Ramp

Thanks for the responses. Glad to hear that I'm not crazy - the car is twitchy on the highway. I'm a very secure driver - no issues at high speeds (except for the possibility of getting popped) and I need to use 2 hands and feel very uncomfortable - should not be. Have felt very comfortable at 100+ in Audi TT, Audi A6, etc. - no reason I shouldn't in '99 996.

Answer's to Q's that may help outline why an otherwise stable, solid '99 996 C2 w/ 66K miles is unstable starting around 60/65.

1. It starts in the 60's and get's worse through the 70's/80's+

2. Need 2 hands on the wheel and the wheel is bouncing back and forth (not the front end, just the wheel, i.e., I don't mean to imply "wheel hop".

3. She brakes well and does not veer at all. Tracks nicely - below 60.

4. Tires are AVS Sports and the rear's have 2k miles on them. Front mileage is unknown but there is plenty of tread. Don't know if there balanced right - I don't seem to notice any rumble in the wheel which should be the first sign of a rim imbalance - I believe.

5. My shop drove the car (115) and said it feels fine - wasn't sure I agreed - now I'm sure I don't agree. He did say however, after a quick check that it's probably out of alignment just slightly - Can a very small adjustment lead to a dramatic improvement ??

6. Tire pressure is ok all around - Check it about every 2 weeks.

7. newport996 - actually, I did not think of the possibility that the shocks are done - I guess b/c she seems pretty stiff - very little bounce if I push down on a fender.

Thoughts of front struts as the issue ? If the consensus says not likely the struts, then I will do the alignment and check the wheel balances. If consensus is struts, then I need to consider doing that before I take the time and money for an alignment that will have to be done over. Final last thought would be the nose.

Thanks for the continued feedback. It's Sat - if you not driving -

evansaero

YES

If that's what's the problem...

I had mine done and it was not that much out of alignment and it did make a huge improvement.

It's a cheap way to eliminate a possible problem

Steven C.

An alignment can fix a lot of this. Both the RUF and Porsche fix for this is the hole in the top of the bumper cover to release air from the front grill area. Lowering the car will also help some and I suspect the splitters you have on it are adding some wierd stuff. The cars are also very twitichy in cross winds.

M3killa

I can drive my car one handed at 130 mph although not smart.......... You need to lower the car or change the front. Factory aero cars run smilar to the c4 in footing minus the added weight. Corners are a different story.....

dallasboats

Listen to m3killa, he's smart and beautiful.......

Ramp

I thionk this is the 1st course of action. If not corrected, then I think I will look into a new nose and possibly suspension - but I need to decide if I'm keeping the car or not - prior post - love this car but 66k miles worry me. I'd much rather be in the 30-40k range.

On a side note, stopped into the dealer yesterday to discuss options, including trading for a newer cab or buying a Boxster (in addition) - the trade in value was low 20's ! I was disgusted and left - especially after listening to how my "'99" was old and not nearly as good as a '02/03 for $50k plus !

evansaero

Low 20's Guess I'll be keeping mine forever

On a serious note, I think your car looks great. The miles on the car should really not concern you, but I'm sure that’s really on consolation.

I thought the same about my car. Not quite as tight as I wanted it thought I should spend more money to make the car better. Car was a pain-in-the-*** to drive one handed. The *** at highway speed would wiggle.

Started to think about all the money I wanted to put into the car and how long I planned on keeping the car. Really want a turbo or 997 but that’s not were I'm at right now.

So I changed Stealers, did my own 60K service and had them do an alignment.

It's funny how one slight adjustment can change the feeling and drivability of a performance car. Remember that the car was precision built and something as small as a Toe or Chamber change can affect the car in strange ways.

If the alignment is the problem you will really enjoy driving again after you have one done.

washington dc porsche

Today I placed 4 bags of red lava rocks I purchased from Lowes in the trunk, there was no lift at high speeds..

evansaero

Nniiice... Where's the cook out

Ramp

Remember doing that with sand bags in the rear of the first car I bought - '69 Mustang Boss 302. That thing smoked the tires only half way to the floor.

Ramp

Remember doing that with sand bags in the rear of the first car I bought - '69 Mustang Boss 302. That thing smoked the tires only half way to the floor.

Ramp

Thanks - If I can get close to what I paid - I would probably sell it and move on to a C2S or C4S in a '02-'03 - What's there current range with 30-40k ??

In the meantime, I'll have the alignment done and see how that changes things.
Any thoughts on NOT using a dealer for the alignment. Thoughts on a regular tire shop or should I go to my local specialist - good guy, just scheduling difficulties.

washington dc porsche

LOL.. Not that type. I use them(red lava rocks) for landscaping instead of red mulch. I do need to crank up the grill, I've been lazy this year.

evansaero

No C2S until 05' and C4S 50 g's

I used a dealer for my alignment. That is where I recommend going or a race shop.

A regular tire shop or alignment shop won't be able to do your alignment. It's my understanding they don't have the right equipment. I tried a euro shop and he said that only the dealer has the equipment to do the alignment here in richmond area

Ramp

Thanks evansaero - I'll use my shop - Rudtner's Racing - http://www.rudtnersracing.com/index2.php

So hard to decide to keep it or not. The car is heavily optioned - factory and dealer - prior to me.

Bought 8/06 as my 1st -thinking I can get in at a reasonable cost. Drove 2 base '99-'00 C2's and then came across this car and bought it on the spot from an exotic used car dealer - who also paid for the 1 yr full extended -so I felt somewhat comfortable. There are a few things that need attention but in general I believe the car is in great shape and seems to be very very tight.

I should probably start a new thread on this but how expensive and common is slow seepage from the CAM covers. I'm getting some along with, guesstimate, 1/2 teaspoon of drops on the driveway after a good run.


Since 8/06 I added about 25miles and have gone down 2 bars on the oil level meter. Haven't ad ded any.