Idiot newbie question... What is the best "first" 996 to buy??

My first post. I am just starting to research porsches after getting bored from my 1000 hp twin turbo pro touring Chevelle. I would like to move into a Porsche with hopefully the same potential as my Chevelle with some work put into it. I have some basic questions, keep in mind I know nothing about these cars except that I like the way they look. 1) Is the 996 any more advanced then the 911? 2) Of the 996's, does the AWD model have the same drivetrain as the turbo model? Can it handle serious power? 3) How strong are the 6 speed transmissions? Is that the trans to have. 4) What differences are there between the base model motor and the turbo motor internally? Same block, crank, rods? Heads?? 5) As far as engines, is there a "best" year to have? Thanks for any info.

Let's see a pic of that Chevelle! Sounds bad-a$s!

Here you go.. 1) Is the 996 any more advanced then the 911? The 996 is a 911. The 993 (911) came before it and was the last of the "air-cooled". The 997 (911) came after it. The 996 is a great 911!! 2) Of the 996's, does the AWD model have the same drivetrain as the turbo model? Can it handle serious power? The AWD system in the 996 C4 is a variation of the AWD system in the 996TT. It can handle serious power. Some on this board are running the stock transmission and driveline with superchargers. 3) How strong are the 6 speed transmissions? Is that the trans to have. There are only two transmissions offered on the 996. Tiptronic (auto) and the six speed. Both are very robust and have not been problematic. 4) What differences are there between the base model motor and the turbo motor internally? Same block, crank, rods? Heads?? They are entirely different motors. Block, heads, everything. The components are not interchangeable. 5) As far as engines, is there a "best" year to have? The 996 Mk II has a slightly larger motor (3.6 vs 3.4). It offers more hp and more torque at a lower rpm. Additionally, it utilizes variocam plus which varies both valve timing and lift. My advise, buy the latest 911 that you can afford. Good luck!!

I cannot post a pic or link yet, not enough posts. I have a ton of pics. It is this months feature car in Popular Hot Rodding magazine if you want to see the spread. Any info for me??

Thanks for the info. Great info considering I know absolutly nothing right now!! I was hoping the motors were somewhat similar so I could just throw on some turbos and make some big power without having to change motors. Has anyone ever blown up a 3.4 or 3.6 due to overpowering it?

There are many here that are running superchargers with good results. However, if you want to make really big power (based on the power of your Chevelle I'd bet you do) I'd recommend you find a used 996TT. There are guys pushing big hp out of that block.

these sites proved very educational/informative for me: http://www.edmunds.com/porsche/911/review.html http://www.flat-6.net/forum/home.php?do=models http://www.idee.demon.nl/ However, it was this forum that helped me decide to look at MY02-up 996 (was all set to buy a '95 993). And when I return from the sand box, I will be buying one as a homecoming present for myself. Confession: I drooled over the pic of your car....sweet-ness!

Yup...I agree with the TT comment. One thing you are going to have to understand is that the mentality and focus is very different in the 996 crowd compared to other muscle type cars (or fast imports). People don't really care about getting 1,000 HP out of their Porsche and turn it into a straight line machine. thanks, Amir

Welcome! I have taken a couple of people for a ride in my stock 996 Cab that are current and previous owners of American Muscle cars and they were extremely impressed not only with the acceleration, but with the fact that I didn't have to brake when entering or negotiating a turn. They couldn't believe how composed the handling of the car was and how neutral and untaxed the suspension felt during hard cornering. If you get a Porsche you may find the driving experience so enjoyable that you quickly forget about wanting more power as the handling manners and steering feel make the car truly a pleasure to drive. I have motorcycles that are much faster than most any car and 8 years of racing them in hundreds of events so I'm familiar with acceleration and speed. Go for a test ride in one and I think you will agree.

I agree. I have a 2000 C5 Vette, and have put a twin turbo system on it that just screams. As soon as I bought my 996 (just a couple of weeks ago) I began asking questions and researching superchargers, but quickly bagged that idea. It's a clean, pure, fun driving experience as it is.

I just bought my C4S Saturday and I am also a converted high HP weekend racer. This car brings all the elemints of speed together in a very nice neat package. My ONLY mods will be a small front ride heitht adjustment and aftermarket wheels and tires. Even my wife was impressed beyond her expectations.

Nitrorocket, welcome aboard. Your Chevelle looks fantastic. I owned several muscle cars prior to the 996. My 2 cents worth.....the 996 twin turbo is incredible, but it is 4 wheel drive. If you like 2 wheel drive, check out Evolution Motorsports web site. A 996 C-2 (2wd) with their Vortech supercharger should yield low 12 second to high 11 second quarter mile times.

Your happiness and excitement will move from the straight away into the corner. Welcome.

I am not that serious into straight line, I tried that and could only muster up a 10.50 E.T., So I recently went to a road race setup. The car handles extremely well for what it is. I would be happy with a Porsche that would at least go low 11's or high 10's. Maybe I should sell the Chevelle and buy a Turbo 996!!

Not sure what your budget is. For what your looking for, I would recommend either a 2001 to 2004 Turbo or a 2004 GT3.