Knackered old Porsche with loads of miles - 996 content

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Slowly working through the last items on the list! The gauge pod arrived from Autometer in the US the other day so this is now in. I modified the original upper column cover to route the loom internally and this picks up on the original cable retaining clips present on the column so it's all very OEM in there vs how the old AIM display was mounted!

I think it worked out pretty well:







The sight lines to the stock dash are very good with only the clock and check engine light not fully visible without a head move, it's a vast improvement on the old G-Dash which obscured everything from the top of the centre display down and obviously is much better integrated with the interior too. I've still got a bit of setup work to do on it but I've got all the CAN I want worked out now so it's just a case of setting up some screens etc.

Does a nice power on logo too:



The Rennline fire bottle mount has also arrived too. Again a far nicer solution than the previous setup which allows for a bit of seat adjustment amongst other things. Just need to make a bottle mount adaptor up for it now.



I've almost run out of things on the to do list!

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nebpor said:

"Shurely" it's to replace the speedometer backing?

I've actually got a brand new dashpack for it..... but fitting that would mean it went back to zero miles

I'm not sure if the sticker is actually over a normal set of black dials or not, either way it's not the best bit of engineering. The irony being my Boxster has the same silver dial option but is immaculate.

I think I can swap the PCB between packs so that might be an option but to be honest that particular defect has become part of its charm..... my first post on PH about it was complaining the speedo needle got stuck on it

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Fire bottle serviced and back in :



I'll be at the PH 25th at Bicester next weekend so feel free to have a look, it'll be in the car park somewhere.

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braddo said:

I think you mentioned that you're using Cayenne discs on the front (with the 6-pot calipers)? I had a look and noticed that they are 350mm x 35mm on the FVD website. 996.2/997.1 GT3 front discs appear to be 350 x 34.

Cayenne disc
https://www.fvd.net/de-en/95535140151EQ/brake-disc...

GT3 disc
https://www.fvd.net/de-en/99735140990EQ/brake-disc...

Are they relatively easily interchangeable? I've no idea how much of an issue a 1mm width difference makes. I think there's a PHer who put Cayenne discs on the front of his 996.2 GT3, I think.

The reason I ask is that I'm interested in discs for my car that are not cross drilled, both because they're prone to cracking and they fill with brake dust, which affects their performance on track days.

thanks

Apologies for the slow reply!

On my car I can run either 350mm 997 discs or 350mm Cayenne discs - there is plenty of room in the caliper for the extra 0.5mm a side.... however (and it's a big however) mine is on Cayenne calipers too.

When it comes to running them on a 996 GT3 caliper I too have seen others do it and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.... but I can't confirm that 100% as I've never done it with a GT3 6 pot. The only issue I can think is that the disc may foul the pins the pad sit on in the lower section of the caliper but these can be knocked out a little to make room if required without much effort!

If you want some measurements I'm sure I still have a Cayenne disc in CAD.

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Great day at Bicester for PH's 25th Anniversary, so many great conversations about the car and I am genuinely blown away by how many people know it and give it the thumbs up.



It was a real pleasure to talk to you all!

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M11rph said:

Happy 996'ing. Time to get a few stone chips and some rear end gravel rash on her now, it's looking a bit "minty".

Thank you for doing show and tell in my absence

I mentioned to someone that I was a bit sad it's lost all it's hard earned patina but I'm sure I can put that back on in due course and of course I'll keep the thread updated as I do!

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So I should really provide an update on the 996 as it's been very Boxster focused on PH at the moment. The thing is there isn't much to update and without wanting to jinx it the 996 just works..... it's done a few meets and shows along with the odd mundane trip and I think it's enjoying a more relaxed life that it's ever had before



At a recent POC meet.

I do have a few plans for adventuring in it next year as lets face it, it's rude not to, but I think it's safe to say the running in period is now complete.

There's a few things on the winter list but as winter hasn't really got going it's still in pretty regular use and they are all super minor bits like a further fettle with the fuel filler cap that has now decided it doesn't want to hold open on the spring and a replacement front splitter...... the kind of stuff that is easy to ignore and just keep driving

So apologies for the lack of updates the past few months, I've just been doing miles and enjoying it Something I hope the various 996 owners on this thread have been doing too!

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anyideas said:

This thread is one of the best on PH imo.

Can I ask where you got the CF bonnet and wings from? I’d really like to replace mine. Well the bonnet for sure, by the sounds of it the wings could be a step to far for my skill level.

Thank you and PM sent!

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PushedDover said:

O/T OP.

But do you also smoke around in a Burgundy Volvo Estate too ?

Afraid not, current fleet is 996, 986, 957 and 970 with an A2 on the side

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RenesisEvo said:

Just spotted this - is there a thread on the Panamera, if not, pretty please..? (recognise you've got enough on your hands however!)

There's not a lot to put in a thread I'm afraid, it's a totally standard Diesel one so aside from pointing out it's fast enough to do what it needs to do and that nearly 1200KM of range is seriously handy when popping to Munich there isn't a lot else to say

However I promise that if I ever turn the wick up I'll start a thread on it, I saw recently that Darkside have been getting 400bhp+ from them with a big turbo, a downpipe and some injectors!

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coded2112 said:

Just come across this thread, love to cars getting used! How many miles now on the 996 please?

I run a 120k mile 2006 Mini GP1 and a 130k mile 2015 Seat Leon Cupra ST !! I have some catching up to do!!

340'ish now, it has covered very few miles in the last year as it has mainly been in pieces although it did just make it to the PH anniversary meet at Bicester. I've a few plans next year to get back to the South of France in it, likely Bologna / Faenza as well and maybe I'll finally relent and do a ring lap although that isn't really it's design environment!

I still have a few jobs to do on it, like rebuilding the headlights and I'm still not 100% happy with the filler cap hinge either.... but these are all super little things really that can be addressed over the winter period and after the Boxster has 500bhp installed in it

I do wonder how confused the car is by being in a heated and dehumidified garage over winter, it's the first winter since it was made that it's not been covered in salt and general road detritus

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Scoobydrew95 said:

Jesus, what a seriously impressive thread this is. Spent a little too long 'working' through this.
I wonder just how many 996's have been purchased down to your work? I think definitely into double digits!

I think you're right! The 996 (and the 986 really) represent such good value though - the cost for the amount of engineering you get I still think is an utter bargain and a sorted one drives so well, even when compared to more modern stuff. Yes they have the potential to generate a big bill but then they're very spannerable with basic kit at home, especially for the more common jobs which goes a way to offsetting some of the larger none home jobs.

Plus if you like tinkering/modifying they are an amazing base to do something with

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Well it's back out for 2024, kicking off with a C&M visit for a pizza and a chat with some friends.







Not my photos but full credit to the chap who took them as I think the old girl looks really good! It always brings a smile to my face when I drive it these days, it really is very nice to have it as a toy rather than a workhorse and following it's refresh last year it drives so very well

I need to decide what adventures it's going on this year now!