RPM's CSRs

[benjj]

Hello all,

Well life is on the up and I'm going to treat myself over the next few months.

I'm giving very serious thought to asking RPM to build me something. I like the firm, they get some very good customer feedback, and they have some form in putting together what I'd be after.

In a nutshell I'm thinking of a 996 CSR as a kind of 'Sport Classic' homage. Ducktail, Fuchs, maybe a bit of interior houndstooth fabric goodness.

The standard CSR package is:

Exterior

CSR Carbon fibre Ducktail – colour coded
CSR Side skirts – colour coded
CSR Graphics package
Colour coding mirrors to wheel colour
GT3 Bumper – colour coded
GT3 Split rims

Interior

CSR Carbon fibre sill trim inserts

Suspension

KW Variant 3 Suspension kit – inc top mounts/ drop links
Powerflex bushes
Eibach hollow unit roll bars
CSR Geometry set up

Drivetrain

CSR Limited slip differential
CSR Lightweight clutch and flywheel
IMS bearing upgrade
Evans waterless coolant
Low temp thermostat
Short shift kit

Exhaust

CSR Sports exhaust

Brakes

Performance friction brake fluid upgrade
Performance friction pad upgrade

I think that all comes together in quite an attractive package. I especially like the diff/clutch/KWV3 upgrades and the IMS and bore inspection gives some comfort. I'd use it as a weekend spring/summer car plus also probably do a dozen or so trackdays a year and also use it for the annual friends & family roadtrip to France/Spain/Italy.

So, bottom line is this - it would likely cost c.£30k and I'm struggling to think of anything else that I actually want for that sort of cash. I need the back seats for occasional use to a Cayman/Boxter is no good to me.

This would not be an 'investment' as such but am I kidding myself that if I tired of it after a few years I could likely flog it and recoup most of what I throw into it?

I'm way out of touch with the 996 market, let alone the modded market. I had a 996 Turbo back in the day but nothing beetle shaped since then.

[mr pg]

I use RPM for all my work, and had a short drive in their 997 CSR, which I liked a lot. There is no standard CSR as such as you can pick and choose what you want.
I have considered both a 996 and 997 as a replacement for my 996T, but as mine is going up in value, will hold on to it for now.
You wouldn't get your money back imo, but I think you'd enjoy it whilst you had it.

[benjj]

Fair point on cash etc. Thanks.

Frankly future value isn't the top priority on the list, and really would be something I'd want to keep and tinker with over the years, just considering all options.

Think I'll still do it tbh

[IMIA]

i'd stick with a 996t or lhd 6 GT3

[benjj]

IMIA said:

i'd stick with a 996t or lhd 6 GT3

Don't want another Turbo.

Are LHD GT3s really sub 30 bags? If so may well be worth a look. I prefer LHD in a way too.

[IMIA]

benjj said:

IMIA said:

i'd stick with a 996t or lhd 6 GT3

Don't want another Turbo.

Are LHD GT3s really sub 30 bags? If so may well be worth a look. I prefer LHD in a way too.

Euros down so you should hopefully be able to get a good lhd car. Doubt its sub 30 bags but may be for 30 you could luck out.

[FarQue]

One could argue that what the OP is suggesting makes no financial sence whatsoever. But, so what, the plan sounds perfect to me if he's thinking about a fun, longish term, car. I say: do it and enjoy it!

My own 997 is now out of warranty. Mods are likely soon...

[lockhart flawse]

Benjj - so am I for pretty similar reasons. Also I have been driving a TVR for over 10 years and fancy a change but there's nothing useable out there I like. Thinking about basing mine on a 996.2 Carrera 2 as I can't get on with the early lights.

Waiting for a bit of dosh to come through but should be able to start looking in June.