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Just picked up a 2003 40k mile 996 - now what?

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Old 10-19-2023 | 11:39 PM
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Default Just picked up a 2003 40k mile 996 - now what?

So I just picked up a one owner no accident 2003 996 that is completely original. It has been well maintained and all necessary maintenance done but most parts on this car are now 20 yrs old.

What would you start upgrading or replacing first? Not necessarily for performance sake just for age sake? Maybe top 5 things I should deal with?

IMS and clutch have been done.
Old 10-19-2023 | 11:49 PM
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Welcome! I’m three months into a single owner 04, loving the car, but working through the little issues. Check out the muffler tips, if they aren’t “snug” to the body, you will need to replace the motor mounts. Made a big improvement to shifting in my car, and now the muffler doesn’t look like it’s drooping. Next for me is the transmission mount in front…… if oil pressure doesn’t read zero with the car off, then it’s oil pressure sensor time….

-Eric
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Old 10-20-2023 | 12:03 AM
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The next time 5 items I replaced after the IMS Solution and AOS

Fuel injectors
Spark plugs/coil packs
Water pump
Fuel filter
All fluids
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Old 10-20-2023 | 12:42 AM
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Check the coolant reservoir. If it is yellowed it is about ready for replacement. Check the reservoir cap, if it is black replace it with the upgraded blue cap. Check for proper engine vacuum to determine if the AOS needs replacement.
Enjoy your car, they are great fun!
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Old 10-20-2023 | 12:43 AM
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The sound system
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Old 10-20-2023 | 05:07 AM
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I'm rather tall, so the first thing i did was the centre console delete. deletes the CD rack (in my year of car) and gives loads of room for your left knee (UK car).

Another common issue is faulty HVAC - wont stay hot. Theres a tons of resources in the forum for fixing it - essentially repacing foam on the little doors that control hot/cold air flow as over time it degrades and crumbles to dust.
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Old 10-20-2023 | 05:08 AM
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another one i've yet to do is checking the front radiators - leaves gather inside the front bumper, get wet and can cause corrosion.
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Old 10-20-2023 | 08:15 AM
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I don't believe there is a fuel filter to replace on an '03. You say the IMS was replaced, but what was it replaced with? Some options also require follow on replacement.
All fluids. Transmission, brake, motor oil, coolant. Water pump.
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Old 10-20-2023 | 08:29 AM
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FastTrack1 congratulations on pulling the trigger on the 996, where are you located? if up north check coolant condition for cold temps, change all fluids, oil, gearbox, brake, etc. while changing fluids do a visual check of all components that are visible.
Enjoy your car
Rich
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Old 10-20-2023 | 08:50 AM
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No pic - never happened.
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Old 10-20-2023 | 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 996-CAB
I don't believe there is a fuel filter to replace on an '03.
Oops
You are correct, the ‘02 + doesn’t have a replaceable “fuel filter”.

Old 10-20-2023 | 10:22 AM
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Motor mounts probably need to be addressed.
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Old 10-20-2023 | 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by sammm123
I'm rather tall, so the first thing i did was the centre console delete. deletes the CD rack (in my year of car) and gives loads of room for your left knee (UK car).

Another common issue is faulty HVAC - wont stay hot. Theres a tons of resources in the forum for fixing it - essentially repacing foam on the little doors that control hot/cold air flow as over time it degrades and crumbles to dust.
great info. Thanks
Old 10-20-2023 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by bmchan
No pic - never happened.

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Old 10-20-2023 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 996-CAB
I don't believe there is a fuel filter to replace on an '03. You say the IMS was replaced, but what was it replaced with? Some options also require follow on replacement.
All fluids. Transmission, brake, motor oil, coolant. Water pump.
replaced with LN Engineering bearing. I found the serial number sticker and talked to LN to verify.

Last edited by fastrack1; 10-20-2023 at 11:41 AM.


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