Sula

1. With the change from 996.1 to 996.2. Porsche went from a dual-row IMS bearing to a single-row version. Is the reason for this known?

2. If battery is dead or disconnected, would applying power to the cigarette lighter allow the frunk or engine compartment electrical latches to operate?

3. I have the coolant reservoir cap with part number 996-106-447-01. Apparently, the latest one's part number ends in -04. Should I upgrade?

4. Any reasons not to install a low-temperature thermostat?

5. The DreiBond / Loctite method for re-installing the oil pan seems like a nuisance (and may run the risk of excess material getting loose inside the engine). Is there a reason not to use a traditional gasket?

Mike Murphy

1.) Yes, lots of reasons, I would do a search - starting with the sticky - and then find Jake's video series to watch. Also, if you really want to be technically amazed, find the Hartech whitepaper. It's awesome.
2.) Don't know
3.) It's only $25, so I would. I picked up my 996, drove it 250 miles home, and then found steam pouring out and the cap was missing. i have the 04 cap and not an issue since
4.) Well, if your car isn't running hot or overheating, then you have to realize that opening it up could cause more headache than it's worth. But I've researched this to death, and the only downside I've seen relates to folks in northern climates and very cold temp that have to change their oil more frequently to get rid of moisture building up.
5.) Don't know

DBJoe996

1. money
2. yes, but not if the battery is disconnected, then use separate 12V supply to jump the fuse block
3. yes
4. no
5. by engine design, there is no gasket

Splitting Atoms

The duel row to single row changeover occurred in 2000. Most, but not all, 2000 and 2001 model year 996s have the single row.

Slakker

5. Victor Reinz works great and is easier to work with than the loctite 5900. There is an area where the block lip is thinner than the oil pan lip so pay attention or you'll get to do it a second time.

Porschetech3

1) weight saving: someone threw that idea into the weight savings ideas pile, and said it would hold up.
2) yes: this is the preferred method on the early models that do not have the pull out jumper in the fuse panel
3) It doesn't matter to me what part number is on it as long as it functions properly
4) Yes: keep it cool as possible and change oil accordingly
5) No traditional gasket will ever seal as well as RTV silicon rubber, you can make your own traditional gasket if you want, but talk about a nuisance !!