Intro from first-time 993 (and Porsche!) owner
04-09-2015, 05:10 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Intro from first-time 993 (and Porsche!) owner
Hey Guys,
It’s with great joy I write this post, having recently taken delivery of a beautiful 1998 C4S. Acquiring a wide-body aircooled P-car has been a major item on my life-long dream list, so feel very fortunate to be able to check that mark!
As a quick background, while new to the Porsche ownership experience, I have had a lust for Euro cars ever since I can remember. Current stablemates for the C4S include a 1988 BMW E30 M3, 2008 B7 RS 4, and a 2011 BMW 1///M. While the first is certainly already a classic, I feel the latter two are ‘future classics’, given both were in limited numbers (~2000-ish for the RS 4, and exactly 740 for the 1///M) and each has already drawn quite the cult following. I also feel they represent a dying breed (a high-strung naturally aspirated manual awd sports sedan in the case of the RS 4, and an analog-like, minimalist and relatively svelte/nimble car in the case of the 1///M). You can say I have a fetish for ‘wide butts’ as all 4 can make Kim Kardashian jealous
Given I am somewhat of a newb (though admittedly I spend any available time I have on this board familiarizing myself with threads both past and present), I have a few queries which I am hoping you guys can help me with. I absolutely love the spirit of this forum – comradery, respect and etiquette, tolerance for varying tastes and opinions (which sadly are not hallmark in many of the BMW and Audi forums I frequent, where discussions often veer off into a tailspin and childish mannerisms overtake maturity). Here are a few questions I had for you guys, and I am sure there will be more as I dig into the car deeper. In no particular order of importance (numbering these for ease of replying):
1. Best source for OE/OEM parts (I often see references for Sunset, Pelican, FDM, etc.)? As of now, I need a few simply items (e.g. spark plug wires, rubber pedal covers, frunk trim piece is a bit scuffed, etc.)
2. Carpet mats – I have the factory mats (classic gray), but would like to buy either a fresh set, or perhaps the plush carpeted ones I see Pelican has on their site. Any experience/recommendations?
3. Steering wheel options with 3-spoke and airbag. Kinda find the stock one a bit chunky and not as sporty given its design. Is the 996 the best route for factory fit and finish, airbag retention, and no error codes?
4. Source for hardback sport seats – what generations would fit other than 993? I am used to snug seats, having replaced my RS 4 seats with the original ROW RS 4 Recaros (similar to the Sportster CS, but with power features and heating). I suppose ebay.de and ebay.uk are places to scavenge, but where else would be a viable channel to source these?
5. Fault code reader/programmer. Not sure this exists for the platform, but for my Audi I use a brilliant product sold by RossTech (vagcom), which has allowed me to do a plethora of diagnostics, changes in all sorts of options (e.g. tinker with intensity of lights, eliminate door/belt chimes, program Euro flat bottom steering wheel and Euro seats, etc. etc.)
6. Reputable aircooled shop in the Northern NJ/NYC/Eastern PA area: I have several shops that I have been really happy with over the years for my other cars, but in this case I am thinking finding that shop that is an ‘inch wide and a mile deep’ – i.e. that is the specialist for aircooled’s specifically. Any leads would be great.
7. Currently the only ‘major’ issue I’ve discovered is the Cruise Control is not working. I have not dug deep into it as of yet, not even looked at fuses, but is this anything chronic that appears with regularity, and hence there is an approach I can follow to trouble-shoot?
8. Exhaust: thinking of the Fister stage II mufflers, and perhaps combining them with the Fabspeed Sport Cat X-pipe (with swappable straight pipes and the 200-cell HF cats). Are people running this particular setup, and equally importantly, do the sport cats trigger a CEL (e.g. catalyst efficiency fault)? Looking for a distinct sound without any in-cabin drone or resonance.
9. Suspension overhaul – currently car has the Bilstein HDs in the rear, but stock shocks up front (and stock US springs). I am thinking about jumping straight into PSS10s (Carnewal seems to have great pricing on these presently). What else should I consider replacing while at it, wear and tear time items and perhaps some aftermarket pieces (just replaced my control arms so good there). I know the various disadvantages of spacers, so wondering if folks are running a small setup (~10mm) for a flush fitment with the stock turbo twist wheels?
10. Appears car has an aftermarket clutch/lightened flywheel. Engagement comes pretty late (8/10ths of travel), pedal is hard, and requires some getting used to for proper modulation. Idle RPMs are somewhat uneven as well (i.e. just gets a lot smoother as little as 50rpms higher than regular idle speed). Will look and see if it can be adjusted, but any easy way to confirm what is there presently?
11. Have done full fluid change (brake included), all spark plugs, and filters (oil, fuel, cabin). Wires seem to be aging, so was thinking of the Beru ones that seem to be nearly ½ the price of what the dealer sells. Any thoughts there?
12. Helpful newb threads to look through that you guys can point me to (going through the various SAI ones presently)? I have been reading the 'bible' (993 Essential Companion) from Adrian Streather, which has been a great source for knowledge.
13. Lastly, look forward to getting together with like-minded piston heads and making new friendships. Planning to go to this weekend’s CnC at Top Gear in NJ, and the Hershey PA swap meet weekend thereafter, so hopefully will get to meet some folks from here. Curious to see the Fabspeed offerings in person as well as other vendor tents.
14. Goes without saying, if someone here has any of the items I am after (Fister exhaust, Fabspeed Sport Cat cross X-pipe, sport seats, new plug wires, etc.) please feel free to PM me.
I am sure I am forgetting a bunch of other items I wanted to seek your trusty input on, but I’ve already bombarded you guys with a lot and don’t want to risk being voted off the island!
Thanks in advance guys, ecstatic to be part of the Stuttgart family!!! Haven’t had a chance to photograph the car (nor come up with a proper name for her!), and would like to give her a fresh detail with my newly acquired Griot’s Garage random orbital before I do so, so stay tuned!
Cheers,
-Tino
It’s with great joy I write this post, having recently taken delivery of a beautiful 1998 C4S. Acquiring a wide-body aircooled P-car has been a major item on my life-long dream list, so feel very fortunate to be able to check that mark!
As a quick background, while new to the Porsche ownership experience, I have had a lust for Euro cars ever since I can remember. Current stablemates for the C4S include a 1988 BMW E30 M3, 2008 B7 RS 4, and a 2011 BMW 1///M. While the first is certainly already a classic, I feel the latter two are ‘future classics’, given both were in limited numbers (~2000-ish for the RS 4, and exactly 740 for the 1///M) and each has already drawn quite the cult following. I also feel they represent a dying breed (a high-strung naturally aspirated manual awd sports sedan in the case of the RS 4, and an analog-like, minimalist and relatively svelte/nimble car in the case of the 1///M). You can say I have a fetish for ‘wide butts’ as all 4 can make Kim Kardashian jealous
Given I am somewhat of a newb (though admittedly I spend any available time I have on this board familiarizing myself with threads both past and present), I have a few queries which I am hoping you guys can help me with. I absolutely love the spirit of this forum – comradery, respect and etiquette, tolerance for varying tastes and opinions (which sadly are not hallmark in many of the BMW and Audi forums I frequent, where discussions often veer off into a tailspin and childish mannerisms overtake maturity). Here are a few questions I had for you guys, and I am sure there will be more as I dig into the car deeper. In no particular order of importance (numbering these for ease of replying):
1. Best source for OE/OEM parts (I often see references for Sunset, Pelican, FDM, etc.)? As of now, I need a few simply items (e.g. spark plug wires, rubber pedal covers, frunk trim piece is a bit scuffed, etc.)
2. Carpet mats – I have the factory mats (classic gray), but would like to buy either a fresh set, or perhaps the plush carpeted ones I see Pelican has on their site. Any experience/recommendations?
3. Steering wheel options with 3-spoke and airbag. Kinda find the stock one a bit chunky and not as sporty given its design. Is the 996 the best route for factory fit and finish, airbag retention, and no error codes?
4. Source for hardback sport seats – what generations would fit other than 993? I am used to snug seats, having replaced my RS 4 seats with the original ROW RS 4 Recaros (similar to the Sportster CS, but with power features and heating). I suppose ebay.de and ebay.uk are places to scavenge, but where else would be a viable channel to source these?
5. Fault code reader/programmer. Not sure this exists for the platform, but for my Audi I use a brilliant product sold by RossTech (vagcom), which has allowed me to do a plethora of diagnostics, changes in all sorts of options (e.g. tinker with intensity of lights, eliminate door/belt chimes, program Euro flat bottom steering wheel and Euro seats, etc. etc.)
6. Reputable aircooled shop in the Northern NJ/NYC/Eastern PA area: I have several shops that I have been really happy with over the years for my other cars, but in this case I am thinking finding that shop that is an ‘inch wide and a mile deep’ – i.e. that is the specialist for aircooled’s specifically. Any leads would be great.
7. Currently the only ‘major’ issue I’ve discovered is the Cruise Control is not working. I have not dug deep into it as of yet, not even looked at fuses, but is this anything chronic that appears with regularity, and hence there is an approach I can follow to trouble-shoot?
8. Exhaust: thinking of the Fister stage II mufflers, and perhaps combining them with the Fabspeed Sport Cat X-pipe (with swappable straight pipes and the 200-cell HF cats). Are people running this particular setup, and equally importantly, do the sport cats trigger a CEL (e.g. catalyst efficiency fault)? Looking for a distinct sound without any in-cabin drone or resonance.
9. Suspension overhaul – currently car has the Bilstein HDs in the rear, but stock shocks up front (and stock US springs). I am thinking about jumping straight into PSS10s (Carnewal seems to have great pricing on these presently). What else should I consider replacing while at it, wear and tear time items and perhaps some aftermarket pieces (just replaced my control arms so good there). I know the various disadvantages of spacers, so wondering if folks are running a small setup (~10mm) for a flush fitment with the stock turbo twist wheels?
10. Appears car has an aftermarket clutch/lightened flywheel. Engagement comes pretty late (8/10ths of travel), pedal is hard, and requires some getting used to for proper modulation. Idle RPMs are somewhat uneven as well (i.e. just gets a lot smoother as little as 50rpms higher than regular idle speed). Will look and see if it can be adjusted, but any easy way to confirm what is there presently?
11. Have done full fluid change (brake included), all spark plugs, and filters (oil, fuel, cabin). Wires seem to be aging, so was thinking of the Beru ones that seem to be nearly ½ the price of what the dealer sells. Any thoughts there?
12. Helpful newb threads to look through that you guys can point me to (going through the various SAI ones presently)? I have been reading the 'bible' (993 Essential Companion) from Adrian Streather, which has been a great source for knowledge.
13. Lastly, look forward to getting together with like-minded piston heads and making new friendships. Planning to go to this weekend’s CnC at Top Gear in NJ, and the Hershey PA swap meet weekend thereafter, so hopefully will get to meet some folks from here. Curious to see the Fabspeed offerings in person as well as other vendor tents.
14. Goes without saying, if someone here has any of the items I am after (Fister exhaust, Fabspeed Sport Cat cross X-pipe, sport seats, new plug wires, etc.) please feel free to PM me.
I am sure I am forgetting a bunch of other items I wanted to seek your trusty input on, but I’ve already bombarded you guys with a lot and don’t want to risk being voted off the island!
Thanks in advance guys, ecstatic to be part of the Stuttgart family!!! Haven’t had a chance to photograph the car (nor come up with a proper name for her!), and would like to give her a fresh detail with my newly acquired Griot’s Garage random orbital before I do so, so stay tuned! Cheers,
-Tino
04-09-2015, 05:14 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Congrats on the car. Gets some pictures posted quick or you will get raked over the coals.....
04-09-2015, 05:29 PM
#3
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Wow, A comprehensive list for discussion.
All I can add is that for the basic stuff http://www.rockauto.com seems to have very reasonable prices. Pelican has a lot of items in stock and Sunset provides great support and offers items Pelican and others list as unavailable.
From a servicing perspective you may get more relevant feedback if you post how many miles are on the odometer for your car.
Andy
All I can add is that for the basic stuff http://www.rockauto.com seems to have very reasonable prices. Pelican has a lot of items in stock and Sunset provides great support and offers items Pelican and others list as unavailable.
From a servicing perspective you may get more relevant feedback if you post how many miles are on the odometer for your car.
Andy
04-09-2015, 06:43 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Congrats and welcome!
I'll give you my $0.02 on some of these.
1. Agreed. Sunset for dealer parts, FDM, Rennsport Systems, and Pelican for the rest.
2. Lloyds mats - FDM can order these as well as Pelican.
3. Yup, 996 3 spoke is the popular choice.
4. Win the lottery?
5. You won't find the level of customization you're probably used to coming from the VW/Audi Vag-com stuff. Durametric is probably the most popular, but has limitations with the 993 (ABD brake bleed comes to mind). You can also get a reconditioned Bosch Hammer from http://www.bergvillfx.com/. I use a UDT999, but it's a little buggy. The best option is a PST2, but those seem to be very hard to find these days.
9. Can't go wrong with the PSS10s. They seem to be the defacto standard around here for street cars. From what I can tell, most people only replace the front lower control arm bushings, leaving the rest of the other old rubber bits. Attempting to match the RS-spec suspension setup seems to be ideal for a street car if you want to refresh everything in one go. Beware of the slippery slope.
10. How many miles on the clutch? Rough idle is normal, at least for my car.
11. I think Beru is a good choice for wires. I got mine from FDM, so know they are (or were) available there.
I'll give you my $0.02 on some of these.
1. Agreed. Sunset for dealer parts, FDM, Rennsport Systems, and Pelican for the rest.
2. Lloyds mats - FDM can order these as well as Pelican.
3. Yup, 996 3 spoke is the popular choice.
4. Win the lottery?
5. You won't find the level of customization you're probably used to coming from the VW/Audi Vag-com stuff. Durametric is probably the most popular, but has limitations with the 993 (ABD brake bleed comes to mind). You can also get a reconditioned Bosch Hammer from http://www.bergvillfx.com/. I use a UDT999, but it's a little buggy. The best option is a PST2, but those seem to be very hard to find these days.
9. Can't go wrong with the PSS10s. They seem to be the defacto standard around here for street cars. From what I can tell, most people only replace the front lower control arm bushings, leaving the rest of the other old rubber bits. Attempting to match the RS-spec suspension setup seems to be ideal for a street car if you want to refresh everything in one go. Beware of the slippery slope.
10. How many miles on the clutch? Rough idle is normal, at least for my car.
11. I think Beru is a good choice for wires. I got mine from FDM, so know they are (or were) available there.
04-09-2015, 06:46 PM
#5
Drifting
Welcome!
98 C4S here in NE as well. Plenty of good shops around. Where are you more specifically? NJ, PA, NY?
Looks like you already did your research and probably know most answers. A lot of things are just matter of preference.
98 C4S here in NE as well. Plenty of good shops around. Where are you more specifically? NJ, PA, NY?
Looks like you already did your research and probably know most answers. A lot of things are just matter of preference.
04-09-2015, 06:53 PM
#6
Welcome! What. A. Garage!
#7, most common issue with cruise control is a stuck switch with your clutch pedal. My CC goes out on me from time to time, but I find that simply restarting the car fixes it. Quirky beasts.
#7, most common issue with cruise control is a stuck switch with your clutch pedal. My CC goes out on me from time to time, but I find that simply restarting the car fixes it. Quirky beasts.
04-09-2015, 07:00 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Marco Island, FL and sometimes New Jersey
Posts: 1,348
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4. Source for hardback sport seats – what generations would fit other than 993? I am used to snug seats, having replaced my RS 4 seats with the original ROW RS 4 Recaros (similar to the Sportster CS, but with power features and heating). I suppose ebay.de and ebay.uk are places to scavenge, but where else would be a viable channel to source these?
6. Reputable aircooled shop in the Northern NJ/NYC/Eastern PA area: I have several shops that I have been really happy with over the years for my other cars, but in this case I am thinking finding that shop that is an ‘inch wide and a mile deep’ – i.e. that is the specialist for aircooled’s specifically. Any leads would be great.
#4 - LOL. This isn't exactly easy.
#6 - Where are you located? I have a few ideas depending on where you are.
Mike
/
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04-09-2015, 07:09 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thx for the welcome and responses
Thank you for the kind words, Gents! Here are the only semi-worthy photos I have of her, both as she gets loaded and prepped for her x-country transport, and finally home (fuzzied out the plates as they belonged to PO):
Off she goes:
Finally home:
Off she goes:
Finally home:
04-09-2015, 07:32 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I live in Northern NJ (and there will be days when the car is here), but most of the time my car will be tucked in my vacation home in the Poconos, so realistically can do anything around the NY metro area, Northern NJ, and Eastern Penn. Wow, A comprehensive list for discussion.
All I can add is that for the basic stuff http://www.rockauto.com seems to have very reasonable prices. Pelican has a lot of items in stock and Sunset provides great support and offers items Pelican and others list as unavailable.
Andy
All I can add is that for the basic stuff http://www.rockauto.com seems to have very reasonable prices. Pelican has a lot of items in stock and Sunset provides great support and offers items Pelican and others list as unavailable.
Andy
Congrats and welcome!
I'll give you my $0.02 on some of these.
1. Agreed. Sunset for dealer parts, FDM, Rennsport Systems, and Pelican for the rest.
2. Lloyds mats - FDM can order these as well as Pelican.
3. Yup, 996 3 spoke is the popular choice.
4. Win the lottery?
5. You won't find the level of customization you're probably used to coming from the VW/Audi Vag-com stuff. Durametric is probably the most popular, but has limitations with the 993 (ABD brake bleed comes to mind). You can also get a reconditioned Bosch Hammer from http://www.bergvillfx.com/. I use a UDT999, but it's a little buggy. The best option is a PST2, but those seem to be very hard to find these days.
9. Can't go wrong with the PSS10s. They seem to be the defacto standard around here for street cars. From what I can tell, most people only replace the front lower control arm bushings, leaving the rest of the other old rubber bits. Attempting to match the RS-spec suspension setup seems to be ideal for a street car if you want to refresh everything in one go. Beware of the slippery slope.
10. How many miles on the clutch? Rough idle is normal, at least for my car.
11. I think Beru is a good choice for wires. I got mine from FDM, so know they are (or were) available there.
I'll give you my $0.02 on some of these.
1. Agreed. Sunset for dealer parts, FDM, Rennsport Systems, and Pelican for the rest.
2. Lloyds mats - FDM can order these as well as Pelican.
3. Yup, 996 3 spoke is the popular choice.
4. Win the lottery?
5. You won't find the level of customization you're probably used to coming from the VW/Audi Vag-com stuff. Durametric is probably the most popular, but has limitations with the 993 (ABD brake bleed comes to mind). You can also get a reconditioned Bosch Hammer from http://www.bergvillfx.com/. I use a UDT999, but it's a little buggy. The best option is a PST2, but those seem to be very hard to find these days.
9. Can't go wrong with the PSS10s. They seem to be the defacto standard around here for street cars. From what I can tell, most people only replace the front lower control arm bushings, leaving the rest of the other old rubber bits. Attempting to match the RS-spec suspension setup seems to be ideal for a street car if you want to refresh everything in one go. Beware of the slippery slope.
10. How many miles on the clutch? Rough idle is normal, at least for my car.
11. I think Beru is a good choice for wires. I got mine from FDM, so know they are (or were) available there.
As far as #4, it cannot be any harder than what I went through sourcing my Audi Exclusive seats for the RS 4. At least with these hardbacks, they were an option in the States so some hope remains something will pop up here. In the case of the Euro Recaros, they came in ROW trim only, and are nearly impossible to find (and coveted by everyone as you can imagine). Getting these involved years of searching, finding local friends across countries in Europe, ensuring they are not stolen, figuring out safe ways to finalize payment transaction, various other logistics, shipping, customs, reupholstery, finding junk yarded Audi A4 for a donor seat to use and fit the passenger occupancy sensor, taking seats apart to fit it, putting them and leather trim back together, re-programming car, etc. etc. etc. I am sure I am missing a number of items in there, but I feel I went through hell and high water for those, so even if this search proves equally tough - I stand ready, heh heh!
04-09-2015, 07:53 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Awesome color!! I am also a C4S owner and it's a fabulous car. Here's the list of issues I addressed
1) Horn- the basket grommets were worn and it went off all of the time- $ 90 part and a great tutorial on this site
2) Cruise died last summer- went through a ton of stuff- ended up being the module under the passenger's seat- got a new ( used) on ehere on RL for $ 100 bucks, works great now.
3) sunroof seal- another great tutorial here and about $ 150 in parts from Pelican ( both Sun and Pelican are great sites for parts.
4) air wall- replaced $ 100 bucks- easy fix
5) new power window switch ( I bought 3 extras- these are a POS)
Things I've done-
New racing pedals
Turbo air ducts
resprayed bumper
replaced a cracked wheel well liner
new seals on the bumper
front protection bar
new stereo
extra set of wheels
replaced stone guards
replaced the "s" logo
new battery
that's about it...
My car has Pss9 suspension lowered to ROW height, motor sound package and wode ovals, short shift and golden rod to really tighten things up. been completely rebuilt and new clutch at 70K ( got 100K on it now).
Have fun- these are awesome cars.
1) Horn- the basket grommets were worn and it went off all of the time- $ 90 part and a great tutorial on this site
2) Cruise died last summer- went through a ton of stuff- ended up being the module under the passenger's seat- got a new ( used) on ehere on RL for $ 100 bucks, works great now.
3) sunroof seal- another great tutorial here and about $ 150 in parts from Pelican ( both Sun and Pelican are great sites for parts.
4) air wall- replaced $ 100 bucks- easy fix
5) new power window switch ( I bought 3 extras- these are a POS)
Things I've done-
New racing pedals
Turbo air ducts
resprayed bumper
replaced a cracked wheel well liner
new seals on the bumper
front protection bar
new stereo
extra set of wheels
replaced stone guards
replaced the "s" logo
new battery
that's about it...
My car has Pss9 suspension lowered to ROW height, motor sound package and wode ovals, short shift and golden rod to really tighten things up. been completely rebuilt and new clutch at 70K ( got 100K on it now).
Have fun- these are awesome cars.
04-09-2015, 08:58 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Welcome to Rennlist! beautiful car!!! wondering if that is the Oregon car you had asked me about. congrats! enjoy the slippery slope!
04-09-2015, 09:08 PM
#15
Three Wheelin'
Welcome...and a beautiful car. If the car has been sitting a bit,I would pull the brake pedal and clutch back,to make sure they are returning fully. When I got my C4S,the cruise wouldn't work,but pulling the brake pedal back with my foot allowed the cruise to engage. May not be it,but simple and cheap to try.
Enjoy fixing her up....that's the real fun.
Emerald
Enjoy fixing her up....that's the real fun.
Emerald