I am considering a new 996 C2. I would like to keep options to a minimum. I am considering bose, and xenon. Is the handling significantly better with the 18 inch wheels or are they just for looks? Is navigation and basic CD standard? Are there any other options that add a functional advantage that are worth getting?

 

M030 Sport Suspension, best bang for the buck option that Porsche offers.

 

18" wheels and M030 suspension (at a minimum), and the X51 package if you can swing it.

Some on this forum advocate the ROW 030 package, an aftermarket upgrade over the M030

With any of the above, you will have an awesome car.

 

I have an '03 C2 on order, total option-fest (price = C4S), but if I could only order one thing, it would be sport suspension.
-DT

 

ROW M030 (not the U.S. M030 version) with 18" wheels without a doubt, if you want your 911 to handle like a Porsche should... everything else comes far second, like the xenon and PCM, I like mine but could live without them. I preffer the aerodinamic aid at high speeds and looks of the aerokit over same priced X51 power kit (just adds a 6% HP increase).

Dish the Bose and get a much better aftermarket stereo by a profesional installer for the same price.

 

The X51 option is not understood by most, and the peformance increase is greater than 6% (it may be 6% on paper)

I would draw a comparison between the M030 versus the ROW 030 and the standard 996 and the X51 package. The differences are probably just as pronounced.

You can always tweak the suspension later, but you can't upgrade to the X51 later.

Trust me, I've owned a lot of Porsches, including a GT2 (currently along side an X51) also a TT (in the recent past) and the the X51 package is worth the "bang for the buck".

Those who haven't driven it don't know what they are talking about (or missing). You can't put a number on these things, you have to feel them, it's a "seat of the pants" thing.

Go drive an X51 and then post your opinion for others to see, The only thing that should stop somebody from buying (other than availability) the X51 would probably be the GT3.

I challenge you to put it to the test and then comment.

If budget is a serious consideration then 18" wheels and the M030 are "economical" upgrades.

 

Colm,

I have not driven a X51 but I have tunned previous cars of mine to similar increases of power so besides the 20 HP increase what else does the X51 add to make a greater difference than a 6% HP gain? noticeable torque increase?

Its not that I like the X51, its just that personally I would invest first in handling than in the horses, best would be to get both. But them a gain its true I would have to try the X51 before I judge it.

 

I'm not mechanically inclined, so I don't know the torque figures but it feels like it.

The car seems to run like the wind and handles beautifully with the M030 suspension (I do think the ROW 030 would be an upgrade). I used to have a 99 997 with 18" wheels and M030 suspension and (from what I remember) this current car is a lot faster and more responsive. Before I bought the X51 I compared it to the regular 996 and felt there was a significant difference.

 

I strongly recommend a drive in an X51 before your comment on its worth. Those who have driven it are believers. Also keep in mind that all of the 'normal' mods that you can do to get 20 hp can still be done to an X51 and will likely result in even greater increases as the motor flows more air and the intake or muffler that was restrictive on a normal car is even more so as the flow rate increases.

As for suspension, I would recommend you skip it and go for the ROW 030 afterwards unless you plan to drive in one of the major cities (US030) or track the car (X74)

 

Any opinions on PSM?

 

Yeah, get it, again you can't add it later. There is a detailed post on the Boxster forum about this, but the same issues apply.

One of the things I learned at the PDE is that the great majority of drivers will be faster with PSM and ironically, using it allows you to build experience so that you can get really fast.

There is a great deal of misinformation and erroneous thinking out there about PSM. I've seen many drivers recommend turning it off at autocrosses because they felt it got in the way. I came to find out that it was their "egos" or "ignorance" got in the way.

The instructors at the PDE (Hurley Haywood, Doc Bundy and Chris Hall) debunked this theory with real world demonstrations. I'm not going to argue with them.

The rare few who are just as fast without PSM are certainly on the professional circuits (or should be) and I'm sure we'll hear from them.

 

I think you'll find most think PSM is an excellent Traction aid. Not intrusive like some traction controls, but there to save your butt if you loose it. I believe it has kept me out of the weeds on a few occasions.
I know most would focus on performance upgrades, as do I, but I also enjoy the luxury of my car. I was lucky enough to fall in love with my car at my local dealer and bought it off the lot. It has the full leather package, about $3200. This includes leather on the whole dash, control panel,pillars and the whole door. I was not sure if it was worth the money until I saw the standard plastic trim. I think it looks as cheap as any Korean car.
I wish Porsche made full leather standard as befitting a $80k car, but they don't and I think the interior looks cheap without it.
I suggest comparing a car with and without before ordering.

 

I just reread your question and and your focus on function. I think leather helps me function
better. <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

 

Well sport seats add function, and full leather comes at a nice discount when paired with these, so why not?

 

I suggest ordering with stock 17' wheels and immediately contacting Wheel Enhancement to trade them in on something more individualized. Those guys have great ideas and stock lots of choices