off road 996 ? 959 homage

So I'm wondering if anybody has done or seen a lifted 996 C4? The thing is I've been driving my C4 for most the winter but have had to concede and start driving my jeep because of deep crusty snow So my wish list project is a C4 conversion ala 959 1 or 2" lift and big snow tires, and Aluminium under body. What do you guys think, just dreaming out loud at this point.

Id consider sacrificing a 'salvaged' C4 for the cause. You can pick them up for 6-8k- one that has acceptable body damage.

Vasir that's exactly what I was thinking, strip out the carpets, paint truck bed liner instead.

Drove my C2 off road. It handles it just fine in stock form. Put some rubber spaces into the C4 suspension and it will be a truck. I turned my Acura into a preudo off-roader to go into AZ trails. That is not matte black, it is the rustoleum bedliner paint job. Tires are 215/65/17, and coil spring inserts.

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This!

Kalashnikov thats exactly what I'm thinking. I love the way the C4 handles in the snow withe PSM turned off I just need a little extra clearance and protection underneath to deal with frozen snow.

Well now thinking back. It can't be as simple as that. What's the flex range on a c4? Plus you'd want comfort, not riding on bump stops the whole time- that would drive you mad. You'd have to make some one off parts to lift the c4... But either way, it shouldn't cost TOO much considering. Would be interesting what others have to say.

I'm sure some one has done this already so hopefully others will chime in. The advantage I have is a complete machine shop to play in what I don't have is time lol

Ride quality change was minimal on my acura. With coil spring insert like this one, you are just removing one or two coils from the equation. Ride becomes slightly rougher, but it is not harsh in any way. 911s already have hard suspension, so this should not make much of a difference at all. It is a cheap way of lifting the car with minimal tools and time. When you are done playing around, you can pull out the inserts and you are back to stock. Propert way of lifting is much more intrusive and $$$ consuming.

Sure but when you lift a corner of the acura to change the tire. Just that wheel comes on. Porsche? The whole side does- to be leading to believe the flex isn't there like the acura has. If that makes any sense... I still haven't had my breakfast yet...

I am sure it is possible, probably would want to also go with a much taller tire after you find the right suspension.

I agree, a taller probably narrower tire / rim. The suspension position sensors would need to be re-positioned or have a longer arm attached to maintain the correct relative inputs. Its certainly possible that new suspension mounts might be required to keep suspension travel etc.

I've been wanting to do a off-road/world-travelling/adventure 996 for a while now, someday I'm sure I'll follow that plan....look forward to updates/ideas

As I understand and have seen on YouTube, the front wheels may not buy you anything under most slippery conditions with the C4. What is it, I recall 35% max power to the front wheels? Still, doing a proper lift job, tall wheels, and painting it to the Rothmans scheme seems like a very cool idea. Would love to see that.

^ ya stock C4 VC would have to be replaced with a 'stickier' version, or look at adapting a 997.2 electro-clutch setup with user controlled lock-up

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I'd actually consider 35% of the power to the front wheels as being quite substantial.

Don't forget the rally mud flaps.

The plan is for this to be a budget (relative) so I'll be sticking with the stock 996 set up. That said having been driving my current C4 for the last two Michigan winters the system is perfectly adequate. The only reason I stopped driving it is 12" to 18" of frozen crusty snow was starting to tear things up so until the roads are plowed I driving the Jeep.

35% is perfectly adequate its a blast to drive on snow

911 Safari ? http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/news/...road-911-model http://www.worldcarfans.com/11312266...-beijing-motor http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/por...11-safari.html

who needs 4 wheel drive Amazing OFF ROAD porsche 911- Ocotillo Wells - New Years 2012 - YouTube

How about the Rinspeed Bedouin?

Ugly !! but kinda cool, a hatch back 911

Sounds like a great project. Someone did a replica of the Dakar 911 (technically a 953), while the suspension it very different, they might be able to give you some pointers. I believe that replica was a lifted 964. Also, random thought, but I think the guy who did it owned the Ferris Bueller house! I recall seeing some pics of it in a garage that looked just like Cameron's. I see from your sig that you have a lifted Jeep (no such thing a WY though, I think you mean WJ!), similar principles should apply. I would look at adding spacers in the coils, and installing longer travel shocks. Some modified Jeeps use stock length shocks, which limit the flex. Also, don't forget about CV shaft angles. It it's too steep you'll be asking for breakage. Since you'll only be lifting a small amount most suspension geometry shouldn't change that much. However, remember that you may need to make adjustments with the steering, roll bars etc. to accommodate. Ball joints will likely see accelerated wear. Good luck!

Thanks DK570, and yes my jeep is a WJ (typing never was my strong point lol), it has coil spacers (a lot easier on a solid axle). I agree half shaft angles and length will be a potential issue. This is still just a idea and I will need to find a suitable C4 to modify I want to keep my current car pretty much stock. I'm only thinking 1 to 1.5" lift and skid plates smaller rims and same rolling dia tires probably narrower I will need to look at available rims and winter tire sizes. Certainly a lot of details with suspension geometry possible spacers / adapters or new brackets need to dig into the manual and get the current car on the ramp that may be a while as Gary has a V10 M5 (can't wait to spring to drive that) which is calling it home right now.

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Not snow, but 35% does not help at all... You Tube I'd think the positive lock up of the electronic clutch packs in a 964 C4 would make much more sense. Same technology as the 959. 2003 Carrera 4S Speed Yellow / 1955 356 Continental 1500 Rust Red

That video is really irrelevant to the AWD capability of the 996. Wet grass has same traction as ice. Staring uphill on the ice covered surface on the summer tires has same result in any car regardless of the number of driven wheels. However, you are correct that 996's AWD system is not geared towards low traction/slow speed situations. The system was designed for high speed cornering, to help pull the car through the corners. But, 911 already has a very favorable layout for off-road use. You have most of the weigh sitting on the rear wheels, and that in and of itself gives all 911s great traction. With raised suspension and chunky tires 911 becomes a buggy by default. I know most people don't drive their 996s in adverse weather conditions, but those who do will report that 996 has amazing traction in wet and snowy weather in the stock form. Physics of the RR layout makes 996 a grip and go car in any weather. 996 super rally driving below. Fair weather drivers, do not watch Porsche 996 Rally -- Original sound - YouTube

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has thought of doing this. I live on the outskirts of Phoenix and have been thinking about doing a Porsche rally project too. Lots of opportunity for dirt and off-road fun.

You want to build a Paris-Dakar looking car or a Paris-Dakar competing car?

When we ordered ours there were options (TE?) for SS under carriage plates to cover the gas tank, engine, and diffs. There was also a 4" lift kit too. We had planned to do it at some point so we could freak people out driving it on the beach, but life happened before we did. I started looking again off and on a few years ago, but haven't been able to find the information again As I recall at the time we were ordering there was an article in some Porsche related mag about someone from Hollywood that did all that to their 996 C4 and drove it through the deserts out west. That would have been in the 99-01 time frame.

^If there was a 4" kit, I am getting interested. Thinking if getting a Macan but 996's are much cheaper and it would be cool to have one setup for off-road rally and winter roads. Also was thinking of using a 964 C4 which has a better AWD system for rally then the one in 996's that are geared to performance driving.

The choice of a 996 C4 is based on price availability. As for the off road merits of the 996 awd the idea was to make a car usable in a MI winter my current C4 has not got stuck, but with the lack of plowing its was just doing to much damage to the paint work I now need to replace the air guides under the front bumper. At no point did I have a problem with a lack of traction its entirely ground clearance. The intent isn't a serious offroad paris dakar competitor just a usable fun car, the C4 is just so much fun in the snow and will out drive most 4x4 trucks partly because there mostly driven by idiots What would be really nice is adjustable ride height ala range rover or citroen but thats probably not going to happen

Why not just machine some 1/2"-1" tall spacers and put them between the upper strut mount and body? Then you could fit a bigger tire and gain even more clearance.

Sell the Jeep and the C4. Buy a 06-07 WRX and beat the snot out of it. Use the left over cash to buy a new 911 and you will be right as rain. Wait that's my pipe dream. Food for thought.

White out your thinking like me but I need to get the car on the ramp and understand the suspension travel and implications, I'm thinking on a budget here. imnotracerx not a bad idea but I use the Jeep for towing the boat, camping and off roading so its not going any where and I don't have the cash (don't like car loans) for a new 911

I have this for off road the Porsche is for snow and fun

so here's a pic

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I'll say When the sale of a 996 and Jeep can net enough to get a new 911 (much less a used WRX to go with it) I'll be a very happy person (well, unless it's the Jeep that is doing most of the netting...) If you want a good serious off roader, you don't even have to leave the family. The early 955s had some off road options that made them monsters out there. The newer variants are still pretty capable too, but everything I've read indicates that an early 955 with the disconnectable sway bars is what you want if you are going to do serious off road stuff.

957s with PDCC also offer disconnecting anti roll bars.

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Huh. I must be misremembering then. Isn't there some off-road related difference between the early 955s and later models though?

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955 and 957's are pretty much the same, not sure about 958's didn't they reduce the weight by reducing all the sizes of bolts that hold everything together.

I know this is an old thread, but I try hard to keep posts relivant. Has anyone seen or know of this 2001 article about the new 996 turbo going on an expedition with a 100 series land cruiser? Car was a Yellow 01 turbo. Saw a post on Instagram and wondered if anyone had info. Some cool shots! Instagram

Very relevant as there is a multi page article about a pair of factory off road 996 C4 in Panorama. Video is also on YT

A few years back we planned to build a 996 C4 into a Safari car, and fit it with an R43 for a trip to the Arctic Circle. That got put on hold as the SUMEBore cylinder development became realistic. I'd now like to build an R43 with SUMEBore and make the trip in 2023.

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THAT sounds like an awesome adventure!

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I have the original magazine article for this expedition. It's neat that Porsche did this, but it's not really what they're designed to do. I have to imagine it's pretty hard on the clutch since they're not geared low like a Jeep. Also, it's the little things you don't think of. I had my C4 in the Mojave, and had this problem where every time I would come to a complete stop my frunk latch would release. After this happened 2 or 3 times I was pretty confused. I stopped to investigate, turns out as I had gotten into the car a tiny piece of gravel fell off my shoe and landed in such a way it jammed the release switch up. It must be programmed so the frunk will only release at 0 mph. Removing the tiny stone from the latch fixed it no problem. The point is a real off roader like a Jeep would never have such a design, a problem like this would have certainly been discovered and corrected during validation. Evidently when they did validation on the 996.2 little to none of it was in gravely areas (which is reasonable).

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