Head-scratcher 2002 C4S... even worth the look?

Posted some pics in another thread, but providing the full run-down here. Looking for something to fill the gap between shelving my beloved Speed Yellow 996 cab (sigh) and getting something different to tool around in as a daily driver for 1-2 years. The below-pictured C4S has 85k on it and selling for ~$30k. It's about an hour and a half from home, through NYC, so a PIA to get to schedule-wise. Auction car now in NY, with a mystery engine replacement 45k ago or so (so they say-- not sure why, or if it even was, as the only details I see are replacement of a front crankshaft oil seal and a drive belt tensioner pulley replaced at about 13k in 2003, but I'll get to the bottom of that separately...have to get the current engine no. and match to the initial build, for starters). Description includes the following: - Water pump, low temp thermostat, all necessary gaskets, coolant flush, drive belt 7/25 at dealer - IMS done (though details are TBD, by whom, when) - 3 piece OZ Superleggera III, 19x9.5 front and 19x12 rear - GT3 suspension - Custom headers - Fabspeed 200 cell high flow cats - Evo air intake system - Full TechArt GT kit (not sold on the look yet) - Carbon fiber interior First 9 years always serviced through Porsche, but last five years (about 10k mi.) not noted. Have asked for records. Engine questions notwithstanding, and assuming a PPI/leakdown checks out, thoughts?

That looks a lot more show than go. If it's your thing, go for it. The 19's will ruin the ride and probably not make it handle any better. And slow it down more. Not that 996's are slow but these days they aren't *that* fast anymore either. C4S with 85k miles at $30k doesn't seem like a great value, aren't stock ones generally less than that already? The extra bits add nothing (to me anyway). Good luck, my opinion is that there are better ones out there.

I can't say I'm a big fan of the "almost ricer" looks, but if you're into that sort of thing, it looks like it's well done and in great shape. If the body kits really are Tech-Art, that stuff is expensive - see if you can find any identifying inscriptions/part #'s - even if they're not your cup'o tea, you could probably part them out for some good cash. The engine questions are a different story altogether. Not that there's anything wrong with a replacement engine, it's just difficult to quantify where it came from, what's been done to it (i.e. maintenance) and how many miles are actually on it (you can get hrs. from the DME/ECU). Good Luck

I'd take a 120-150k mile 996 turbo over that all day for the same money.

I think this is priced more for appearance than anything. I'm not sold on the looks either, thinking it a bit OTT for what it is underneath, and the car better served by a cleaner-looking factory Aerokit. If I could sell the TechArt bits (and they apparently are from a full TA kit) for a substantial chunk of the cost of a factory kit, I'd consider it a wash, but the book on this thing looks to be several thousand less than asking and doesn't justify the premium.

As to the engine, it's pretty straightforward... I need the code. Either it's the same and has been rebuilt (in which case, by whom, when and why?) or it's a replacement (same questions). Still need records from 2011 on. No verifiable engine info, no deal. As to a Turbo, my only concern is whether any differential in cost to own vs a C4S. (Well, that and the inevitable increase to my insurance premiums after rekindling my relationship with PD.) Never ventured into Turboland before, and I'm admittedly clueless on that front.

I was considering that nose for my silver C2, but seeing it there, it strikes me as a bit too much. May have to just go with a turbo or c4 bumper

Never cared for that Miami Vice look...the C4S is perfect the way it is...that's too greasy looking.

Anyone who would put that much money into appearance upgrades yet leave the rear wiper installed is not to be trusted.

That's a VERY good point.

I gotta agree on this one. Really not a fan of the look. Otherwise, it could be a great car. The suspension and exhaust would be very nice to have. Like you said, depending on the engine, it may be worth selling the TechArt kit and returning it to a stock appearance. Good luck anyhow.

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This.

I like it myself. Looks like a street fighter. It's a well done car. Someone spending that much on body mods likely took good care of it.

Have you ever seen that show Cribs where they went through Shaquille O'Neals garage? It reminds of his cars with body kit overload. To each their own. If you like it, that's all that matters.

The TechArt kits were always way overdone for my taste, and without the correct TechArt Formula wheels, it looks definitely too aftermarket. Certainly unique though. As some have suggested, you can get a clean, umodified, lower mileage 4S for mid to high-20s, or a higher mile Turbos for low 30s. To give you an idea of where a similar amount of money may take you, should a less unique car be an option you want to explore. EDIT: The GT3 suspension is kind of a weird one - I didn't think that would be drop in on a C4S, based on what I've read in other threads. I feel like way too much has been done to this car to ever feel really comfortable with it, maybe it was built for a show or something.

OEM upgrade all for under $1500...

For $30K, you can find a 996 with fewer miles and fewer questions.

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Agreed. Unless you're in love with the wheels and body kit I'd keep looking. I saw some beautiful, unmolested 4Ss for 30k when I was searching. I paid just over 21 for mine with 96k miles (from a Porsche dealer), but when you factor in the cost of the flight, warranty, IMS Solution and the 'while you're in there' replacement parts (clutch, flywheel, etc) it was more like 27.

Yes, there's quite a Pimp My Ride quality to this car I'm not sold on. Thanks all for the feedback. Told them that they need to pull the engine number ("but you should have the VIN already". Sigh.) and explain the work done and cover the last five years of missing records. No can do? Then I'm not even going to look at it. Think this one is dead in the water and, as many have advised, I think I can do better for the money or a bit more anyway.

“GT3 Suspension” is a bit of a head scratcher. The coil overs will not drop in, as the front uprights are different. The C2 steering knuckles would accept the GT3 coil overs, but they don’t have provisions for the driveshafts in the front, meaning no AWD. It seems unlikely the car has any “GT3 suspension” pieces on it at all. As others have said, I would pass on the car. I think it’s eye catching, but not attractive.

That's horrible, scrape another 7-10k and get a wellsorted turbo. My ins costs as much as my wife's Toyota.