Hi everybody. I have been lurking here since 04 and I figured that it was about time for me to finally join in on the fun. I can't thank everyone enough for sharing your collective knowledge and experience. I could not have completed my project Porsche without all of the valuable information that I found on this site. I have been inspired by those of you who have modified your cars and made them unique. When I became overwelmed with the magnitude of my project, I relied on this site to lift my spirits. Thanks to all of the members with a sense of humor, you have kept me entertained.
In May of 2004, I found a 1999 996 at my local salvage yard while buying parts for my wife's Rover. I couldn't believe what a bargain it appeared to be. It was mine for a mere $20,000. when the current book value was about $45,000. It had a salvage title due to a "minor" engine fire... How difficult would that be to fix?
I had never owned a Porsche or any German car prior to this. As I began disassembling the Porsche, I was amazed by the quality of engineering and craftsmanship. I was also amazed by the cost of new parts! The shop manuals were over $2000. and the engine wiring harness was well over $1000. I spent hundreds of hours on e-bay searching for the parts that I needed. Thanks to this site, I was also bit by the modification bug before I ever got to drive the car...Evo cold air induction, Billy Boat mufflers & headers, and 18 inch polished wheels.
My kids, my wife and I spent countless hours working on the car together. It was great family bonding time. A friend was kind enough to let us work on the car in his shop. He let me participate in the removal and later replacement of the engine.
We all became attached to our purple (vesuvio) Porsche and I can't imagine that we will ever part with it. I sold my open track toy (1989 420hp Saleen Mustang) to a friend. I hope to turn the Porsche into it's replacement with the addition of a roll bar, suspension upgrades, and someday a Evo supercharger. I hate to admit this, but I even kind of like the tiptronic transmission...it does a far better job of shifting then I ever did with a stick.
The $17 I spent to become a rennlist member is a bargain. Thanks to everyone for making this a great forum. I will attempt to attach some pictures showing my car from start to finish.

 

Keep in mind that cars with salvage titles have very little value, but if your intent was simply to keep it for many years, your time and money were well spent.

 

Mfletch - first of all, Welcome and Congrats! Second, all I can say is WOW, you've got more b@lls than I do to take on this project! THe end result looks awesome!

 

WOW!

That's some DIY project. I'm glad it went well. Welcome to RL and thanks for becoming a member.

 

Wow - looks awesome, congrats.

 

Great project - looks fantastic.
I recommend you print the photos and keep an album documenting the process. It could help a lot if you ever your change your mind about selling.
Enjoy the ride - looks like you don't have to worry about speeding tix.
CP

 

Welcome and wow! What was the extent of the motor work?

 

Good story and great pictures! Congrats on your "new" toy!

Michael

 

wow, what a story! what a car!
oh, where is bob?

 

Wow, that 996 came back from the dead!

 

There's a lot of love in that car!!

Congrats!!

 

wow! I'm very impressed.

I would love to take on a project like that, unfortunately I am severely technically challenged so it's really not going to happen - changing the side lights to clears and swapping wheels is pretty much it for me......

 

very nice.
but 20 + 17? that sounds very expensive. for 37 you could have bought a descent 99.

of course the bonding time was "priceless".

 

Glad to see that someone was able to revive a car that was destined for the grave! Congratulations on a job well done, and welcome!

 

hey, love the color. That was worth the effort, right?