"Look for an early car with build date be"
08-15-2018, 02:26 PM
#31
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I did a lot of checking and a lot of questioning before I bought my car. Strangely enough, it was a local purchase of the exact features I wanted. Things I know:
1. There was a fire in the engine mfg plant in Stuttgart in fall 1999
2. The engines for the Boxter, 996 were moved to a new plant in late 99/early 2000.
3. The dual row IMSB has a lower failure rate than the later single row.
4. The early IMS shafts have a better NRRO value in most cases. (the shafts are straighter, more concentric about the rear journal for bearing)
Things I've read, and believe to be true;
There is a big long write-up on the difference in the water cooling circuit from the 3.4 to the 3.6 engine, which concludes that the hot spots in the upper deck are a function of the passages along the path of the water flow pressure circuit. It is an in-depth look at some of the factors contributing to head cracking, intermix, etc. I will not search for it, but a very good read for those contemplating reliability and the early v later engines.
There is also a difference in the mfg of the transmissions, but I don't recall either of them being more or less robust.
Things I liked about my 2/98 build date car; Gap seals were fantastic all around. Fitment of the hood, doors, engine cover were excellent. Two of the later cars I tested had worse alignments. Four spoke steering wheel. Lightweight wheels. Pre-PSM features(ABS, LSD, ABD). Light handling, nimble. cable operated frunk and engine cover.
Things I didn't care for; NO damn cupholders! Crappy audio controls, overblown sound adapation. CD trays were a joke. Poor sound insulation. Modest bump steer after ~60k miles(could be corrected I'm sure).
I would fancy a 100k miles early car over a mid-50k miles later car, provided the later car had the IMSB replaced. Also, the early high mileage car will be less expensive to buy, and maintain.
1. There was a fire in the engine mfg plant in Stuttgart in fall 1999
2. The engines for the Boxter, 996 were moved to a new plant in late 99/early 2000.
3. The dual row IMSB has a lower failure rate than the later single row.
4. The early IMS shafts have a better NRRO value in most cases. (the shafts are straighter, more concentric about the rear journal for bearing)
Things I've read, and believe to be true;
There is a big long write-up on the difference in the water cooling circuit from the 3.4 to the 3.6 engine, which concludes that the hot spots in the upper deck are a function of the passages along the path of the water flow pressure circuit. It is an in-depth look at some of the factors contributing to head cracking, intermix, etc. I will not search for it, but a very good read for those contemplating reliability and the early v later engines.
There is also a difference in the mfg of the transmissions, but I don't recall either of them being more or less robust.
Things I liked about my 2/98 build date car; Gap seals were fantastic all around. Fitment of the hood, doors, engine cover were excellent. Two of the later cars I tested had worse alignments. Four spoke steering wheel. Lightweight wheels. Pre-PSM features(ABS, LSD, ABD). Light handling, nimble. cable operated frunk and engine cover.
Things I didn't care for; NO damn cupholders! Crappy audio controls, overblown sound adapation. CD trays were a joke. Poor sound insulation. Modest bump steer after ~60k miles(could be corrected I'm sure).
I would fancy a 100k miles early car over a mid-50k miles later car, provided the later car had the IMSB replaced. Also, the early high mileage car will be less expensive to buy, and maintain.
08-15-2018, 03:01 PM
#32
Pro
Traditionally there have been 2 guidelines for buying a Porsche:
- buy the newest one you can afford.
- avoid "first run" cars for a year or two, with brand new designs and architectures -- because all of the bugs have not yet been worked out.
08-15-2018, 03:41 PM
#33
i don’t own a 2003 , feathers are’t ruffled at all
I was making a point that apart from a dual row bearing ( that most likely had enough hours on it to warrant changing anyway ) the 99 lacks all the later improvements
I was making a point that apart from a dual row bearing ( that most likely had enough hours on it to warrant changing anyway ) the 99 lacks all the later improvements
08-15-2018, 03:52 PM
#34
intended usage matters too
even different tracks , on a short bump and grind like the streets of willow , assuming stock engines
I’d take the 99
on a track with long straights like big willoiw
the 3.4 runs out of breath well before the 3.6 does
for a city car not seeing any grand touring work, 99
driving 1000 mile days on less than perfect roads , a mk 2 every time
a car with highly modified suspension and lsd , the stiffer chassis is a good match
08-15-2018, 03:58 PM
#35
Rennlist Member
Only thing I miss is a cupholder and glove compartment.
08-15-2018, 05:20 PM
#36
Burning Brakes
08-15-2018, 05:23 PM
#37
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08-16-2018, 10:57 AM
#38
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https://www.elephantracing.com/porsc...t-for-996-997/
08-16-2018, 07:22 PM
#39
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08-16-2018, 07:27 PM
#40
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08-16-2018, 10:15 PM
#41
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08-17-2018, 04:39 PM
#42
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Some good info in thread. My '99 has 150,000 miles and still runs good! I have no idea about the engine internals but I highly doubt it has had any major overhaul work in the past. I hadn't really planned on buying a 911 when I got this one but it sounds like the 99 may be less likely to fall victim to some of the known issues.
08-23-2018, 03:54 PM
#43
Race Director
I guess OP vanished? Yesterday a friend of mine told me that his sister is selling her 99. Well maintained but high miles. About $10k or so asking price.
08-24-2018, 06:53 AM
#44
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Nah, I'm still here. I've just been reading and learning. Thanks everyone for all the input on this thread. Lots of good info.