First 996 Purchase Help!!!1

Hi, I'm purchasing my first 996 and I have the opportunity to purchase a 1999 996 cab from Jake Raby of flat 6 innovations in Georgia. The engine was torn down and rebuilt by Jake, IMS bearing and clutch along with various other parts. The only problem with the car is that it is pretty well worn compared to other similar year 996 cabs. I know Jake has a awesome reputation, but I need suggestions from you experienced Porsche owners on which way to go. Do I get a rebuilt Porsche from Jake or do I go with a lower mileage nicer cab from another source. My car doesn't need to look pretty, just drive nice. I'm mainly looking for advice on how much problems can I expect on a 996 without the work down to it like Jake did. I'm leaning toward the cab from Jake, but since this is my first purchase want some thoughts to make sure. Thanks.

Based on what you say is important, it sounds like the Raby car is a no brainier.

What's the price compared to other lower milage and/or better condition ones?

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Exactly! Piece of Mind is 99% of the Battle if you don't necessarily care how nice looking it is! & if Jake has done the most important upgrades, what else could you ask for! jmo!

Car needs to be mechanically sound and look pretty. Tons of 996's on the market, so don't buy based on convenience. Personally I'd go for a 3.6 rather than a 3.4.

Depends on the mileage of the cars you are looking at - for example compare a '99 with 80k miles to a raby rebuild at 140k ... Your 80k car may run to 120k or more without any major problems ..but eventually water pumps, alternators, shocks, window regulators , cab top and other expensive items will need replacing The raby car will have better than new engine - but what about transmission and all the other items listed above - does it have a service history ? Raby engine will command a premium - but given all other things equal - it is probably worth paying more for that ....IMHO

If it has a Raby motor in it, buy it. Period. It's not just the IMSB that is addressed, it has had all the known problems addressed and it's been gone over with a fine tooth comb. There aren't many sure things in this world, but as far as 996s go, having Jake's name on your motor is as close as you are going to get.

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You answered your own question within that post don't over think this. Go with your brain you'll regret going with your heart and emotions down the line.

The engine is far and away the MOST important and costly part of the 996 should it fail . JR's engines have a reputation for being "bullet proof" (whatever that means...when was the last time you shot your engine? I digress). Cosmetic stuff you can take care of over time - perhaps even doing some of the work yourself to save some $. Obviously, you're familiar with the two specific cars, so I can't speak to the exact situation, but, the JR motor is a big +... Good luck

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm going with my gut and getting the JR car.

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+996,000 😆

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Wise move grasshopper.

You have two major things going for you. Firstly it is a 99 job. Secondly its from Jake Raby. Buy it. You don't need any further proof of a great car. I have a 99 cab with 75000 on it. What is the mileage and asking price for the car.??????? I value mine at $23500 FIRM but I am not selling.

The engine in this car is NOT my reconstruction, we did a full teardown and repair of the engine following a dealer who misdiagnosed, and mistreated a condition the engine had. The dealer replaced a ton of parts, and charged the prior owner 10K for the wrong work that they did. I then had to disassemble;e it all again and replace a ton more parts to actually address the issue. Some people would call this a "rebuild", but I do not. Its not a big bore, its not a reconstruction, and its not a Raby engine. We correctly repaired it, addressed the IMS and restored function to the car. I explained this to the potential purchaser, the OP here, but it does not appear that I was thorough enough with my description of what was done. I have to be extremely clear as to what any vehicle that we may sell actually is, and this is the reason why I walk on egg shells with each and every transaction that is carried out. One wrong move and I just threw away 23 years of my life.

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Glasshalfull... so is there a secret as to the mileage and asking price of this car????????????????????????????????????????????? Would you care to answer these questions Jake? I feel certain that I am not the only poster who would be interested.

If glasshalfull wants to mention the price he can, until then I will not. He may not want to divulge this, and the car hasn't ever been listed for sale. The chassis has almost exactly 100K miles logged.

Thanks for clearing it up Jake. Didn't want to misrepresent you or the car.

Sorry, won't say the price until after the deal goes through. Will be glad to afterward.

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That definitely changes things from the "bulletproof" perspective, but honestly if your team had their hands on it I trust your integrity enough to be confident that if they had seen any indication of an issue it wouldn't be for sale (or at the very least you would be very clear about it's current state). So even if wasn't one of your built motors, I'd still take one that your team had gone over before another random motor.

deleted, wrong thread.

Funny to see this almost 5 year old thread come back to life. Even funnier that the OP never did "finish" it - at least indicate that he did indeed purchase the car? I'd be interested to see what the outcome was, if the op still has it and if so how it's held up.

OTE=dporto;16370170]Funny to see this almost 5 year old thread come back to life. Even funnier that the OP never did "finish" it - at least indicate that he did indeed purchase the car? I'd be interested to see what the outcome was, if the op still has it and if so how it's held up.[/QUOTE] He hasn't visited since 11/15...?