996 dilema

[alfapork]

Slippydiff said:

Back to the 996, something like an RPM Technik CSR (or self built along the same lines) with a Hartech proofed engine would be a perfect daily driver, fast road car.

I like RPM as a dealer but I just don't get a built CSR (as apposed to the hop up parts). The donor + build cost, especially with a rebuilt engine, must be approaching GT3 money.

And, erm.......... I'd take that instead.

[brownspeed]

interesting dilemma and I can see and appreciate both sides of this discussion. I think there is no wrong choice. Fortunately for me -both are out of my budget

[Slippydiff]

alfapork said:

Slippydiff said:

Back to the 996, something like an RPM Technik CSR (or self built along the same lines) with a Hartech proofed engine would be a perfect daily driver, fast road car.

I like RPM as a dealer but I just don't get a built CSR (as apposed to the hop up parts). The donor + build cost, especially with a rebuilt engine, must be approaching GT3 money.

And, erm.......... I'd take that instead.

I concur wholeheartedly, hence my use of the words "something like an RPM Technik CSR" and any such car be based on a previously future-proofed Hartech engined car.
As you've said, going out and buying a nice 996 C2 manual, then getting RPMT to do a CSR build AND and engine build, makes no financial sense when compared to buying a Mk1 996 GT3.

[porkey]

Having had a 964 Turbo up until a couple of years ago and now a 996 C2.1, I would say that the AC cars are a much nicer thing to "own". They look better, sound better and have a proper old style build quality feel to them. The 996, however, is IMO a way more usable car. A sort of half way house between old and modern for a fraction of the cost of a good AC car.
I'd love as nice 964 C2, but just don't see the value in them.

[Gio G]

OP, I suggest you drive something air cooled to really make your mind up on whether it is something you want to get into and aim for. It seems prices are a little static at the moment. Very tidy and low mileage examples do seem to buck the trend..

I have had lots of modern Porsche over the years and never did a modern 911, so I cannot provide comparison, apart from some extended test drives. However our little 3.2 is really like nothing else to drive in a good way. It really is an event every time I take it out and puts a massive smile on my face, I don't even need to drive it fast for this feeling..

G

[ferrisbueller]

Slippydiff said:

alfapork said:

Slippydiff said:

Back to the 996, something like an RPM Technik CSR (or self built along the same lines) with a Hartech proofed engine would be a perfect daily driver, fast road car.

I like RPM as a dealer but I just don't get a built CSR (as apposed to the hop up parts). The donor + build cost, especially with a rebuilt engine, must be approaching GT3 money.

And, erm.......... I'd take that instead.

I concur wholeheartedly, hence my use of the words "something like an RPM Technik CSR" and any such car be based on a previously future-proofed Hartech engined car.
As you've said, going out and buying a nice 996 C2 manual, then getting RPMT to do a CSR build AND and engine build, makes no financial sense when compared to buying a Mk1 996 GT3.

A DIY CSR-type project done over a few years seems a pretty cost effective and enjoyable proposition, particularly given current values. In terms of the OP question, for the difference between a 996 and an AC alternative you could build a hell of a 996.

[Fast Bug]

I wouldn't discount left hand drive air cooled cars, I would suggest trying one. I've always felt that they drive better than the right hand drive cars up to the 996. They're also narrow enough that you can get a good field of sight if you wanted to overtake down a country road.

alfapork said:

I like RPM as a dealer but I just don't get a built CSR (as apposed to the hop up parts). The donor + build cost, especially with a rebuilt engine, must be approaching GT3 money.

And, erm.......... I'd take that instead.

This. In spades.

[Digga]

IREvans said:

I've got a new found love for all things 996...I have a 996.2 C2 tip in Arena red, and a Polar silver 996T manual

Having owned both 997 and 996 cars, I genuinely prefer the earlier interior, especially when it's got the full leather option ticked. IMHO these interiors have a very special feel of being modern yet very close to the heritage of the aircooled cars.

Were I the OP, I'd tend to consider either keeping and fettling his current car - like Trigger's broom - to keep it tight and also adapt to his own liking, or I'd look to perhaps trading up to the more involving drive of a 996 GT3.

I think the whole "not losing money" thing is a bit illusory, because you do spend so much on servicing and maintenance. To keep a GT3, it needs the OPC or (right) indie stamps on a fairly regular basis. You can do some interim DIY work, no problem, but a prospective buyer is going to want to see some expert intervention every year or two. All IMHO.

[alfapork]

Fast Bug said:

I wouldn't discount left hand drive air cooled cars, I would suggest trying one. I've always felt that they drive better than the right hand drive cars up to the 996. They're also narrow enough that you can get a good field of sight if you wanted to overtake down a country road.

100% this. My AC is a LHD. The driving position is much much better, there is somewhere to rest your left leg, and it is so narrow it never is a problem visibility wise.

I think that's why there is not a massive gulf in values as there might be LHD to RHD.

[kevs 172]

Yes I agree, I think the prices between lhd and rhd 964’s are pretty much the same now.

[Slippydiff]

Fast Bug said:

This. In spades.

I would ONLY consider LHD AC cars, hence stating the same when commenting on the RHD Guards red 964 linked to earlier in this thread.
The RHD car driving position is the work of the devil for an old git like myself

[alfapork]

Slippydiff said:

I would ONLY consider LHD AC cars, hence stating the same when commenting on the RHD Guards red 964 linked to earlier in this thread.
The RHD car driving position is the work of the devil for an old git like myself

Yup, it's shocking!

[kevs 172]

Slippydiff said:

I would ONLY consider LHD AC cars, hence stating the same when commenting on the RHD Guards red 964 linked to earlier in this thread.
The RHD car driving position is the work of the devil for an old git like myself

Yes I prefer LHD, it’s certainly a very comfortable driving position in a 964, I can’t comment on the others.
Out of interest is a 993 also better in LHD?
Cheers

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Yes it affects the 993 too. When I joined to PH to get advice on buying a '64RS I was looking at LHD cars due to my budget but I've only ever had short goes in them.

My only concern was when driving on track if I forgot where my corners were-you really don't want to be hitting curbs unintentionally in the wet because you thought you had more space than you did.

[Dammit]

Slippydiff said:

As you've said, going out and buying a nice 996 C2 manual, then getting RPMT to do a CSR build AND and engine build, makes no financial sense when compared to buying a Mk1 996 GT3.

Ahem, well - we're not quite doing that, but...

[Steve Rance]

I have a modified 964 and I absolutely love driving it. It has so much character but it was awful as standard and was not a cheap project to build. With prices of decent entry level cars where they are now I cannot see a compelling argument for buying one over a 996 GT3 which is one of the very best cars built of all time. The greatest compliment that I can give my 964 is that it offers a few (operative words) similar characteristics of a 996 GT3. The reality is that it would now cost a lot more to buy and modify my 964 than it would to buy a decent 996 - or 997 GT3. Even with the additional cost, My 964 couldn’t hold a candle to either dynamically.

If I were looking to buy a Porsche right now it would be a 996 or 997 GT3. When compared to other ‘coveted’ Porsche’s they are a bargain

[Slippydiff]

Dammit said:

Slippydiff said:

As you've said, going out and buying a nice 996 C2 manual, then getting RPMT to do a CSR build AND and engine build, makes no financial sense when compared to buying a Mk1 996 GT3.

Ahem, well - we're not quite doing that, but...

We all love a "project" Neil
The only things that differ are the duration and the final cost

[EarlOfHazard]

kevs 172 said:

Yes I agree, I think the prices between lhd and rhd 964’s are pretty much the same now.

I remember back in about 2001 when I was 18, I would buy a certain Porsche mag (can't remember which), and there was an article that stated lhd cars were more valuable as the Germans were doing well economically and thus were buying them all back up.. especially 993s.

[Dammit]

Slippydiff said:

We all love a "project" Neil
The only things that differ are the duration and the final cost

It's astonishing, actually, looking back and seeing that we started the engine project around this time of year in 2017.

We're now very close to dry assembly of the engines to check clearances, but we've paused whilst we establish whether we can use larger valves.

Hopefully we'll have one (or both) of them screaming it's heart out on the engine dyno before mid-summer, at which point we'll find out if spending a modest fortune on Porsche's most hated engine was a good idea!

[Paynewright]

Having read all the interesting comments and views I’m erring towards keeping the 996. Just booked it in for clutch, AOS, RMS and over gearbox brake pipe at GCR. Chris will check the IMS if the seal is weeping (and the filter for debris).

There are a few things on the to-do/ wish list - exhaust manifold bolts, arch liner removal / clean / waxoil, Momo 07, seat refurb (spray backs / re connolise leather), sunroof seal . Wish list incl set of Oz wheels & exhaust system.

Lots to do!!

Ian