Porsche 911 996.2 3.6 C2
Discussion
Following on the the sale of my previous project car, my 1973 BMW 2002Tii, https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... i had a small large hole to fill!
The sale had been agreed a few weeks ago and we were just going through the motions, mainly logistics, being some 275 miles from one another.
As soon as i knew this money was coming i was instantly looking for what to get next, money burns a hole in my pocket. This varied from only spending 10k or so and banking the rest (i've never been so sensible in my life), to selling my GR Yaris daily, adding that to the 2002 money and getting something i definitely couldn't afford to maintain properly in reality but that i was sure to have a great time in!
Thankfully i stayed relatively sensible and the Yaris stayed, i managed to treat my other half to a new mountain bike (it only seemed fair after the years of chew she had to endure with me on the 2002 project), put some in savings for our 3 year old and then set aside a healthy budget for a new toy!
It sounds silly but i've always been a Porsche man, i've never had one but i've always seen myself as one. I've been around the older stuff for quite a few years, from friends owning them and more recently the more modern stuff, again with friends owning them! I love both in more or less equal measures but my budget wouldnt get me what i really wanted for either end of the spectrum. I briefly looked into SC's, thinking id get a good one with a bit left over for tinkering, no chance!
The next best thing was the 996, i've always liked this generation, i love an underdog and besides the point of them being the most disliked generation of 911, generally speaking, they drive absolutely awesome! I started to look into these and thought i could get the absolute best example available for around 20k, i was wrong again, even the unloved generation of 911 had shot up since i last looked!
Initially i wanted the fabled 'early 3.4 with cable throttle', obviously with the aerokit to boot! There were a few nice examples, one example really had me racing but it was up for £40k! It had factory fit rear cage and GT3 seats, as well as the 'X51 package'. I'd never heard of this but it was a rather expensive and comprehensive performance package that consisted of Porsche Motorsport heads, cams, exhaust manifolds, inlet manifold, gt3 triple radiator set up, secondary oil scavenge pump, baffled sump and some other bits i've probably forgotten.
As soon as i'd read about this pack, that was me irrationally obsessed with it and i couldnt have a 996 without it but i wasnt paying 40k!
Luck would have it that i found one other 996 for sale out of the many, that had this pack. This example was a gen 2 though but still had the aero kit, X51 package etc. but hardbacked sports seats inside, as well as the rear seats. This was the combo i needed really, as id like to use the 'toy' for days out with my family this time round, rather than just for hoons out with mates.
The specification was high, it seems like most things had been ticked and the final price at time of purchase was basically that of the GT3! I called the owner and we had a chat, the car ended up having a bit of a story, it had been pampered beyond belief up to 2014, including an engine rebuild at Autofarm, then things got a little blurry until he picked it up in an auction in 2019, despite the mileage seemingly rising across a couple of those missing years.
He'd viewed it and it was making an all mighty racket when it was started up, it seemed like the car had slipped through the cracks and sat around awhile before it ended up at an auction. Previous owner had seen the potential and bought it, followed by a 10-12k spend over the next few years bringing it back up to scratch. When i viewed it had new discs and pads all round, as new Michelins all round, immaculate bodywork throughout (turns out 5k had been spent on the sides being painted, with before, during and after pictures) and it ran perfectly without any bad noises. The interior was great and every interior carbon pack had been optioned, it was full of it! The hardbacked sports seats were also leather covered, something i hadnt even realised was an option! He'd spend a fortune getting it back up to standard but not really used it (3k miles over the 4-5 years), it seemed right for me to take over now and do some tinkering and give it the use it deserves!
On our previous phone call, we'd managed to agree on a provisional price, he'd already taken off 2.5k from his initial sales add and we managed to agree another 2.5k off, it was a price we were both happy with and thought was fair, so no more haggling on the day (He did throw in a Noco charger!)
So that was that, i was driving home in my new 911, it was a bit of an odd feeling and the roads home were boring (2.5 hours motorway), i didnt get chance to open it up at all until i was a few miles from home and got chance to blast it down a bypass, i was a little underwhelmed at first, that is until it hit around 5.5k rpm and the noise changed and it was off like a shot! What a relief that was! It was getting dark now and i was just happy to get it home after a bit of a long day.
On the way back:
20240213_151235 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240213_150938 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
I got home just at the right time for when my other half and little lad had just got in and his little face was beaming, hes got a few 911 toy cars so recognised it instantly! I had noticed the clutch release bearing was a little noisy when i got home but it seems to be because its been sat over winter and from use ever since it has quietened down thankfully.
Back in the garage, weird seeing it in here and not the 2002:
20240213_215138 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240213_215241 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240213_211807 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
Checking that it is family/ child friendly!
20240213_175107 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
I managed to get out for a drive last weekend and headed to my favorite bit of road that i always use as a benchmark. I already had some ideas in my head of what i wanted to do but this road always confirms a list, adds to it, or rearranges priority!
20240218_143225 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240218_124003 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240218_124223 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240218_124237 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240218_155209 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
20240218_155342 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr
I loved every minute of it and by the time i got home i was very happy with my purchase. My friends that i met out also loved it and i'd bumped into a couple of other people whilst out that complimented it similarly, it all helps put your mind at rest about a big purchase.
My list before going out was, in no particular order:
Wheels/tyres - something that sat a bit more aggressive
Coilovers - again, to help get it sat a bit more aggressive and make the most of the chassis
Front adjustable coffin arms/ tension struts - to allow adjustment to get the geo where it would want to be
Rear adjustable toe arms - as above
Steering wheel - a little too large and seemed to be close to my legs
Get rid of the pesky rear wiper - not needed and ruins the lines of the car at the side/ rear
Some form of dateless 6 digit plate - i hated the way the front plate overhung
Sports cat X pipe - its got the factory switchable Porsche sports exhaust and i'd just like that little bit more noise
Exhaust tips! - i dont like the Porsche Techquipment ones that are on it
That was about it but after the drive the below were added and at the top of the list!
Brakes! It needed more/ better cooling and some better pads/ fluid - I'd been warned about them fading on spirited drives but didnt think i'd experience it on the first drive out, it was just on the decent down the pass and was fine otherwise, however. Carbotech XP8 pads, good fluid and GT3 brake ducts are the initial plan.
Gear shifter - the shift was nice but there was side to side slop and a bit fore and aft too. Factory 997 GT3RS shifter is the plan for this.
Phone holder/ headunit upgrade - the car has a great sound system and i'd like to use it on longer journeys. some form of headunit upgrade may be required that had android auto etc. I also had nowhere to put my phone to use the sat nav on it. I'll start off with a Rennline phone holder and bin the CD storage off for a cubby hole and see how i get on.
The wheels, tyres, suspension and X pipe have essentially dropped on the list until i sort the rest! Plenty to keep my busy.
Thanks for reading, if you have read this far!
Scott
The sale had been agreed a few weeks ago and we were just going through the motions, mainly logistics, being some 275 miles from one another.
As soon as i knew this money was coming i was instantly looking for what to get next, money burns a hole in my pocket. This varied from only spending 10k or so and banking the rest (i've never been so sensible in my life), to selling my GR Yaris daily, adding that to the 2002 money and getting something i definitely couldn't afford to maintain properly in reality but that i was sure to have a great time in!
Thankfully i stayed relatively sensible and the Yaris stayed, i managed to treat my other half to a new mountain bike (it only seemed fair after the years of chew she had to endure with me on the 2002 project), put some in savings for our 3 year old and then set aside a healthy budget for a new toy!
It sounds silly but i've always been a Porsche man, i've never had one but i've always seen myself as one. I've been around the older stuff for quite a few years, from friends owning them and more recently the more modern stuff, again with friends owning them! I love both in more or less equal measures but my budget wouldnt get me what i really wanted for either end of the spectrum. I briefly looked into SC's, thinking id get a good one with a bit left over for tinkering, no chance!
The next best thing was the 996, i've always liked this generation, i love an underdog and besides the point of them being the most disliked generation of 911, generally speaking, they drive absolutely awesome! I started to look into these and thought i could get the absolute best example available for around 20k, i was wrong again, even the unloved generation of 911 had shot up since i last looked!
Initially i wanted the fabled 'early 3.4 with cable throttle', obviously with the aerokit to boot! There were a few nice examples, one example really had me racing but it was up for £40k! It had factory fit rear cage and GT3 seats, as well as the 'X51 package'. I'd never heard of this but it was a rather expensive and comprehensive performance package that consisted of Porsche Motorsport heads, cams, exhaust manifolds, inlet manifold, gt3 triple radiator set up, secondary oil scavenge pump, baffled sump and some other bits i've probably forgotten.
As soon as i'd read about this pack, that was me irrationally obsessed with it and i couldnt have a 996 without it but i wasnt paying 40k!
Luck would have it that i found one other 996 for sale out of the many, that had this pack. This example was a gen 2 though but still had the aero kit, X51 package etc. but hardbacked sports seats inside, as well as the rear seats. This was the combo i needed really, as id like to use the 'toy' for days out with my family this time round, rather than just for hoons out with mates.
The specification was high, it seems like most things had been ticked and the final price at time of purchase was basically that of the GT3! I called the owner and we had a chat, the car ended up having a bit of a story, it had been pampered beyond belief up to 2014, including an engine rebuild at Autofarm, then things got a little blurry until he picked it up in an auction in 2019, despite the mileage seemingly rising across a couple of those missing years.
He'd viewed it and it was making an all mighty racket when it was started up, it seemed like the car had slipped through the cracks and sat around awhile before it ended up at an auction. Previous owner had seen the potential and bought it, followed by a 10-12k spend over the next few years bringing it back up to scratch. When i viewed it had new discs and pads all round, as new Michelins all round, immaculate bodywork throughout (turns out 5k had been spent on the sides being painted, with before, during and after pictures) and it ran perfectly without any bad noises. The interior was great and every interior carbon pack had been optioned, it was full of it! The hardbacked sports seats were also leather covered, something i hadnt even realised was an option! He'd spend a fortune getting it back up to standard but not really used it (3k miles over the 4-5 years), it seemed right for me to take over now and do some tinkering and give it the use it deserves!
On our previous phone call, we'd managed to agree on a provisional price, he'd already taken off 2.5k from his initial sales add and we managed to agree another 2.5k off, it was a price we were both happy with and thought was fair, so no more haggling on the day (He did throw in a Noco charger!)
So that was that, i was driving home in my new 911, it was a bit of an odd feeling and the roads home were boring (2.5 hours motorway), i didnt get chance to open it up at all until i was a few miles from home and got chance to blast it down a bypass, i was a little underwhelmed at first, that is until it hit around 5.5k rpm and the noise changed and it was off like a shot! What a relief that was! It was getting dark now and i was just happy to get it home after a bit of a long day.
On the way back:
20240213_151235 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240213_150938 by Scott Osborne, on FlickrI got home just at the right time for when my other half and little lad had just got in and his little face was beaming, hes got a few 911 toy cars so recognised it instantly! I had noticed the clutch release bearing was a little noisy when i got home but it seems to be because its been sat over winter and from use ever since it has quietened down thankfully.
Back in the garage, weird seeing it in here and not the 2002:
20240213_215138 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240213_215241 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240213_211807 by Scott Osborne, on FlickrChecking that it is family/ child friendly!
20240213_175107 by Scott Osborne, on FlickrI managed to get out for a drive last weekend and headed to my favorite bit of road that i always use as a benchmark. I already had some ideas in my head of what i wanted to do but this road always confirms a list, adds to it, or rearranges priority!
20240218_143225 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240218_124003 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240218_124223 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240218_124237 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240218_155209 by Scott Osborne, on Flickr20240218_155342 by Scott Osborne, on FlickrI loved every minute of it and by the time i got home i was very happy with my purchase. My friends that i met out also loved it and i'd bumped into a couple of other people whilst out that complimented it similarly, it all helps put your mind at rest about a big purchase.
My list before going out was, in no particular order:
Wheels/tyres - something that sat a bit more aggressive
Coilovers - again, to help get it sat a bit more aggressive and make the most of the chassis
Front adjustable coffin arms/ tension struts - to allow adjustment to get the geo where it would want to be
Rear adjustable toe arms - as above
Steering wheel - a little too large and seemed to be close to my legs
Get rid of the pesky rear wiper - not needed and ruins the lines of the car at the side/ rear
Some form of dateless 6 digit plate - i hated the way the front plate overhung
Sports cat X pipe - its got the factory switchable Porsche sports exhaust and i'd just like that little bit more noise
Exhaust tips! - i dont like the Porsche Techquipment ones that are on it
That was about it but after the drive the below were added and at the top of the list!
Brakes! It needed more/ better cooling and some better pads/ fluid - I'd been warned about them fading on spirited drives but didnt think i'd experience it on the first drive out, it was just on the decent down the pass and was fine otherwise, however. Carbotech XP8 pads, good fluid and GT3 brake ducts are the initial plan.
Gear shifter - the shift was nice but there was side to side slop and a bit fore and aft too. Factory 997 GT3RS shifter is the plan for this.
Phone holder/ headunit upgrade - the car has a great sound system and i'd like to use it on longer journeys. some form of headunit upgrade may be required that had android auto etc. I also had nowhere to put my phone to use the sat nav on it. I'll start off with a Rennline phone holder and bin the CD storage off for a cubby hole and see how i get on.
The wheels, tyres, suspension and X pipe have essentially dropped on the list until i sort the rest! Plenty to keep my busy.
Thanks for reading, if you have read this far!
Scott
Nice looking car OP. I've a '99 C4 manual with aerokit that has gone along the lines of 200 cell x-pipe exhaust and sports back boxes, remap, Bilstein B8s with H&R springs (ala an MO30 spec+), uprated brake fluid, CAE short-shifter, alcantara trimmed steering wheel, Cobra Nogaro seats (trimmed to match the original leather), a double din radio unit & lastly a rear seat delete as no one will get in the back now I have fixed back seats 
Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we live
Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we liveCar looks good.
Worth a trip to Centre Gravity for a once over before you make any suspension decisions.
911uk and rennlist forums are good technical sources for diy.
If you register with Porsche as a classic owner, you’ll get a parts discount and pay less for quite a few parts than at 3rd party vendors.
Worth a trip to Centre Gravity for a once over before you make any suspension decisions.
911uk and rennlist forums are good technical sources for diy.
If you register with Porsche as a classic owner, you’ll get a parts discount and pay less for quite a few parts than at 3rd party vendors.
Looks lovely ! Ex owner of an Inca Orange 2002Tii, still kicking myself for selling it for £900 quid back in 2012. It did need full restoration though.
Had no idea that an X51 pack was available on these, if so I would have bought one years ago. Any idea what hp these have and did any of the mags ( EVO etc ) do a test feature ?
Had no idea that an X51 pack was available on these, if so I would have bought one years ago. Any idea what hp these have and did any of the mags ( EVO etc ) do a test feature ?
MrC986 said:
Nice looking car OP. I've a '99 C4 manual with aerokit that has gone along the lines of 200 cell x-pipe exhaust and sports back boxes, remap, Bilstein B8s with H&R springs (ala an MO30 spec+), uprated brake fluid, CAE short-shifter, alcantara trimmed steering wheel, Cobra Nogaro seats (trimmed to match the original leather), a double din radio unit & lastly a rear seat delete as no one will get in the back now I have fixed back seats Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we live
Without sounding too much like a stalker, my friend Richard thought he saw you driving into Nottingham the day (recognised your car from a few PH events) and commented on the noise. Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we liveCourt_S said:
Without sounding too much like a stalker, my friend Richard thought he saw you driving into Nottingham the day (recognised your car from a few PH events) and commented on the noise.
Sam, it’s not too easy to blend in with traffic with the cats/x-pipe/sports boxes on, especially when it’s gurgling on the overrun 
B'stard Child said:
Did not expect that as a next project 
- looking forward to the journey with this one 
Me neither - looking forward to the journey with this one 
Thanks!MrC986 said:
Nice looking car OP. I've a '99 C4 manual with aerokit that has gone along the lines of 200 cell x-pipe exhaust and sports back boxes, remap, Bilstein B8s with H&R springs (ala an MO30 spec+), uprated brake fluid, CAE short-shifter, alcantara trimmed steering wheel, Cobra Nogaro seats (trimmed to match the original leather), a double din radio unit & lastly a rear seat delete as no one will get in the back now I have fixed back seats Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we live
Cheers and that sounds awesome and along the lines of what id like from this eventually! Which sports cat X pipe did you go with out of interest? Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we livejaacck said:
Looks great, congratulations on your purchase.
I would go for some 997 gt3 wheels if you can!
Thanks! I'd like to stick to 18's maximum but the .2 996 gt3 wheels are very similar. They command quite a price these days though, i think it'll be a case of seeing what pops up!I would go for some 997 gt3 wheels if you can!
Mallone said:
A genuine surprise after the 2002, but really looking forward to seeing what you do with this.
That initial job list will have it sitting, looking and driving very nicely. Been on a similar journey with my 996. They get under your skin!
I've ordered quite a lot of it already, which means it mustve got under my skin, as you suggest! Have you got a thread for yours? Ill have a look through!That initial job list will have it sitting, looking and driving very nicely. Been on a similar journey with my 996. They get under your skin!
bomb said:
Glad you've started a new thread, and that upgrade / shopping list looks to be interesting. I know you'll be in the garage tonight, getting stuck in !
looking forward to actually seeing it 'in the metal'.
You're not wrong Andy, its refreshed my tinkering bug! The jobs have all been pretty enjoyable so far, it's a nice thing to work on. I've not really got to anything mechanical yet though so i might go back on saying that!looking forward to actually seeing it 'in the metal'.
hermes said:
Car looks good.
Worth a trip to Centre Gravity for a once over before you make any suspension decisions.
911uk and rennlist forums are good technical sources for diy.
If you register with Porsche as a classic owner, you’ll get a parts discount and pay less for quite a few parts than at 3rd party vendors.
Cheers, i've signed up to 911uk and im enjoying it so far. I've got a local Porsche specialist (he came down with me to view this car) so it'll be off in there soon and once the bits are on then they will be setting the car up, looking forward to it.Worth a trip to Centre Gravity for a once over before you make any suspension decisions.
911uk and rennlist forums are good technical sources for diy.
If you register with Porsche as a classic owner, you’ll get a parts discount and pay less for quite a few parts than at 3rd party vendors.
Good info on the Porsche classic advice, i've bought a few bits off them so far with a small discount but if i can register with them easy enough and get any more discounts then that would be great!
ZX10R NIN said:
Nice car OP 
Thanks!danmarr14 said:
Beaut of a car! Love it
Cheers!SS427 Camaro said:
Looks lovely ! Ex owner of an Inca Orange 2002Tii, still kicking myself for selling it for £900 quid back in 2012. It did need full restoration though.
Had no idea that an X51 pack was available on these, if so I would have bought one years ago. Any idea what hp these have and did any of the mags ( EVO etc ) do a test feature ?
Times have definitely changed on 2002Tii values, thats for sure! I missed out on those days hahaHad no idea that an X51 pack was available on these, if so I would have bought one years ago. Any idea what hp these have and did any of the mags ( EVO etc ) do a test feature ?
It's got a quoted 345hp but by all accounts all of the changes add up to more than just the little bit of extra power and apparently the figures are underegged to keep it away from the GT3. I'll get it on the rollers one day!
RESSE said:
Thank you for starting this thread
(I am new to 996 ownership - purchased a 2004 C2 in November 2023).
Cracking, how're you getting on with it so far? I'm glad i went for one!(I am new to 996 ownership - purchased a 2004 C2 in November 2023).
Court_S said:
Car looks grand with some good plans for it.
Can’t believe you’ve sold the BMW…I’ve not managed to finish reading the whole thread yet!
Me neither to be honest, it wasnt planned! Sad its gone but im also alright about it now.Can’t believe you’ve sold the BMW…I’ve not managed to finish reading the whole thread yet!
TheDoggingFather said:
I've spent the last 20 years hating the 996, particularly the non - turbo/C4S cars. But slowly, the ice is melting and they're becoming more and more attractive.
Lovely car, enjoy,
I've never really looked twice at them either to be honest, they've only started getting my attention over the last 5 years or so! Theres a collector up here that i've been on drives out with, hes got all sorts and always takes his 996 c2 and i realised a new respect for them after these drives out. They are brilliant on the North Pennines/ Borders roads we drive out on. And thank you, i hope it is an enjoyable ownership experience!Lovely car, enjoy,
I'm sure you already know this, but if not, have a chat with RPM Technik about their CSR suspension/chassis goodies. It sounds like that's the kind of direction you'll be taking the car in.
Good choice mate. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this!
Good choice mate. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this!
Edited by ECG1000 on Friday 23 February 15:09
scottos said:
Mallone said:
A genuine surprise after the 2002, but really looking forward to seeing what you do with this.
That initial job list will have it sitting, looking and driving very nicely. Been on a similar journey with my 996. They get under your skin!
I've ordered quite a lot of it already, which means it mustve got under my skin, as you suggest! Have you got a thread for yours? I’ll have a look through!That initial job list will have it sitting, looking and driving very nicely. Been on a similar journey with my 996. They get under your skin!
Thread hasn’t been updated in ages (been having too much fun in my budget/shed Boxster 2.5!) but the car hasn’t changed much since the last update.
Do have a set of refurbished 996.1 GT3 coilovers to fit, but currently sourcing all the various uber expensive random bits and pieces to complete the set.
Really looking forward to seeing what bits and pieces you start bolting to this
scottos said:
MrC986 said:
Nice looking car OP. I've a '99 C4 manual with aerokit that has gone along the lines of 200 cell x-pipe exhaust and sports back boxes, remap, Bilstein B8s with H&R springs (ala an MO30 spec+), uprated brake fluid, CAE short-shifter, alcantara trimmed steering wheel, Cobra Nogaro seats (trimmed to match the original leather), a double din radio unit & lastly a rear seat delete as no one will get in the back now I have fixed back seats Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we live
Cheers and that sounds awesome and along the lines of what id like from this eventually! Which sports cat X pipe did you go with out of interest? Whilst there is one last modification that sits in the garage waiting to go on (decat pipes) but I'm not sure how well that will go down domestically with the extra noise given where we liveGassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff