Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums - Back in a 996 Turbo after almost 10 years

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Back in a 996 Turbo after almost 10 years

Hey guys just wanted to share my excitement for getting back into a 996 turbo after almost 10 years. The turbo has always been a dream car for me and something that I've felt that would be the "one" car for me. I first got my 996 Turbo as a 25 year old kid and at that time it was just not the right car for me financially. I got a great deal on it but I wasn't ready for all the possible big ticket items looming in its future. It did have some great modifications such as the Europipe exhaust, PSS9s, Champion wheels, sound system, etc. I was able to part out the mods and sell the car for a pretty handsome profit but I've sorely missed her ever since. I've been through a couple E36 M3s, an Audi A4, a S2000, and most recently a 987 Cayman S before finding my 2003 996 Slate gray turbo. It was on the other side of the country and I had no way of flying over there and driving it back so I had to rely on a PPI. The owner was an older gentleman who kept thinking I was a Nigerian scammer trying to scam him because he was used to buying and selling with a handshake and cash. He never dealt with someone wanting to buy his car over the phone and bank wire so it was tough to communicate at first. After finally gaining his trust and having him get the PPI done I was finally back in my dream car. Its enroute from the east coast right now and I should have my hands on her by next week. I have some maintenance items lined up for it, as I do after buying a used car to make sure everything is running good. Plus I love doing these diy maintenance items to get to know the car better and I just love wrenching in general. I have a list of items I have on order with warehouse 33. Let me know if I left anything out. I'm really looking forward to joining this great community and being part of the 996 turbo owner group.

My old turbo
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...126af79cbe.jpg
New one coming in a week!!!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...3fa2dd11b.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...11b6da608.jpeg
Maintenance order (Let me know if I left anything out)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...b833d12e6d.png

Very nice car! Congrats.

Congrats and welcome back. That slate gray is not very common, looks really sharp!

Congrats! After a lifetime of 911's (dad got me into it), I have to say that the 996tt is the "sweet spot" whether one views them as the transition from old to new, best performance per dollar, high water mark for analog (hydraulic steering, manual trans, metzger motor, etc.) Many of us could easily buy something newer, but the charms of this series are hard to forget. The joy I get from this car is unlike any other I've had (and there have been many.)

Congrats solow!

+1 on sweetspot, coffeehead. The 996TT has direct racing provenance while having a great balance of raw, analog qualities and modern features (easy to drive, comfort with working HVAC which is very subpar in air-cooled models) to still be driven daily. I find it interesting that new enthusiast Porsche buyers of today are favoring the more raw, analog models. For multiples of such new Porsches, a 996TT is a bargain.

Nice looking turbo! Keep the wing down to avoid stressing the hydraulics and causing failure. I prefer my 996 turbo over my 997 turbo for several reasons.

I see your changing the plugs. If they haven't been changed recently you might want to replace the coils packs at the same time.

What's the mileage on the car? Stock or tuned? Agree about the coils

That slate was the first color that I was attracted to and always have a soft-sport for! love it!

you left out labor for the plugs...lol...just joking.. congrats!

my coils were in great shape after 175000 miles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RennKit-Dave (Post 15211485)

...I prefer my 996 turbo over my 997 turbo for several reasons.

I felt the same way when I was looking. 996TT - simpler electronics (non-PCM, suspension), more raw, more linear/NA-like/minimal lag engine power characteristics. Also, the car I eventually bought already had coilovers which added to a more connected, responsive and confidence-inspiring handling.

If alright with OP, can you share your reasons for preferring 996TT over 997TT?

Welcome back solow!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RennKit-Dave (Post 15211485)

Nice looking turbo! Keep the wing down to avoid stressing the hydraulics and causing failure. I prefer my 996 turbo over my 997 turbo for several reasons.

Totally agree Dave, the 996 always is the one I lust to drive. The 997 is a great car, just it is not a 996!

Very nice congrats, slate is definitely rarer in the grey/silver family.
Depending on miles, I would add coils to the list as there is an updated version. How about oil?

-Jason

I think i know the car if it's slate...from NC?

Congrats on the Purchase! Slate is a great color!

I was just having this discussion with a fellow car buddy of mine on the new cars vs "old" or older cars. The new cars really don't do it for me and I'm a fairly young guy at 31. Sure they are blistering fast (no doubt here) but you really do miss out on the driving with all the electronic aids and what not. Even if they are faster (and a 996TT is no slouch by any means), they just aren't as fun. Also, I know I'm in the minority in the Porsche realm/world but I actually prefer the exterior looks AND interior of the 996 to the 997 (flame suit, engaged haha)

Again, congrats on the new ride. I'd still love to hear your thoughts on the 997 vs 996.