New 996 owner (again)

Hi Guys, Very happy owner of this Carrera 2 996: VERY much in love with the Porsche Sports Exhaust (just rude!), impressed to hell by M030 Sports suspension, PSM backup always welcome, bonus GT3 bodykit and she even has my favourite "carrera" wheels. Perfect spec. for me. Not my first 996; I had a Turbo back in 04 - you may see the resemblance? That car was too fast, too frustrating (everyone in the way) but I'm glad I did it. Actually prefer the Carrera.....the steering is sublime and the noise fantastic. The Turbo's Carbon interior was worth almost as much as I paid for the Carrera......[8|]. You got to love depreciation. Anyway, look forward to sharing good gen. with you all, Cheers, Russ

Its the spoiler. Bought a 4S last year with a similar spoiler. Didn't really like the normal 996 until I saw mine I think it makes the car stand out Know lots of you will disagree but couldn't care Here pictured with VeRA the Canadian Lancaster at Coninsgsby in September and in Skye last May

Welcome Nice choice C2s are definitely the best in terms of feel, and you cannot beat a sports exhaust. Enjoy

I agree with you both, Richard and Andy. Cheers, Russ

Just had to get the dreaded hairline-crack-in-coolant-tank fixed today (plus new front disks and pads as inside faces rusted/grooved). Tank took hours to get out. One of the coolant pipes also disintegrated in the mechanic's hands (and coolant into his face!!). I only saw a couple of small specks of green water under the left exhaust and took it straight to my specialist. If that pipe or tank had failed, likely would have killed the engine......[ ] All good now and the love-affair goes happily on. So if you see any drips of coloured fluid (coolant can be green, red or blue usually), don't delay; get it fixed immediately . HTH, Russ

I love my turbo but I still miss my '99 3.4 Carrera. It always felt much lighter on its feet and the noise from the Oettle modified exhaust was out of this world. The steering feel was so delicate that the turbo cannot match.

Spot on, Minny.

This is an interesting thread about 996 performance - I've often wondered if they detuned the 3.6's, because on paper they're not as quick as the 3.4. Ok, maybe a bit more grunt mid range, but my 3.4 is quick in straight line. It was a huge step up in performance when they came out - sub 5 seconds to 60 is an impressive trick even now. 17 years later. In fact I'd ask the question that in terms of bang for buck, was it not the best performing C2 ever? Certainly the biggest step up between type revisions? And also I believe up to 20 seconds quicker round Nurburgring to its predecessor (mind you I've heard that claimed for the 997 as well!). Shame paranoia over IMS issues plagued the 3.4 Engine - otherwise I think it would have been recognised as one of the best ever - in fact it may yet be. I'm a fan!

Interesting one. However, I'm pretty sure mine's got more-than-standard shove (might have been tuned); my mechanics are big 996 fans and say this one is a chunk quicker than their 3.4 now. So maybe they did de-tune them? I also love the fact that a 996.1 has a 50%-stiffer body shell than a 993. The Series II is 25% stiffer again.....so not exactly made out of biscuit tins. I'm a big fan, too. Performance bargain of the decade (and I'm seeing lots of them being driven, unlike the older cars, which are too "precious"). Russ

Are we talking Turbo or normally aspirated 3.4 here. I love my 3.4 but is it really quicker than a 3.6 Fuel consumption down, I believe. Who are your guys who love the 996 JagT Hamster[:-] Seem to get a whole load of 'Specialists' who just cannot tell me a noise I get when accelerating slowly (C4 Auto). The dealer (non Porsche) who sold it to me had the whole front end checked and a new fitted Then had the gearbox stripped and re built with new clutch bands fitted and the Torque convertor rebuilt. Must gave spent 4.5 grand but its come back. There must be someone who will say Oh that's so and so

Best of luck with trying to sort that noise out Richard. With regards to performance FYI the first 996 3.4 C2 road test by autocar, was on 1st Oct 1997 and they posted times of, 0-60 4.6. 0-100 10.5 and qtr mile of 13.0. the 3.6 is approx. 85 Kg heavier. the Cab and C4 heavier still. The early 996s had a higher final drive of 3.65 compared with 3.44 from 2000 onwards. Just posted for peoples interest

You may have noticed that my son,Nick has recently acquired an early 996 3.4 with the cable throttle-1978 model I believe-a cautious purchase after 2 964's & 944T. Comes with extensive Hartech history which after a £200 inspection,has been accepted back onto their scheme-he was debating whether to or not -& decided in favour(particularly after they found a failing oil/air separator which they agreed to replace within the scheme with Nick paying for the part). He says it goes well-not had a ride in it yet-but no bore scoring etc & at 131K miles maybe won't get any,although it's had top overhaul,suspension replaced (MO30) ,etc,etc.

opps [ ] Colin Looks like your son has a good buy there, wonder how he finds it after the 964s?

Another senior moment-sorry-of course 1998 model.Nick hasn't had a 964 C2 for a few years-the last 964(shown on his avator),we picked up from RPM as a bit of a project car but it already had had KW3 suspension fitted &Nick had a full top engine rebuild with RS flywheel & clutch at Unit 11 up here-and it was pretty quick & fairly raw being track focussed. Already he has had 2 steering balljoints & both engine mounts replaced with full geometry at the same time(despite a service at Hartech this last Feb by the previous owner)-maybe why Hartech did the AOS but otherwise it had already had the full suspension refresh,radiators,alternator,starter motor etc & was very clean underneath-even checked the water tubes as they can corrode badly at the joints but I think this applies more to the later cars when Porsche changed from simple jubilee clips to those special unions. With new mounts ,& especially the geometry done,he says it drives really smoothly ,no vibrations or knocking noises & really accelerates rapidly but is for now getting used to it before extending its capabilities.Overall,it's in excellent condition -the interior is "used " but not spoilt,external paintwork is very good- just needs the 2 piece wheels refurbed eventually -but they are OK for now. So I think he is well pleased with his 1st kettle & only time will tell. I doubt he will be thrashing it -driving it enthusiastically-but reserving his Eunos (lowered almost to the ground )for our next excursion together at Curborough on 5th June.[ ]

Nice to have a bit of father & son fun play time. I'm sure you'll have great event. Enjoy Andy

Hi Richard, I use Jeff Moore's Garage, Exeter. Whereabouts are you? Maybe some guys can help with recommendations? Russ

Andy,we try,we try. 2 years ago we shared my track day 924S at the 1st Anglesey PCGB -a great day as it was good for me to see the car on the track from the spectators position--last August we both went to the Donnington Supporters track day-so could chase each other,& we have had numerous Curborough sprint events where we can swap cars -this is R13's event -I always go-a really great day for £35 inc food/drinks all day. Our other more local favourite but rather more challenging is Oulton Park-mixing it with the big boys.