996 rebuild project

Hello all, I’m new to the forum and have always appreciated the Porsche brand, I’m not a pro/ mechanic by trade but am very competent working with cars (specialist areas or electronics will have to be outsourced). An opportunity has arisen for my next project - to rebuild a 996 T from the shell upwards over a few years. There’s a purple (does anyone know the paint code) cutaway 996T example in a stuttgart museum which is totally inspiring. I’ve rebuilt from the shell before (Merc) though was able to source its original engine, all suspension hence I achieved an age related plate from the DVLA, not a ‘Q’ reg. This time around the Engine, major parts are gone so I cannot guarantee an age plate. Firstly I’d like to download all options from the VIN - can anyone direct me to a decoder? With regards to engine security, their ECUs - can engines be swapped-in like for like? Or must the engine be programmed to a specific ECU set? I will be new to Porsche but am very keen to absorb. Just wondering what your thoughts are, what am I likely to struggle with sourcing the most?

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Good luck with the rebuild - post some pics so we can see what you are starting with. TT engines are expensive now but if you buy one make sure you get the engine loom and ECU if possible, Someone like Wayne at chipwizzards should be able to disable any ECU locks or blocks. Alternatively there are some plug and play aftermarket options like this: Syvecs Porsche 996 Turbo – S7Plus Plug in ECU – Syvecs Powertrain Control www.syvecs.com Did you get the service book or is there a sticker under the bonnet like this? That will provide details on most options.

Hello, the bonnet is gone I’m afraid, I’ve been given the VIN only and have asked Porsche in Reading to advise. Thanks anyway that’s great to hear we have options regarding electronics. As I’m new, my plan is to get the 996 chassis running back at the standard factory level/ engine outputs - I can see there’s a world of modifications available which is really impressive but not my current goal.

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Is the VIN number still on the chassis too? I'd not put too much time / money into it until you secure an engine & gearbox first otherwise you might end up with a very expensive ornament. Almost complete but damaged case: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/157411780837?mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1 Long block with case repair: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/358534142096?mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1 Full engine from Tip car: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/147342553560?mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Hah thanks yes I’ve seen those listings already and asked them a few questions. I really don’t like the idea of buying from a crashed vehicle because of unknowns. The X50 listing is Canada weren’t very helpful but again that’s an engine option which doesn’t interest me. I believe the VIN is still on the driver door pillar in photos - are the Porsche people in Reading likely to assist here? but I won’t be purchasing until I view the chassis in person…

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They stopped doing COA a little while ago - I think there is a long winded way of still getting one but haven't bothered to look into it. Maybe start here? https://vehicledocumentation.porsche.com/usa Yes buying an engine is a gamble - Steve Strange aka Douglas valley breakers had one for sale a little while ago that was still in the car which would be the ideal option but they like to charge ALL THE MONEY and more. Are you local to Reading?

Ok well I think I’ll visit Porsche and see if they can assist, surely as a potential customer for parts they will help. I’m based in the midlands.

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Maybe try Matt at type911? VIN Look Up - Full Options Of Your Car 1983 on This service will give you the option specs for your car when it left the factory (it does not give interior or exterior colour codes) This will be sent via email, normally in a few hours of ordering. Please note this is for 1983 on cars only and pre 1990 cars have limited information available... type911shop.co.uk

There's so much stuff you'd need to buy , hundreds of little parts and the big parts as well as trying to work out what goes where etc , I think for something like this you'd be better buying a complete car or a write off from Copart etc , at least that way you'd have everything there , engine and gearbox is going to be very expensive for starters. Good luck but I'd have a rethink.

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Or try to find someone who has removed almost everything from their 996tt Thread 'Lightweight Turbo - TCup' 19 May 2026 So, how light can you make a 996 turbo? I've had a 996TT for around a year now and although I enjoyed the power, speed and comfort it always felt a bit heavy and I didn't really like the 4WD side of things either. So I decided to trim some fat, get rid of the 4WD, fit an LSD and turn it into a track rat instead. A few pics & details of where I'm up to.... 2004 X50 996 turbo with following mods: Exhaust Kline 200 cell exhaust Intercoolers DO88 intercoolers Turbos K24 standard turbos Tune 9E tune (540 bhp) FPR 5 bar press reg Wastegate 1 bar actuators Clutch... jev911uk Replies: 46 Forum: Porsche 911 996 (1997-2005)

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Thanks my very first thoughts were the major components! There’s something about German cars from this era, they really were masterful in their approach in my opinion. The cars don’t wear Mascara for a start. I hear the Mezger flat 6 engine is a legendary design from the GT1! I’d like to disassemble it and check everything out. But anyhow once the chassis is mine it’s mine. I have time to decide how to proceed, you’re correct regarding other parts, but there seems to be lots of available breakers, however I would need diagrams like my last project. What about the going rates for parts currently - I know vehicle sales are flat and I’ll be honest I expected spares to be much more than what I’m seeing on the bay for example.

I'm all for projects and DIY, but this is going to be a nightmare if the shell is bare, it's going to cost much more than you think, i wish you the best of luck with it but if you cant do the wiring yourself either i'd reconsider. sorry i don't like to be negative. You'll need a donor car really.

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Hi, I’m aware of costs or I wouldn’t have considered it. I’m more concerned about what I might not be able to source or get to function. When you say wiring what exactly are you referring to…?

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Sorry I should add it’s not a completely stripped shell, I can see many looms/plugs cooling or A/C pipework on the tunnel, a dash unit, heat shields…my immediate concern is getting the engine from a trusted source…

What an ambitious project What’s the story with the shell?