How many 996 owners work on their cars?

I got up early and washed my 996 & my wife's Boxster then we both went off to meet up with 13 other 911s for breakfast today. It was interesting mix of people, with only a couple of owners who admit to getting a garage to do everything. All the other owners tinker, upgrade and fix there own cars. I was wondering what sort of percentage of 996 owners are like me and are happy to get the spanners out when required.

I do anything that doesn't require a lift or special tools myself. I will perform all the regular maintenance, brakes, suspension, stereo, etc at home. If it requires a lift, dropping the engine, specialty Porsche tools or multiple days disassembled I will take it in. I enjoy the work, but some things are just too much for the tools, space, and patience I have at home.

I started to do small DIY stuff about 6 years ago mainly because of the money I didn't like spending for routine maintenance. I added a heater in the garage along with a lift. I really enjoy fiddling with my car and the best part is that I have saved thousands.

I am definitely a DIY'er. Here is a pic of the Spec Boxster on the home lift and the 996 awaiting its turn...

I do minor DIY projects. I've done brakes, oil changes, window regulator replacement, etc. Major things like clutch replacement are done by my mechanic.

Anything inside is fair game. Anything to do with the drive line is out of the question for me currently. One of these days I'll get a house with a garage and install a lift, then as long as we have two working cars I'll give just about anything a shot.

+1 DIYer, I enjoy wrenching on my own car, therapy for me and I know it is done to my satisfaction. Saving a ton of cash is nice too.

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+1. The simple stuff, yes. Complicated and messy, no.

I do what I can, considering my time and tool requirements. It's one of the perks of ownership.

Mine still a virgin and I just did the 4 year maintenance by a Porsche dealer, having wife, 2 teenagers and a busy schedule, will not allow me to have time to DIY.

Venturing into DIY. The motor mounts were easy. Looking to do brakes next. TC

Simple stuff up through minor transmission work on various cars. If you have a garage, a 4 post lift is about the best $2,000 you'll ever spend. They are incredibly flexible and give you not only the ability to do quite a few repairs you might not otherwise attempt, they also give you the ability to diagnose problems.

So far on the 996 everything up to/including IMSB replacement. Bought a Max-Jax* for IMSB replacement ease. Great lift for folks with small, low overhead, garages. * http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/...FUoS7Aod7mkAPg

I have been doing the simple stuff for the past couple of years; oil changes, brakes, motor mounts. However, in the past I worked so much for the money that I felt I only had time to write the check. I told myself that it was better to pay and have it done right and with verifiable service records rather than to rush into something and perhaps screw it up. Then with no income and lots of time and that I was actually trained in automotive theory and mechanics decades ago, I decided to give it a shot. 20/20 hindsight says I could have done the simple stuff all along.

Any regular work I'm all over myself and diagnosis of codes that might get thrown I sort if possible. This year so far: -coolant tank (easy) -exhaust off for muffler mod and reinstall (easy) -oil and filter change -clean out the rads -mod bumper for 3rd rad -back brake pads -rear license plate light housing r and r -led interior upgrade -diagnose and fix misfire (#1 coil and plug) Almost anybody can do this kind of work as long as you have some experience.

I am comfortable in the routine maintenance world (oil change, brakes, anything else that's accessible) but for repairs I'm more comfortable having my brother work on it since he is a gear head. But for things that really need an expert not to screw things up like IMSB, RMS, etc., I'll go to a specialist and write a check. There was a thread earlier of a guy who tried to do his own IMSB and has to basically give away the car since he screwed it up. I know my limitations and the risks I'm willing to take.

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+1. Motor mounts? Sure. I got that. Replace targa top motors? Here's a signed check. You fill in the number you think is the right amount.

Maintenance, yes... complicated things... sometimes. It's easier when I have a backup Porsche (read 944 - beater).

Unfortunately i have to do my water pump after it spewed coolant all over the place yesterday. Gonna order the part tomorrow and do the work this weekend. I hate when my car is laid up. But stuff like clutch im paying the pros

On the 996, I have repaired/replaced/installed: Water pump * Lube/oil/filter * Ignition switch * GT3 console delete * MAF * Brake pads and rotors * Brake system flush * Cooling system flush * Aftermarket tail lights * AUX input formPorsche stereo * Harness mounting bar (connects @ b pillar seat belt shoulder hard points) * RWD conversion * Under drive pulley * Spin-on filter adapter * WEVO semisolid motor mounts * rear seat deletes * hard wired radar detector w/ rear view mirror mount.

I do most of the serious stuff myself, like painting the calipers and refilling the washer fluid. Actually I'm kinda ashamed I haven't done more, been in transit but me and the girlfriend just bought a house with 3 car garage . Ya hoo

I can't believe how many BC respondents there are in this thread! I did all of mine, except alignment. These cars are wonderful to work on.

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Interesting... can you post a link to the thread? I'm pretty confident in my abilities but haven't done an IMSB - and was planning to soon. I'm curious as to what/how he messed up. Edit: Found it. I'm not worried anymore. Looks like they tried to do it without following a couple pretty basic procedures, like removing the tensioners and locking the cam. Oops. Adding to the thread - yeah, I do just about everything myself. The only thing I don't do is weld. The 996 is relatively new to me but on the old 951s, I did everything from oil changes to the dreaded clutch job (which actually is way easier if you just pull the whole engine!!)

I'll DIY anything that doesn't require removing the engine. Beyond that, I just don't have the space, gear, or time.

I've done most of the maintenance stuff and minor upgrades, but I've had my indie do the heavy lifting (suspension, ISMB, clutch) but unfortunately he passed away very recently. I'm thinking about buying a lift and doing whatever myself. RIP, Harry.

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we just bought a new house and it has a HUGE three car garage...the double wide portion has a fantastic floor to ceiling height, which i think is perfect for a lift. problem (sorta i guess) is that the minister of war and finance said i can have it if i also put in a pool... hmmmmmm

I've had my 2000 Carrera since last December. Bought it with 82K miles. Things I have done in my garage since purchasing the car: Install ROW M030 suspension (sway bars, springs, shocks) Water pump Thermostat Spark plugs and tubes Engine oil and filter Air filters Fuel filter I've taken the car to a shop for alignment. So, I'm pretty much a DIYer. Had a 986 for a while. A few years ago it showed me a code saying something was amiss with the Variocam. I took the car to a shop to deal with that issue.

ignition switch(ouch), oil, magnetic plug, oil & air filters, oil pressure sending unit(ouch), clean radiators, battery, tranny fluid, motor mounts, all done & maintained by myself. water pump & new belt put on by my indy. initial go thru, brakes, all fluids, sump plate, flush, done by the PPI guy. I've kept a Harley running for 14 years for most things, same with this car, however this car can HURT to work on!

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I have a lift and want to do my clutch and IMSB (not because it needs it, more for the crazy hysteria when you try and sell the car). What type of tranny jack did you use to get the tranny out?, I need to get one to add to teh tool collection. Great thing about DIYing is you save money even when you buy the right tools for the job.

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Harbor Freight had what I needed. For the tranny http://www.harborfreight.com/800-lb-...ack-69685.html For the motor http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...730-10041.html Used in tandom it made my life easy.

I do all the work. I think it's about financially impossible. Especially with all the little nagging things that would cost a fortune at the shop but are pretty easy, like adjusting the parking brake or window alignment, or an oil change. Even alternator and water pump weren't so bad.

I also do all of my own work. Besides enjoying wrenching as much as I enjoy driving, I doubt I could own my cars without doing all of my own work.

I do some of it - the easy part that doesn't require more than half a day of work. As soon as it gets more serious I take it to a garage - because of a lack of time. I love working on my P-car and would do everything myself if I had the time to do it.

I do as much as I can.

Also consider a Sir P254 engine support bar. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...yesterday.html

i try to do everything short of items that require VERY expensive special equipment, like alignments...or a total rebuild of some sort (not needed that, just saying wouldn't do it)

Having recently got my first Porsche (lifelong dream) a 2003 C4S, I have been looking forward to working on the car - not had the time since my youth on MG's and Triumph Spitfires in the UK. I have not been disappointed - bought the car with a few (foreseen) issues - so far, replaced Aircon rads and canister, fixed a few little issues, and a major service, including plugs. Difficult on Axle stands, but very satisfying to complete. It looks like now I may have to replace the Cats, but if Im in the mood, I might go for a complete system! Great fun

I do everything I can. I have replaced the IMSB, RMS and clutch on 2 cars in the last 2 months. There are plenty of good threads with pictures for the DIY guys. The hardest part of doing you own work is getting started! Once I'm working on a project, it's hard to stop. Have Fun! Save some money!! You will have a lot more pride in your car when you DIY.

+1 Done successfully: Oil change * 2 Oil filter * 2 Spark plugs Coils Airbag computer device thingy Drop links Break switch Clutch helper spring Todo: 997 Shifter assembly 2 Din Kenwood GPS or iPad mini installation Airduct and radiator cleaning Eveything has been done with basic tools and lots of time. The sparkplugs and coils were fiddly. If I did not have my nice office rat hands I would have had to disassemble the exhaust system

No longer have a 996, but do all work myself.

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^this. My wife sees the things that I do to the car and says "it's a damn good thing you can fix these things because it would be too expensive to maintain at the dealer!" Just replaced the passenger side window regulator this weekend. It was a bit more difficult than I had thought as the Bose speaker assembly in the door is enormous. The video online of the guy replacing the window regulator in an early, low optioned boxer was helpful but I had quite a few more steps. The only thing I had completed by an indy was the IMS bearing and they did the AOS at the same time.

that's funny, my wife says the exact opposite!

yep as much as I can ,,,,,just don,t trust people with my baby................

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I saw ED on Wheeler Dealers use a metal rolling tool box about 3 foot high to remove a tranny on a car. He had help lowering it, but hell it worked great haha.