Uncertainty
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 18
From: SoCal
Receipt isn't good enough. You want details on the swap (who did it, what was it's state, pics, etc..). If it wasn't done by a certified LN shop and there is no other hard evidence on the swap, then my opinion is to view it as if the swap was never done (or worse was done to cover up a failure in progress).
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
Likes: 229
From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
I think if you are looking at a car you like and intend to keep a while and it passes a thorough PPI I would plan to spend $6K or so to have the water pump, AOS, IMSB, RMS and clutch done. I did all that to mine after purchase (DIY) and my feeling about it is I have taken all the reasonable steps to prevent a problem for the next 30K-50K miles (which is probably longer than I will own the car).
If the car you ultimately decide to buy is a '99, you may elect to wait do do anything with that dual-row IMSB until a later date.
If the clutch is fine, and you are not seeing any leaking (i.e. the RMS is fine), there is no reason to drop the transmission as soon as you get the car.
There is more than one instance where someone has "preventively" replaced an AOS...with a faulty new unit that subsequently needs to be replaced.
While I am a believer in replacing known problematic systems before they fail - like the water pump - I'm also a fan of finding that balance between "he who hesitates is lost" and "look before you leap." I don't think it's wise to continue to ignore any deferred maintenance items, but I also think it's premature to jump in with a laundry list of repairs before you have the chance to feel a new car out and determine what it actually NEEDS.
Sir Thomas Lord of All Mets Fans
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,983
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From: Texas
You're getting the 996 brain trust, OP. Lots of great advice. In my opinion, if you are in a financial position that you can put a grand aside per month for an unlikely, but still possible catastrophic failure, do it. Then, follow all the other advice, and when you find the one, drive the living pizz out of it. In my opinion, the biggest financial downfall of owning a 911 is that you'll be hooked and want more and fancier...T
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: SF Bay Area
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,697
Likes: 31
From: Chicago
Remember guys, regular PPI doesn't mean jack these days.
To the OP, it's a lot like home inspections. The home inspector can only see what he see's. He's not going to be able to tear up the drywall to look for plumbing or structural issues behind the walls. That's basically what you get with a standard PPI, just a visual check without taking anything apart.
An invasive PPI is a bit more expensive but it will allow the mechanic to probe more deeply at the condition of the cylinder walls, drop the sump and inspect for any debris, etc. This kind of procedure can catch most of the expensive repairs that can be lurking.
To the OP, it's a lot like home inspections. The home inspector can only see what he see's. He's not going to be able to tear up the drywall to look for plumbing or structural issues behind the walls. That's basically what you get with a standard PPI, just a visual check without taking anything apart.
An invasive PPI is a bit more expensive but it will allow the mechanic to probe more deeply at the condition of the cylinder walls, drop the sump and inspect for any debris, etc. This kind of procedure can catch most of the expensive repairs that can be lurking.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 18
From: SoCal
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 18
From: SoCal
My 2 cents: fix/repair/replace what is BROKEN or about to break.....or you can get sucked in by the preventive maintenance spiral
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
I am not as knowledgeable as many of the members here.
But I just purchased a 996 myself. I had an Indy do a PPI and he gave me a green light. I asked him about the IMS and he told me to drive the **** out of it.
Mine is 17 years old and I expect to have some mechanical problems. But I understand that and follow my mechanics advice and drive the **** out it. I look at it as the smiles versus the price of ownership is far in the advantage of smiles.
That being said, I haven't had any expenses yet. When I have to spend money to keep her (I need a name) running I will, be it a routine maintenance part or a big ticket item, it is the price of admission. In return I get mornings like this morning, 58 degrees, low humidity, sun rising, top down on my way to work. I may or may not of spent a considerable amount of time above the speed limit.......But t was glorious.
It is a gamble, like the Vegas commercial, "if you are playing it safe, are you really playing?"
But I just purchased a 996 myself. I had an Indy do a PPI and he gave me a green light. I asked him about the IMS and he told me to drive the **** out of it.
Mine is 17 years old and I expect to have some mechanical problems. But I understand that and follow my mechanics advice and drive the **** out it. I look at it as the smiles versus the price of ownership is far in the advantage of smiles.
That being said, I haven't had any expenses yet. When I have to spend money to keep her (I need a name) running I will, be it a routine maintenance part or a big ticket item, it is the price of admission. In return I get mornings like this morning, 58 degrees, low humidity, sun rising, top down on my way to work. I may or may not of spent a considerable amount of time above the speed limit.......But t was glorious.
It is a gamble, like the Vegas commercial, "if you are playing it safe, are you really playing?"
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: Uxbridge
I bought a '99 c2 last year and i LOVE it. I did wait until I found one that had some prior service history. Don't get discouraged by all the IMS talk, you will love the car. You always roll the dice with an older car and the advice here is great. Buy the best one you can afford and enjoy it. A PPI is a very good idea, and it's common practice for porsches and not too much of an inconvenience for buyer or seller. Great piece of mind for your new purchase.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 103
From: ATL, GA w/a 996TT
IMO, do yourself a favor and save up 40k or so and get the turbo. It is a completely different engine and you will not have to every time you drive the car. maintenance is about the same and you have a much more powerful car with less to worry about.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
Likes: 229
From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
...or you could buy a N/A 996 and just decide to not worry every time you drive the car. *shrug*
The last time I worried when I drove my 996 was when I was bringing a pizza home for dinner - trying to keep the toppings from sliding off the pie.
Some of us prefer not to simply throw 2x money at every situation...and anyone who claims that a Turbo costs the same to maintain has not had to pay to rebuild a turbo yet.
The last time I worried when I drove my 996 was when I was bringing a pizza home for dinner - trying to keep the toppings from sliding off the pie.
Some of us prefer not to simply throw 2x money at every situation...and anyone who claims that a Turbo costs the same to maintain has not had to pay to rebuild a turbo yet.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 588
Likes: 2
From: The Great White North
They are awesome machines. My biggest concern is not blowing up, but going to jail for (allegedly) breaking the speed limit.
Its the most fun you can have with your trousers on. Just do it.
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 284
From: Edmond, OK
Well said!