Collision Repair and Modification

Folks, I was involved in a collision yesterday that damaged the front bumper and two fenders. (Airbag did not deploy since I submarined the SUV I hit). My car is a straight up, 996 Carrera. Assuming my car is not totalled, can I use this opportunity to change from the standard 996 front bumper to what I call the "wide mouth, turbo style" bumper? Meaning the one that looks like the Cayman or more modern fronts with the two large openings on either side? If so, what is involved and any guidance appreciated. Thanks in advance. JKC

sorry to hear about your mishap - GL with repairs. YES you can make changes and there are MANY styles to choose from... money being the only limiting factor....I am sure you will get some links and ideas on here - best advice I have is make sure you buy quality parts from a good dealer...... do your homework...... they style you choose is based on what YOU want, but dont let the quality suffer because of a poor dealer or cheap parts post pics of before - during and after

Ed has done this on his car, I have not, so he's the expert. But one thing I have read is to be careful about parts that have to be ordered from overseas. Sometimes sitting in a hot container for a long time can warp them and cause issues w/ proper fit and alignment.

Thanks, guys. Ed, what did you do? Specifics? I am basically looking to make the front end look like the Cayman (but not changing to round headlights). Wasn't the 996 Turbo like that? Thanks in advance, JKC

Online search using terms like porsche body kit.

What year is your car?

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I did it when someone hit my car and tore the urethane front bumper cover. After going with the front bumper, someone wisely advised that I update the rear bumper to balance the car... I also added side rockers to finish the look. I realize that the look isn't for everybody, but I do like the way mine came out. 011a.jpg 012b.jpg 021a.jpg Rudy

Thanks. Rudy, where did you get the parts? Marc, mine is an '03. I may just do the front and the rockers but leave the rear alone... Who knows. My Porsche guy is telling me the stock 996 Turbo cover will not vent correctly and I should look at TechArt. Any help appreciated. Thanks for the input.

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I got them from betterbodiesmotorsport.com here in San Diego. My pieces are fiberglass, but in the hand of a craftsman (like the guy that painted and installed mine) you can't tell... I do know they have urethane parts too... I'm thinking I need a smaller subtle wing to finish the look (then put in the bolt-on twin turbo kit that's getting some buzz around here)... but still deciding. Good luck!! Rudy

Thanks, Rudy. JKC

+1 for Rudy, he did the biggest front end changes - more in line with what you said you are looking for.... I have a real basic front end with an Aero bumper and new hood - BTW do you want to buy a brand new drivers fender for cheap? Not sure how to ship it but I bought it at the dealer and never installed it. E

I may take you up on that fender. I know I need a passenger one, but not sure about the driver's side. Price?

Once you are a RL memeber I will make you a deal (users are not alowed to buy/sell - rules) Somewhere around 1/2 price?

Ah, I see. Well, I'll join up as soon as I find out my car isn't totalled. (Wasn't aware of that rule). Agree with you on Rudy's car. Looks great and there is a black 996 on their site with silver grill inserts that may be the look I go for. I don't think I am totalled. I submarined an SUV and it buckled my hood, crushed one headlight and ripped a line in the passenger fender. The driver fender is OK but I am sure it is bent. The good news is that the radiators did not bust, the air bags didn't deploy, and when I drove it from the scene to an adjacent parking lot, there wasn't any rubbing or anything. The wheel wells are not crushed and the liners aren't pushed up... So I don't think I got into the suspension or anything, but still, I have 114k on the car and Porsche parts are expensive. Even considering that, I just don't see 20k worth of damage there. Probably more like 10k, which would be slightly less than half the value of the car, I am guessing and not a total loss. Keep your fingers crossed! JKC

I would buy OEM bumpers because they are made out of polyurethane and not fiberglass. It more expensive but is forgiving in the event of another misshap... This is a good time to go aero. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-for-sale.html

I hate to keep pestering folks but any images of the aero bumper? I am google searching myself and not sure what I am looking at. Also, can I not just put a C4 S bumper cover on? That has the Turbo look. Is my Porsche guy correct that the ducting up front will not match up or function as efficiently? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Again, I am trying to look this stuff up myself but there is a ton of information out there and I am getting lost. JKC

This might be more of what you are looking for. This thread includes OEM parts required to update the front end to '02+. Most significant change is the headlights, but in order to update those, you need a new bumper, fenders and headlight shelves inside the fenders. The front bumper at that point can be substituted with a turbo front bumper that you mention... https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-complete.html

Sorry, didn't realize your car was an '03. This means that you don't need new fenders or related hardware, only the turbo bumper itself. But it's a direct swap in your case. You'll need the grills and probably the bottom supports because the Turbo bumper flares out on the bottom where it's close to the wheels. You'll also need the spoiler and attachment hardware for the bumper. The link above shows for a GT3 bumper, but the turbo bumper would need equivalent parts. Best thing to do is search the PET catalog or get real friendly with your local dealership or Suncoast. But it is literally just a bolt-on. I would strongly suggest sticking with OEM parts as well. And document with alot of pictures the condition and severity of the accident as well as the repair for the future if you ever want to sell the car.

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Ed, "Users" can buy items, but only Pushers..... er, I meant..... "Members" can sell items here.

OK. Not looking to step on toes here, or ask someone to do a bunch of research here on my behalf. Started it on my own and got lost pretty quickly. A gajillion options and aftermarket stuff. The feedback was helpful and I appreciate it. I will join up as soon as I find out my car is not totalled and will return whatever favors I can to the folks who took the time to give me some guidance. Sorry if I pissed anyone off. JKC