996 'must have' mods

New owner, 2004 911 40th AE Been reading with great interest about this car, the 911 was always the goal for me, happened a bit sooner than I had planned. The styling is just perfect, but I'd like to bulletproof the car, from the engine out. IMS and RMS seem perfectly logical, no problem there. Fister exhausts, been meaning to inquire. Love the sound, what should one expect for performance? Upgrade the clutch and possibly a 997 shift mechanism, nothing drastic just a shorter throw and a more solid feel. Any clutch recommendations? I'd like to do the above 3 in the spring, before 30,000 miles Delighted that I was able to acquire this car as I stated before I think the styling is just perfect, elegant. I used the 'search' feature and got the phone book, so your input really means a lot. Excellent forum btw, a 'like' feature would be welcome.

Performance from a small exhaust by-pass pipe? It sounds much better, but realistically don't expect any performance increase at all. You'll get a small boost by removing the cats or going to a straight pipe - but that should be reserved for a track machine. Is the clutch slipping? If not then just drive the car. Porsche put a clutch in that can easily handle the power, so there isn't much advantage of changing it out. If it is slipping I run a Spec clutch - it's fine. With 30k miles I'd assume you have plenty of life left.

Installing PSS9 or PSS10 bilstien coilovers and H&R sway bars really brings out the handling sparkle.

Personally, I'd keep the 40AE as stock as possible.

Suspension is a must. PSS9 is a great street/track day compromise. I came from a sport BMW and nearly cried on the way home after I traded my car.

i bought bilstein sport shocks with H&R 1" drop springs (GREAT COMBO) and for all the parts was only 1100 shopping online. Alot less than coilovers and maybe not perfectly as good, pretty freaking good for road use not as harsh. I suggest this setup. I have a c4 and the install is super easy. Took me 30 mins a shock/spring on the rears and a tad longer on the fronts due to the differential but still really easy....totally easy garage project. Just get an alignment. I also did the hemholz box removal mod on the intake, bought a new intake smooth silicone pipe on ebay for 22 bucks, replacing the OEM one and plugged the hole with a twist stop. Works perfect, improved the growl of the engine. factory air filter. This is the exact same combo the fabspeed intake kit they sell for like 200....i paid 26 total... Fister exhaust mod is a must have i haven't done short shifter but people swear by it... honestly there aren't many true performance mods you can do easily on these engines for value that net HP. i suggest you do some suspension things and look/sound/feel things and keep it there. IF you want HP and torque, sell it and find a turbo....cuz honestly you can spend more modding your 996 for little gains than if you just bought the turbo.

A set of coilovers and some noise makers (fabspeed intake and super cup mufflers)... I also went with some wheels as the super shiny 40th wheels aren't my cup of tea... I love my 40th

Go with the clutch that's in there, seriously. Spend the money you saved on a new water pump (known issue in these cars) and put the rest aside -- you're going to need after you get on this slippery slope :-) Are you planning to track it?

Are you planning to track it? Considering it. I have to work my way thru these mods. The RMS & IMS should be a given as it alleviates the fear, I'm feeling my thru the clutch issue. The 997 shift mech would make a good car....better. It just seems to make sense that doing those mods while it's up in the air and then moving on to other items, perhaps suspension and the exhaust.

Every car I've driven with PSS9s I've disliked (993 and 997). The OEM suspension on a 996 feels better than PSS9s IMO. If you'd like coilovers, maybe consider KWv3s or Ohlins Road and track. I haven't tried the Ohlins myself but have experience with KWv3s on various cars (non P car) and think they are great for track and street alike. Enjoy your car!

I have a 40 AE and I've had it since new and love it so congrats! I changed the suspension at 8 years to RoW m030 from sunsport. I felt ok changing to this as it was the standard install in Europe so its in keeping. It lowers the car and rides great and only cost $1100 + fitting. I also did the fabspeed x-pipe 200 cell cats and a fabspeed intake for noise. I also have a track 996 but the 40 AE sounds amazing on full song!

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-upgrades.html

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If/when you get into it it'll probably be a matter of time before you have AOS issues (esp if you run R comp tires). If/when that happens consider upgrading to a Porsche Motorsport AOS. The stock 996 unit is poorly engineered and fails often. Don't replace OEM unit with the same thing -- won't work for long if you're on track frequently.

Driver's School. It is very hard for the avg guy to try to wring out 9/10-10/10 out of a car like this without getting into the weeds IMO.

See my signature

Coilovers really make the car much more enjoyable to drive.

I have done most of the things you asked about - excluding intake and short shift: Standard Maintenance AOS, Oil Pressure Sending Unit, IMS Solution, RMS, Clutch, throwout bearing, water pump, tires, brakes, Oil changes (every 5k miles), fluid flushes (tranny, brake, coolant) Fun stuff PSS10 Coilovers - love the change in the car's feel Fister D mod - BEST mod ever Pedals - sport anodized (black) Head unit Carpets Lots of polish, wax, clay bar, wheel cleaner - etc. (It's gotta be clean - makes it run better)

I totally agree with all the suspension mods, there is definitely room for improvement. While the car doesn't lose track, it feels like it could get away at 80-85 on some ramps. Ordered a Valentine-1, as I find my self constantly 12 over. I'm convinced about the 997 / or other shift mech, have to test one. Bordering on insanity with 3 vehicles right now, 2nd time this year.