Awesome new book for 997.1 owners...

It just came out: "Mastering the Porsche 997.1" by Hans Vogel I found it on Amazon. I'm only two chapters in, but I can tell this is the book every conscientious 997.1 owner is looking for. Written in a plain, no-nonsense style by a former Porsche mechanic, it gives all of the quirks and weak points of these cars and describes what we need to do to keep them tip-top. If you're a mechanical nerd like me, you'll find this a very engaging read. Mastering the Porsche 997.1: The Technical Guide to Buying, Bulletproofing, and Navigating the M97's Flaws by Hans Vogel (Author)

Outstanding for you fortunate 997 owners - what wonderful cars they are. My neighbor bought a 42k mile 2006 Carrera S Black over Terracotta beauty a couple of months ago. I am keeping my eyes open 'cause his is very nice and I'm tempted. However, as one who does not want to fool with the mechanical aspects at this point in my life, I tend to be wary. I'd have to farm out all work which is doable but not cheap.

Wow, black over terracotta would be a real stunner! If you want to endear yourself to your neighbor, buy him this book! Don't be a bit afraid of the 997.1, Tim. There is nothing mechanical required of these cars beyond what any car would require such as suspension, brakes, fluid changes, etc. I have discerned that proper start-ups and sane driving when cold and changing the oil every 5k are the keys. And, they are very easy to work on for a DIY guy like me. A pair of Quickjacks and you can do most anything yourself. I have 125k on mine now and have no reason to believe this engine couldn't go another 200k+++ before needing any major engine work. I am planning an engine-out service in a couple of years to do some more involved PM like replacing the AOS, lifters, timing chains and ramps, and a lot of the plastic bits that degrade after 20+ years. That service won't be cheap and I won't be doing that myself, but I've had the car for 7 years now and have never had it to a shop for repairs of any kind, so the expense doesn't concern me too much. I can't imagine a better 911 for me! Take it easy, -Tom.

If you like the book and are getting good info from it, no harm done. That said, it does seem there is a wave of new AI-generated books about most Porsche models -- all purportedly from "Hans Vogel" and many believe it's just a vaguely German-sounding name picked to give these 'books' credibility. They all seem to follow the same pattern of faithfully summarizing the mainstream internet knowledge (with a few bonehead AI mistakes thrown in) about the model covered -- something AI does very well. All perfect text, no pictures, etc. I don't have a problem with AI-generated summaries like this if genuinely useful to folks, but passing it off as coming from a seasoned tech crosses the line if not true, particularly when sold at a premium on that basis. The same name is listed as author for books with identical formats for several Porsches, BMW's and Audis -- Mastering the [insert car name here] with similar all-text summaries of mainstream info on the car (i.e., stuff AI could generate for free in a single session). viewtopic.php?t=5473&hilit=hans+vogel

That is very interesting, Tom, and thanks for the information and the link to that thread. I had not seen that before. So far, the information has been accurate. I have gleaned a lot of information on the 997.1 over the time I have owned it and have studied the issues with it from too many sources to count. I'm only 3 or 4 chapters in, but so far so good. I did just see an egregious editing error though where the section was all about engine mounts and the next paragraph was all about flywheels and pressure plates! It really stood out as quite odd and clearly did not belong there. Now upon inspection, the page inside the cover does say "copyright @ 2026 Hans Vogel", however there is no mention of an editor or even a publisher anywhere. On the very last page it says " Made in the USA, Las Vegas, Nv., 30 September 2026. What is this new world we are living in???

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Tom, regarding the book and Tom's insights about the book from "Hans", it is indeed a new world. Adjusting continues to be a challenge for many of us. I am glad we have Tom spotting and looking out for us! Back to the 997s, thank you for the words of support - I am staying on the lookout! I have come to consider them (997s) among the best 911s ever with their comparative lightness and handling response, wonderful analog features (the dash!), incredible lines, excellent engineering, superb craftsmanship and more. Even though prices continue to increase, they are still reasonably affordable, unlike GT3 Tourings upon which I've had eyes of desire for several years, but whose pricing has gone ballistic for both new and used. Some pics of my neighbor friend's 2006 from the BaT listing. Check out that interior and the gauges! 2006_porsche_911-carrera-s-coupe_terra-49-31520.webp (29.08 KiB) Viewed 139 times terra-109-76608-scaled.webp (36.43 KiB) Viewed 139 times terra-427-78249-scaled.webp (317.96 KiB) Viewed 139 times It's gorgeous the way it was when he got it (as in the pictures above), but he's gone a step further with different wheels as well as suspension and exhaust upgrades. He's driving the car at every opportunity too which is fabulous.