Doing a PPI on a 03 996. What would cause the light/dark discoloration on the various metal parts of the undercarriage?

 

While I don't know what specifically causes it, that is normal from the other 996's that I've seen. It could be cosmoline, but I will let others chime in.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...11-carrera-93/

 

It just looks like dirty parts to me. Nothing really looks out of the ordinary here.

 

Thanks!

 

It's a potpourri of chemicals (brake dust, oils, coolant, etc.) washing against the parts over time create a very unique patina that is common with these cars.

 

Even the newest of NA 996 is 15 years old. Things happen !

 

Is that the only concern you have from a PPI ?

 

No, that was actually before the PPI, just pics from the dealer. Was curious, really, I suspected maybe a lot more brake dust (from being tracked) than I've seen on others with similar mileage (70k). PPI is done now and I've since learned that the car was actually tracked quite a bit over the past few years, so it makes sense. And now knowing that, I'm trying to figure out which direction to go. Bore scope showed just a minimal single score, nothing deep or "to be concerned about" per the mechanic. Compression results were ok (180, 180, 175, 180, 170, 200). 45k Range-1s, 1 Range-2.

 

With the huge numbers of clean 996s out there, I'm curious why you're looking at one thats been tracked? Not being negative, just curiosity. Does it have a good set of mods or specs?

 

No, it's a fair question. I didn't actually know until just now. It is rare though, speed yellow targa with IMS done, asking $30k. I've found quite a few with sub 30k miles in the same price range though, usually not quite what I'm looking for color-wise though, but I could be patient and wait. Been looking for about 3 months now. Thanks

 

Car needs this. https://tunersmotorsports.com/restoration/cryodetail/ Makes the underbody of the car look like new.


I plan on doing it to mine at some point.

 

With those compression test numbers I would say NO to $30 K .

 

Really? More details if you don't mind?

 

Just speculating, but that #5 reading of 170 may indicate early bore scoring. Have you had the cylinders borescoped?

 

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing! It wasn't done in the PPI, but I'm going to ask the dealer to do it and take pics, document and maybe throw in a powertrain warranty if possible. Of course if there's scoring I'm out.