ordering a "stripper" c2 -- a few questions about the essentials

I'm looking to configure a C2 as below. I want something that's as lightweight as possible (although I want a sunroof), and as inexpensive as possible without giving up the "must-haves". My priorities are more around the sporting aspects of the car. I want to be out the door for around 70k (with discount). First, any thoughts on the list below? Must have: P74 - Xenon Headlamp Package 476 - Porsche Stability Management IAE � Sport seats, black P77 � Sport seats 030 - Special Chassis Rigidly Tuned Like to have: 490 - HI-FI Sound (Digital) (probably would order if special order) 411 - 18" Lt Alloy Carrera Wheel (probably wouldn�t order if special order) Question on the Hi Fi sound package VS BOSE vs Stock. Have people actually listened to all 3? Does the stock one really suck? Is the BOSE 2x as good as the Hi Fi? Advice appreciated. I like a good sounding audio system, but also plan to be listening to the exhaust as much as possible Anything I'm missing that you truly consider "essential"? Thanks, Scott.

I had a very stripped C2. It only had xenon/CD player/mats Xenon is fine PSM for sure Sport seats are not much lighter and not very comfy. I am 5/9” and 168#, the seat isn’t really snug, and the shoulder pads really pushes you out from the seat, hard to explain, go try one. I had it on my boxster S, hated it. If you must have sport seats, get GT3 seats or SPD’s aftermarket. Cheaper and better. US M030. It’s still very high off ground. It’s a little rough riding if you don’t track the car much. If you do track, there are better suspension out there. But the option is one of the bargains from porsche. I would get the 18” wheel, it’s pretty cheap with the car. If you were to get GOOD aftermarket stuff like fikse or kinessis, it’s about 5k for a set. Hifi, your call. I never use mine. I rather save the money and get the PSE. Honestly all porsche hifi sucks. For the money of Bose system, get something aftermarket, you will be happier. Bose is better than hifi, but not 2x better. You do get 2x the boomy bass though. You mentioned you want to listen to the exhaust. Then make PSE mandatory. You will not regret it.

I'm thinking of burning up the tread on the stock 17s, then using them for winter. By that time, I should have enough money saved up for some Fikses Thanks for the feedback. I sat in a sport-seat car today, and it fit me very snugly, possibly too snugly... I may skip them. PS. John, my other car is a '00Miata FM2 Turbo, possibly faster than the C2... I like your '94R

I agree w/ Mooty on the sports seats. My '02 C2 didn't have 'em, my '03 C2 does. The sports seats don't work any better, are neither more or less comfortable, and if you're not getting full leather, aren't really worth the additional cost unless: A. You think they look cool (I do) B. You want the backs painted ext color (I did) As for the Bose, again my '02 didn't have it and my '03 does. Bose, no highs, no lows. What a waste of money! Get the Carrera 18's 'cause: A. They're inexpensive B. They very light C. They're easy to wash Finally, re: 030, didn't have it before, now I do, and I really like it, though it is a wee bit harsh, but it's hard to tell if some of that is the S02's vs the old PZeroR's (wish I had the Pilot's). Good Luck! -DT

Stiles,FYI- My 11 month old C2 has just gone on Ebay(shortly)6-pm PST, and has all & more, Factory Aero Kit(8K),PSE,PSM etc,than what your looking at for under $70K. Take a look. Item # 2410916188. Thanks & Good Luck Bill

Thanks again guys, I'm now down to: Must have: P74 - Xenon Headlamp Package 476 - Porsche Stability Management Like to have: P77 � Sport seats 030 - Special Chassis Rigidly Tuned 411 - 18" Lt Alloy Carrera Wheel (probably wouldn�t order if special order, I think they're starting to look pretty common...) This bugger might actually squeak out the door for under 70k PS. Bill, sounds interesting, but I really want to buy my first New P-car.

Stiles, have you looked at the new Turbo II wheels? They're a little different now, look just like the C4S wheel (I think), same cost as Carrera's, maybe even easier to wash... Just a thought, since you're getting tired of looking at the Carrera's everywhere. -DT

If lightweight is what you're after, then DO get the Lt Weight Carrera Alloy Wheels - they are one of the lightest wheels you can get without going to magnesium (1 alloy wheel weighs as much as 4 magnesium wheels). Magnesium wheels also cost around $2000 EACH. PSE is a DEFINITE upgrade if you want to hear the car. It costs alot but is well worth it. Don't mess with aftermarket systems - Porsche knows what they're doing. For stereos, the base unit is HORRIBLE (15W per channel). The Hi-Fi is a MARGINAL step up. The BOSE is a great step up, but is a bit boomy. However, for only $500 more than the bose, you can get a custom fit SUPER AWESOME stereo system designed specifically for the 996 at Reus Systems in Orange, CA. But since you're from WA, go to your local **HIGH END** audio shop. DO NOT take it to a cheap stereo place - they don't know jack about Porsche, and you'll be upset with the results even if you saved $500. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by stiles_s: <strong> Must have: P74 - Xenon Headlamp Package 476 - Porsche Stability Management IAE � Sport seats, black P77 � Sport seats 030 - Special Chassis Rigidly Tuned </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Not to take the contrarian view, but hell someone has to do it right? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> I suppose it depends on what you plan to use the car for. Personally I'd dump all of the above except for the Xenons and I'd definitely get the 18"s. I'd add white gauges, just cause now that I have them I can't live without 'em and I wouldn't won't to try to do that aftermarket. If you want to save some bucks and spruce things up a bit, you can add the Carbon Fiber shifter or the aluminum one, sills etc. after market which I believe is cheaper than ordering it with the car (odd that isn't it?). My car is psm-less and I don't miss it in the least, in fact as I autocross the car, I'm glad I don't have it. As for the seats you can always add GT3 seats at a later date, assuming you don't mind manual adjustments and then you have a true sport seat (which is what I intend to do someday, if I ever stop spending money on the track car). And with the suspension, get it stock, then ebay it and pick up an H&R or pss9 coilover setup, which is adjustable and allows you to lower and corner balance the car (with adjustable damping in the PSS9). These are things you could do over time if money is a bit tight. Just the way I would do it, not necessarily for everyone. Oh an sport exhaust if you can swing it is definitely worthwhile (although this to can be done later). <img src="http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ktsj/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/b59interiorweb.jpg" alt=" - " />

Yup, the Carrera's are light...that's why I bought 'em. Not as purdy as Sport Classics or Sport Designs. I was just pointing out an even $ alternative. As for aftermarket, that's all personal taste, but there's something to be said for all-factory-original P-cars (even if what's said isn't necessarily good <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Cheers, -DT

I think you guys are right, I should go w/the Carreras. It's nearly worth it just for the tires, and you're right, it would be *big* bucks to find a lighter aftermarket wheel. I can buy some cheap winter wheels for the winter tires. As far as M030, I may just go stock, then go Euro M030. I'm sick of trying to tune aftermarket suspension systems (it's driving me to sell my AudiS4), and really want to stay with a factory engineered system on the 996. I've heard the Euro M030 is a more balance setup than the US version. True? Finally, I consider PSM a must for me since I'm going to be driving it year-round in Washington (rain, ice, occasional snow). I may be good enough to keep on top of it on a dry AutoX track, but not blasting through a rain soaked mountain road. Thanks again all, Scott.

Hi Scott, As you can see from my signature, my car is very minimal. I too, bought it to go autocrossing. I just put my Hoosier A3S03s on today Others have said the PSE is a good option and for the sound it may be, but not for the weight. You can probably buy a lighter aftermarket exhaust system with good sound. I wish the xenons were a stand alone option in 02. The 18 Carreras are a must. I personally like my sport seats. I didn't get PSM because I won't be driving the car in the rain. As for the stereo system, I would just get the standard one and upgrade to an aftermarket system later. I have heard the Bose and was not impressed. My .02

Do the RoW M030, not the U.S. one, and definitely go for the light wheels to minimize the ride penalty which is almost all from the heavy higher-pressure rears. Skip the upgraded Bose, their design philosophies always overtax the too-small drivers. Apart from PSM and things like deviating stitching or carpets that pretty much have to come from the factory, you will save a ton tarting it up after using Carnewal, Suncoast, eBay, etc.

You have gotten some good feedback; I agree with a lot of it. Xenon Headlamp Package - I would not own a car without them! Porsche Stability Management - I would not get it. I have a TT with it, and a Cab without it, I just don't like it. I also have a track car without it, I prefer driving myself... Sport seats, black - Check them out before you get them. I have them in the TT and they are ok but my wife cannot stand them. The "wings" push her shoulders forward. I have the base seats in my current Cab, had the electric seats in my old Cab. I like the electric seats (base seats) the best of the three. Special Chassis Rigidly Tuned - Don't know but I like the sound of it Personally, I would get HiFi and the 18"s. The 18"s are great wheels. I don't car about a "great" sound system. The Hifi works for me just fine. My current Cab has the Bose and I think it sounds great; much better than my 01 TT (without Bose). Good luck! Roy ps. A buddy of mine just traded this for a 360, check it out... <a href="http://www.funcarsonline.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=classifieds&Number=47465&page=0&view=collapsed&s b=5&o=&fpart=1" target="_blank">http://www.funcarsonline.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=classifieds&Number=47465&page=0&view=collapsed&s b=5&o=&fpart=1</a>

I would definitely get the Xenons, PSM, PSE, 030. The PSE sounds great, but it can also be added later for a lot less if you don't do the full install. M030 suspension is the best bang for the buck option in the entire Porsche line. I have the RoW M030, yes it's a little better but it if I could order my car again I would just get the M030 from the factory. For $ 7-800 (I'm not sure how much it costs now) it a freakin' bargain. RoW will still set you back about $2K by the time it's installed. The 18" Carrera wheels are also a bargain. I would also consider leather seats if you're not doing full leather. I have the std partial interior and it's not too bad, but full leather is sooo much nicer. Then again, every time my kids ride in the car I'm really glad I have partial leather, the "leatherette" cleans up very easy. Other than that, PSM and Xenons are no brainers IMO.

Also just get the standard factory muffler and then buy aftermarket lightweight mufflers like Fabspeed (only one I can comment on) Saves about 40lbs.

Well, I'm going to try to "deal" on a C2 on the local dealer's lot tomorrow. It has a few more options on it than I'd like, but the immediate gratification may be worth the 5k difference One of the strangest options on the car is the dimming mirror / rainsensing wipers option. How lazy can people be? Also, it has the 18" sport design wheels. I love the look, but would never pay 2900 for them. Plus, I think they are a bit heavier than the Carrera wheels, no? i'll keep people posted. I may drive home a Carrera tomorrow.

Pretty lazy, I suspect. I almost didn't order this, but since I already had the full wet setup (xenons w/ washers, heated seats, PSM, rear wiper), I thought I'd go ahead. It's nice having the mirrors dim when an SUV is asserting its dominance upon thee, but the rearview mirror is GINORMOUS, doesn't leave a lot of real estate for your radar detector. Haven't actually tried the rain sensors, though I liked 'em on my M5. Happy Shopping! -DT

Sorry Dirk, didn't mean to call you lazy I'm about 6k apart on a deal w/the dealer at this point, not looking promising. Scott.

Well, I bought it. So much for a stripper. IIRC (picking it up on Monday): It had more options than I wanted, but it's beautiful, and they were willing to move significantly on price. Here's the scoop: Arctic Silver / Metropol Blue P11 - Self-Dim Mirrors & Rain Sensor P74 - Xenon Headlamp Package P77 - Leather Sport Seats XRL - 18" Sport Design Wheel XSC - Porsche Crest in Headrest X71 - Aluminum Instrument Dials Y06 - Alum/Lthr Shifter/Brake Handle 342 - Heated Front Seats 446 - Wheel Caps with Colored Crest 476 - Porsche Stability Management 680 - Bose High End Sound Package I probably ended up spending 4k more than the "stripper", but I think I'll get over it. Thanks for all of the feedback, Scott.

Scott, CONGRATS! WOO-HOO! Sounds like a nice build! There's something to be said for buying an in-stock car, essentially getting a bunch of nice stuff for free, and having your beautiful new Carrera NOW, in time for a Spring road trip! I just got home from my first real (mini) road trip in my new '03 C2 (up to almost 400 miles on the clock now) through the twisties just east of Phoenix. We went with friends who just picked up their new Boxster (and first-ever Porsche) a few days ago. What a great day! Is there anything better than a new P-car? Enjoy! -DT

stiles_S: congrats, you will love this puppy. sure, you spent a tad more, but you will be happy not having to wait 2-3 more months... please post pix.

Since you want sporty & lightwieght as possible (My man! That's how everyone should want their Porsches!!) I'd suggest following: -18" sport classic II's or Carrera wheels -Euro (defenately Euro) M030. While US M030 is better than stock it's still like a school bus (way off the ground). With Euro, you'll lower the center of gravity, which obviously gives better handling. Or better yet, get PSS-9 and RS sways. -limited slip (can you get that as an option?) -keep the stock seat and then get GT3 seats. -don't get the PSM. GT3 doesn't have it so I think that enough explanation why not. -Come on, do you really need that sunroof? That's weight in worst possible location? -Forget the HiFi -Aftermarket exhaust. EDIT: It seems that I was little late... Congrats!