Ordering my 996 C2 or C4S today

Two month wait for the C2 and about 4-5 months for the C4S. I'll probably go for the '02 or '03 C4S for a couple of reasons including bigger brakes and AWD when my kids are passengers and when my wife intermittently drives it. I could care less about my own safety. Feel free to comment, criticize, flame, drool. Cobalt blue Logo delete (engine cover) Black interior Porsche crest in headrest Yellow seat belts Yellow stitching in seats ? Yellow stitching remaining interior Aluminum gear shift and handbrake ? P04 Xenon, Bose, headlight washers * If I get the C2 then I'll add: PSM 030 sport suspension 18" Carrera wheels *BIXENON: It ticks me off the C4S comes with the Hi-Fi system, I don't want a CD changer, yet I can't order Bixenon headlights as a separate option. However, after thinking about it, even if I am getting ripped off by PCNA, I should acquire the best headlights I can afford to protect myself, my family, and others on the road (avoidance maneuvers).

Regarding the advanced technic package, you can drop it on the C2 and after delivery have the dealer install the headlight package.....that is what Brumos did for me on the '01 Boxster S..you don't get headlight washers ( european requirement )otherwise pretty much the same Don't know if you have the same option on the C4S Again, since this a 2002, maybe the rules have changed Berkley

The options you listed for the C4S sounds good especially with the yellow stitching and yellow belts-should look great on a cobalt blue. Does the C4S come with the sport seat plus porche crest or is it a option? Is there a reason you don't want a porche logo on hood? I would wait for the '03 model since like they say never buy a first year model but then again I'm a hypocrite-bought a first year 996. Good choices either way just depends how soon you want the car. Regards. Mike

Logo delete. Interesting. I went the other way and put Porsche crests on the wheels. The yellow seatbelts and stitching were on a car here at an auto show. Also interesting. You might want to think about adding the Sport Exhaust. Otherwise, excellent cars and choices. Congratulations. Finally graduated from the Boxster, heh-heh

Whew, I drove the C2 with 17" rims and C4S with 19" rims back to back twice and the cars are very different. Regardless of price and delivery the decision is tough. I went for the C4S but could change my mind again. Delivery for an '02 C2 could be June but the C4S would have to be an '03 in September unless someone backs out of an order. C2 feels quicker, more tossable with lighter steering, superb brakes until you get spoiled by a drive in a C4S or TT, slightly bigger front trunk C4S still quick but feels heavier on acceleration, steering heavier -- different and not bad--but more purposeful or steady, brakes are amazing, handles curves like it's on rails, looks quite sexy, different exhaust/engine song (I think the exhaust was stock) So tonight I gave a deposit for a: C4S Cobalt blue exterior Cobalt blue rear center console Delete model designation (engine cover) Black interior & floor mats Porsche crest in headrest Blue seat belts, blue stitching in seats & remaining interior P04: Xenon, Bose, headlight washers Driver's lumbar support I backed out of the yellow because I thought the three colors (black, blue, yellow...seems like an evolving bruise) would be too busy, especially with the rear center console in cobalt blue. I like the delete logo for a cleaner uninterrupted look. Sports seats are optional and no charge on the C4S; you do lose power and get manual controls which is not significant to me. However, the sports seats, while very cool looking, are too tight on my lats and don't seem to offer any significant additional lateral support to the lower back, hips, and thighs. Porsche crest in headrest is an upcharge on all models.

Jim the order sounds great!!! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> I have a hunch that your delete from hood emblem will get rejected. I have heard that there was problem with this were all the hoods are pre drilled for this. When you delete it they fill it and they have had problems with the hole popping out. This is just what I have heard. What month production is your car?

Duane, My C4S ordered today, 3-39-02 should be an '03 model and ready for me in September. I told my dealer that I'd be glad to take an '02 if somebody backs out. The hood trunk Porsche crest emblem stays on; the rear "C4S" logo is deleted. The rear logo is easy to remove before or after market. I removed the rear logo on my Boxster because I broke the "R" while washing it and it read "Boxste". I took my wife's hairdryer, warmed up the Boxster logo and adhesive which is like rubber cement, and peeled off the logo. Then I washed, glazed, and waxed the area and no one could tell it was ever there. And I think it looks great. An afterthought, maybe I should have broken up the entire logo, separating all the letters individually, and reapplied only the "X", "S", and "E" in a creative way. - - - - - - - - - - - - Palting, I think I'll keep the stock exhaust for a while. The car is expensive enough as it is! However, maybe, just maybe, I'll eventually add a Tubi exhaust. Tubi told me they will be "distributed through Champion Motors in FL and to contact Mr. Bill Dewiecki at [phone removed]."

Jim I guess I need eye glasses <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> I did not realize that it was delete rear badging. Just Curious why would you want to do that. <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" />

Two reasons for me to delete the C4S logo: 1. Once a bull in a china shop, always a bull in a china shop. I'd probably damage the logo again. 2. Main reason: I think the car looks cleaner and more elegant without it. An exception to this is black or basalt black cars with a chrome or aluminum "Carrera" or "911" logo.

Jim - The differences in Brakes between the C4S and the C2 - what are they? Also - If I may.... What are the differences between the C4S and the C4? Is there a C2S? I know there was with the 993.... Thanks,

[quote]Originally posted by BrendanCampion: <strong>Jim - The differences in Brakes between the C4S and the C2 - what are they?</strong><hr></blockquote> I didn't read the numbers until you posted. I felt the difference. According to Excellence magazine's recent article, the C2 brakes measure 318 x 28 mm front and 299 x 24 mm rear. The C4S brakes are like the turbo's at 330 x 34 mm front and 330 x 28 mm rear. Calipers are silver on C2, black on C4, and red on C4S and turbo. 18" wheels are standard on the C4S and optional on the C2<strong> [quote]What are the differences between the C4S and the C4? Is there a C2S? I know there was with the 993....</strong><hr></blockquote> I don't know much about the C4 but the C4S is like a C4 but with a wider turbo body sans tail and intake scoops for intercoolers bumpers almost identical to turbo with front grills and rear grills/gills rocker panels standard bigger brakes and wheels stiffer stock suspension...I think upgraded 'standard' features which are optional on C2 or C4 such as full leather, Hi Fi sound, many metallic colors n/c, sports seats optional n/c PSM standard I may have left some things out. There is no 996 C2S to date.

Simplfied version... Turbo running gear and body with Carrera engine... and no Turbo wing. Loren (99 996)

Congrats Jim! If I were buying today I'd buy the same car. Great Choice! Loren (99 996)

Hey Jim with reference to the rear logo delete- I don't know where you live but in around San Francisco people steal logos on cars especially japanese imports(I'm not saying your car is Japanese : )) and if I saw your car parked somewhere I be asking "Who stole your logo?". I would get tired of answering that question. Just a thought. Blue stitching is the right choice since later on if you plan to sell it's more conservative yet a nice accent to a beautiful car. You mite look into the Sport exhaust because what I heard it's sounds great. Regards. Mike

I've heard good things about the sport exhaust but it seems unnessarily complicated with software, i.e., something that can go wrong. I'll wait a while (actually a long while since they car is due in September) and maybe add a GHL, Gemballa, but probably a Tubi after the break in period. I may sell my Ferrari 328 in which case I'll definitely want a nicer exhaust note.

Jim, Congratulations on your purchase. Richard <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Just went through your list of options. Great choices. If you are going to use it as a daily driver, you might want to add "supple leather" for the seats. They do add that much more degree of comfort.

My salesman called me today and informed me the Maritime blue seat belts do not match but instead clash with the Cobalt blue exterior and painted center console. I think I can visualize this because I saw a similar more horrific example of a basalt black 996 C2 with Boxster red full leather and clashing red seatbelts that didn't match the red leather. Hence I might change the blue belts and stitching to yellow. I'm concerned it might be a bit busy with the blue center console and black interior. However, it could add a racey look. What do you all think? Red belts and stitching on the black interior did enter my mind as it would go with the red calipers and taillights with joining reflector on the engine cover but I think it could be 'pushing it' a bit much with the center painted console. I could always leave that black. C4S Cobalt blue exterior Cobalt blue rear center console Delete model designation (engine cover) Black interior & floor mats Porsche crest in headrest Yellow seat belts, blue stitching in seats & remaining interior P04: Xenon, Bose, headlight washers Driver's lumbar support

IMHO the yellow belts on blue is way too racy. I think light color belts as a contrast is a good idea though. How bout grey or would that be too boring?

I think the only options for the seat belts are blue, red, yellow, and black. I guess they have grey but I'm not sure. Maybe I'll just ditch the idea and stick with black. We'll see. I have some time to play around.

Jim, how much is that Tubi exhaust? BTW congrats on the car! Doug

I don't know how much the Tubi exhaust is. I'm guessing a couple of grand and not cheap. But I'll try to call and find out this week. BTW, my dealer called and said someone just backed out of a C4S due in this or next week with: artic silver/black supple leather P04 advanced technic Not the fantasy car I mentioned above but I could have it this month instead of September 5 months from now. I'd paint the center rear console artic silver and be pretty darn content. And I do like silver: probably one of my top color choices. Tough call. Decisions, decisions.

jim get your car now. the color combination is attractive and the options reasonable. i picked up my c4s yesteday in lapis blue with advanced tech package and supple leather.this wasn't my first color choice either but the car is so awesome that now i love the color. supple leather is wonderful. a great addition. life is short. get your c4s. you won't regret it. console yourself that after all the wait time you might be unhappy with the color cobinations! ignacio <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

It's almost exactly like my C4S but without the sport exhaust. And there lies the meat of the decision you need to make. If it bothers you that there may be others with just the same car, then wait for the fantasy car that you personally configured. September is not that far away, and you have the Boxster and Ferrari to keep you happy. On the other hand, another bloke in your neck of the woods will get the brand new C4S in gorgeous silver/luscious black with an otherwise excellent set of options 6 months before you get your fantasy car. He'll probably even drive around your house a couple of times . Decision time. BTW, great car, Ignacio. It's a kick in the pants. Aren't you glad you waited for the C4S rather than the C4?

You will not regret taking delivery on the Artic Silver C4S when it makes itself available in a week or so. The AS/Blk color combo was my second choice (I opted for Seal Grey/Blk). The C4S on display at the Chicago auto show was AS/Blk and equipped exactly as you mentioned in your post. It was beautiful. We all know you could wait the 5 or 6 months until your 03 C4S arrives, but then you would have missed out on an entire spring/summer of inspired motoring. And I say this knowing that you have a Boxster and Ferrari at your disposal. Here is my rationalization - the sooner you take delivery of a 2002, the closer you are to trading it towards the next iteration of the C4S....2004? 2005? As you said, life is short. I suspect we all had to re-learn that over the past year.

It is nice to have the input from the Rennlist forum folks. Thanks to all. I'm not worried about seeing a similar car. In fact, I find it kind of funny when I see an identical Boxster (all black, sport classic wheels) next to mine. As for the cobalt blue etc, next time. And Sept isn't that close. They tell me Sept but that also be Oct. I'm 99.99% sure I'm going for the Artic silver/black with options and minor modifications as above.

I have a C4S on order, June build. I would really like Aluminum gages, but although they appear to be available on the Porsche configurator on the web site, my dealer says they are not available on the C4S.Has anyone had any luck specing them. Also has anyone been able to choose tires? Or more specifically, anything rather than Contis? For the price, you would think you could choosed.

I'm sure there's a way they or another shop can put in the gauge faces you want. I've seen various 996 and 986 Porsche with aluminum, red, yellow gauges.

I had aluminum gauges installed in my 02 C4S yesterday. My dealer ordered them from North Hollywood Speedo [phone removed]. The gauges cost about $300 and the labor time is about 3-4 hours. My dealer (Napleton Porsche in Downer's Grove, IL) has a gauge specialist that spends all of his time doing this type of work - which I am told is important when it comes to the new Porsche gauge clusters. All I can say is that the result is brilliant. They are also in the process of painting my rear center console and will be installing a full set of RUF aluminum pedals that I ordered from Andrew at Weissach Performance in Vancouver, BC (800)665-6688. I will post pictures when the car is finished next week. Hope this info. is helpful.

[quote]Originally posted by cooper996: <strong>Also has anyone been able to choose tires? Or more specifically, anything rather than Contis? For the price, you would think you could choosed.</strong><hr></blockquote> As far as I know, the 2002 cars come with PZero assimetricos, not Contis. They are great tires for summer. You can also get Pzero snow tires, if you are so inclined. Hey, T. I am looking forward to those pictures.

Jim- the silver/black would be nice and the color will definitely show the flares much better then the blue which I saw on the floor at a dealership. But then again that's me so it's your car and it's always nice to customize to your tastes. With the cars you have at your disposal I would wait : ). Regards. Mike

Nah! Let's get it on! And my wife is so psyched to get the car sooner...even thought it's 'my' car. The artic silver black arrives this Friday (sic). I may lower it and have the painted console installed and pick the car up on Saturday or Monday. It has the rear logo which they tried to remove on another car and the paint came off. The C4S deck is a different composite than the C2 so the dealer wants to let the paint cure for a month before they try to remove it.

Congrats on your choise!! Beautifull car!!! Here are some pics I took of "your" car during my recent visit to the temple in Stuttgart: My favorite view: Another: And finally: <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Jim, here's your/my car:

Fortunately I live very close to Weissach Porsche in Vancouver, the NA RUF dealer, so RUF pedals it will be, but I,m still trying to source the alum dials. Are the ones from North Hollywood PNA or clones? Has anyone taken delivery of an '02 C4s with anything other than Pirellis?

Here's another:

Here's one with your "other Porsche". That sounds almost sinful, like "here's your other wife" Have added the crest on the wheel. Since these pictures were taken, I've replaced the sidelights with clear ones. I highly reccommend them. They make the car look so much cleaner on the arctic silver, I was surprised at the difference.

You are all too much. Now I'm really psyched to get the car! My first love for the color is black but having had a daily driver black Boxster and my black Ferrari 328 is a bit frustrating. One drive in the black car and all washing and detailing efforts are for naught. I want to try a more dirt-friendly color on my daily driver and silver should look fine. Clear side markers: great idea Car will be lowered. Champion charges $1500 and my mechanic charges &lt;$1000 Painted center rear silver console goes in Silver gauges would be great but the "aluminum gauges" appear white. Somebody must make them somewhere. I may paint the gauge surround silver instead. Window tint for looks and minimizes interior heat build-up

Thanks for the info on the differences guys. Thsoe pictures really tell the tale on the greats looks of the C4S that Porsche has created from the turbo parts-bin. Jim - you can always wait for the removal of the rear insignia. I will have mine removed professionally when I have othe rbody updates done as well. I do mechanical, I do interior. I DO NOT to body work, and leave it to the pros. This silver is the TRUE color for Porsche (other than black). Does anyone have pictures of this famed center console that everyone wants to paint? The 928 had a rear center console for its later years, and I am wondering if Porsche is returning to that idea. They sure have returned to the styling of the 928 in recent years (except for the headlights), but look at the back of a 996, and the back of a 928GTS. Will you be tracking this car Jim? Or will it be a true road car?

My car will be my daily driver but I hope to it take to PCA track, drivers ed, and autox events. My 328 is my track car albeit I'll missing the FCA Sebring event this weekend. I never tracked the Boxster because of the darn broomstick rule and I wasn't going to purchase that will roll bar that attaches to the hoops. Painted center rear console <a href="http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/gallery/pics/44003325.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/gallery/pics/44003325.shtml</a> Gauge surround in silver with red gauges <a href="http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/gallery/pics/56959336.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/gallery/pics/56959336.shtml</a>

Hey Jim where would one like myself order the Guards red guages. Looks very nice. Regards. Mike

I'm not sure where you could get the red gauges. However, you may want to try Gulf Perfomance FVD at [phone removed] (EST) or <a href="http://www.fvd-usa.com" target="_blank">www.fvd-usa.com</a> . I do see red gauges pictured but I don't know if it's for 964, 993, or 986. <a href="http://www.fvd-usa.com/catalog/interieur_gauge_faces/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.fvd-usa.com/catalog/interieur_gauge_faces/index.html</A> If it's not on the website I'm sure they could get it for you. They are priced competitively and honest. Eg: Clear side markers for my C4S would be under $50. Champion wanted $145!

Picked her up today and she is beautiful: C 4 S Artic silver Black interior Silver painted rear center console Supple leather P04 Advanced Technic:Bose, CD changer, Bixenon, headlight washers Rear logo deleted Clear side markers on front 1/4 panel Lowered with H&R springs I didn't get on it hard because of the break in period but it takes the curves verrrry nicely indeed! I never thought I'd think this but the C4S sitting next to my black/tan Ferrari 328 makes the latter show it's age. The C4S elegantly combines classic, sexy, wide-body Carrera lines with a modern if not futuristic slippery liquid silhouette. I'm quite content.

Million dollar smile, man. I can see it right through the post.

I'm dying here because you got your toys first : (. Enjoy the C4S- a true thing of beauty : ). Regards. Mike

<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> congratulations, jim!! sometimes one jumper is not enough!