996 facelift conversion

[TKD]

Has anyone had thier pre-facelift 996 converted to give the newer facelift look? Design911 do this and I have to say, the results look awesome!
The price quoted is £1,300. I guess at this price it doesn't include spraying and fitting, just parts only?

I've finaly sold my car and I'm now on the hunt for a 3.4 996. (I'll be boring you all with an extensive list of questions soon!)
The conversion is very tempting!

[grant3]

Personally can't see the point in paying over £3k to make a pre-facelift look like a facelift,particularly as it will add little or nothing to the re-sale value. Better to put the money towards getting the real thing or a newer/better spec car.

[TKD]

I see your point, there's something not quite right about a car trying to be something it's not, even if it is a Porsche in the first place.

[leosayer]

IMHO, the earlier car is better looking.

[senator]

I agree - I had both pre- and post-facelift cars and I still regret getting rid of my MY 2000 996 cabrio. I think it was the best car I've ever owned (so far - 997 on order). If you manage to get one with the clear indicator lenses, which I think were MYs 2000-2002, you've got, in my opinion, the best looking 996 they made.

[Azura_tzo]

I think it may put people off buying your car, even if you are not charging for the facelift.

For example, insurance companies will fleece you as it will be a bodywork modification.

Its not just that - most people buying a Porsche will want it to be original and unmolested!

I used to think the facelift looked much better, but I think the pre-facelift looks almost as good with, as has been pointed out, the clear lenses, the right wheels and paint colour!

Good luck with your search.

[peterpeter]

leosayer said:

IMHO, the earlier car is better looking.

have to say I agree.

[TKD]

Having taken on board what has been said here, I think it would be a waste of money to convert an earlier car to look like a facelift model. It's good to hear so many people in favor of the 3.4. I have to say though, I do prefer the look of the facelift model.

[pdavison]

I prefer the look of the 3.4, but with the clear light kit.

[RoShambo]

Had both & prefer the facelifted cars looks....but for sure its a personal thing.
Plus you can't tell if its a Boxster or a 3.4 996 behind you on the road !

Why oh why did Porsche make the 996 (up until 2001) & the boxster look identical from the front ?

Probably expense of doing a different light design, but surely they could have at least given them different front bumpers !

Ro.

[911 habit]

RoShambo said:

Had both & prefer the facelifted cars looks....but for sure its a personal thing. Plus you can't tell if its a Boxster or a 3.4 996 behind you on the road ! Why oh why did Porsche make the 996 (up until 2001) & the boxster look identical from the front ? Probably expense of doing a different light design, but surely they could have at least given them different front bumpers ! Ro.

If you look, you'll see the front of the 996 is different to the Boxster, look under the number plate. - On the B'ster it's painted the same as the body on the 996, it's concaved in shape for more down force and is black.

I've had both 996 preface lift and post face lift - love them both equally. If it was my money buying again, the 3.6 facelift is a slightly better car with generally more options fitted as standard – save the £3k & put it towards a newer car.

[TKD]

I must say, I don't like the fact that they share so many similarities. Not knocking the boxster, but Porsche should have given the 911 some distinguishing features to seperate it from a boxster.

I quite like the front bumper of the GT3, and will probably have one fitted to give the car less of a boxster look.
Not sure if I like the rear spoiler of the GT3 though, so will most likely go for just front bumper and side skirts.

[911 habit]

TKD, have you found a car yet?
I would still rather buy a newest possible car, even if the mileage is high.

[TKD]

Still looking, it's got to be the right spec.
I want 99 onwards pref with sports pack and sound pack and of course 18's.