996 parts interchangeabilty

[Armut Schweinefleisch-911]

I have an '03 996.2 and whilst it's currently in pretty good health I am trying to plan ahead for a potential refresh of the suspension, engine mounts and exhaust manifolds over the coming winter months. Unfortunately I simply cannot afford OE parts and am trying to weed out the decent quality alternatives from the cheap Chinese knockoffs. I am also wondering what (if any) parts interchangeability there might be with other models such as 986?

I've also been looking at centre exit exhausts (I know there are plenty who don't like the look) and wondered if a Boxster system could be adapted as a cheaper option than the aftermarket systems?

[MrC986]

Get yourself over to the 911uk forum for some more advice as quite a few contributors aren’t on PH.

I’ve used Spyder control arms and tuning forks on my 996.1 and so far so good (& considerably cheaper than Meyle) with CG also fitting them to some customer cars - I did my research & supposedly they are German made might be made by Meyle, but without their markings. 997 top mounts fit on 996s & are cheaper although the considered opinion is to stick with OEM ones for durability. I can’t comment on exhaust manifolds as I’m still using the OEM ones.

[ATM]

Armut Schweinefleisch-911 said:

I've also been looking at centre exit exhausts (I know there are plenty who don't like the look) and wondered if a Boxster system could be adapted as a cheaper option than the aftermarket systems?

I'd guess there is a bit less room at the back of a 996 compared to a 986 as the engines are in different places. The standard 986 silencer is big daft box and it fits in there easily. I think the 996 / 997 silencers get squeezed into the rear arches became space is at a premium.

Final warning about noise. My newly acquired 986 has a rather fruity exhaust. It does sound cool at first when you have the roof down. But then it starts to feel a bit uncivilised after a while.

[ATM]

You can buy a gt3 style centre exit for the vanilla 997 look. You'll notice the bulk of the silencing is still done up in the arches where there is room. 2nd pic shows the lack of space at the centre rear.

[CocoUK]

Armut Schweinefleisch-911 said:

I have an '03 996.2 and whilst it's currently in pretty good health I am trying to plan ahead for a potential refresh of the suspension, engine mounts and exhaust manifolds over the coming winter months.

Are you currently stock suspension? M030?

Exercise caution with engine mounts, poor quality could disrupt comfort and longevity.

[Paynewright]

Just do your due diligence research. I got some C2 front Sachs top mounts for the suspension that had the OEM part number ground off - about 1/4 the price. I think the air con pump is also used on Audi’s. Ignition switch is VW.

Just research on a part by part basis. As mentioned 911UK is a great resource.

Edited by Paynewright on Sunday 8th August 12:24

[Armut Schweinefleisch-911]

Thanks guys.

I've had a change of heart over the exhaust (for now anyway) but will need to replace the manifolds come winter.

I've also joined 911UK so will take my time trying to get as much information as I can. Thankfully there's no great urgency so it's more just about learning from other owners really.