To be or 996 to be
08-27-2024, 03:21 PM
#16
Well, sounds like you're getting in to it for a decent cost, and the miles aren't real high. And you know going in this will cost ya, thats a great start. Seems its got some good parts on it. Just try to Get it as cheap as you can is the best advice anyone can give you. As you will be spending a boatload on refreshing a 20+ year old 996.
Are you a diy guy...?
Do all the systems work,? key fobs, door locks/latches, windows, stereo ? any dash engine lights on...? what coil overs are one it..?
Big pitfall many make is a gamble on used engines. Many are Frankenstein dismantler/boneyard creations. Some from reputable sellers might be ok for a while. But imo thats a big gamble and in the end its throwing good money to bad, but some do hit the jackpot.
If you're a diy guy, do a nik-sil liner re-engineered block from Hartech or LN, it will cost ya around $7500 after all the shipping etc, is all said and done. Even if you're not a diy guy, whatever you do, best bet is nik-sil liners re-engineered block.
Next best is a oem short block with Len Hoffman bullet proofed heads with new guides and seats.
jmo
Are you a diy guy...?
Do all the systems work,? key fobs, door locks/latches, windows, stereo ? any dash engine lights on...? what coil overs are one it..?
Big pitfall many make is a gamble on used engines. Many are Frankenstein dismantler/boneyard creations. Some from reputable sellers might be ok for a while. But imo thats a big gamble and in the end its throwing good money to bad, but some do hit the jackpot.
If you're a diy guy, do a nik-sil liner re-engineered block from Hartech or LN, it will cost ya around $7500 after all the shipping etc, is all said and done. Even if you're not a diy guy, whatever you do, best bet is nik-sil liners re-engineered block.
Next best is a oem short block with Len Hoffman bullet proofed heads with new guides and seats.
jmo
08-27-2024, 03:30 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
Someone with a banged up 996 track/race car would be all over this car if they are sitting a known engine and gearbox that they could drop in. I think those aerokit bumper covers aren't even available anymore so someone with a 996 Cup could use those as well.
08-27-2024, 03:56 PM
#18
Bringing this to a shop that doesn't know the 996 and its engine very very well will be a major nightmare for sure. As even good meaning non m96 mechanics don't realize the m96 is a one time use block, non rebuildable without very expensive re-engineering the block...
Do not let anyone sell you a cheap not aluminum sleeved nik-sil block rebuild, unless your plan is to flip this car. Even then its a big gamble.
Pretty much your only great choices would be a SlakerHartech or LN rebuild 310-350whp..? whp that will cost $30-40,000 when all is said and done correctly by the installer. Or find a great 996 shop that can install a oem short block with reworked heads and all needed accessories, probably by the time you're done, still at 25-30k & 270-290whp.
Well, this would be one of least expensive ways, with big power. supposedly turn key, drop it off and pick 450hp car up for $26,000. I would still do my due diligence on Renn27 as I know nothing more than from what I've read, sure sounds good.... buyer beware as always...
https://www.renn27.com/components-an...rn-key-service
jmo
Do not let anyone sell you a cheap not aluminum sleeved nik-sil block rebuild, unless your plan is to flip this car. Even then its a big gamble.
Pretty much your only great choices would be a SlakerHartech or LN rebuild 310-350whp..? whp that will cost $30-40,000 when all is said and done correctly by the installer. Or find a great 996 shop that can install a oem short block with reworked heads and all needed accessories, probably by the time you're done, still at 25-30k & 270-290whp.
Well, this would be one of least expensive ways, with big power. supposedly turn key, drop it off and pick 450hp car up for $26,000. I would still do my due diligence on Renn27 as I know nothing more than from what I've read, sure sounds good.... buyer beware as always...
https://www.renn27.com/components-an...rn-key-service
jmo
Last edited by allcool; 08-27-2024 at 04:55 PM.
08-27-2024, 04:27 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
I love Japan Imported Aero 996 cars !! Too bad your not a DIY'er !! If you were I would say buy it and drive it a month and fall in love with it, then buy the Raby M96 rebuild videos and educate yourself to do the rebuild the engine correctly your self, and enjoy the processes ....
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08-27-2024, 05:22 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
My advice, and not trying to be nasty or bust you balloon, but as a first-time buyer into the marque I would suggest something already well sorted and have adequate surplus funds in the bank for unforeseen surprises (and they will happen). Nothing spells despair more than buying into something you ultimately can't afford.
What you should do first is join PCA. You can do that for a limited time without a car. Then hook up with the club members (preferably the local president) and tell them you are in the market. If you are lucky you might find a member selling a car, which is a better deal because enthusiasts generally take better care of their cars and club sellers generally don't want to treat other members badly.
You will be far happier with something that hasn't been bastardized that costs more up front, but has a better chance of not putting you onto the street.
Best of luck!
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08-27-2024, 05:31 PM
#21
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
If you're a DIYer, buy it!
If not, don't buy it unless you have a LOT of cash available!!!
If you're a DIYer, you're still going to need another $15K minimum.
If not, don't buy it unless you have a LOT of cash available!!!
If you're a DIYer, you're still going to need another $15K minimum.
08-27-2024, 05:39 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Let's put this into perspective. It's a $7,000 996 that needs a new engine or rebuild with what looks like an interior in good shape and an aerokit. Most folks buy a 996 for $27,000 if not more and have to go thru the exact same thing.
He is already in better shape by $20,000 versus his peer group.
He is already in better shape by $20,000 versus his peer group.
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08-27-2024, 05:43 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
I agree with TexSquirrel. If it were me: Buy, drive for a while and save up to do some sort of engine replacement. I'm liking the Renn27 option and would look hard at it if/when my engine goes but as little as I drive mine, it will probably outlast me and I'll be happy either way.
08-27-2024, 05:58 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
Let's put this into perspective. It's a $7,000 996 that needs a new engine or rebuild with what looks like an interior in good shape and an aerokit. Most folks buy a 996 for $27,000 if not more and have to go thru the exact same thing.
He is already in better shape by $20,000 versus his peer group.
He is already in better shape by $20,000 versus his peer group.
Second, we have no idea what available funds he has. While we have many, many unknowns so far, the one thing you can and should count on is that whatever you think it will cost, it will be more.
Third, what are his goals? Is he looking for something to drive cheap? Does he want a project car? Does he really understand the magnitude of the job?
Fourth, how much mechanical experience does he have? Not everyone is a good mechanic or even wants to learn how to rebuild a complex high-performance engine on their own. Rebuilding can be a wonderful hobby, but not something for the faint of heart. Mistakes can be very costly.
Sorting out this car is high risk. That's probably why the current owner is trying to dump it. Many people have given sage advice here, but we really don't know the answers to the above and he should have provided that information up front so we can better advise on what he should do and what to expect.
08-27-2024, 06:05 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
I am looking at it as a racecar donor if the tub is strait. But for $7K, I see it being worth buying as it sits, pay for a shop to go through it and then make a decsion on the next step. If it turns out to be more than the OP is willing to dive into, it has a enough good that he could part it or sell it and recover more than the $7K.
08-27-2024, 06:17 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
Yep. It is high risk. Risk defined as outlay of capital. All depends on the purchase price, rebuild or swap price and the condition of the rest of the car and therefore what needs to be refreshed.
As I have said countless times on the "Price" thread, you are better off paying up for a 996 with a M96 engine that has been well serviced and in great shape, as well as one with a refreshed suspension, exhaust, etc so you dont have to put $20-40k in for a rebuild, $15-20k for suspension and exhaust and another 10-15k in for all the pretty interior and exterior things that we all end up doing.
But what if you just want to build a 996 from a body that you really want for a $7k purchase price, knowing you will pump $60k+ into it at the end of the day to get your dream car. Why not?
But to Marv's point, make sure your eyes are wide open.
As I have said countless times on the "Price" thread, you are better off paying up for a 996 with a M96 engine that has been well serviced and in great shape, as well as one with a refreshed suspension, exhaust, etc so you dont have to put $20-40k in for a rebuild, $15-20k for suspension and exhaust and another 10-15k in for all the pretty interior and exterior things that we all end up doing.
But what if you just want to build a 996 from a body that you really want for a $7k purchase price, knowing you will pump $60k+ into it at the end of the day to get your dream car. Why not?
But to Marv's point, make sure your eyes are wide open.
Last edited by GC996; 08-27-2024 at 06:19 PM.
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Porschetech3 (08-27-2024)
08-27-2024, 07:18 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
Yep, these cars are $75k - $95K New in 1999-2004 $ prices....Adjusted a for inflation considerably more.....( how much more $$? )
Having one in "like New condition" for $40-$60k is not easy today !!
So buying one for $7k is actually comical...
Having one in "like New condition" for $40-$60k is not easy today !!
So buying one for $7k is actually comical...
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GC996 (08-27-2024)
08-27-2024, 07:24 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
Yeah, I would like a deal like that. Considering I bought my 2002 in 2002 and put more than my purchase price into the car over 22 years of ownership. For sure, it was worth the grins and giggles over the years. Can't wait for the next 22.
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Porschetech3 (08-27-2024)
08-27-2024, 07:30 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
So many people see something at a ridiculously low price and think they can throw one or two thousand dollars into it and drive away. It's tempting, but the usual result is third-degree burns, then dumping it for a loss and having a very bad attitude about Porches thereafter.
I don't wish that on anyone.
I don't wish that on anyone.
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08-27-2024, 08:00 PM
#30
Rennlist Member
So many people see something at a ridiculously low price and think they can throw one or two thousand dollars into it and drive away. It's tempting, but the usual result is third-degree burns, then dumping it for a loss and having a very bad attitude about Porches thereafter.
I don't wish that on anyone.
I don't wish that on anyone.
I am with you, my preference is to tell everybody what you gotta do to keep it running and what it's going to cost, whether you like it or not. To me it's worth it. but eyes need to be wide open.
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TexSquirrel (08-27-2024)