? Or PM it to me? I live in Las Vegas but am in LA fairly often. Actually purchased mine in Redondo Beach last fall.

Very nice, wish I could do updates like that to my 2004 C4S. Did I see you install the Porsche CarPlay system in that one? I read that it's only available for 2005 and later models.... Did it go in no problem? - Lutz

I love your ownership journal. Keep it up. I just bought my C4S (of very similar spec) on Christmas of 2024. I can tell that the suspension needs some love, so I'm saving up to do a DIY job. It also need some new wheels....badly. Peace!

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Yes sir... Toms Foreign Autohouse in Temecula, CA. Its available for 996 for sure... Just have to make sure you get the right brackets and misc items but it 100% works without issue. I purchased from Suncoast Parts and they make sure you get the right accessories. Thanks and congrats!

My car is up for grabs for anyone that is interested. Couldn't resist this family members 997.1 C2S Speed Yellow with Chrono and 42,000 miles. Not in a rush to sell, and would actually love to keep it, but promised my wife I would try to sell it I'll be posting an ad here soon once I get some good photos. I did recently install the Green FFP shifter cables are they are so goooood. Quiet vs Numeric for sure. Also replaced my fuel door lock actuator- fun little annoying job.

The last pic should be labeled: Counting the days until I'm 16 so I can drive that sweet sweet yellow 997!

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Haha, my 13 almost 14 year old will have to fight her for it

Selling anything off or extra from the 996?

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We'll see... I have a call tonight with a potential buyer. I really want to keep it... With that said, I knowI have a full set of OEM brake dust shields (I ordered too many), extra new oem rear cross bar (aluminum one), Alcantara Rennline Shift boot (new), Porsche Classic Momo wheel with Boss hub and all the stuff to do a PnP airbag delete and horn setup. That's it for now I think.

As someone looking into getting their first Porsche/996 C4S, thanks for sharing your story and all the awesome pictures! Super fun to follow along. Good luck with the sale (if you decide to go for it)

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Thank you! Its a super fun car, good luck!

PPI completed today for potential buyer and then Kindergarten drop off