New to group-Just Bought 996 - have ???

Hi All. I'm located near Rochester NY, just bought 1999, 996, 38k miles, history unknown. Is there anyone in the area that has a Porsche diagnostic tool they would let me rent for a day or two? I would be glad to give a deposit. Trying to determine my next steps with the car. If all looks good with diagnostics I will do the RMS/IMS and by default a clutch. Trying to keep expenses low where I can but don't want to drive it anywhere until I know what I will do with it. Everything I could check I did before buying but it was going to sell fast so the usual PPI wasn't an option. Oil gage, sound of the motor, clutch feel, underside all looked good but I know it's still all a gamble. So anyone that can assist as I decide what to do next please chime in. Thanks to all for reading! Mike

Mike-you may want to consider buying an enthusiast's version Durametric. It will give you data on previous over revs, cam deviation and any stored codes. Also buy the Bentley and the "996 Maintenance and OBD II Manual" These are must-have resources for a 996 owner. These are wonderful cars for the money, but you gotta stay on top of things-information is key.

Above member beat me to the punch. A Bentley is key to have and will be an invaluable resource. The durametric will also be extremely helpful for current and future diagnosing. Let us know if you have any other questions and welcome to the forum! Bentley 996 Book 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 (996 and 997, 1998-2008) Durametric Scan Tool

inaminit and Dmitry, thanks for the responses. Both very helpful responses. I believe I am going to trailer the car to the Porsche dealer tomorrow and have them give me a DME reading as I also need the radio code and not sure Durametric can tell me that. Bentley. agreed and will do. For certain I will own a Durametric but costs here at the beginning of this adventure are racking up so looking to reduce costs where possible. I believe my plan is to remove the tranny myself and take the car to Porsche to have them install the LN E. ceramic dual row. Then I will do the clutch and reassemble. Can anyone let me know if standard, I believe 23 or 24 inch jack stands leaves enough room to disconnect and remove the tranny? Thanks, Mike

Mike, don't do that. There are several good indy shops in the Rochester area. I'm in Pittsford and can recommend a place to go. You can't very well remove the trans and then move the car. There won't be anything to hold the engine up except the two rear mounts. It cannot be left unsupported. My rec is to call Mark Eksten at Eksten's Auto on Bennington Ave in the city. They're the best indy shop at the best price. PCA members get a discount too. After that, you need to hook up with the Niagara PCA club and meet some people to learn about the car. PM me if you want to talk off line. Tony

R&R the engine or tranny on these cars isn't for the feint of heart. Not saying you can't do it but it is pretty involved. Shop time is something like 14hrs.

Congrats on the 996! Agree w all the above (esp Niagara PCA group). I met a bunch of these guys at few weeks back at a Glen HPDE and they are great (I am from New Jersey PCA). I bought a similar 996 last year - 1999, 40k miles, but IMS had been done already. Here's what you may be in for with the 20 year old 996: - new coolant reservoir - they tend to split/crack moreso than usual on these models, as I am led to believe. Just had mine replaced - ignition lock - gets a little stubborn/sticky over time - had mine replaced - bushings for horn on steering wheel frame get compressed and lose their expansion ability - resulting in constant contact for horn which wont stop honking. i only learned this when i noticed an empty fuse socket, and the horn went off as i inserted fuse. - new plugs, new coils - new brake pads all around (especially if you are going to track it) apologies if this is all common knowledge, and you may or may not have these in your 996 thankfully i have been doing oil/filter changes on my own cheers