"Factory?" Aero mod

So, as I learn bit by bit about the various models, and options, I can't find a lot of info on this aero deal. I know there are aftermarket aero kits on ebay but some cars are touting a "factory" aero mod. Does anyone know the option code for this if it really does exist? From what I can tell, it's a different nose piece, rocker panels, wing/spoiler, and the little ventrals on the lower rear bumper surround. Am I missing any of the bits? What benefits other that looking a bit more gaudy? Is it lower C/d? Different fuel economy? Better grip(I assume)? I found one for sale that isn't black or silver which I will not own, so I'm getting more interested but need to figure out this aero deal.

I don't know the specifics of the taco spoiler - the correct wing for the MKI 996 aero package - but the MKII/GT3 wing on my 996 is adjustable with shims so you can customize the downforce created by the wing. Going from no shims to 8 degrees of shim on the wing significantly increased how well the rear end stays connected when cornering at higher speeds. So, at least one of the aero components available for the 996 is for both form AND function.

Gaudy? Ouch. Factory code is XAA. Some cars do not have the wing. On Mark I's, the wing is called a "taco" wing for obvious reasons. Most cars do not have the little ventrals (called "GT Trim"). Look here for more info: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...mk1-aeros.html Most people consider the Mk I Aeros to be more attractive than the non-Aero cars, so I suppose it is mostly for appearance. However, the general consensus is that the Aero bits really transform the look and enhance the basic design of the narrow body cars.

Yes code is XAA its basically the best option they had(ve) for Mk1 &2 cars IMO. I also quite like it on 997's but do not know the option code for those.

Mk1 front bumper and rear wing do keep the car more planted and less "floaty" at higher speeds. The rear mk1 taco spoiler is adjustable for rake and doesn't require shims like mk2 wing.

All the parts work together at higher speeds...say 100 mph +. The MK1 taco is adjustable at least for the factory Aero. There are several knock off kits that cannot be adjusted. The option code is XAA. This picture is from my option sticker.

Pete, are you sure that's the right code? I was expecting something else...

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Ha! The "codes" are on my home laptop

Outstanding. Where might one find the option sticker on the 99 996? Meh, I'll do a search.

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Under the frunk. I found a pic of a whole bunch of frunks.

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Those don't look like factory Aeros , definitely after market

Yeah, those are nice options but a couple of them are clearly 'aftermarket'. So, back to this car I found. It's one of those factory, but not factory optioned cars. I guess dealer installed. It does not have the XAA option code, but, but, but - when we look at the engine cover, the embossed 996.512.901.00 PN and "Made in France" info is there, which would indicate this was modded with the factory bits. Thusly, a non-factory, factory aero car. According to the seller, the car was bought 'off the lot' and not ordered which I find suspect, but I guess stranger things have happened. So, I came up with this scenario; Guy hits lotto, or gets a big commission check, goes to Porsche, sees shiny bauble, buys it and drives off. Few weeks go by and he sees one with aero and thinks 'hey! I want those gewgaws too!', drives back to Porsche and says; 'gimme the aero kit'. Of course, Porsche is happy to oblige and further drains the wallet with the aero bits. Viola! Aero car.

I'll be doing that to a 997S in a few months. I can purchase the kit (Suncoast) and have my friendly auto body shop paint and mount.

I have read that at 90mph or so the front tends to feel a bit light and that the Aero-kit makes that go away. I can say that mine feels firmly planted at 90+

XAA is for the Aerokit, XAD is for the rear bumper flappy things. XRL, I think, is for the rims that go with the Aero car.

Here is the Aero I just bought... or did I...?

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Whoa. I looked up the cost of the kit, plus paint and mount. Too rich for an early 996.

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Pur-tee. I won't have black or silver. Really limits my choices.

There is a Blue aero with brown leather for sale in Miami...

Listed somewhere on their page... http://www.vertexauto.com/cars-for-sale.aspx

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hmmmm.. Looks like half an aero kit. The front bumper doesn't look aero, and missing the ventral strakes behind the rear wheel arch. <edit; it does have the right code, but I guess the little 'gt trim' bits don't come with the standard XAA aero option. You would think it would have the right front bumper cover.>

i'd argue that the sport design wheels look best with the aero kit as it would look closest to the 99-01 gt3. 3.6 versus our 3.4

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Whom would you be arguing with? They look nice.

There is also a 1999 C4 factory Aero kit for sale on Craigslist in Boston, Silver on Black. If anyone is looking. And a black 996 with an aftermarket kit on it, in Texas, for sale.

There are a number of cars out there with dealer installed parts from the aerokit. For some reason, they liked putting on the sideskirts and nothing else (because they were the cheapest part?) My car is factory aero XAA, but with the wing deleted. Aside from the previously mentioned lack of adjustability for aftermarket wings, the factory ABS parts fit better and are more durable, IMHO. One note: on manual cars, which didn't get a center rad, the front valence is not cut out and looks really dumb on light colored cars. Before I picked up a center rad, I had considered cutting out some black vinyl to stick in there. I have seen some cars with it blacked out and wondered if there isn't some kind of factory insert to fix this detail.

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I don't know if there is a factory insert available or not, but I think I'm just going to paint mine black.

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Wow. Beautiful car.

I dunno, it has that lean......

I see what you did there.

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Yeah, if it's got a lean condition, aught to have your Motronic codes pulled. tishhhhhhhhh-bang!

On the 2004 Order guide, full aero kit was XAA (front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler), but you could also order just the rear spoiler with XAG. IMHO it is primarily a cosmetic mod... If you want to improve high speed stability and handling, sport suspension and/or aftermarket springs/coilovers with a bit of lowering will have far more impact.

2000 996 with 20k, full aero kit, and looks mighty nice in ocean metallic blue.

Lean? I'm new here...

Jokes aren't funny if they need to be explained. Back to aero info. Or new aero info.

OK, 996 gurus - here is the challenge. Dissect these two cars, and advise or consent. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...58059310&Log=0 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...73580927&Log=0 And no buying them before I do! heheheheeee

MBA your cracking me up...lien holder thread I think the first car (red) is OEM aero XAA with 997 turbo wheels (probably reps) pricing seems out of line, well asking price, TIP and those miles (although not super high, with a tip it is). I'd offer 15k and walk at anything over 16...I really dislike tip. The "canary yellow" I think he means Speed Yellow is a great color, but probably not a OEM XAA car, just because the rear bumper and front bumper are after market, leading me to believe the wing is as well...kind of a 996C4S/Turbo wanna be with a taco... not my cup of tea, but love the color.

Ha. Lean. That's funny.

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So, the first car is the one that started this thread. It is not an option XAA car, but the bits are all factory. So, I suspect it was dealer after the sale. I like the tip, but as far as valuation it likely lowers it compared to the manual. My SO could drive it, but not a manual. The yellow car, is also not factory, and I think it's aftermarket. Like the color but don't care for the rest of the car. It's also a manual, so that's a negative to me. I think the red car is worth all of $16k. No way they are taking less than $18k I'm betting.

I would say option XAA adds between $4,000 and $5,000 to a Mk I's value. I think the red car is worth around $17,500.

I have been reliably informed that the yellow car is sold. So, it's down to the red, or the red. Or, bag the aero option and go for the cabrio. I found this which has much lower miles, and new engine and a ceramic IMS bearing already. Wonder how one checks for the engine replacement on a dealer car? If it has paperwork, that would help. http://www.luxeauto.com/inventory_detail.cfm?InvId=2146

Doc - there is a nice looking dark blue on tan Aero for sale in Miami... Factory aerokit. http://www.vertexauto.com/cars-for-sale.aspx (about 3 cars down on the list)

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Saw it. Manual shift. More money. not a fan of east coast cars. Looks tasty, and has the bearing upgrade. I guess my wife can just ride along.

The Cab looks clean and well cared for. You should go for it, if it is what you want. Personally I would not buy a cab unless it was basically free lol, just not my cup of tea, would buy a Boxster though. Don't let that dissuade you though, just my .02

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That is not a Factory Aero. The front bumper is wrong.

Hi Pete, The code on that Blue aero in Miami, from what I could see on the options sticker, looked like "XRA" - but might of been "XAA" and the "R" looked like an "A". Unless there IS an XRA code, which is Aero without the aero front bumper? Or maybe the bumper was hit and owner changed to a regular one.

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XRA is the 17" wheels. I think that's an XAA on the option list. Good catch on the front bumper. <edit; it does look like XRA, which would be the wheels. Means another non factory aero, minus the front bumper. >

a photo of my CAbriolet, TIPtronic, "GAUDY" full aero (not XAA but a/m by Techart), on 19s 996...I think I have most of what purists hate in a Porsche

That car looks awesome, but we're gonna have to burn you at a stake.

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Yeah, that's far too bling. You really should give it to me and let me worry about the fashizzle problems.

Hi everyone, from cloudy Somerset in the UK. I'm new here but not new to Porsche, having had about six or seven 911's over the past 20 or so years and having raced and sprinted both 911s and a 924. I recently bought my eighth after a few years without one. It's a 996.1 which has a few factory mods, including sports suspension and partial Mk1 aero kit. I've just sourced a Mk1 rear wing (taco) which I'll be adding this month. I'll post pics once it's done. But my main question is, I came to this thread, prior to joining as a 15 (or more) page thread but since I've joined, it's now just 4 pages long and the most recent post I can see is from sometime in 2014. Is that because I'm a free member, or have they changed threads on me ? It seems odd that I can't read the most recent posts. Any help would be appreciated.

Temple Looks like same dates to me I think the 996 Aero is one of the best looking P-cars.

OK thanks. It's still strange that the thread I was looking at had 15 pages and this was has 4 and the previous post to mine is from 2014, whereas the thread I was looking at had posts from 2015. No matter. I agree, though I do lust after the current GT3 RS. I'll just have to start saving....

Nope, just the four pages. I started this thread searching for info on the aero option. BTW, have since bought a 99 Mk1 with sport options and yes - aero look! You can search for my threads, and find some info on my red threat car.

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Agreed, I love those wheels!