Originally Posted by FranKRyzzO

Howdy all,

Finally received my 2002 X50 and took it to a local dealership for MD state inspection and PPI. Inspection failed and requires a few things to pass that I was planning to upgrade anyways but was hoping to wait until spring, but beggars vs choosers and all that. They also found some other issues in the PPI that I will want to address but aren't as much of a priority. I've got some ideas but want to turn to the community for suggestions as this is my first foray into the 911 world, and would appreciate input from your experience. I'm also going to use this thread to keep all of my information in one place in my post history to access DIY's, so also please feel free to link to them if there's a better one than the one I've found. And finally, any recommendations to where to buy for the best price would be extremely helpful (if that's allowed). Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!!!


Inspection issues:

1. 3rd brake light partially out: Does this have replaceable bulbs, or do I need to get a whole unit?

2. Front strut leaking: Already planning to add coilovers so now seems to be the time. I am planning on the Ohlin R&T as all of the reviews seem to be positive. I don't really plan on tracking the car, so I'm looking for something that will be good on the street. Most of the other systems that I've found good recommendations on seem to be geared more towards track use, but all opinions are welcome on this topic. I've read through the suspension opinions thread which is why I'm leaning to the Ohlins.

**Couple of questions:
My car is already having some scraping issues and I'm looking into a curb bridge. That being said, if the Ohlins max height is too far from stock, even the curb bridge might not be enough. Anyone know the difference from stock at max? Couldn't find a concrete answer but seems to be around an inch.
Also, is there anything else I should be doing while I'm doing the coilovers? I'm thinking of adding sways and drop links. Do I need camber plates if I'm strictly street? Also thinking of doing some bushings while it's apart but likely won't do a full master bushing kit at this time. Any recommendations on which ones would be the most advantageous while it's apart?

DIY's
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...-the-rear.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...the-front.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...-pictures.html

3. Front rotors out of spec: Going to do all 4 rotors. I was planning on upgrading to the 997 system, but sadly that will be out of budget now due to time crunch on inspection. This is something that I plan on doing in the future, but will have to wait. What's the best option for just rotors? Should I go OEM or aftermarket to maximize the performance of the stock 996 calipers?

4. Gas Cap: Eazy peazy lemon squeezy

5. Alignment: Once the suspension is done this would need to be done anyways. While the tires passed inspection, I'm going to replace them too as they don't match. They are also currently only 285 on the rears instead of 295 which I thought was odd until I looked up what I would normally get for MD all season performance, Continental ExtremeContact DWS and saw they don't come in 295/30ZR18. I can't find a single set of all-season tires in OEM sizes and would rather not have to swap them out twice a year. I think the matched Continental set that would fit the turbo twists and be comparable with rev matching would be 245/40ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rears. I think these tires should fit and be within 1.5-2.5mph at highway speeds. I'd lose a little width and gain a little height in the rear, but less than an inch each way, and gain a little of each in the front, but still less than an inch. Any thoughts?



PPI:

Hydraulic rams are shot. Pretty sure I'm just going to swap to the EBWerks manual posts for the time being to have a spoiler. Might upgrade to the aftermarket rennkit fast rams one day, but no money for that now.

Passenger window regulator is making a noise and they recommended not using it until it's replaced to avoid failure. Planning to replace but not a priority while it's cold.

Passenger seat heater not functioning. Fortunately I don't sit there, so not a priority.

Shifter cables secured with a zip tie (?!?!?) and needs the proper clip. Replacing the shift cage and cables was going to be at the top of my mod list along with headunit and tint, but may have to wait a bit until I get these inspection issues sorted. Most likely going to go with the 997 shifter. While the numeric looks really well built, I don't know if it's justified for the price.

One key and fob is inoperable. I'm guessing I just have to bite the bullet and order a new key.

There's also a few various cosmetic issues. The driver's side aero trim has some body gap, and it looks like the previous owner hit something in the front as there's a bit of a dent in the passenger side grill and a little cracking in the front bumper paint. All in all nothing ridiculous for a car with 85k miles. Mechanically the car is in great shape, so I'm still really pleased with my purchase even though I'm going to have to spend a good bit more right away than I'd planned. Will eventually get to upgrading the exhaust and getting the car tuned, but one step at a time. Again, thanks for any and all suggestions or input. It is greatly appreciated!!!

Originally Posted by FranKRyzzO

I also saw the rennkit cal-cools but not sure if that's a complete spacer kit or not? @RennKit-Dave Could you offer any info here? I may also take you up on your offer for the e-rams but have to get this inspection stuff sorted first to see what kind of funds I have left for other stuff. Thanks again!