I didn't find Rennlist on Match.com, but 1 in 5 relationships begin online....

Hi I figured it was high time to introduce myself. A couple of weeks ago I decided that waiting until I had paid off the house and the kids were gone and off to school in order to finally drive a Porsche was a terrible life plan. I also decided, that since I don't have any yet, who needs to worry about kids anyways? I guess my day job flying for the USMC doesn't quite satisfy my speed needs. Plus with the plummeting 996 prices, holy crap, I could afford a Porsche. I couldn't believe it myself when I found a 2003 911 C2 with 16,000 miles for sale for about the same price as I was looking at spending on a used G37!!!! I also decided any practicality arguments went out the window, as I've managed to keep my 120k mile '04 WRX which has been payed off for decades to handle all the home depot / beach/ camping duties. So yes, I bought myself a Porsche. And damn am I glad I did! What a great drivers car. It was refreshing to find a car that manages to stir the emotions while standing still as well as moving! So I found myself an 03 911 with low miles, 16,000 and the owner through in a hard wired Valentine 1, (can't use it in Virginia....but I'll move in a year) and a bra (can't stand the looks of these, but hey, it was included, so maybe I'll use it while moving?), and a battery tender (don't plan on using this, I plan on driving it!). Of course I'm concerned with the hole IMS time bomb, but looks like Flat6 is coming out with a solution, or I'll get the confidence (and a neighbors help) and just do it myself for a little bit more than double the cost of the warning device. Other than that, I've got a tint and short shifter planned in the near future. I'm looking forward to learning more through here and would love to meet anyone in the Virginia Beach area! Thanks for the entertainment, and enjoy the pictures!

Welcome, I made the same decision as you a couple years ago and haven't regretted it. Now that I have kids on the way I decided it is much easier to get it before and keep it versus trying to convince yourself you need it later on.

Welcome to Rennlist. Nice looking pcar.

Congrats on the Porsche and welcome aboard. Thanks for your service.

Nice skirts. Good color.

Thanks for all the comments; I'm loving it so far. It was about as clean as anyone could have hoped for an 8 year old car. There were a couple of scratches under the front lip and some small rash on the wheels, but what are you going to do. Other than that, perfect condition with not a drop of oil coming from the engine and all the switches inside work great. I've been using it as my daily driver and it sure has made the commute more entertaining! Quick question: Is the B+M short shifter the best option? Seems people prefer this over the Porsche or other brands. I was reading the maintenance manual and it looks easy enough to install myself, so I'm looking forward to picking one of those up. Thanks!

Welcome! Nice car! FM

Nice buy Michael. Thanks for posting pics. 16,000 mile eh? Looks like you've done your homework. Don't worry about then boogeyman ims stories. Drive it and enjoy it. If I were in Virginia I'd be sure to hit VIR and really learn what pcar ownership is all about. These cars are pure athletes in a track environment.

Everyone is afraid of the bogey man. Or at least lots are. I think there are others that fit into the category with me: those that can afford a used 996 responsibly, but not if you tack on another 20k for a new engine. I figure if I drive it like I stole it every day I can help mitigate that though I'm definitely looking for a track day, it's a tough call though, I want to take the Monster S4RS out to VIR as well, so I'm not sure I can swing a car track day and a moto track day. Oh priorities.....Might have to find a way to swing both!

welcome... great story and great looing car. when you get a chance to slow down, take the towel back to the car wash guy...geesh talk about being in a hurry as to track days, the car is faster than the bike (in the turns) thus more fun - see if anyone jumps all over THAT comment

Looks great... I'm sure you'll enjoy it. As for practicality, the 996 has back seats you know. They are there if you look hard enough!

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I've owned several monsters myself. Never tracked one tho as one mistake can cost a lot of damage to you and total the machine. Last one I had was a S4 and I loved it. Sold it to a good buddy who tossing me the keys from time to time. I bought my car with intentions to track it. Still a bit risky but the addiction it creates outweighs common sense. I just got back from Homestead yesterday and after 5 sessions I had the permagrin kicking big time. Ed is right about cornering but the speed of an s4r is astonishing. I've ridden one and the thrust and composure with the ohlins is incredible. Now you have a pcar and a Ducati... Lucky man in my book.

Great intro story with pics, welcome Michael l your Porsche looks great and so little miles on the clock, congrats to you.

Nice car! Welcome!

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Yeah....addicted to speed I suppose. I guess I just appreciate quality engineering. Save your money so you can spend it on what you enjoy you know. The bike is ridiculously fast though. I was debating selling it trading down to something more usable for the street. That engine doesn't really purr until well north of 50mph....not so fun on the commutes you know. As to above, I did think I saw something that looked like seats back there. At least big enough for a child seat when the time comes. It sure does bring a smile to my face every time I drive, that's for sure.

Welcome to the group! Great looking car. Looks like your speed priorities are in line with most of us.

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Seems to be the case doesn't it? Question for the masses: Reflashing the ecu obviously changes fuel scheduling valves whatever else etc, and as a result, increases HP and torque. Sweet, my question is, does it do so at a cost of fuel economy? Clearly, if I'm mashing the gas at every stop light around town then there is going to be a reduction in the efficiency department, but what if I'm just cruising down the highway? Thanks!

Welcome to the family Michael. Beautiful car, and the technology wheels look great along with those side skirts! Porsces as so damn fun... Enjoy the addiction!

Hello Michael, welcome, Nice pix, great story! Sounds like your list of mods is starting to grow. As for the ECU flash, you MAY want to hold off. Yes, it does increase HP/torque, not all that much with an N/A engine, AND, if you decide later, to change exhaust or intake, etc., then the ecu will need to be reflashed. As a suggestion, there are a host of other things that you can do before you reflash the car. Just my .02 Enjoy the miles and miles! R\ Scott

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Good advice indeed. I'm currently concerned with the boogy man bearing and getting the short shifter into it. The rest is all long term down the road. I was curious regarding the flash's because I might be tempted later on to do an IPD plenum and flash. I'm just cautious because for me, a huge priority is maintaining drivability, reliability, and fuel economy. So anything that compromises those is out. I think the 320 hp is currently more than enough for the street, but of course, if I could get another 20 or so out of the engine without sacrificing any of the above then I'm very interested. Long term plans though. Short term is a tint because it gets hot in Virginia Beach, and hotter in Beaufort SC where I'm heading next year, and an SSK to tighten up the gear box. Thanks for the help! ~m

honestly if you had another 20 you might not even know it.... I went - >100 and really at this point dont even care, in fact with lower HP I am circling the track faster than I did with more HP.... seems the nut connecting the gas pedal, steering wheel and brake was loose

Welcome, great looking car. Sounds like a nice car, great milage, the last owner saved it for you! The problem with having a perfect car is you dont want to drive it. Dont worry about a few chips in the paint and if the IMS worries you like it did me (almost to death) get the LN IMS upgrade. Well worth the money! Now all dream about are the next mod... FYI I read several people have trouble with the Short shift kits, I am planning on upgrading to the 997 shift kit FWIT.

@ Dave... its wonderful!

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Just a suggestion.....don't mod anything until you get to a couple DE's. Learn the car for what it is before the cowbell starts to toll. It is sooooo much more enjoyable knowing what you modded and why instead of changing things right from the gate.

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I'm not at all worried about driving it It is my daily driver and I routinely mash the go pedal, IIRC that's what it was designed to do no? I'm changing the oil this week even though the PO did it about 2k miles ago just so I can have a look, and I'm working on finding a shop or facilities to do the retrofit just so I can sleep. I can afford a bearing, but not a whole new engine you know. Also looking into the new warning do-hicky flat6 is coming out with. I haven't heard of too many people having trouble with SSK...news to me. I might have to search this some more. Couldn't agree more. I remember a post a few weeks back, "what's the best 1000 bucks to spend on first mods?" Answers were unanimously SSK, tint, and Fister Ds. Seems reasonable to me. I have an SSK in my WRX so switching between the two makes me feel like I'm driving a MAC truck now. Just want to tighten up and shorten the throws a bit. Good advice though, thanks!

LOL at short throw...you should try a 915 gearbox - short shift kit is a tad like rowing a boat

Lutzo Kovacyk (LMN Motorsports - [phone removed]) in VA Beach is your man - bar none. Well known to all of us P-car fanatics around here :-)

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Ah excellent! Thanks for the tip!

Welcome and nice find! Its incredible how much affordable 996s have become, ah?

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Yeah I couldn't believe it myself. That's alright, I'll figure out this black cloud over the engine and then I will have snaked a best bang for the buck car out there right now. You wont here me complaining.

Michael, consider joining PCA FSR (First Settlers Region). A wealth of resources (on and off the track) and all around great guys!

Yeah that's definitely on the list. Only downside is I'll only be in there area until next spring, then it's off to South Carolina. Guess I'll have to check on the regional PCA down there too! Thanks for the tip, ~m