Ben8jam

Very public appreciation of the 996, with both hosts saying how much they actually prefer driving their 996's over other models. And then highlight the early build and it's better build quality.

Impressive. Starts at 18:50.

uscarrera

Was fun to see some Love for our 996 cars 😀👍
Rich

damage98MO

Preach!
I'm getting tired of hearing "I bought a 911! But it's only a 996"I think for the money, they give the most smiles for miles. My '01 996.1 is in the middle of a mechanical restoration. After it's 'done' I might address the few cosmetic blemishes and respray the front end. But every scratch tells a story. I'm personally scarred, inside and out. Those experiences make me who I am. Wins AND Failures build your character and hopefully help you age gracefully. I do appreciate the simplicity of the '99 cable throttle {but I have a vrtune that makes my egas throttle respond immediately}. I like a 996 w x51 and factory m030? lowering, or whatever it is called. I envy, mildly, those with an LSD option. Wide bodies are dramatic and look great lowered. Aero kits look racecar. But there is an argument for a stock C2. We always want what we do not have I suppose. But when I turn the key and drive my NB monochromatic {meridian metallic} stock ride height 17" shod 996, I get plenty of smiles. The narrow body makes the car look older and unassuming. People wave me out of intersections and when I let someone in, or make room for a fellow driver, as I always do, people can see my face and smile in the clear, untinted greenhouse cabin, {which has amazing visibility} I like to think that most get a tiny bit happier. The beauty and simplicity of a stock 996 can't be overlooked. It's an unassuming, friendly, classic sports car. There's a ton of unloved and misused 996s out there, so buy one, invest in it, and bring it back to life. Yes, the advice to 'buy the best example' is wise. But the feeling you get from restoring and creating a true service history that brings the car up to OEM standards is really satisfying. Whether you are a garage owner home mechanic, or like me, a mostly checkbook mechanic, it's all good. The end result will be the same. Another classic, preserved and driven, for someone else to enjoy when we're too old to press the clutch. Another thing I read, about our cars, that I wasn't conscious of, is the driving ergonomics are weighted in balance. The pedals, the steering, the gear lever, all have the same or very similar weight, so the driver can easily mesh as the central component. Next time you drive think about this and I bet you'll agree. These are exceptional cars, go get a drive in this weekend, tinker or wash your car.If you don't yet own a 996, go get one, but be aware that a 20 year old car that may have been mistreated won't be without issues. Those can be major. The cylinders when heat cycled for 20 years and possibly overheated can go out of round. The cylinders can, and likely will be, scored. Unless you have deep pockets stay away from any examples that smoke or burn oil. The timing chain and pads will be worn, and top end rebuilding will be necessary. Injectors need replacing. All the suspension parts need replacing. The clutch, rms, flywheel, ims bearing all need replacing. And on and on. The purchase price is actually less than restoration costs, by quite a bit. And at least for now, resale won't recoup your investment. You have to want to drive it and keep it, for restoration to make sense. One last 996 benefit? The community, and the engineering companies who keep us on the road and help make these forever cars. You know who you are.
​​​​ 🙏

Scarred but unbroken and approaching 100k miles. Yesterday my odo said 98888. Soon.

PCA drive.

uscarrera

Damage98MO agreed and if you really want to test a 996, race one, my race car still excites me each race and for the ultimate 996 experience I load up my 996 SuperCup 😀
Rich

damage98MO

Nice racecars! the 996 truly is a car for the everyman, that can do it all. Rally, Safari, Track, grand touring through the country, overlanding, commuting. And getting groceries. Or dropping the kids at school.
@uscarrera I was watching the We Are Porsche 75th tour on YouTube, there's a 2005 RSR that looks pretty close to your super cup car...

Van Larson

My ‘99 in Vesuvio over grey w/OZ Vela IIs from a 2001 pix…. Agree it’s worthy bang for buck.

Patunia

Hey VanLarson I saw your boxster at Black Dog! Looks great with the wheels! I met “another mike” there too. I was asking him about the spacers on his 996. See you around.
Mike

damage98MO

Awesome. You bought it new in 2001? And still have it? I've not seen your wheels before, they are excellent.
I love 5 spoke and minimalist wheels. There's nothing wrong with BBS LMs or other busy wheels, they look great and yeah I would love a set. But simple is nice, and easier to clean. I'm having new wheels installed on Monday, will post pics. They are bronze Momo heritage 6, 17". I needed a set while my 17 turbo twists factory wheels are restored and refinished. I haven't yet found anyone who can confirm they paint using the factory paint, only because it's not a priority due to budget. But I will do them. Or buy a restored or original 'quality 1' set from someone. Mine are bad, 22 years of abuse I guess.

168glhs1986

Nathan Merz knows wassap!

I swear this is the best 911 I own. Better than, mint 964 c4, 991.2 GT3 Touring, 2001 Low Mile Aero coupe c4. The question is will it be better than my 2024 3 RS? That remains to be seen, I'll report back.

The build quality, the tightness, the steering and throttle response, the feel the soul. A truly special car. The Porsche 911 world is finding out slowly.

damage98MO

@168glhs1986
Sounds like Nathan isn't the only one who knows what's up! Black twists look great on your C2. I think the gloss black might have been a factory option, would you happen to know?

Van Larson

Sadly I am one at a time. Traded ‘96 Iris Blue//gray 993 C2 even in late ‘99 and wish now could have kept both…

168glhs1986

Thanks. Mine are 408's I had redone. My factory wheels were 16" chrome wheels.

I'm not sure any early 99's came with gloss black wheels, that would be a good question for PCA.ORG and or Nathan.

Marv

What I hate most about my 996 is hanging up the keys when I get home.