996 40th Anniversary model

Hi, I have recently purchased a 996 40th anniversary model and am due to fit some new tyres, could somebody tell me what size tyres were originally fitted to this model? The wheels are the standard 18" ones as fitted when supplied. Most sources say front sizes are 225/40/18 however the backs have 285/30/18 fitted, but one gargage suggested they should be 265/35/18? and somebody else said they sometimes fit 295/30/18 ? So I would be really grateful if someone could clarify as to what size should actually be fitted. Many thanks, Tony

Tony! I've just updated the Approved Tyre list here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=230744 285s are what should be on the rear. 265s were used on pre-facelift cars, and 295s on Turbos and C4Ss.

Richard, Many thanks for the information, I can buy with some confidence now. Cheers, Tony

265/35 is correct Winter tyre size for the rear. Maybe the garage got confused?

Tony! Two Tony's and two Anniversary Editions in one thread!

Tony, original fitment sizes are as quoted by Richard - 225/40 front, 285/35 rear. Dependant on how you want to use the car I can confirm that 235/40 will fit the front & 295/30 will fit the rear - fitting the standard 40th Anniversary rims well & not generating any bodywork clearance issues on lock / bump etc etc However, I wouldn't recommend these sizes unless you're going to use tyres with softer compound than "normal" - eg Michelin Pilot Sport Cup or Pirelli P Zero Corsa. Without the softer compound I think the car would not have enough weight to make the tyres grip & could have less grip than for the standard tyre sizes (Both the Turbo & C4S are heavier vehicles than the 40th Anniversary). The 235 / 295 combinaation was standard spec on some of the GT3 variants - but using the softer compound makes I've mentioned above. I use the Pirelli Corsas & have absolutely tremendous grip wet or dry - until the temps drop to freezing. Grip is then slightly less than for the standard tyre sizes / compounds - but livable ! Penalty 1 : Tyre life of 9~10,000 miles front & rear - including a few track days. Penalty 2 : Porsche probably won't give you an extended warranty as the tyres are not standard to the vehicle (They tried to frighten me with various rubbish about the cars handling etc, but I was already beyond wanting to pay more than £1k for their warranty) Best wishes & enjoy the car, Paul 2004 C2 40th Anniversary (Daily use, 50,000 miles so far & climbing !)

Paul, Thanks for the advice re tyres. I am going to go with the standard sizes and hopefully achieve more that 10,000 out of a set! I've not had the car long but I'm loving it!! On a different note, the car came with its original two leather suitcases, should there have been a wallet and key case also? as the original purchaser could not remember getting them when he bought it. Many thanks, Tony

Tony, I'm the 3rd owner of my 40th Anniversary model & no exotic leather cases handed down from previous owners ! The car service record, owners manual, radio manual etc did all come in a nice looking black leather "wallet" with Porsche embossed on the front - but no key holder. I assume the cases & key holder were probably customer ordered specials - unless perhaps they came with the initial few 40th Anniversary cars (Mine is no 1135 - if I remember correctly - so registered more than a year later than the true 40th Anniversary cars in 2003). Even though the 40th Anniversary is well equipped, there do appear to be a significant range of accessories that didn't come as standard & may or may not have been specified by the first owners. Regards, Paul 2004 996 C2 40th Anniversary

Thanks for the welcome. My own car lacked the cases and the umbrella that the odd car seems to have retained. I do have the sports seats, however. I've also seen examples with the nav and even PSE. Would love PSE as the X51 sounds great.

Price list and spec is also available here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=434311

Thanks for sight if that, Richard. Great to see, even if it raises some questions. The optimised centre vent in the front bumper is intriguing. Aside from forcing air under the body I see no purpose. We have X51 but no centre radiator, despite the Internet myths. Spare wheel doesn't collapse. Sports seats, which mine has, look standard. However, I guess you could delete as there is currently a car for sale without.

Tony, are the Sports seats those with the wider shoulder area ? If yes, I'm envious - for some reason mine does not have them - even though the brochure appears to indicate they were standard. The Sports seats backrests in GT silver I can definitely live without. Main extras mine is missing is the PCM - although it's never concerned me as the cost of the latest navigation discs always looked dreadfully high compared to the cost of a Tom Tom ! Paul 2002 996 C2 40th Anniversary (No 1132 - NOT 1135 as previously reported !)

Yes, I'd say it's the extra 'ears' on the side of the seat. I wasn't too worried about PCM either. We have it in the C4S but Tomtom is better I find. The phone is pretty good though. I love the hard seat backs as we carry little ones in the back and their footprints are less of a problem than previous cars.