New to me - My revitalization journey

A little over a month ago my dad passed away. As a result, I'll receive a small inheritance. I planned a mix of smart financial moves, and a little fun. My plan was always to buy my dream car when my dad passed. An E39 M5. By process of elimination, I slowly looked through all other options for fun cars just so I could feel confident in my decision when I finally bought my M5. As I looked at 996's, I slowly fell in love with them more than the M5. A 911 was always my dads dream car, but he could never pull the trigger on one... A VW bug convertable was always my moms dream car. So... apparently I created a mix of my parents dream car & found a 996 Carerra 4 Cabrio! I flew from MN last Saturday to LA, then drove it the 1900 miles home. This car is an awesome car, but it's a driver. 127k on it & I plan to daily it year round here in MN... I will be searching the forums, but here's my todo list so far from my last 3 days & 1900 miles with this car... If anyone has links or helpful info to add, I would appreciate it! I will be documenting my maintenance & love for the car in this thread... - Stock cup holder works, but there is no "face" on it. Where can I find one? - Rattles rattles rattles. Is there a good thread on how/where to chase down various rattles? - How do I adjust the headlight aim? - My key fob is dead, I'll replace the battery but is there a good thread on programming etc a key fob after battery replacement? - Convertable top care. The car has a new top, but I want to go through the whole system. Is there a maintenance thread? - Driveline, are there greasepoints or common maintenance items to be addressed? - My speedo is about 5mph off, is there any way to adjust this? - Exhaust upgrades for better sound without being too loud. - Engine mounts, where to buy, what are the best etc. (for a daily driver, not a racer) - What other general maintenance is good to do on a new to me car? I'll be doing everything myself and am plenty confident in my skills.

Motor mount kit: Porsche Engine Mount Kit - Rein 996ENGMTKT | FCP Euro Fister exhaust: 996 (fdmotorsports.net) Change out all fluids Inspect/replace cabin and air filter Water pump I have a cab and I have the Porsche service manual for the top and not sure there is much maintenance except keeping the hydraulic pump full. In any case the motor that releases the clips that hold the clamshell broke and found only one dealer that had experience with it and the repair bill was $$$. A good idea would be to take it to someone who knows 996 and can put together a needs list and then you can tackle those items as time and budget allow.

I�ve had my 996 for about 9.5 years now and have done just about everything on your list, plus had a 3.4 > 3.8 FSI STAGE II rebuild in 2018. Mine had 135k mi. on it when I got it, and it�s now got around 180k. It is truly my forever car! Good luck with yours

Sorry for your loss but congrats on cool way to cherish your memories. I would add to check the serpentine belt and replace the 3 pulleys if they haven't been done lately. dont forget a brake fluid flush and maybe change out the transmission gear oil They're a fun car, pretty easy to work on for the most part and by now a lot of stuff has either been replaced or will break and need replacing again. Fortunately most of it is comparatively inexpensive.

Congrats on the inheritance !! ( sorry for the loss to receive it ) You can find all the threads in the archive to do the small repairs you need, and the info to confirm or deny the need ( like the speedo being 4-5 mph high is normal) Welcome and good luck !!

Quotes source post: 19342817

I eBay'd a used one, but they are getting brittle after so many years so I plan to make some 3D printed faceplates. The cup holder itself is brittle too, it's probably best to get a more robust aftermarket cupholder. I have some interior rattles too that I'm addressing, lots of it is just plastic shrinkage over the years so if you go in there and shim fasteners with cloth/foam they'll hold for another 20-odd years.

I have the same exact color! Love it. You won't be disappointed as it's a fun project for sure. I'm sorry about your loss but I'm sure your father is smiling. As for maintenance, those questions have been answered already but use this forum to ask a lot of questions (thats what I do) as it's a great resource for sure. Welcome to the addiction!

Quotes source post: 19342817

Sorry to hear about your father. However, you can drive your 911 knowing he�d be proud. The E39 M5 is wonderful. I nearly bought one myself. The speedo being off by 5mph sounds normal, as most are 2-3mph, so the difference could just be normal variation or tire size. Is it reporting over or under? Exhaust upgrade: Gundo hack. Cheapest, best sound. Engine mounts: stock Porsche mounts. Other maintenance items? All fluids, including coolant, diff/trans (Porsche stock fluid), brake fluid, oil/filter (check filter pleats for metal or debris). Most recommend a new water pump (every 4-6 years, do not use a metal impeller), and thermostat (LN�s low-temp is better than stock). Also, cleaning the front radiators (behind the rads are AC condensers, and debris/junk ends up between these two heat exchangers. You might have to take off the front plastic bumper panel to do this, which is easy, and while you�re in there, take the time to locate the emergency frunk release cable. Some re-route that to a better location. It�s a good time to check front fan action (AC button on / snowflake on), both fans should be on low. High speed fan operation will occur at 102C ECTS (engine coolant temp sensor, as reported by the DME) or if it�s quite hot outside with the AC on.

Congrats! Great looking car. I don't think anyone's said it yet - DRAINS. On cabs its crucial to make sure the rear drains are serviced and clear. There are several writeups, do it right away. Depending on your "oh s***" tolerance - you may also want to check under your carpets for soundproofing foam dampness/soaking.

Quotes source post: 19343695

Are you going to make an update on your thread addressing your rattles? I don't mind tackling things myself, but always welcome reassurance from forum posts to have a guide of some sort - or expectations during the project.

Quotes source post: 19344967

He is absolutely correct.

This is all great, so far everyone! I'm just getting used to the car currently. Researching & making my "to order" list. One major rattle I think is just the passenger door speaker, something is loose in there. I'll get to that within the next few days. I believe that the majority of my "rattles" are actually front suspension bushings squeaking & creaking. I thought the dash was rattling, but now I suspect it's the suspension. Either way, I have caulking foam to stuff between the dash & windshield. I'll also remove the dash speakers & see what I can find behind there that could be loose. I'll definitely check the floors for wetness & clear out the drain holes! The spreadsheet is currently: New Key Fob Washer Nozzle Backup camera & new stereo with screen Replace the factory speakers Replace engine mounts Flush trans fluid Flush brake fluid Fister exhaust mod Replace my windshield cowl Possibly a short shift kit? Front end bushing replacement I'm still just getting acquainted with the car. I have 4 kids, a girlfriend & a business so my time to tinker is a bit limited. Next weekend, I'll be clay bar'ing the entire car. Then panel by panel buff, polish & wax. Then probably take it in for some PDR repairs to at least remove the major dings. Pending time, it'll go up on jack stands so I can remove the mufflers for the Fister mod. I'll do a deep look at everything else at that time to see what else I should order...

Quotes source post: 19343097

Where did you find the porsche service manual for the top? I would love to make sure the convertible top is kept in perfect shape...

Quotes source post: 19345253

RaggTopp ..I've been using it on my C4s for 20 years

Quotes source post: 19345087

I'm only going off old forum posts myself, no new ground being broken here. There's a bracket in the passenger seat that probably needs to be welded and a rod holding up the headliner that needs to be shimmed with cloth or felt, it's going to be scary trying not to break clips while getting up there but the actual concept is very straightforward.

Welcome to the 996 club! I think you'll find the forum to be very helpful, collegial, and sometimes a bit entertaining. One particular shout out, follow Skip @Porschetech3 He's a human encyclopedia of Porsche tech knowledge. One thing I didn't see here is to pull the front bumper fascia and clean out the radiators and condensers. Really straightforward and it's good to get the muck out of there every couple of years. (Maybe more if you do a bunch of driving.) The fascia allows leaves, cigarette butts, and other junk in. I love my 996, and I suspect as a car fan, you will too. Cheers!🍻

I've been meaning to post photos & an update but I've been too busy! Got a lot of the major first stage "projects" done to the car. Now I'm on my putzing list. Fixing little things... I'll get photos updated shortly but so far, here is what has been done. Windows tinted Fister Mod Engine Mounts replaced K&N Air filter Trans fluid changed Diff fluid changed Oil changed & filter inspected Easily 10+ hours put into an exterior detail. Clay bar, buff, polish & ceramic coat. Cleaned off TONS AND TONS of what I assume is plastidip or some type of spray vinyl from every nook & cranny. Headlights sanded & ceramic coated New double din stereo w/ screen & backup camera New speakers all the way around including a 10" powered sub Center console vinyl wrapped "BAD" short shift kit (with side bracket) installed New shift boot, e brake handle cover & center console armrest cover Fixed my windshield cowl mounts so it actually holds down New tires all the way around Misc little fixes. Next up on the list is a full suspension refresh. I would love any links to other threads or tips for suspension ideas. Specifically: which parts to priorotize where to buy (is the REALLY a massive difference in quality at a FCP Euro (for example) over Rock auto?) Are polyurethane bushings worth it for a daily driver? Anything else suspension related that would be helpful to know...

Dan, sorry about your Dad. Been through the same a few years ago and its never easy. Congrats on your 996 and the progress you made. Fitting way to remember him. Check your service records to see the last time your water pump was replaced. Also check on your IMSB and AOS. these 3 parts are where a sudden failure can come from on the 3.6 engine. If your water pump hasnt been replaced in the last 5-7 years, consider replacing it with another oem water pump. IMSB with either the LN Retro or LN Solution, as well as AOS w/ the UAOS. The LN Solution and UAOS are permanent one time solutions. The water pump is not a permanent solution and will need to be replaced ever 5-7 years or so. While the 3 items aren't necessarily cheap, they are an easy fix to address 3 failure points so you can enjoy many years of 996 durability. Good luck with the journey. The 996 is worth every penny.

Rock auto customer service is just the worst and I would go out of my way to not buy anything from them. PP is my go-to as I�m on the west coast and their shipping time is phenomenal. FCP Euro has their famous free replacement policy, if that appeals to you. I got my water pump from them for that reason.

Quotes source post: 19383671

+1 for FCP. I've spent enough to buy a 986 from them over the years. They also have very useful DIY videos. Top notch.

You own my twin. I have a 00 C4 cab ocean blue metallic If you are going to be in MN year around I’d fix the foam on the heater director. If the old foam is all worn out you won’t get good heat from the heater. The foam also goes out on the part that channels the heat to the various vents. Fixing the foam at the heater is easy took me a couple hours. You can change out the cowl trim piece at the same time if yours is sun faded. Changing the one controlling the vents is more involved and requires pulling the dash or making a cut in the existing vent. this a good thread about the process Fix the foam M

When replacing the water pump, I would buy Genuine Porsche form the dealer. Thant’s what I do for all my cars and I change water pumps every 5 years. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a water pump with a metal impeller. If the bearing in it fail as and it begins to wobble it will ruin you engine case. Good luck with your project. Mark