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!!!

 

The entire unit.

Consider X73

Take potential scrape areas at a more acute angle.

 

For brake pads and rotors. I just replaced mine and went with Sebro slotted (vs drilled) and Hawk performance ceramics. Will likely not be doing any auto crossing or driving events. If I did I would change out the pads. Slotted were a little more but prefer the look vs. drilled

 

Slotted last a much longer too.

 

Congrats to you Frank Ryzzo and good luck.

I just got my rams and pump back from DH Automotive in Belgium. They were amazing to work with, very helpful, and communicative. They have a FB page as well. Your costs should be around $1000 USD. Follow their directions and everything will be easy.
I just wanted to stay OEM. E-rams are a good option too. I believe there are other ram repair guys out there. Try Ultimatemotor werks. I am also trying his DYI Blog to repair my cracked mounting holes on the tail lights. It seems to be working very well indeed. Thank you Kevin for your blog! @ultimate motorwerks. I do believe he has some other ideas that may help you.
.

 

That’s quite a list. When you are ready for a permanent fix to the failed wing hydraulics, give me a shout. I’ll match the DH rebuild price stated above (2” basic eRam Kit). I can also help you with lowered height alignment setting spreadsheet. Here is your suggested reading list: https://rennkit.com/rennkit-home/996...als-brochures/

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

@RennKit-Dave I really appreciate that and may very well take you up on tat offer. I already had that link saved to my favorites and the information you have posted there is going to be invaluable as I start fixing my new beast and getting her back to spec!

@kdm I was also thinking about going slotted. Definitely last longer and so much easier to tell when they need to be replaced lol

@Dock Was kinda figuring on needing the full 3rd brake, so thanks for confirming. It's my driveway that's mainly the problem and I can just get in and out at an angle, but if I go any lower I'll definitely need a curb bridge. Will probably pick them up either way to make life easier. As for the X73 kit, do you know any place to get one new? As far as I can tell the kit was discontinued years ago. I looked around and couldn't find any new or used but would definitely consider it if I could find one. The reviews on it seem to be exactly what I'm trying to accomplish and it would leave me a little money left over for other mods. I'm kind of on a time crunch though as I have 3 weeks to get the inspection stuff sorted and don't really have the time to be patient as I would have wanted to wait and find a good deal popping up in the classifieds.


Also, any thoughts on my ideas for switching the tire sizes so I can run all-season? I just want to make sure if I go that route that it won't be detrimental to performance or the drivetrain. From what I've read, others seems to be running similar sizes especially with winter tires, but looking for some additional validation if possible. Thanks again!

 

I believe X73 is available for order from dealers now since the 996 Turbo is in the "classic" division, but I've not personally confirmed that.

Be advised; X73 is without question a stiffer ride versus stock. My 996 Turbo is strictly "street only", and I love the X73 suspension. It's very planted and the handling is great. The ride height is also perfect IMO.

I'm not at all dialed into this one. I live in Atlanta and run Michelin PS2 tires all year.

 

^^^Thanks. I'm waiting on quotes from them now for the other work, although I'll probably do most or all of it myself. I'll call them Monday and see about the X73 kit and report back if it's something they can still get.

 

 

As for brakes, Sebro slotted rotors are the way to go. Or upgrade to 997 Turbo 350mm Sebro slotted rotors, but still use the 996 calipers using Freddy's conversion kit for slightly more.

Tires and alignment make or break the performance of these cars IMHO. I'm running Azenis 245/40-18 on 10" front and 315/30-18 on 12" rear with a GT2 alignment and it is just plain awesome for fast street/canyon driving.

 

Yes, it's pricey. Yes, it's worth every penny. If he's matching the DH rebuild price this is a no-brainer. I have a 4 inch fast e-ram and I'm couldn't recommend it more, if you can get him to work a deal with you on one of those I'd jump on it.

If you are interested, I have an OEM RH window regulator that is supposedly new which has been sitting on my desk for the past 3 years. (Part # is 99654207604) Mine were shot and I was going to replace them myself but I ended up paying someone to do it. It's yours for the cost of shipping if you're interested. (And provided you agree to do something nice for someone else at some point)

 

Always happy to pay it forward! PM'd

 

@Dock Just heard back from the dealership and the X73's are discontinued and they can't get them new

 

Sorry to hear. That's too bad.