fpena944

I've been contemplating upgrading my car to a 996 Turbo for the last couple of months because I knew I had a series of expensive repairs coming up for my car.

Before going through with it though I decided to get an estimate on a few issues I've been having when I was on vacation in Italy for all of last week. I left the car at the dealership because it was convenient and they had just sent me a 15% off coupon.

I received an email from the mechanic and things were just as bad as I thought so I had to make a quick decision. As we were on one of the high speed trains literally flying through Tuscany my wife and I talked and she gave me the freedom to choose. In this case I chose the path that made financial sense instead of the emotional one. I decided to put the money into my car to make it last another 100k+ miles.

So I just picked her up today and here is what was done:

- Replace all ignition coils
- Replace clutch
- Install LN IMS bearing
- Replace a camshaft actuator
- Replace door lock microswitch for driver's side window

Also up for replacement are the catalytic converters and the tires. But I chose to do those on my own because dealer prices were a bit too rich for me.

The dealer was very professional and the tech kept me up to date on everything that was going on when I was out of the country. He said with these repairs, and the new cats my car should last for quite some time.

One note about the IMS bearing, in my case he said my stock bearing was in really good shape even after 113k miles. He did say the installation of the new bearing was actually quite straightforward and believes it is a good design but did mention that my car didn't really need it so it was more of a preventative fix.

My clutch feels pretty good too but now as I asked about earlier today I still need to decide on a new set of cats.

Overall I think the investment of just over $4k was a worthy one considering I have a car that should keep bringing me much enjoyment for the foreseeable future. As for the Turbo, I'd still love to have one but will consider it again at a later point in time.

ClickClickBoom

Ahhh....you didn't fall for the "you can do what ever you want trick". Its all a test.

street rod

I believe you made the right call. If you really like your car the money was well worth it. Since you got a clutch then the IMS made good sense even if the original bearing was in good shape.

geetee

It's hard not to make an emotional decision...It seems like you've got most done and are down to cats and tires...I've replied on the other cats thread but I'll state here also...I have speedtech 200 cell cats...they're more into the 996turbos but they have 996 NA units also....a sponsor on the "other" forum also, I've been running their 200 cells almost 30k now hot or cold and haven't had a single issue...no affiliation just trying to save you some which you can use for a set of tires...

fpena944

It's amazing that after 10+ years we can actually pick up on some of those subtle cues, eh?

That's exactly what I thought, plus the extra $700 is well worth the piece of mind it has provided me.

Yes the Turbo was calling me as I wanted to explore the additional power and the more "reliable" engine. But it also meant getting back into a car payment which is something I didn't want to do. So in this way I still get to keep a car I love and modify it to my liking.

As for the Speedtech cats, do you know if it does anything for power or sound? The price is certainly right but I noticed they use the factory configuration instead of the "x-pipe" I see others like FVD and Fabspeed use.

Hurdigurdiman

Good call Ferdinand. Where can you get a new 996 for around $4000 coz thats what you got when you have the preventative repairs done. Hey and why get shut of such a faithful companion. Do you track your car? A turbo isn't needed unless you do IMHO.

fpena944

Well it'll be closer to $7-$8k when all is said and done since I still need the cats and tires. But your point is exactly why I chose this route. The car has been very reliable and getting something else, especially one this is more complicated, felt like more than I wanted to take on right now.

I do track this vehicle but only a handful of times per year and it is also active in autocrossing too. But both of those are secondary activities as this is primarily a daily driver. The track events are just to let me enjoy it in an environment that is safe and legal. I'm still not a good enough driver to exploit even the capabilities this vehicle has so it was more of an itch to try something new since I've had this one for three years.

geetee

Very slight increase in sound...power feels a little more but haven't dynoed or measured so just going by butt dyno. I don't see how it'll be different than any other company 200 cells.
I have the factory style pipe but they've come out with a xpipe style now.

Turkertwo

I recently dropped $5K into my '00 for much of the same equipment. I am still pining away for an '04 GT-3, but when you think about the financial fallout, and how many times your are stuck behind the same slowpoke in the Lexus going 40 mph no matter where you drive, you might as well repair/update your current ride.

Liceman

+1 for Fernando and Turkertwo

I did the IMS, clutch, flywheel on my '99 back in October prior to a long road trip. A lot of dough, but well spent for the enjoyment and peace of mind.

JaxJim

Isn't a turbo more expensive to maintain too?

chsu74

Good call Fernando! It is the wiser choice. Any "new" to you car will also require sorting out after buying a used car. Ask me how I know.... You just spend "the cleaning up" money without spending the buying a new car this way.

DaveSpeed

I think you made a good choice to keep your car!

Not as fast as a turbo for sure but they are very easy to live with and enjoy.

soverystout

Big +1 Chao.

I've owned my 03 since June of 09 and I am just about to get it the exact way i want it (with the installation of the ROW M030 suspension). Once it is exactly how I want it I''m just going to drive the **** out of it and enjoy it.

fpena944

So true. In daily use I sometimes forget what I'm driving so not until I hit the track am I blown away by it's abilities. But that's what I really like about this car as it is quite comfortable and even practical for daily use yet transforms itself for the track.

It is but even so I bought this car at a steep discount so I still feel ahead of the game especially when comparing the price of anything newer from the Porsche brand.

True, the engine itself is arguably more reliable and a proven winner but there are more parts and those that are unique to the Turbo tend to cost more. So from a purely financial perspective I made the right move. But buying into these cars is usually more emotionally based so it was a tough choice for me personally.

That's one of the other points I wasn't focusing on too much but knew I would have to consider. Even with a perfect PPI any new acquisition will in time uncover some new issues you never knew existed. So I'd almost be back at square one with some potentially expensive fixes coming up down the road.

That's for sure, easy 20 minute oil change (most of the time spent waiting for it to drain), I already know how to replace plugs and coils, and fun RWD handling I couldn't get from the other car I was considering.

That was the next move I was considering. Where did you get your suspension?