Thoughts/Ideas on 996 "Restomod"

Hey everyone, I�ve been thinking about the idea of doing resto mods on 996 911s and wanted to get some opinions from people who know these cars well. The idea wouldn�t be to turn it into something unrecognizable, but more of a modernized OEM+ build . Things I�m considering: -Updated headlights (better light output, cleaner look, different shape) -Revised front and rear bumpers styling -Interior upgrades (materials, infotainment, seats, etc.) -New or upgraded suspension -Select engine work for reliability and drivability rather than chasing huge power I know the 996 is starting to gain more appreciation lately, so part of me wonders if modifying them heavily will be looked at negatively long-term, especially compared to keeping them original. On the other hand, they�re still relatively affordable and seem like a great platform to improve on Porsche�s weak points from that era. Would love to hear pros/cons, experiences, or examples you�ve seen done right (or wrong). Thanks!

I was really excited for this thread until I read the first bullet point.

For personal fun or profit? For fun, sounds like a DIY 997, have at it. For profit, I just can't ever see the numbers or market working. The 996 is a wonderful car, much better of a vehicle than the 993 and we own both, but while values will continue to increase (it is too good of a car not to), I just don't ever envision an aircooler type of market frenzy bringing them up to where this type of plan would have any legs outside of a very few owners who want their own custom car that will never be "above water".

There is a company in Germany that is doing this commercially. They have a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Werk96 Some of the work they are doing is impressive, especially around the engine. I'm curious what these cost but I'm sure there is a niche market for those cars and they can sell a few every year. Long term would those be a new Singer or Guntherworks? Probably not.

The 911 is an iconic shape and has remained consistent for 60 years. Trying to change a 996 into a more modern car will just make it look like a cheap version of another model, be it air cooled, 997, 991 or 992. Just like putting a Rolls Royce grill on Chrysler 300. Nevermind the cost of these changes which would probably just translate into buying what you would be transforming the 996 into. I sure would like options for new headlights for my 996.2. Not because I dislike what is on their now but because the OEM's are Sooooooo expensive and the aftermarket only has one option that I think is ugly.

Werk96 from Germany has been doing a fantastic job, not just from the car's perspective but also building a nice community. Changing anything with the headlight shape is a big no and "why would you". Yeah, sure, upgrade the guts for better light output but keep all else as is. The joke is that technically all 911s look the same, 996 is the only one that truly stands out thanks to the headlights and will be, and sometimes already is, something very different from the rest of them. If you want to be another 911 with round headlights on BBS LMs go for it but that's been done many times already. Be different. Modernization is cool but only to a point.

I'm all about well-designed, well-executed modifications but to @TomK1989 's point, I think that messing with the headlights would be to take away one of the things that makes the 996 platform iconic. The "MK1 fried eggs" and the "whatever you call the MK2 headlights" are essential to the generation. If someone doesn't like them, I humbly suggest that the platform isn't right for them. The 996 has a lot of attributes the 933 and earlier cars lack (functional A/C, for one) and that the 997 and later cars (deletable console, lighter weight, narrower bodies, more grounded feel) abandoned. I heartily encourage any car enthusiast to see their car as a canvas on which creativity should be unleashed, but tinkering with the shape of the headlights on a 996 would be like deleting the heckblende on a 4S. It's just part of the platform to be embraced.

With regard to headlights, if I could backdate my .2 headlights to .1 lights I would. I have NO love for chrome or reflective plastics that serve no functional purpose.

I think the best restomod effort would be around the drivetrain. As more and more 996s eventually succome to bore scoring I would think a drop in motor replacement would be a great. I don't think we can count on Porsche to supply an affordable crate engine.

It's your car, make it the way you like. As for the headlights, a member here rehabs our existing lights and brings them up to more modern standards, with way better light output. The GT1 headlights are, well, Iconic !

Is this what you are suggesting? These are the $$#@! Most other attempted improvements fail categorically.

Put up some photos of interior ideas.

Here's my interior. GT3 console delete Console delete, weighted shift ****, Coco mats Tartan seat inserts Full frontal Tartan gauges (courtesy of Gaugefaces.com)

This just sounds like my build thread lol. I do have something cooking for the front headlight shape - making it a round headlight, without losing the unique knifed shape and proportions of the 996.2 headlight - but haven't pursued it because I've got too much backlog, including a modernized small ducktail that I've been super excited to release. Should have a design for updated bumperettes next week/early Feb as well, no more pokey buttcheeks.

Bro you lost me at the lights !!! leave the 996 alone and fudge up a Boxster or cayman they have better balance there are a few companies that are “IMPROVING “ a 996 save your money and effort and by a 997 it’s already an improved 996

I want the baby ducktail-bad. Looks fantastic. So the next question will be - How much? This will need to be a big part of the business plan, we all know what our cars are worth and we are all sure they will go up in value for a number of reasons. But will I pay $2,000 bucks for a piece of plastic that I need to spend another 500 on to get it painted - I would install but some may not. No, I would leave it original. BUT, I would pay 200-300 for a project that will end up being a 1000 by the endo...

My suggestion is to start by doing some research. There have been quite a few 'restomod' efforts towards the 996 platform and they all have been posted and discussed here. One you might want to start with was done as a joint effort by Porsche and the Porsche Club of America. Good luck and please document your efforts.

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Go for it. But before you jump in and start spending silly money which is easy to do, get to know everything about the 996 and study what has already been done to know what you are getting into. IMHO, the 996 will be the hot platform over the next 10 years. 1. Plenty of availability of 996 cars plus they are still affordable. 2. The 996 aftermarket is booming with solutions and enhancements. 3. After 25 years, we know exactly what needs to be done with parts and procedures to bullet proof the M96 4. The M96 engine rebuild industry is growing and so are the improvements. 5. The demand for an analog "true driver car" such as the 996 which is one of the best, will only grow as the car industry continues to advance techno wizardry. 6. The 996 has incredible bone structure with a classic look that has aged well. It can be "dressed" up with Aero or "dressed" down in its natural state but still look great. Good luck.

I can only speak to the engine piece. As someone who�s had Slakker rebuild their motor from a 3.4->3.7, I can say that along with a fister exhaust, the car genuinely feels like a restomod. Awesome performance and feel. I do think that the .1 era cars specifically with the actual cable throttle are a very special breed of cars. The analog feel you get in fantastic.

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I agree with you, the best restomod at the heart is a displacement build with the torque and throttle response. I have a LN 3.8 with IMS solution, UAOS etc. A Slakker/Hartech or LN Flat Six displacement build is the restomod core. Aerokits, seats/interior. Suspension mods, wheels etc, are more personal icing on a good cake.

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I am really liking that mini ducktail for my Cab ! Looks awesome !