pesuazo

I posted when I bought it, January 30th 2011 as a birthday present (Jan 31).

Original thread: “New Owner to an “Old” 996”…….at 42.5K miles.

Now 5 years later at 90K miles (yes, I drove more miles in 5 years than the previous owner in 12 years) . I have no complaints so far. I really like the car.

PO had installed a short throw shifter, and a nice dash trim kit, including the pedals.

No leaks of any kind today (or when I purchase it). At one point the hydraulic cylinders for the top where leaking, and got replaced.

Original engine with the original IMS, RMS, water pump and AOS.

I worry more about aliens colonizing earth (and enslaving the human race - read sarcasm……) than the IMS and the many more "failure modes" of this car (d-chunk, crack heads, intermix, water pump that fails and destroys engine, etc....). Yes, those are documented failures, and they happen. But no, they do not dictate when, how or if I should have peace of mind (or whether I should go and spend $$$K to "prevent" the failure)......

From Raleigh, NC I have driven the car on long trips (several times) to NYC, Miami, and Tennessee without issues.

I drive it regularly to work (70 miles roundtrip), and still get excited to get behind the wheel. Love to take the top down whenever possible, and enjoy the ride.

I have learned enough about the car (thanks to forum members and DYI articles) to do many repairs/mods/maintenance on my own. I won’t drop the transmission because my back won’t allow that kind of “exercise” in my garage……I would need a lift to do something like that. For clutch/RMS/IMS I will depend on someone else (most likely Ahmet…)

I have done several “mods”:
- Gundo Hack (Fister mod exhaust)….probably the biggest bang for the buck
- Pumpkin Delete (clear side markers)
- Moved manual spoiler button from footwell to horse shoe
- Installed an Auxiliary input to the original radio
- Installed a button to scroll thru the OBC (was already activated when car was purchased)
- Installed an indicator light for the spoiler (blinks going up or down, steady on when up, off when down)
- Installed a button to control garage door
- Installed magnetic drain plug
- Installed a kit that opens/close the convertible top with “one touch”
- Installed ECS spacers (front 15mm and back 18mm; much better stance)
- Hardwired a power connection for the Valentine1 radar detector
- Plastidip original 17” wheels (used in winter)
- Install “batwing” in dash, to accommodate new buttons
- Installed “bumper plugs”, since no front plates are required in NC
I have done several “repairs”:
- Replaced the convertible top cylinders (with rebuilt), started leaking and top operation was not ideal
- Replaced passenger side rear window regulator (that was a PITA learning process…now can do it without much stress, with what I know now)
- Replaced 3 coil packs (drivers side). They were badly cracked, and would misfire every time I washed the car (as long as they were wet, driving in the rain)
- Replaced battery (went from a size 48 to 49…much bigger battery, cheaper, and it looks like it belongs there
- Replaced clutch at about 60K miles (thanks to forum member Ahmet, who did the work for me). RMS was bone dry and left it alone. I decided to leave the IMS alone also.
- Replaced ignition switch (about 20 dollars from NAPA)
- Fixed “sticky” ***** on the radio
- Replaced shock for engine lid
- Repaired gas cap lock “thingy”
Completed “maintenance”:
- Religiously change oil every 5K miles (Mobil 1 cocktail; mix of 5W40 turbo diesel, 10W40 High mileage and/or 0W40….depending on what is available at Walmart, and season of the year). I always check the filter and magnetic drain plug for metal particles (just in case)
- Replaced all sparkplugs at 75K
- Replaced air filter at 75K
- Replaced serpentine belt at 75K
- Replaced brake pads at 75K
- Replaced brake fluid at 75K
- Cleaned and removed debris from radiators
- Cleaned throttle body
- Restored headlights
- Replaced motor mounts
Projects and mods in queue for near future:
- Remove/ Check serpentine belt and pulleys (including WP)...Replace water pump, and change the coolant while at it (late spring/early summer)
- Replace tension cables in convertible top (one of them broke and the other is stretched…I still need to figure out how to remove some things to get it done)…I will post separately a request for help on this one
- Clean radiators again, and probably install mesh grills (mod) while at it
- When the time comes for a new clutch, probably will remove the IMS flange, check IMS condition and then make a decision….Pelican has an IMS solution for $165

Thanks for reading my rant...

fanny bay r1

Wow well done!! I'm coming up to four years on my '02 cab and my experience is exactly the same as yours, I've just done routine maintenance and its been the most trouble free car I've ever owned!! Knock on wood!!

Dinicod

Love to hear these stories!!

Cheekybird

Excellent report. Wishing you many more.....

Hurdigurdiman

Wow your particulars are amazing to me. Here are the coincidences. I also have a 99 cab bought almost 5years ago with 45000 on the clock. Today it has 78000 miles on it. It was my Birthday present from my wife. Original IMS, AOS, clutch, but failing water pump changed by me at 70000. Done all my pms much the same but not as many mods. I installed mesh grills for $5. Search forum if you want more info on that job or let me know.

porsche951

Love to read about someone who hasn't succumbed to the IMS hysteria. Coming up on 3 years for me. Put about 18k miles. Original IMS, RMS and clutch. Now at 81K miles.

wyovino

Nice job! I've done many of the things you've done as well over my 6 years of ownership. Working on the car is part of my enjoyment.

PelicanParts.com

Great read. Thanks for sharing and glad you're still enjoying her almost 50k miles later.

5CHN3LL

I don't think replacing a bearing is any more hysterical than replacing your existing oil or removing a perfectly functional serpentine belt.

I'll be out in the parking lot running around screaming with my hands over my head.

OP, I'm looking for the "rant" part of your post...

Eviltangents

*Slow clap...