what is an 'early' 3.4 996?

[shalmaneser]

ATM said:

abucd4 said:

Chris Stott said:

You’re approaching this in the right way…

If you can get some thing super solid for 15, and have up to 5 left to make it perfect, you should end up with a pretty much perfect car.

Fresh suspension is the thing that makes them feel right to drive… so i’d look for a sub 100k mile manual, with fresh brakes, recent clutch (& RMS), evidence of rads, water pump, AOS, decent tyres, no rust and good paint (in a colour you like) for sub 15… then get the suspension done with all new parts.

That’s a good checklist for me to work from, thanks. Good to know I’m not far off the mark.

Well hang on slow down. That's a big wish list. You might find it hard hitting all of those for 15k let alone sub 15k. If you do then yes go for it. I'd be expecting you to only hit a subset of those in the wish list. But shopping should be fun so keep us posted with what you find.

Agreed that sounds like a good place to start but I'd be impressed if you manage all those bits done for the price.

Definitely worth having a good listen to the gearbox too - both ATM and I and others on the thread have had issues with these and it's not a cheap fix. Listen for a whining that increases with speed.

[SteveStrange]

shalmaneser said:

ATM said:

abucd4 said:

Chris Stott said:

You’re approaching this in the right way…

If you can get some thing super solid for 15, and have up to 5 left to make it perfect, you should end up with a pretty much perfect car.

Fresh suspension is the thing that makes them feel right to drive… so i’d look for a sub 100k mile manual, with fresh brakes, recent clutch (& RMS), evidence of rads, water pump, AOS, decent tyres, no rust and good paint (in a colour you like) for sub 15… then get the suspension done with all new parts.

That’s a good checklist for me to work from, thanks. Good to know I’m not far off the mark.

Well hang on slow down. That's a big wish list. You might find it hard hitting all of those for 15k let alone sub 15k. If you do then yes go for it. I'd be expecting you to only hit a subset of those in the wish list. But shopping should be fun so keep us posted with what you find.

Agreed that sounds like a good place to start but I'd be impressed if you manage all those bits done for the price.

Definitely worth having a good listen to the gearbox too - both ATM and I and others on the thread have had issues with these and it's not a cheap fix. Listen for a whining that increases with speed.

You know Mrs Strange too?

[abucd4]

Thanks for all the replies.

Don’t worry I’m not expecting perfection, but I’d like to spot most issues before I commit to know so I know what I’m dealing with, and it helps me narrow down the options.

Gotta sell my Giulia first so still so still window shopping/assessing the market, but I’ll update you all as and when the time comes.

[WojaWabbit]

Did my first decent duration behind the wheel of my new-to-me '98 C2 last night. Any advice on how to do 3hrs+ without crippling yourself in the sports seats?! Pretty sure they're not really seats, they're actually devices of torture.

Tried many different adjustments of the base height and back angle. No steering wheel adjustment in this car. Feels like the lumbar support is too hard and also pushes my lower back out too far, forcing my shoulders well away from the upper part of the seat.

I had tombstones in my old 4S and would do long shots fairly regularly, getting out feeling tip top. Last night, I could feel pain setting in in my shoulders, back and legs after about an hour. I have another 4hrs to do today, then again tomorrow and the same on the way back Wednesday and Thursday, which I'm not looking forward to.

Aside from buying 997 seats, which seems to be a common solution, does anyone have good tips for getting comfortable?

[Chris Stott]

Can’t give any advice on sport seats… I have the basic seats in mine and they are comfy enough for me to do 3-4 hours in.

[nebpor]

Sports seats in mine - regularly do longer journeys, never had an issue

But then I do tend to “sit up and beg” at the wheel, as I was taught on track years ago - you should be able to rest your wrists on the steering wheel without straightening your arms

If I slouch at all, I hurt

[shalmaneser]

I (and most people from what I've seen) find the sport seats fairly comfortable.

Obviously worth checking to see if any other 9x7nseatwbwork better for you.

[stuckmojo]

I have the standard seats, somehow I also don't like the wings on the sport seats, they seem to squash my shoulders.

However, on standard seats I always had that problem where my left knee hits the steering wheel when I use the clutch. Wheel is pulled all the way towards me, seat in lowest position.

And I'm only 5'10

Anyone?

[MrC986]

I've had 3 996s and a 986 Boxster and all had sports seats and were uncomfortable both for me (a slim but broad shoulders 6ft2) & my slightly shorter wife at 5ft10. I tried all manner of seat positions and resorted briefly to a lumber support cushion before eventually changing the seats for after market ones. The sports seats seem to push my shoulders inwards and my lower back lacks support.

[Dammit]

WojaWabbit said:

Did my first decent duration behind the wheel of my new-to-me '98 C2 last night. Any advice on how to do 3hrs+ without crippling yourself in the sports seats?! Pretty sure they're not really seats, they're actually devices of torture.

Tried many different adjustments of the base height and back angle. No steering wheel adjustment in this car. Feels like the lumbar support is too hard and also pushes my lower back out too far, forcing my shoulders well away from the upper part of the seat.

I had tombstones in my old 4S and would do long shots fairly regularly, getting out feeling tip top. Last night, I could feel pain setting in in my shoulders, back and legs after about an hour. I have another 4hrs to do today, then again tomorrow and the same on the way back Wednesday and Thursday, which I'm not looking forward to.

Aside from buying 997 seats, which seems to be a common solution, does anyone have good tips for getting comfortable?

I had to play around a lot before I got my position dialled in - used to be able to drive for a maximum of an hour and a half before I had to get out and stretch until I got feeling back/pain went away. It's now great - happy to run through what I did, but before I do I'd ask how tall you are?

My issues came from trying to fold myself in behind the wheel - although I'm not especially tall at 187cm.

[Chris Stott]

I’m 192, and have done loads of 200 mile+ journeys in mine over the years. Never had any problems with seat comfort… cup wheel massively improves the driving position though…. Moves the wheel closer.

[Mikeeb]

MrC986 said:

I've had 3 996s and a 986 Boxster and all had sports seats and were uncomfortable both for me (a slim but broad shoulders 6ft2) & my slightly shorter wife at 5ft10. I tried all manner of seat positions and resorted briefly to a lumber support cushion before eventually changing the seats for after market ones. The sports seats seem to push my shoulders inwards and my lower back lacks support.

I have the lower back support issue. What seats did you fit?

Thanks

[Mr Fix It]

I didn’t find sports seats comfortable from the test drives, my shoulders didn’t fit. So bought a car with comfort seats. They don’t look as good, but I found them much better.

Also had issues with my legs, esp the left, hitting the steering wheel. This was resolved by fitting the centre console delete kit. You can then move your left leg much further over to the left so giving much more space between your leg and the wheel.

[nunpuncher]

shalmaneser said:

ATM said:

abucd4 said:

Chris Stott said:

You’re approaching this in the right way…

If you can get some thing super solid for 15, and have up to 5 left to make it perfect, you should end up with a pretty much perfect car.

Fresh suspension is the thing that makes them feel right to drive… so i’d look for a sub 100k mile manual, with fresh brakes, recent clutch (& RMS), evidence of rads, water pump, AOS, decent tyres, no rust and good paint (in a colour you like) for sub 15… then get the suspension done with all new parts.

That’s a good checklist for me to work from, thanks. Good to know I’m not far off the mark.

Well hang on slow down. That's a big wish list. You might find it hard hitting all of those for 15k let alone sub 15k. If you do then yes go for it. I'd be expecting you to only hit a subset of those in the wish list. But shopping should be fun so keep us posted with what you find.

Agreed that sounds like a good place to start but I'd be impressed if you manage all those bits done for the price.

Definitely worth having a good listen to the gearbox too - both ATM and I and others on the thread have had issues with these and it's not a cheap fix. Listen for a whining that increases with speed.

I've mentioned it here before but still not got round to advertising. Mine (manual C4 on 82k miles) will be going up for 16.5k ono when I eventually get round to it.

In the last few years and last 2k miles It's had:
Clutch
RMS
brake discs and pads
brake lines
callipers rebuilt with new seals and valves
tensioner pulley bearings replaced
water pump
low temp thermostat
ARB bushes
drops links
Coffin arms (all round)
tuning forks (all round)
front top mounts (997)
Springs and shocks (BC Racing coilovers)
All 6 Ignition coils
Spark plugs and spark plug tubes
New OE coolant reservoir (a far more expensive and difficult job that anyone would believe)
New battery
4 Michelin PS4 with C 1500 miles on them

It also has 997 seats with Carbone 911R houndstooth inserts, D911 ducktail, Boxster/GT3 lower console delete with continental bluetooth stereo, GT3 brake ducts, GT3 lip spoiler. Plus all the original parts ie original engine cover, original black leather seats in good condition, original dash parts with PCM1 so it's ideal for anyone converting back to standard or wanting to do a double din.

So aye. 15k(ish) with loads of stuff done might not be THAT far fetched.

ETA. Oh! I also had the rust on the rear arches and sills properly fixed (cut out and fresh steel welded in earlier this yearlong with having the mounting points for the front sub frame checked. As despite what was said on the last page, these things do suffer from rust.

Edited by nunpuncher on Wednesday 21st September 13:09

[shalmaneser]

nunpuncher said:

shalmaneser said:

ATM said:

abucd4 said:

Chris Stott said:

You’re approaching this in the right way…

If you can get some thing super solid for 15, and have up to 5 left to make it perfect, you should end up with a pretty much perfect car.

Fresh suspension is the thing that makes them feel right to drive… so i’d look for a sub 100k mile manual, with fresh brakes, recent clutch (& RMS), evidence of rads, water pump, AOS, decent tyres, no rust and good paint (in a colour you like) for sub 15… then get the suspension done with all new parts.

That’s a good checklist for me to work from, thanks. Good to know I’m not far off the mark.

Well hang on slow down. That's a big wish list. You might find it hard hitting all of those for 15k let alone sub 15k. If you do then yes go for it. I'd be expecting you to only hit a subset of those in the wish list. But shopping should be fun so keep us posted with what you find.

Agreed that sounds like a good place to start but I'd be impressed if you manage all those bits done for the price.

Definitely worth having a good listen to the gearbox too - both ATM and I and others on the thread have had issues with these and it's not a cheap fix. Listen for a whining that increases with speed.

I've mentioned it here before but still not got round to advertising. Mine (manual C4 on 82k miles) will be going up for 16.5k ono when I eventually get round to it.

In the last few years and last 2k miles It's had:
Clutch
RMS
brake discs and pads
brake lines
callipers rebuilt with new seals and valves
tensioner pulley bearings replaced
water pump
low temp thermostat
ARB bushes
drops links
Coffin arms (all round)
tuning forks (all round)
front top mounts (997)
Springs and shocks (BC Racing coilovers)
All 6 Ignition coils
Spark plugs and spark plug tubes
New OE coolant reservoir (a far more expensive and difficult job that anyone would believe)
New battery
4 Michelin PS4 with C 1500 miles on them

It also has 997 seats with Carbone 911R houndstooth inserts, D911 ducktail, Boxster/GT3 lower console delete with continental bluetooth stereo, GT3 brake ducts, GT3 lip spoiler. Plus all the original parts ie original engine cover, original black leather seats in good condition, original dash parts with PCM1 so it's ideal for anyone converting back to standard or wanting to do a double din.

So aye. 15k(ish) with loads of stuff done might not be THAT far fetched.

It's hard to value these cars to some extent, looking at Autotrader would lead you to believe a '99 70k C2 manual would be £20k all day long but I don't think those cars actually sell.

Ebay more representative I reckon.

I'm tempted to sell mine now that I've discovered I can't fit little miss mini-Shalmaneser in the back for at least twelve months. Having naughty thoughts about a V10 BMW while I still can. But I would miss the small size and low weight of the 996, it's such a perfect sports car.... But that V10...

[SteveStrange]

nunpuncher said:

I've mentioned it here before but still not got round to advertising. Mine (manual C4 on 82k miles) will be going up for 16.5k ono when I eventually get round to it.

In the last few years and last 2k miles It's had:
Clutch
RMS
brake discs and pads
brake lines
callipers rebuilt with new seals and valves
tensioner pulley bearings replaced
water pump
low temp thermostat
ARB bushes
drops links
Coffin arms (all round)
tuning forks (all round)
front top mounts (997)
Springs and shocks (BC Racing coilovers)
All 6 Ignition coils
Spark plugs and spark plug tubes
New OE coolant reservoir (a far more expensive and difficult job that anyone would believe)
New battery
4 Michelin PS4 with C 1500 miles on them

It also has 997 seats with Carbone 911R houndstooth inserts, D911 ducktail, Boxster/GT3 lower console delete with continental bluetooth stereo, GT3 brake ducts, GT3 lip spoiler. Plus all the original parts ie original engine cover, original black leather seats in good condition, original dash parts with PCM1 so it's ideal for anyone converting back to standard or wanting to do a double din.

So aye. 15k(ish) with loads of stuff done might not be THAT far fetched.

ETA. Oh! I also had the rust on the rear arches and sills properly fixed (cut out and fresh steel welded in earlier this yearlong with having the mounting points for the front sub frame checked. As despite what was said on the last page, these things do suffer from rust.

Edited by nunpuncher on Wednesday 21st September 13:09

I'd say that was an utter bargain.

[ATM]

nunpuncher said:

I've mentioned it here before but still not got round to advertising. Mine (manual C4 on 82k miles) will be going up for 16.5k ono when I eventually get round to it.

In the last few years and last 2k miles It's had:
Clutch
RMS
brake discs and pads
brake lines
callipers rebuilt with new seals and valves
tensioner pulley bearings replaced
water pump
low temp thermostat
ARB bushes
drops links
Coffin arms (all round)
tuning forks (all round)
front top mounts (997)
Springs and shocks (BC Racing coilovers)
All 6 Ignition coils
Spark plugs and spark plug tubes
New OE coolant reservoir (a far more expensive and difficult job that anyone would believe)
New battery
4 Michelin PS4 with C 1500 miles on them

It also has 997 seats with Carbone 911R houndstooth inserts, D911 ducktail, Boxster/GT3 lower console delete with continental bluetooth stereo, GT3 brake ducts, GT3 lip spoiler. Plus all the original parts ie original engine cover, original black leather seats in good condition, original dash parts with PCM1 so it's ideal for anyone converting back to standard or wanting to do a double din.

So aye. 15k(ish) with loads of stuff done might not be THAT far fetched.

ETA. Oh! I also had the rust on the rear arches and sills properly fixed (cut out and fresh steel welded in earlier this yearlong with having the mounting points for the front sub frame checked. As despite what was said on the last page, these things do suffer from rust.

I think that looks cheap to Me. Maybe even a bit too cheap.

[ATM]

SteveStrange said:

I'd say that was an utter bargain.

Yeah I agree

[Mikeeb]

shalmaneser said:

It's hard to value these cars to some extent, looking at Autotrader would lead you to believe a '99 70k C2 manual would be £20k all day long but I don't think those cars actually sell.

Ebay more representative I reckon.

I'm tempted to sell mine now that I've discovered I can't fit little miss mini-Shalmaneser in the back for at least twelve months. Having naughty thoughts about a V10 BMW while I still can. But I would miss the small size and low weight of the 996, it's such a perfect sports car.... But that V10...

I had the V10 in a M6 for a couple of years. The engine is epic. The gearbox is great as long as you drive it as a manual. Don’t hope for slush box/dsg auto type driving.

But it is a big car and a chunk heavier especially the M5.

They also have their own list of engine foibles….. Lastly, fuel consumption, at a 70mph cruise I’d get a measured 22/23. Commuting type traffic 12mpg!!!!

Glad I did it but wouldn’t go back.

[Fast Bug]

I'd say you're not asking enough money for it in all honesty