sirhodjibob

Hello Rennlist,

I just picked up a 99 Carrera and wanted to start a build thread to document maintenance and modifications. This is my first Porsche so I will be leaning heavily on you all for feedback and advice. Love all the parts suppliers available and certainly no shortage of ways to spend some coin personalizing. I also own a 99 BMW M3 (build thread on Bimmerforums) which is nearing completion in terms of its restoration. I had previously owned a Z4M Roadster and was looking to pickup a Coupe, but when I came across this 996 in my personal perfect spec I could not pass it up. I purchased it last week from Midwestern Auto Group in Columbus and drove 400 miles back to home without a hitch, although I probably lost some hearing.

It's an early 996 build so cable throttle, no traction control, and no onboard computer. Literally the only 2 options is the factory aero kit and Sport Design II wheels. Previous owner installed a Beluga Racing muffler bypass (LOUD), H&R springs, wheel spacers, Function First shifter, GT3 front spoiler, GT3 rear seat delete, and GT3 center console delete. It is an absolute blast to drive. I know I will need to take care of the usual 996 foibles but fortunately it's spent its entire life in the garage so the interior, paint, and trim all are in great shape.

First plans of course is to get the maintenance all up to date. Definitely would appreciate input here- on my E36 M3 everything rubber/plastic was perished and needed to be replaced, but my 996 seems to have held up much better from what I can tell so far. Here is what has been done so far that I know of within the last 2 years:
-window regulator
-crankshaft sensor
-clutch save cylinder
-refinished headlights w/ new gaskets
-spark plugs
-"upgraded" coilpacks
-fuel pressure solenoid
-fuel pump
-battery & battery cables
-fresh Mobil 1 0W-40 oil change courtesy of the selling dealer

Here's what I got on the docket for this weekend:
-transmission fluid change with OEM 75W-90 fluid, new OEM drain plugs & washers
-replacing the missing fender liner clips
-brake fluid flush with Motul 660
-take wheels off and get car up on my QuickJacks for inspection, go from there

Going to take my time with this one as it's in pretty great shape as is and won't see too many miles. Anything worth doing on the car is worth overdoing. Once I address anything immediate, will be looking at doing the following
-replacing entire cooling system (all hoses, radiator, water pump, t stat, etc).
-engine and transmission mounts
-go through any rubber in the suspension, control arms
-brake lines
-UAOS, clutch, and IMS solution at some point
-tires have good tread but 2017 date codes

As far as mods go- this is going to be a fun street car only. I like it to be capable of doing a track day but don't think I will track this one. Thinking of adding Ohlins R&T coilovers, BBS E88 wheels, a nice intake and calling it a day. Not sure if any other suspension changes would be needed. I generally like to stick with rubber bushings over poly. Anyways, I'm getting too far ahead, here are some pictures!

SleepyCyclist

Congrats! Love the aerokit 996s. Hows the interior?

Sounds like you have a well thought out maintenance plan.

Look forward to following along.

EVOMMM

HaHa the same thing happened to me last year surfing the web for E30 M3 and this popped up

now she looks like it should for me

good luck love your cars specs enjoy the ride

TheChunkNorris

Wow that's a solid car to start building on. Congrats and good luck.

dporto

Congrats on the acquisition! She’s a beauty… the only thing I see on your want list that I would jettison is the intake - if anything, get a stock 3.6 or 3.8 air box with a good quality hi flow filter…

GC996

Welcome to the 996 club. Car looks fantastic. It is great to see that you have done your homework and are planning the right preventative procedures to bullet proof the car. The 996 is really an exceptional classic. Enjoy.

barbancourt

Counterpoint: My car came with K&N intake. Reading the forum opinions, I swapped it out for a stock air box. Did not like it so all. It lost that beautifully intoxicating intake sound, especially at WOT. My butt dyno also felt a noticeable loss of power. I understand it may be placebo effect, but it definitely felt that way to me. I put the K&N back on after about a week of my experiment and never looked back. In fact, I’ve considered getting a Fabspeed carbon fiber intake as an upgrade. Will never go back to stock.

sirhodjibob

Was looking at the Evoms or fabspeed intake....more for noise reasons than performance to be totally honest. After having the carbon airbox on my roadster I must have induction sound!

EVOMMM

I love my carbon box and just bought the IPD plenum to go in next

philbert996

Congrats!!
I’d add replacing the AOS and fuel injectors to the list.

sirhodjibob

Got AOS on the list for sure but we have to proactively replace injectors too? Good grief, I'll add it to the list.

sirhodjibob

Got the car up in the air and as expected learned a lot. Think I can start putting together a big parts order.



Here's what I found:
-Front rotors/pads look to be new but I am guessing rears are original and will need to be replaced.
-Slight seepage from valve cover gaskets and rear main seal. Not leaving any drips on my garage yet so that's good.
-No play in tie rod ends, suspension components, wheel bearings as far as I can tell
-Not really surprising but just about everything except mentioned in the first post is original
-Need to replace rear decklid and frunk struts
-Coolant looks pretty old. Brake fluid and power steering fluid look pretty fresh





Gave the wheel wells and underside a pressure wash and scrub. Always fun watching 23 years of grime just fall away.



Also- any of you got a part number for this hose? It is basically disintegrating. Is that part of the air injection system?

GC996

Yep, new fuel injectors especially if they are originals to help mitigate one of the causes of bore scoring, as well as do yourself a favor and go with the UAOS track version. It will solve for alot of problems as well as mitigate risk if you accidentally overfill your oil since it can handle an extra quart of oil over full.

You mentioned that the car is running alot of original parts that are over 20 years old. Rubber and plastic bits deteriorate so don't be surprised what you find. imho, you want to get all of the engine stuff done first to bullet proof your engine. After all, no engine, no fun.

roadblock

The 99 - 996 was a fun project, I did everything
Suspension, IMS, clutch, motor/ trans new mounts- get the repair manual

EVOMMM

The leak might be just a bolt not torqued to spec
if your going to do the “solution “ order a clutch kit RMS and all the rubber hoses you can