2003 911 Carrera 4S

Recently got to spend some time around this 2003 911 Carrera 4S and figured the 996 guys here might appreciate it. Arctic Silver over black with 109k miles. What stood out to me isn't really the mileage, but how well the previous owners seem to have cared for it. It's had an engine-out service including the IMS, RMS and AOS, along with a pretty thoughtful group of upgrades. It's currently on �hlins Road & Track coilovers with a Numeric short shifter/cables, Fister sport exhaust, high-flow catted headers, wheel studs/spacers and a 917-style wood shift ****. I've been spending more time learning these cars lately, and this one has made me appreciate the 996 C4S quite a bit more. The widebody, reflector strip and Turbo-style body have aged really well in my opinion. For the longtime 996 owners here: at this mileage, what else would you want to see documented or addressed on a C4S? And which of these modifications would you keep versus return to stock? I'll throw some pictures below.

Beautiful car. I have the same exact car and love it. The widebody hips, center reflector, etc...is just gorgeous! In my younger days, I'd do tasteful aftermarket upgrades but now I tend to lean more towards a factory look. I'd say a T96 factory color steering wheel and possibly some good pedal covers. I'd personally go back to the factory shift know, although that one is really nice. I'm in between a stock radio look or double DIN, but I'd say keep the double DIN if it's already there. Hope this helps.

Thank you supergeess , I really appreciate the input! I completely agree with you on keeping these cars closer to the factory look. The 4S already has such a great design that it really doesn't need much. I like the idea of the factory-color steering wheel and going back to the original shift **** as well. Definitely appreciate you taking the time to give me your thoughts!

Beautiful example. PCCM+ is a great addition. I use mine every time I drive it. You're right this 4S has definitely been well looked after. I would be thinking about control arms and bushings at this age/mileage. �hlins are wonderful, and they'll feel even better after the rest of the suspension is refreshed if it wasn't already.

NP. My initial response was based on appearance upgrades. But, I do think suspension and shifter upgrades are a must in these cars.

On a C4S check the front axles and CV boots. Most likely, one or 2 boots will be torn, common problem. Easy to R&R boots, cheap part, about $6 each. Lotsa labor to get the axles out and rebuild the CV joints w/new grease - a lot of mess. Many threads on how to do it. The CVs haven't changed in 45+ years, common on VWs and A-Kooled cars, old stuff. If you don't have a tool to get front axle nut off, buy one with 3/4" drive + the right socket, don't remember size offhand. Get 2 new nuts while you are at it - P-OEM only. Measure brake rotor thickness, look at the min limit. May have to replace rotors. If replacing rotors, you can think about front 350mm disks (Gyrodisk, 996TT) and use a 12mm spacer to move caliper out + longer TT bolts, There is a drawing diagram of a spacer, simple flat aluminum, machine shop can make a couple for you. Something to think about. Look at coolant rez. Probably Old & yellow, it will probably crack sooner or later. Get official P-version _ P-blue cap, substitutes do NOT work for long. Look at motor mounts, probably sagging by now. Replace with OEM style, do NOT have to be P-parts $$$, pick and choose. Take off front bumper and clean radiators & A/C condensers. Check 2 fans to see if they work. Buy Durametric tool to inspect/discover innards of computers, it can also turn on fans one at a time to test. If needed, just get Amazon resistors to R&R originals, ~$8/pr., need 2 pair. While there, find the emergency frunk release cable and re-route through the face-bar or off to the RF wheel well, someplace that you can find it. Dead battery, no ope trunk, you are stuck. Open with cable, replace battery, If replacing front suspension pcs, beware that there are 2 widths for the "tuning fork" piece, only smaller one fits. Replace long yellow handle dipstick with early 2000 2-band one. Do not fill oil to top level, fill to the middle which is where P measures oil. SERIOUSLY think about getting PorscheTech3 UAOS, (and optional Track Drain), because ANY P-AOS is proven junk, may/will fail, destroys an engine. At home, always park C4S with battery tender. 996 uses power continuous, and will drain battery, parked or not. Make simple connex on RF corner of windshiel, small indent there to hide it, yet pull out at home. Check water drains in frunk and sunroof. Open them up as needed. Use ordinary clothes dryer sheets (sort of fragrant things), 1 sheet laid near battery, keeps mice out, they don't like it. Get Coopduc's oil temp gauge (with matched color numerical reading) put in spare spot of horseshoe or under gauge on dash. He makes choices. Read the owner's manual to learn how to turn off Auto-Rain Sensor and other idiot nannies. Just ordinary stuff. YMMV