New Owner - Porsche 996.1

[parmley]

Hello all,

I would like to introduce myself to this section having just purchased my first 911. This is my second Porsche having previously owned a 944.

Spec: 1999 Carrera 2 3.4, 99k miles, good history, 2 previous owners.

Since purchasing the car a month ago I have enjoyed a couple track days, so far really enjoying the handling and steering. I'm looking to get the car in perfect working order and keep it as original as possible. The car has visited Porsche specialists Parr (I work nearby) a few times now, initially for an inspection then following work. Work has included; exhaust silencers (Dansk Sport), front lower suspension arms, front brake discs and pads, coolant expansion tank and a couple of hoses.

Currently the only non standard modification I am planning is to change the suspension for a good quality road and track set up. Potentially Ohlins or JRZ. I would also like to try out a road and track tyre on the car at some point though need to tread carefully with my choice as I do a good amount of miles all year around. I would like to bring the car somewhere between the standard car and GT3 with this suspension fitment. There may be other small modifications along the way. I can't decide on whether to change the steering wheel or not. I quite like the centre console (tape/cd storage) delete that I have seen on some USA sites. http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/11942-installed-a-gt3-console-delete-tonight/. I may also look at adding an LSD though need to read more about this.

I love the simplicity and basic feel of the car, no driver aids. Just a rear drive chassis and 6 cylinder engine.







Any comments or advice welcome.

Parmley

Edited by parmley on Friday 12th December 13:07

[mollytherocker]

Welcome to the madness. Looks like you have purchased a good car.

My advice would be keep the car looking standard even with your mods. Maybe lower it a touch but no too much!

Get a low temp thermostat fitted and then enjoy it!

[parmley]

mollytherocker said:

Welcome to the madness. Looks like you have purchased a good car.

My advice would be keep the car looking standard even with your mods. Maybe lower it a touch but no too much!

Get a low temp thermostat fitted and then enjoy it!

Standard she will stay, as you say I will lower it a touch. I'll be looking at suspicion options over winter. The Porsche sports suspension (M030) drops it 10mm. Others go 15/20mm.

[FarQue]

Lovely looking car. Enjoy!

[RWDKurt]

Nice looking car OP - black really suits the 996 IMO. Snetterton by any chance?

The MO30 kit is great value at the moment - I've been quoted about £800 this week.

[parmley]

RWDKurt said:

Nice looking car OP - black really suits the 996 IMO. Snetterton by any chance?

The MO30 kit is great value at the moment - I've been quoted about £800 this week.

That was Snetterton yes.

I have seen the M030 kit of parts for around that money. £1440 is the cheapest I have seen for it fully fitted including 4 wheel alignment and set up.

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/parts/chassis/suspension/m030

[parmley]

Are there any 996 owners doing a track day in the coming months? There doesn't seen to many out on track.

[LeighB]

Looks great and enjoy the journey it takes you on. Keep us updated with how the mods go!

[thegoose]

If you take t on track a lot and get grippy tyres a baffled sump will be a very good idea. I have a black car like yours with (I think) Tech-Art suspension, fitted by Mike at Sports & Classic (who's looked after it for about 7/8 years) for a previous owner, with Tech-Art strut brace and wheel spacers. It's probably similar to a GT3 ride height, stiffer than normal but not too arduous day to day. I've taken it on a track briefly a couple of times and was surprised how well it went (the steering doesn't feel too twitchy on the road but surprisingly felt really nice on track, inspiring lots of confidence). However, having spoken with Baz at Hartech when I was considering using it more often he said that without a baffled sump and ideally an Accusump I'd be risking oil starvation. Excuse the lack of modesty but this was based on him knowing my ability (I raced Hartech's Boxster S for them for 2 years), a less accomplished driver might not push the car enough to put it at risk.

The other mods I have that you might enjoy are a genuine switchable PSE (although given the cost a c£300 Gundo Hack will be much more attractive) and a K&N induction and filter. It sounds and despite the nay-sayers the filter has never caused any MAF issues (the MAF hasn't been changed in over 6 years, if at all).

I've never felt the car needed an LSD so that wouldn't be high on my list, although it might be something to look at later (after sump, semi-slick tyres and upgraded brakes).

[RWDKurt]

thegoose said:

If you take t on track a lot and get grippy tyres a baffled sump will be a very good idea. I have a black car like yours with (I think) Tech-Art suspension, fitted by Mike at Sports & Classic (who's looked after it for about 7/8 years) for a previous owner, with Tech-Art strut brace and wheel spacers. It's probably similar to a GT3 ride height, stiffer than normal but not too arduous day to day. I've taken it on a track briefly a couple of times and was surprised how well it went (the steering doesn't feel too twitchy on the road but surprisingly felt really nice on track, inspiring lots of confidence). However, having spoken with Baz at Hartech when I was considering using it more often he said that without a baffled sump and ideally an Accusump I'd be risking oil starvation. Excuse the lack of modesty but this was based on him knowing my ability (I raced Hartech's Boxster S for them for 2 years), a less accomplished driver might not push the car enough to put it at risk.

The other mods I have that you might enjoy are a genuine switchable PSE (although given the cost a c£300 Gundo Hack will be much more attractive) and a K&N induction and filter. It sounds and despite the nay-sayers the filter has never caused any MAF issues (the MAF hasn't been changed in over 6 years, if at all).

I've never felt the car needed an LSD so that wouldn't be high on my list, although it might be something to look at later (after sump, semi-slick tyres and upgraded brakes).

My engine is currently at Hartec following big end bearing failure, after its first trackday (in my hands) at Croft. Standard suspension and road tyres (Bridgestone SO-2). It's on 114k so may have let go anyway, but I'd certainly err on the side of caution before using on track again!

[mollytherocker]

RWDKurt said:

My engine is currently at Hartec following big end bearing failure, after its first trackday (in my hands) at Croft. Standard suspension and road tyres (Bridgestone SO-2). It's on 114k so may have let go anyway, but I'd certainly err on the side of caution before using on track again!

Big end bearings? Thats a new one!

[RWDKurt]

mollytherocker said:

RWDKurt said:

My engine is currently at Hartec following big end bearing failure, after its first trackday (in my hands) at Croft. Standard suspension and road tyres (Bridgestone SO-2). It's on 114k so may have let go anyway, but I'd certainly err on the side of caution before using on track again!

Big end bearings? Thats a new one!

That's what I thought. But it's far from new I'm afraid - just not as common as IMS and bore score....

[Crimp]

Looks the biz.
Enjoy the car

[James44]

Looks great. Loved the 5 years I had with a 996.

J

[thegoose]

RWDKurt said:

mollytherocker said:

RWDKurt said:

My engine is currently at Hartec following big end bearing failure, after its first trackday (in my hands) at Croft. Standard suspension and road tyres (Bridgestone SO-2). It's on 114k so may have let go anyway, but I'd certainly err on the side of caution before using on track again!

Big end bearings? Thats a new one!

That's what I thought. But it's far from new I'm afraid - just not as common as IMS and bore score....

It does sound typical of oil starvation though, doesn't it? Discuss the options with them, like deeper and/or baffled sump and/or scavenge pump.

The factory X51 power pack (+20bhp) included a scavenge pump to improve oil circulation, the pump was them made available separately due to being needed for race cars that were prevented from having more than standard power.

[parmley]

I will definitely have some kind of oil sump improvement fitted in the near future. I had also heard that it is a must for track use especially if you are driving hard and/or have good track orientated tyres and suspension fitted.

[parmley]

Update - There has been a noise (similar to that of a wheel bearing) for a few weeks now. On top of that some brake noise. Then yesterday the brakes became ineffective, similar to when engine is off. This cured itself overnight. The car is with the garage today. Fingers crossed....

The wheel bearings were checked a week ago and said to be ok. They will be checked again today... Along with the braking system.

I am looking forward to these issues being solves as the rest of the car is a joy to drive.

[JohnnyD1999]

Good luck, I hope it's a straight forward fix!

[richardalanlee]

Welcome!
I'm running a '98 C2, and love it for the same reasons. I'm a year in, just through another MOT, service in January when Jaz move up to St. Albans, then hopefully another year trouble free.

I did the LT stat, fixed a door leak, sorted the ignition barrel and a few little bits when I first got it. I also had the lower centre console 'GT3 delete' done at the same time. Frees up loads of left knee room and looks ace. Was c. £200 fitted, I'd do it again for sure, love the flat dash look, and I don't want to carry CDs in a set of five anyway!

Only managed 4k miles in 2014, but then I've got too many toys and not enough time away from work.

2015 will probably see a wheel refurb, some KWs and some top mounts, on top of the service. Keep meaning to take it on track, but that's what the R26 was bought for! C2 fits my 'longer road trips when I don't need to carry a bike' needs, although it's possible to get a roadie on the rear seats...

Enjoy.
ral

parmley said:

Hello all,

I would like to introduce myself to this section having just purchased my first 911. This is my second Porsche having previously owned a 944.

Spec: 1999 Carrera 2 3.4, 99k miles, good history, lower owners.

Since purchasing the car a month ago I have enjoyed a couple track days, so far really enjoying the handling and steering. I'm looking to get the car in perfect working order and keep it as original as possible. The car has visited Porsche specialists Parr (I work nearby) a few times now, initially for an inspection then following work. Work has included; exhaust silencers (Dansk Sport), front lower suspension arms, front brake discs and pads, coolant expansion tank and a couple of hoses.

Currently the only non standard modification I am planning is to change the suspension for a good quality road and track set up. Potentially Ohlins or JRZ. I would also like to try out a road and track tyre on the car at some point though need to tread carefully with my choice as I do a good amount of miles all year around. I would like to bring the car somewhere between the standard car and GT3 with this suspension fitment. There may be other small modifications along the way. I can't decide on whether to change the steering wheel or not. I quite like the centre console (tape/cd storage) delete that I have seen on some USA sites. http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/11942-installed-a-gt3-console-delete-tonight/. I may also look at adding an LSD though need to read more

Parmley

[parmley]

Update - The Car has had new rear discs and pads fitted, along with the backplates and a bleed. The backplates were actually corroded and rubbing on the discs. Now that is all sorted I am just left with the noise of a wheel bearing which will be sorted next week.