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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
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YOUR RESEARCHpositive 996 articles
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long-term review car
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My car turned out to be the Long-Term review car for European Car Magazine.
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Suggestion
im happy to read all this stuff, believe me,but im also sick of it all !my mk2 is the best sports car ive ever owned hands down,i know this the internet and we have taken a beating with all the hype of the 996 generation,but enough already,be smart buy a good example,take all the precautions that you would when buying any used car,and then dont cheap out when it comes to upgrading or repairing.its a porsche dont forget that,even though its a used car its going cost a few dollars to keep it correct,there you go i sed it.
Leading evidence: 'long-term review car' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'long-term review car' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Repair .its a porsche dont forget' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I just indulged myself by refurbishing the alloys, changed from silver to gold.
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I replaced the IMS at 100,000Km (just in time) and have changed the flywheel and clutch myself although it turned out the clutch was still quite healthy (keeping it as a spare).
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Yep, those crazy Germans probably used the same front badge...
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That thread is also probably the right place to discuss.
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Repair .its a porsche dont forget
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im happy to read all this stuff, believe me,but im also sick of it all !my mk2 is the best sports car ive ever owned hands down,i know this the internet and we have taken a beating with all the hype of the 996 generation,but enough already,be smart buy a good example,take all the precautions that you would when buying any used car,and then dont cheap out when it comes to upgrading or repairing.its a porsche dont forget that,even though its a used car its going cost a few dollars to keep it correct,there you go i sed it.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I replaced the IMS at 100,000Km (just in time) and have changed the flywheel and clutch myself although it turned out the clutch was still quite healthy (keeping it as a spare).
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I am going to change the oil for the summer and was wavering about buying a cheap but apparently fine 5/40 I found on ebay.fr but a little bit of research found 20l of Mobil 3000 5/40 for just 4.7 euros a litre delivered.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
290 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
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Generation: 20261026T105141Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Nothing better than doing something smart before everyone else, and then have people recognize it.
Take THAT, 991ers!
Thanks for posting these articles. Most informative, even for C4S owners.
Could you just post the whole magazine?
Don't know if I would call the article positive stating that the 996 is cheap because they built too many and they had a lot of problems?
Reliability - and maybe the interior appointments, if that's something that concerns you - are the know Achilles heels of the 996. The car was hailed as the best 911 ever when it was new. The 996 is an awesomely capable car, a fact that has been demonstrated repeatedly for the past 16 years.
The irony of KK's comment is that he spent so much time and effort obsessing over the M96's flaws that he never really enjoyed owning a magnificent car from the correct perspective: the driver's seat.
Sure, it's 2015, and the definition of "supercar" has change a whole lot in a decade and a half...it's even been supplanted by "hypercar" to describe an entirely higher order of automotive performance compared to the state of the automotive arts in 1998-1999. However, the 996 remains an amazing car to drive - it's comfortable enough to be a GT, quick and nimble enough to be a trackday car, and - unless the truly awful happens and the motor pops - easy enough to maintain that a reasonably competent guy with reasonable means can keep one on the road.
The Internet, and even PCA meetings to a lesser extent, will forever echo with hysterical cries of "IMS! IMS! D-Chunk!" - and sure, that stuff can happen. No doubt. But in at least one case - mine - the outright joy experienced during a vigorous drive in the 996 makes any anxiety about mechanical longevity well worth it.
In two and a half years of ownership, I have yet to see one other car that made me stop and think, "Gee, I wish I had that car instead of my 911."
That was a fun article to read. Of course the 991 boys will bash it, but we don't care. Many of them actually believe PDK and an abundance of nanny-matic "Please Save Me" computers are a good thing on a GT3.
Cousin Philip Raby is a great writer...
The 996 brings some things that no car earlier than it offered, and that no car after it has possessed. The cars are a great mix of yesterday, with just the right amount of today.
This is why so many people save their cars, rather than throwing them away, after an engine issue.
A well-written article that mentions - but does not obsess on - bearing and d-chunk issues. It's sure to meet with intense disapproval from our resident gloomifier.
It also dares to point out that previous 911 interiors look like they were designed by a budget motel chain compared to the modern appearance of the 996's cabin. Yes, it's got a lot of plastic. Thankfully, it's not got a lot of plaid upholstery and thatched palm fronds.
It's nice to read a current article that isn't ashamed to remind us that the 996 was the fastest, most confidence-inspiring 911 Porsche had ever made.
These articles are great reads. I've had my C4S for a few months now. I've recently returned from a quick weekend trip to the mountains including several miles of forest service roads to get to the hike trailhead we did on Saturday. That got some looks! The owner of the inn commented about the car and showed me his VW Thing with a 2 liter 914 motor in it. Last Wednesday I was instructing at a club DE and did 3 sessions with my student in the passenger seat. I love this car and keep telling myself it's the 911 I'll keep very long term. I have a 72 project car and a 914 for when the vintage bug strikes but this 996 is for me the perfect balance of modern convenience and comfort while still managing to bring a smile to my face at the track or on an open road. It comes alive when pushed and responds very well. My students 2012 C4S with PDK was fun to drive but it was loaded with options I'd never use and electronics I wouldn't want to maintain long term. I've put more miles on my car in 2 months than she had in 3 years.
At the trailhead
Thing with a 914 heart transplant
The hike and travel companion
Same people who post that they got rid of their GT3 after a year because they were 'bored', and are now trying to decide between a Lamborghini and a 488. And flame anything less than yesterday's latest iteration of Porsche, as 'hopelessly outdated'.
Ignoring the
'too much money x not enough sense'
equation: If you've reached the point in life where you dump such an auto from 'boredom', it's really time to kill yourself. I appreciate my C4S, and would gladly take an old, 'outdated', 'slow' and archaic 912 or 964 as a second.
Because life is not always measured by 0-60, or lap times.
That made me smile. I don't do that often when looking at these forums.
As far as the 996 positive stories go, I don't feel they should be driven by current vehicle cost, as much as just how damn good the car really is. Outside of the engine, the cars really have no issues. Sure, some have 2nd gear issues, and some never do, but really, the cars just do not break, and they hold up to driving in all conditions well.
We seldom ever have to "fix" anything when we reinstall an engine, which is good, because we don't like working on cars, just engines are our thing.
im happy to read all this stuff, believe me,but im also sick of it all !my mk2 is the best sports car ive ever owned hands down,i know this the internet and we have taken a beating with all the hype of the 996 generation,but enough already,be smart buy a good example,take all the precautions that you would when buying any used car,and then dont cheap out when it comes to upgrading or repairing.its a porsche dont forget that,even though its a used car its going cost a few dollars to keep it correct,there you go i sed it.
Well, I've been busted. Since I've had my 04 C4S Cab two years now, I've been tweeting, instagramming, Facebooking, pinterest and more the virtues of the 996 in effort to increase the value of my car so my wife will think it's an investment, lol.
But honestly, I like the OP did a lot of research on the 996 after having come from a 79 and 83 911 SC, several 944's including a turbo, and some other European exotica. As Jake and a few other here have chimed in here, my car has been a joy t drive with very minor issues that I fix immediately as well as some preventive stuff to boot. I now have 124,000 miles, drive it almost daily, and my 996 puts a smile on my face every time I walk up to it with the key in my hand. Cheers
I have my 2000 C4 millenium for 11 years now, l put TPC turbo kit on it and been driving like i stole it and gives me smile every time i slam the gas pedal, i dont think i will ever sale it this is best sport car
Not sure if I'd consider this a "positive" article on the 996, but anyhow let's get this thread back on track:
http://perryandcoblog.com/2009/08/26...4-carrera-911/
Count me as a super fan - and I'm from Vancouver - so that's two of us at here least. (The OP is from here)
Bilstien sway bars, PSS9 coilovers, liteweight clutch, 997 shifter, console delete. Easy mods make these cars absolute world class sports cars.
A good buddy has a 997.1S and I've had lots of opportunity to drive and compare. Honestly my (modified) 996 performs as well as his car and to my eye it's more interesting to look at. I just downright prefer the 996.
Like one of the articles says....the 996 may be the longhoods of the future. I occasionally see ads for guys who have converted their 996 to the 997 body style. I wonder if my grand kids will be shaking their heads at these people when I'm gone.
One more thing - my car has 225,000 kilometres on the clock (155,000 on the factory reman installed in 2005) and I won't say it drives like new because the mods have harshened things up a bit, but it is tight as a drum.
The high mileage also means I wouldn't be able to sell this car even if I wanted to, who in their right mind would buy it? My goal now is to make it to 25 years old so I can put collector plates on it. Maybe I'll hit 500,000 km even.
Great car.
Wow that CSR Program is awesome. Im going to try to replicate the CSR car mechanically with my 99. Ive been looking at this LSD.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Helical-...1Sn707&vxp=mtr
My car is at the shop right now and im thinking of installing this LSD.
You're probably going to want to spend a little more for a proven diff like a quaife. OBX products vary wildly in quality, with the low end being -very- low.
The csr cars use a wave track diff , which are cost wise fairly reasonable for a quality torque sensing diff .
http://www.modbargains.com/WaveTrac-...87-996-997.htm
I've got a guard modified plated LSD in my car , it's great.
For the money a geared diff like a quaif or wavetrac is a big step up from a stock open diff . IMO you are not really serious about performance in your 996 if you don't at least consider this step. This will do more for improved lap times and performance than any exhaust will . Also the only maintainence you'll need to do is bi-annual oil changes in the tranny .
But if you have a bit more cash , the deceleration grip you get in a clutch plated true LSD is the next level
Not sure if this has already been posted, but if not it deserves to be.
In praise of the Porsche 996 Carrera
Comment by Pinky Lai at the end.
http://www.total911.com/in-praise-of...e-996-carrera/
Couldn't agree more. For some reason my car has been getting a lot more attention lately. Nothing has change on the car. I think the 996 shape is aging very well and coming into view. There are two groups that consistently comment on my 996: 1) older guys 60+ and 2) younger guys 20-30.
Keep them running!
My theory with the latter group is that when we were growing up, the 996 was the 911. It wasn't the one that broke with tradition/ruined everything, it was just the latest 911. Perhaps there was a relative lack of appreciation for the history of the air cooled cars, but the 993 went out of production when I was 7. I had a poster of the 996TT on my wall. So the stigma around it just isn't there in the same way it is for some of the purists I think.
I get compliments on my 996 all the time, from people waving at stoplights, coming up to me in parking lot and asking about the car and I even got the nod and wave from a 930 the other day which was coming the other direction. I've never had a negative interaction with somebody about my car.
I think the 996 is a great example of the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, but only within a subset of the Porsche community. IMS, headlights, first water cooled vehicle, blah blah... Once you hear about those things, that's all you can focus on and all you hear about. In reality (and to the outside world) it's a Porsche. And that's a fun thing to share with people who appreciate it!
This is so true. Everyone I know who sees the 996, you can tell they are thinking "Damn, he must be making lots of money."
Why? Because it looks fantastic, it is a 911, and most people don't know it's nearly 17 years old - "timeless design."
Then I tell them it cost less than their Honda Civic, and their jaw drops.
So I finally got my 911 after a lifetime of lust. Ended up with a 2002 996 NB Cabrio 6M. It was in great shape and what I can afford. And I am not in the least worried about the issues. As a precaution I will have the IMS Solution done before winter. Affordable insurance IMHO. Otherwise it is a sweet car and everyone in my office could care less which Porsche I got, they all wanted a ride and most said they had never been in a Porsche before. As for maintenance, there are a couple guys who have used BMW's and they are going through far worse than anything I can imagine happening to our mostly bulletproof Porsches.
Been here since July. Seems that all auto websites are mostly visited by folks with issues. So I decided long ago to trust my instincts when buying a car and living with it no matter what. Same for the 996. Having a ball so far and I hope it continues. Time will tell.
Nice article OP... thank you for sharing. The only part I would question is the author's claim that the 996 shares nothing with the 993. That's not totally true. Simple example would be the 4-spoke steering wheel which is an identical part between the two cars. Some would also say that the intermediate shaft in the 996 was derived from the 993. I'm sure there are other parts shared, but I get the author's point that the 996 was totally new 911.
Yep, those crazy Germans probably used the same front badge... hell, the engine layout is the same as the 993. Prolly reused those airbags. Lawd, I am starting to be pedantic. Chanel's ways are rubbin' off! Run for the hills!
This might have been posted here already but if so it's buried.
https://www.total911.com/opinion-why...-than-the-993/
Piggybacking this on too, which I enjoyed:
https://perryandcoblog.com/2009/08/2...4-carrera-911/
Sorry, last one, I promise!
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/art...d-175000-sales
Love that combo of color with the Sport Techno wheels. Looks like a nice dark blue. Some wingnut powdercoated my wheels at some point. I'll get them refinished back to a stock look at the next tire change!
Thanks. Yes; midnight blue, with gray interior. Came with a partial carbon option, which I've…augmented (translation: got rid of many cr*ppy soft touch painted plastic parts, without going completely overboard).
I'd like to get screens for the air intakes, but I go around and around as to which ones, silver or black, yada yada…it's a sickness, I tellya.
Also: If anyone knows how/where to get an abbreviated ducktail, similar to the Singer version that'll fit a C4S: I'd be much obliged. I've yet to find just the right piece, beyond I believe one from RUF that'll set you back about $5000.
MAShaw has a nice one, based upon their GT2 wing minus the upper plane if I recall: but it's just not quite right.
What about a rear decklid from a TT and then remove the extendable spoiler... like this:
6DB68FE3-C6C2-40AC-A136-B317A0BC24E1_zpsmqv6lrrm.jpg
E1675DAA-16C7-4B0A-96B0-FD48FC45304B_zps2w5jsuys.jpg
48E43F45-19A2-4FBA-B614-74D2444E2FD4_zpsdutpwari.jpg
582DE6EE-9A7E-4DFB-9E7D-E79F4B1759BA_zpsy7bcciux.jpg
DD00128D-7BAF-4873-BD1B-964330DE6A9F_zpscejftskk.jpg
Here is a few pro reviews of the C4S.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...term-road-test
Fall%20top%20ss%20b%20net.jpg
http://www.superstreetonline.com/car...11-carrera-4s/
http://www.superstreetonline.com/car...e-911-carrera/
I read all the articles here, and man it just made me go out to the garage and stare at my car. Oh yes I love her, and all these articles just reinforce that. I can't wait to get her back to California to do some canyon carving
I read at the beginning of the thread that the UK was leading the way in positive articles on the 996. I am sure it's a world wide trend but I can confirm positiveness's is appearing to be the case. Prices seem to have moved from static to positive. The 996 is starting to be seen as classic by many on lookers, its not really old enough but its stylish looks and the fact it was the first water cooled 911 give it a 'presence' and quite a few public gather and ask about them now. The Facebook page that can be found at
www.9-eleven.com
complements the classic club feel and is a very friendly and sensible place and attracts - like Rennlist -questions help & support from around the globe. Recent TV shows in the UK have really shown the 996 in a good light. Trading up S1 saw Mike Brewer travel the world to trade up to a Super car Porsche 996. Fifth Gear (see you tube link if your interested its to big for me to attach it seems sorry I know its bad form to post links no need to tell me ) another Car show gave some duff info on IMS and we all doubted they could buy the car shown for the money suggested but the review was good. POC GB are on the case and have seminars planned for the 996 this year. (Although it is on April 1st !) Anyway I like I guess most of you didn't seek approval but it seems to be coming anyway. O_SR
Link to 996 UK TV review
You Tube
^ yeah that guy makes some cool videos. I've commented on a few of his vids and he appreciates the feedback. Give him a thumbs up and maybe we'll get more vids of his 996 cruising through Europe?
It's a shame because probably many of you don't understand the guy (speaking German) but his intend is to review the best sportscar you can buy for 20k. What happens as he drives the car for a few days is that he absolutely falls in love with the 996. Why? Well, when he first starts driving it he finds the gears a bit clunky, and he is used to stronger power steering, and what about drive modes etc. Then he starts to appreciate what a pure, beautiful driving machine this really is, how fantastic the engine revs, how everything is just right. He actually starts crying when trying to explain what a machine a 996 is. Great video bit btw on acceleration, he takes it from 0 to 280 km/h. Enjoy!
You Tube
Nice video - beautiful country roads in Germany!
He does seem emotional near the end
I understood maybe 5-10% of what he said - Kupplung ( my Canadian VW Golf always flashed that when i put the key in to start - meaning clutch - i had to push it in to start) and neun elf =911....
Interesting question, there is a following over here for XK8 but the Jag had its issues as well and working on them is not as 'easy' as the 996 I'm told. They had fuel issues, some issues with rust and chain tensioner issues. Some also report gearbox oil issues.. Nothing major I agree but I do not think the XK8 is as good all round as the 996 (IMHO of course) As a comparison I could pick up an XK8 coupe for �3400 or a 996 for �11000 similar age and condition - that tells you something.
Excellent video! And you did a very good job of summarizing. Living in a state where most of the roads are flat and straight makes me REALLY miss driving around in Germany. Watching the scenery makes me want to move back. So many beautiful, smooth, twisty roads up and down hills and mountains. Sigh.
Anyone else notice the sunroof delete?
Just did a quick sanity check on Autoscout24 here in the Netherlands and of the 69 Coupe currently offered 32 have a sunroof (of which probably 10 or so were imported from the USA). So definitely not a standard option here, too expensive, too heavy! Germany 91 sunroof on 155 total. Guess they like the sunroof more!
Volkert
Not bad - BUT - the sludge / mayonnaise in the oil filler tube is generally from moisture/water vapour condensing in the plastic tube.
It gave me a bit of a heart attack when i first got my car. I would clean it out with a rag and after a week or two of general town driving notice it. A good highway drive getting the engine and oil up to temp and burning of any water vapour seemed to resolve it.
NOW we are talking - Scotland !!!
I do like that Turbo bumper -- makes any 996 look good/better IMHO.
It's not a 996 ( Aston, so not bad) but here's more of Bonnie Scotland - and a fabulous road that i would to love to drive in a Porsche one day.
You Tube
I am guessing this article was from 2003-2004 when the car came out....a different time.
The national speed limit in the UK is 70 MPH, but in the first page the writer takes you thru his blast up to 140 MPH
- something no one would admit nowadays in print for fear of prosecution.
Well written, i have to agree to not liking the holes in the side of the car for the Turbo.
You Tube
[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:]
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/1024x768/996bumperquad_308449c499cfd5062ef64eca78233b23f879e012.jpg
https://drive-my.com/en/social/dashb...rsche-996.html
Scroll down to the third feed titled "NEW DIRECTION PORSCHE 911 996 DESIGN HISTORY". Interesting info and pics.
Received the April newsletter from Stuttcars.com, and it looks like a long article on the history of the 996 was recently published on their site:
https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-models/911/996/
.
Lots of pictures and seems very detailed. Debating whether I should pony up for a subscription as it is required to access the full article... anyway, heads-up for those who might be interested.
Very good article in many ways... I only found a couple of points that my first hand experience doesn't agree with. The main one being cylinder failures and issues that they claim only happen to cylinder 6, when they actually occur routinely to any cylinder on bank 2.
So good to see all the uber early 996s, those cars are THE ones to have. More and more people are learning what I've known for well over a decade on this topic. A 996 built in 1998 is a wonderful thing!
I was just there the other day and noticed that they FINALLY put up the 996 history... They did a very nice/detailed job on it, but I feel like it's a little biased - i.e. they seem to bolster many of the negative preconceptions about the 996 range. I also find it odd that they singled out the 996 to try to force you to subscribe...All the other content has always been accessible for free. Perhaps they're having a hard time financially, so you can't really blame them for this if it is indeed the case... Whatever
This is awesome! I love the 996. It is awesome how many different variations and looks they can be given, they offer an awesome blend of old and new both in look and performance.
More kool-aid please!!
I love reading about our cars and am always on the lookout for new write-ups. There is a new article on the Excellence website about a guy who bought a 1999 C2 with 243,000 miles. The car is being referred to in the article as “
a cockroach that would never die
”...
A testament to the durability of the early 996s. Pretty humorus article, too.
https://www.excellence-mag.com/issue...5#.WPNgWIjyuHs
I read through a large portion of the article, but didn't run across why these early build dates are the ones to have? Besides the dual-row IMS what else do these early builds have that the later ones didn't? The shop I go to here in LA, said the same thing when they did the PPI on my car (build date 5/98).
Here are a couple of articles focused on the C4S which were really helpful when I was shopping. First a plug for Excellence magazine. Rather than saving these for yourself, consider getting back issues here:
https://www.excellence-mag.com/back-issues
If you are shopping for a 996, I highly, highly recommend getting about 10 - 20 of these (is $100 worth ensuring a proper purchase?). I had saved my copies from back then, and pulled out about 20 from 1997 - 2003 with a 996 on the cover: reviews of the new 996, road tests, all of the variants (C4, Targa, Cab) as they were released, GT3/2, etc. In addition to the info on this forum and other internet things, these articles had way more information. The key is the very detailed descriptions of the various 996s. Besides, these articles help grow the interest and excitement! My target was a C2 priced at what I could get for my 968 plus about $5K, but then lots of study helped me to understand that the best match for me was to spend more for a C4S.
This one does a nice job defining the C4S features and comparison to the C4 and C2. Also the performance test at the Nurburgring.
Great Drivetribe video review of by Bovingdon on his personal 996.1. He's a great car journalist and a big 996 proponent.
https://drivetribe.com/p/WKW6lwqvQVu...RkyTPiGSGs2KiA
Here's a screenshot because I couldn't resist
Not to detract from the previous post because that has to be one of my favourite 996 reviews
Buying a used Porsche 911 (996) - 1997-2005, Common Issues, Buying advice / guide
You Tube
Love this! Makes me want to buy another one!!
DeanClevername;14133119]Great Drivetribe video review of by Bovingdon on his personal 996.1. He's a great car journalist and a big 996 proponent.
https://drivetribe.com/p/WKW6lwqvQVu...RkyTPiGSGs2KiA
Do any of these articles mention the factory fire that interrupted production of the early 996s? I believe that is what Jake felt led to quality control issues in the later ones as Porsche cut corners to keep the lines moving. But it is hard to judge the new car reviews as they have little value in terms of longevity. It is the owner's reviews years later that show the ups...and downs...with the cars.
The analysis of what made a 996 desirable at that time (I would guess early noughties) makes me laugh.
As always with all older Porsches, it's the less popular period options that people are now seeking out and prepared to pay more to get! For example, the sunroof delete and rare "jelly bean" colours like Speed Yellow and Biarritz White (both of which were the standard no cost colours in the UK) and Zanzibar Red (which was the GT3 launch colour) are very much in demand, especially here in the UK!
I am one month into my 996 ownership and very much enjoying getting to know the car and reacquaint myself with the many excellent forums, like Rennlist and 911uk.com!
Porsche 993 Vs Porsche 996 C4S - Air-cooled or Water-cooled?
You Tube
The question they pose is which would you take? My answer the 993 sell it and buy a Turbo 996
Not really , I've got about a dozen excellent turbo articles but intentionally didn't post them here because the turbo has its own rennlist forum .
The naturally aspirated cars have their own unique character , strengths and weaknesses , the turbo it's own .
Otherwise rennlist would have a combined forum .
Start posting NA 996 stuff in the turbo forum and see what kind of reception you get .
That Fast Lane Car video is pretty funny. I happen to own both of the competitors, and the idea that the GTI can give the 996 a run never occured to me. I love them both, and the funny thing is the interior of the VW is a lot nicer, both in execution and material quality.
That argument may hold water when talking technology, but I refer to interior quality. An example would be the cheezy paint used on the plastic surfaces, IMO there is no excuse for that in a car that cost upwards of $80k in 2002.
Uh, what cheezy paint? Here's a photo of my 2002 C4S. You can disregard the upgrades, but I happen to think the factory flat black paint on the plastic bits and pieces, like the console, door, etc, have held up well for a 15 year old car.
This 911's engine, although maybe not as charismatic as Porsches of yore, is nonetheless a reliable unit which has yet to show up any significant problems
what an interesting comment from the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) in the UK,
OK, OK, this review is not on a 996 but by a 996-owner on a 991.2GTS with manual gearbox. So delete the post if not appropiate, I still like it for the Porsche heritage from 996/997 to 991. So, is the 991.2 any good if you like a 996?
You Tube
Amazing? I think not. When it comes to performance and handling, weight (or rather, lack of it) is king.
260kg out of a car producing 300hp and weighing 1350kg changes the power/weight ratio from 222hp/1000kg to 272hp/1000kg. That's a 16% increase. The cost of increasing the engine output from 300hp to 348hp for the same power/weight ratio would not be insignificant.
BUT then you'd only have the same power/weight ratio and not get the handling and chassis gains - every change in direction, every braking action is so much better with the lowered weight also, so 16% seriously underestimates the driving advantage of the weight reduction.
This is why the older cars such as the 996 are such wonderful driving tools for driver feedback and feel, compared to the heavier and more refined modern offerings. Yes, the prodigious power outputs and acceleration of the new cars are impressive on paper, but for me, at least, that does not compensate for the 2x150kg wrestlers sitting in the car and the refined isolation from the road, for a car that is primarily designed as a driver's car.
Here's a link for that article. I take no responsibility for any legal issues that may arise through use of this link.
Admins feel free to delete if it is against forum rules (I don't know)
https://rapidgator.net/file/bd544903..._2017.pdf.html
My car turned out to be the Long-Term review car for European Car Magazine. So I found all the articles about my car. They are a good read.
December 2003 Vol 34 No. 12
February 2004 Vol 35 No. 2
April 2004 Vol 35 No. 4
June 2004 Vol 35 No. 6
July 2004 Vol 35 No. 7
September 2004 Vol 35 No. 9
Dang 91One. That is awesome! It sounds like you have loved my car longer than I have. I picked it up in July before doing the research to figure out this was the same car.
Came across this today. Reviewed a C2 and a GT3. A couple of pages as a buyers guide. Good article, nice photos.
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The Octane article is what made me finally go ahead and jump and buy a C4S. I believe Total911 did one earlier this year too, their "Marketplace Feature" or whatnot. A columnist from Excellence also had a C4S "updates" article a month or few back. Everything seemed to be pointing to the C4S! I took it as a sign!
Amazing. I picked up one of these exact brochures at Porsche's stand during the Houston auto show back way back then. All these years later, I still remember every single page.
Don't get me wrong, I wish my car had a mezger and will happily drop my m96 for one some some day... But I think the author gets a bit carried away when he concludes that the mezger engine saved Porsche. I thought it was not really up for dispute that cutting production costs and then selling a heaping metric f-ton of 986 and 996 is what saved pre-SUV Porsche. The vast majority of those were equipped with m96 derivatives, so the notion that somehow selling a comparative fraction of mezgers saved Porsche from having to deal with admitting the m96 had a problem and then dealing with recalls, etc seems like a stretch to me. Want to make the claim that the mezger saved Porsche's racing reputation? OK I can buy that. This article would have been fine enough just praising the mezger for what it is rather than making it something that it isn't.
Check out the June edition of AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE. Specifically the article on page 83.
It addresses the four 996 models to watch.
I personally like the writer's comments about 996 C4's : "For the standard car, the [optional] four-wheel drive is great."
MNC-I
I bought my year 2000 C4 cabriolet in Turin in 2015 at a knock down price from an upmarket garage that thought the engine was a gonner. 40,000Km later I am still smiling. Had to replace the discs and pads straight away and later the soft top (with a heated glass window by Cavendish Porsche in the Midlands, but watch out if you do the same, you need to fit a change over switch to power both the soft and hard top) and the original Pzeros were hard from age and slid all over the place. A set of Hankooks is still going strong but not for much longer. I replaced the IMS at 100,000Km (just in time) and have changed the flywheel and clutch myself although it turned out the clutch was still quite healthy (keeping it as a spare). Now the rear quarter window regulator has packed up, found a repair kit (wires and pulleys) on ebay in the States which is on it's way to me now. I am going to change the oil for the summer and was wavering about buying a cheap but apparently fine 5/40 I found on ebay.fr but a little bit of research found 20l of Mobil 3000 5/40 for just 4.7 euros a litre delivered. I just indulged myself by refurbishing the alloys, changed from silver to gold. An acquired taste perhaps but they are growing on me! My favourite and most enjoyable car in 40 years of driving.
Here is an article from Excellence Magazine, a review of the new Mk2 996. (Issue #106, Nov. 2001). Also have a PDF, but couldn't get it to upload to the forum.
Please see here for a summary of Mk2 changes from Mk1:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post15173972
.. That thread is also probably the right place to discuss.
Yeah, at least the owner persisted with the car! I think the overall conclusion was spot on: if you can avoid the engine problems (and hopefully these are less of an issue now than 10-15 years ago) they are great cars. evo doesn't give out lots of 5 star ratings.
Adding the Jalopnik article from this week to this thread:
"The Porsche 996 is a Good Looking Car and it Has Done Nothing to Deserve Your Hate"
https://jalopnik.com/the-porsche-996...e-n-1833868908
Anyone have the Evo COTY from 1998, 1999, or 2000? Only more recent issues show up in my searches of rennlist (and Google). I was hoping this book would have it.
Be careful what you ask for, I have a copy I've just scanned in and it's rather lengthy but a great read. It was their first COTY winner back in 1998. Any EVO really is a phenomenal read, a cut above most other car magazines, but this is an awesome trip down late 90s memory lane. I'll begin posting the COTY scans in a moment, all 30 pages of it...
Typical! After wanting that evo issue for ages I finally got one from ebay just recently, and now it's posted here
I also got the following year (99 GT3 wins) as a gift for a friend who owns one.
I posted this in the Millennium thread recently but was suggested I posted here as well. I recently took a roadtrip in my car and wrote this article about the experience.
https://www.everydaydriver.com/post/...g-a-sports-car
Found this in the bookstore, an issue from Excellence Magazine as "Porsche Buyer's Guide". And on the front cover "front and center" is the 996 C4s! And then in the article titled "Our Favorite Porsches" one of the 4 cars listed is the C4S. I am a fan of the C4S so this is nice to see. Below are a couple of pics, and here are some links:
A place to buy this issue:
https://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/buyers-guide
And a reminder that Excellence has graciously allowed a couple of C4S articles to remain in this thread. And we are thankful to Excellence for that, so please show your support by buying a subscription to the great publication and consider buying some back issues.
A review of the C4S when it first came out:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post14125769
A report after the Excellence staff used one for some weeks (Annotated with "The Perfect 911?" :
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post14125785
Last thing, there is also a full article in this issue on the IMSB. Very nice to see a publication providing their current (unbiased) view on this subject, and it has some very interesting comments.
I've had several different groups contact me wanting to do this over the past few years. Nothing has materialized as far as I know. Of course, they all want to use my engines, but I said no. Most of these collaborations never work out due to human factors, and I don't need to get caught up in that.
I think the 996 is an even better car for a platform like this than the 964 or 993. It would just take the right effort to do it the right way, with a solid group of people behind the controls. That would be the hard part.
I'm not a "car guy", I'm an "engine guy".
Its not something that I'd be able to do effectively, and since I don't play well with others, I'll just keep doing my thing the way that I do it so well.
Do one thing, and do it well.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
