Looking for my first 911 - modded 996?
Discussion
Hi All. I'm looking to buy my first 911, I think..?
I've previously owned a couple of TVRs, an Elise, MX5 turbo etc. For the last 10 years I've hillclimbed a single seater but it's now sold and I'm looking at fast road cars again.
I have max £20k ish budget and having considered all sorts, ( caterham/caymsn/Z4m/Elise ,etc..), I think a 911 is the answer. I appreciate £20k won't go that far but having researched things I think I should be able to afford a nice / tastefully modified 996 C2 for that money so I'm on the hunt.
Ultimately I'm looking for a weekend toy that provides a pure driving experience, has a nice engine, looks good and has a level of practicality..A 996 seems to offer this however I'm a concerned that in standard guise it could be a bit too civilised as a weekend toy and not deliver a real buzz/thrill/sense of occasion. On that basis I'm hoping that a C2 manual with a few nice racey bits, some weight loss, reduced sound deadening , decent suspension etc could provide the answer. Has anyone on here done/got similar and can confirm it ticks the box.? I like the CSR stuff but can't afford one so hoped something along Jethro spec is realistic and that in the flesh it proves raw enough to thrill but practical enough to use for more than Caterham type Sunday blasts...?
Also, any advice where best to find one? I'm happy to tinker and modify from standard but more than aware that you can often benefit from buying a good car that has had more spent on it than is being asked at point of sale..I'm scanning the usual sale sites and have registered on 911uk etc but just wondered if there's some sort of UK 996 Skunkworks forum I should be aware of that might have cars for sale?
Any advice appreciated..
Thanks Ed.
PS. I love 996 C4S looks, ( if lowered with spacers ), but gather it might be a bit too slow and heavy to really excite as a weekend toy hence the modded C2 being the thinking - is this the case?
I've previously owned a couple of TVRs, an Elise, MX5 turbo etc. For the last 10 years I've hillclimbed a single seater but it's now sold and I'm looking at fast road cars again.
I have max £20k ish budget and having considered all sorts, ( caterham/caymsn/Z4m/Elise ,etc..), I think a 911 is the answer. I appreciate £20k won't go that far but having researched things I think I should be able to afford a nice / tastefully modified 996 C2 for that money so I'm on the hunt.
Ultimately I'm looking for a weekend toy that provides a pure driving experience, has a nice engine, looks good and has a level of practicality..A 996 seems to offer this however I'm a concerned that in standard guise it could be a bit too civilised as a weekend toy and not deliver a real buzz/thrill/sense of occasion. On that basis I'm hoping that a C2 manual with a few nice racey bits, some weight loss, reduced sound deadening , decent suspension etc could provide the answer. Has anyone on here done/got similar and can confirm it ticks the box.? I like the CSR stuff but can't afford one so hoped something along Jethro spec is realistic and that in the flesh it proves raw enough to thrill but practical enough to use for more than Caterham type Sunday blasts...?
Also, any advice where best to find one? I'm happy to tinker and modify from standard but more than aware that you can often benefit from buying a good car that has had more spent on it than is being asked at point of sale..I'm scanning the usual sale sites and have registered on 911uk etc but just wondered if there's some sort of UK 996 Skunkworks forum I should be aware of that might have cars for sale?
Any advice appreciated..
Thanks Ed.
PS. I love 996 C4S looks, ( if lowered with spacers ), but gather it might be a bit too slow and heavy to really excite as a weekend toy hence the modded C2 being the thinking - is this the case?
The bigger issue with the c4s is the price rather than the weight etc - you can always remove the 4wd bits if you want - you'll struggle to find a good one (especially with suspension / exhaust done) for less than £20k.
But a nice simple early c2 is a great thing!
But a nice simple early c2 is a great thing!
Edited by skinny on Friday 7th February 09:51
A 996.1C2 isn’t that refined really (well yes compared to an Elise), I think it’s great starting point for a weekend racer and lots of the work you can do yourself if you are handy.
The .2 models are all a bit heavier as they added a bit more safety and build quality - ruins the alertness a little IMO. I wouldn’t consider a C4S either - the purity of 2WD makes these cars feel so alive!
I owned an early 996.1c2 manual before moving to a 996.2 turbo, for relevance. I miss the agility of the earlier one
The .2 models are all a bit heavier as they added a bit more safety and build quality - ruins the alertness a little IMO. I wouldn’t consider a C4S either - the purity of 2WD makes these cars feel so alive!
I owned an early 996.1c2 manual before moving to a 996.2 turbo, for relevance. I miss the agility of the earlier one
I had a similar requirement a few years back, I had moved from a bike engined Westfield as a weekend toy wanting something a little more practical for a trip down the pub on a summers evening where the wife would actually get in it but still wanted some driver experience and nimble handling etc. I initially didn’t have sufficient budget for a 911 so opted for a 986 Boxster S which was a great car but not a 911 if you get my drift.
I drove all incarnations of 996. The C4S was just a step to far for me, very planted and stable but felt a bit numb and lardy though the looks are to die for.
I decided an early 996.1 C2 might be what best fitted my brief so went out to find the best I could. Worth taking the time to read the “Whats and early 996 3.4 “ thread on here as full of useful stuff.
I wanted an aero car which made the hunt even harder but ended up with a 1998 3.4 C2 with aero and the GT3.1 BBS rims. Cable throttle with LSD and TC. Black interior with sports seats and M030 and H&R springs dropping the car to something like GT3 ride height. I did pay relatively strong money 2 years ago but decent cars were selling before I even got infront of one.
Car was on 69K when I got it and after a while developed some creaks and groans from the suspension so went through the car replacing coffin arms etc to refresh it all a bit which made a massive difference.
On the road it’s an absolute pleasure to drive, the feeling from the front end as it just tracks exactly where you want it, the 300 hp from the motor as absolutely spot on power wise to the weight and has a nice torque curve with a little more top end zip that brings a smile everytime you drive it. Mines done 72K now (I know must drive it more) and it’s coming up 22 years old so things go wrong but if your handy with the spanners most jobs are easily tackled with a bit of research and patience.
To sum up get in a 996.1 C2 now while the market is slack, bang for buck they are the best kept 911 secret but it won’t last for ever.
I drove all incarnations of 996. The C4S was just a step to far for me, very planted and stable but felt a bit numb and lardy though the looks are to die for.
I decided an early 996.1 C2 might be what best fitted my brief so went out to find the best I could. Worth taking the time to read the “Whats and early 996 3.4 “ thread on here as full of useful stuff.
I wanted an aero car which made the hunt even harder but ended up with a 1998 3.4 C2 with aero and the GT3.1 BBS rims. Cable throttle with LSD and TC. Black interior with sports seats and M030 and H&R springs dropping the car to something like GT3 ride height. I did pay relatively strong money 2 years ago but decent cars were selling before I even got infront of one.
Car was on 69K when I got it and after a while developed some creaks and groans from the suspension so went through the car replacing coffin arms etc to refresh it all a bit which made a massive difference.
On the road it’s an absolute pleasure to drive, the feeling from the front end as it just tracks exactly where you want it, the 300 hp from the motor as absolutely spot on power wise to the weight and has a nice torque curve with a little more top end zip that brings a smile everytime you drive it. Mines done 72K now (I know must drive it more) and it’s coming up 22 years old so things go wrong but if your handy with the spanners most jobs are easily tackled with a bit of research and patience.
To sum up get in a 996.1 C2 now while the market is slack, bang for buck they are the best kept 911 secret but it won’t last for ever.
Try both 3.4 and 3.6 slightly different characters.
C4 can be C2'd giving you a slightly stiffer gt3 style chassis.
If you don't need rear seat access look at GT3 or pole position buckets to drop you lower in the car.
If you are prepared to wait there are cool PTS or rare colours that make it really pop.
The beauty of the 996 is the ability to make it a globe trotting GT car or weekend warrior as long as you start with the correct body style and gearbox and make the necessary mods.
Facebook have some good groups including :
Porsche 996 modification
The Porsche 996 carrera owners page
I have a 996.2 and adore it, long term plan involves buckets and GT3 wheels but happy to enjoy it as is.
C4 can be C2'd giving you a slightly stiffer gt3 style chassis.
If you don't need rear seat access look at GT3 or pole position buckets to drop you lower in the car.
If you are prepared to wait there are cool PTS or rare colours that make it really pop.
The beauty of the 996 is the ability to make it a globe trotting GT car or weekend warrior as long as you start with the correct body style and gearbox and make the necessary mods.
Facebook have some good groups including :
Porsche 996 modification
The Porsche 996 carrera owners page
I have a 996.2 and adore it, long term plan involves buckets and GT3 wheels but happy to enjoy it as is.
I've seen a couple of early 996 cars sell recently for 10k or less. So 20k buys you plenty. My car has KW clubsport coil overs which cost 4 grand new and it has stiffer roll bars and bushes too and therefore it's as stiff as you can probably get. I just pootle round in it and I love it. I cant decide if I should soften it or just leave it as is because it just feels great. Get an early car and you'll be fine.
Hi All. Thanks for the feedback so far which is really useful..
So sounds like an early C2 is my best bet. I fully appreciate condition is key when buying however there's no harm in having a plan/ideal even if it goes out of the window when the search runs dry.....On that basis I think an early 98/99 car in a metallic grey/black or otherwise a rare colour..Black interior with sunroof delete...Mods will then take on a road racer/gt3 vibe whilst keeping just enough civility to make it bearable on a long run..
I'll keep searching and reading the recommended forums whilst drawing up my dream spec list...
Thanks for any further advice. Ed
So sounds like an early C2 is my best bet. I fully appreciate condition is key when buying however there's no harm in having a plan/ideal even if it goes out of the window when the search runs dry.....On that basis I think an early 98/99 car in a metallic grey/black or otherwise a rare colour..Black interior with sunroof delete...Mods will then take on a road racer/gt3 vibe whilst keeping just enough civility to make it bearable on a long run..
I'll keep searching and reading the recommended forums whilst drawing up my dream spec list...
Thanks for any further advice. Ed
Mariosbt said:
There is a silver 997.1 on eBay now for £11975 (approx) looks very good, cheapest I’ve ever seen. At that price you could budget in an engine rebuild at Hartech. Only saw it glancing through... I think it was a classified add, not auction.
Go into ebay search ‘Porsche 911’ newly listed & it’s there! Looks fine, description fine. 
Depending on you're personal feelings, towards risk/reward and investment, you could get into a new Porsche for less than £20k, have no concerns over things going wrong, and no real long-term risk going forwards.
Understand there are many 'players' on here who slate PCP, but it opens options to you.
Just throwing it out there in case you hadn't considered it - there's always the option to walk away at the end of the term.
Good luck with whatever route you choose. I had wanted a late 996S but couldn't justify the risk vs reward on what is to all intents an old car now.
The widebody 996's are beautiful, don't let anyone tell you otherwise
Keep us posted!
Understand there are many 'players' on here who slate PCP, but it opens options to you.
Just throwing it out there in case you hadn't considered it - there's always the option to walk away at the end of the term.
Good luck with whatever route you choose. I had wanted a late 996S but couldn't justify the risk vs reward on what is to all intents an old car now.
The widebody 996's are beautiful, don't let anyone tell you otherwise
Keep us posted!
997 is more polished yes. You almost can't feel the balance of the weight is out the back where as in the 996 you're constantly reminded. They start to get heavier and heavier too so the early 996 is the lightest. I went for an early 996 because they have the least risk of engine problems too. The later cars have more risk of engine problems. So if weight and engine worries concern you the choice is simple if you ask me.
Edmundo2 said:
Yep looks interesting. My initial thought was a 997 for sub £20k could be lot of bother...
Not sure how they feel vs 996? Are the even more polished...? If so will they feel raw enough to thrill as a weekend toy?
Just looked at this car again.. something not right. You can’t just buy.. it states ‘ contact seller ‘. Probably too good to be true! Not sure how they feel vs 996? Are the even more polished...? If so will they feel raw enough to thrill as a weekend toy?
This car has been discussed before on the 3.4 thread, remove some of the bling and there looks to be a good car under there somewhere, it’s been for sale for a while and the ad says open to offers
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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