Rickker

Hi,

I purchased a 1999 C4 just before Christmas and am trying to get up to speed with all of the model variations and terminology. I know that the water-cooled 911s started with the 996 model, and it seems like 997 was a turbo, but still looks a lot like a 996, but is that the main difference, or is it an entirely different chasis and all? I have a good understanding of the older 356 and 911 history (I owned a 1969 911T back in the '70s), but I am not clear on the 996 and 996 model specs, parts interchangeability, and so on. If someone can steer me to a primer on 996s and 997s, that would be great.

Now, I know as a newbie that I am supposed to introduce myself and post some pics, and will do so, as soon as I figure out how to do it. (post pics, I mean)

Thanks,

.....Rickker

Palting

Here is a link to a nice web site with some write-ups on all the Porsche models.

http://www.flat-6.net/forum/home.php?styleid=6

BTW, 997 is not all turbo. Only the 997TT and the upcoming 997GT2 are turbos.

Enjoy the reading. There will be a written test afterwards .

Rickker

Thanks, Palting. That link was most helpful, although there are still some questions in my mind. In simplifying the issue, it seems that the 996 replaced the air cooled 993 models in 1998. The 996s were fitted with 3.4 liter engines until 2002, when the 3.6 engine was introduced. Now, the 997 model was introduced in 2004, with more power, improved gearbox and PSM system, but unless there is an error in the link, it appears that the 996s were produced until 2005. Does that mean that Porsche was producing both 996s and 997s for a year or two, before they discontinued the 996? Doesn't seem like the way to do things, to me. Anyway, I will carry on with my research.
....Rickker

Palting

Yes, there was ovelap between the 996 and the 997, but not in the same model line. Some models, like the 996 C4S, did not have a 997 equivalent until later, so they were sold as 996 C4S together with the 997 C2's in '04, '05 and I believe, early '06. Whenever there was a 997 equivalent, they stopped producing that 996 model.