e3photo

I have been lurking a bit on this forum lately,and am curious of the friendliness of this model from a DIY standpoint. There seem to be a nice listing of DIY projects under the sticky,and I was wondering if most felt that tasks were similar on the 997's and earlier cars,say a 993. I understand there is probably more electronics, but is it any more difficult to do things such as oil changes and regular maintenance?

Thanks for the input. I am very comfortable with the 993,having done everything for a restoration,including a split case rebuild. I have found myself lurking on this forum a bit more lately,and just wondered how the basics compared.

Thanks,
Emerald

JW911

Easier than the air cooled models. Oil change, air filter change, cabin filter change, all very easy. Spark plug change a bit challenging but can readily be done DIY. I have never paid for dealer maintenance in 7 years of ownership.

KNS

E3,

I'm a 993 owner as well. Most everything I've read about regular DIY on the 997 is that it's easier than the 993 or 964.

BHMav8r

+1

e3photo

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like good news.


Emerald

Falcondrivr

Come to the dark side, brother....

Sniff

If you have the skills to do a split case rebuild on a 993, there is nothing the 997 can throw at you that you shouldn't be able to handle as far as routine maintenance is concerned. 997's are very easy cars to work on, and the support network on these forums is unmatched.

Sean

e3photo

It's tempting. Enjoyed your C4S post on the 993 forums. Been thinking about it.

Emerald

USMC_DS1

This is my 1st Porsche and I found the 997.1 quite easy to maintain... FWIW, I previously owned and DIY maintained a '98 M3 for 10 yrs. Over the past 3.5+ yrs I've done all the scheduled and/or preventative maintenance on my '08 C2S with 66K+ miles. In fact, I just swapped out the o2 sensors a few weeks back. Took less than an hour to do all four. With your 993 DIY background I would think that the 997 should be very doable... Go for it.

slicky rick

and the 997.2 even easier still. agreed with usmc that all 997's are easy to maintain… i think the 997.2 was the pinnacle of engineering in terms of ease of maintenance for porsche. change spark plugs, oil change, filter changes….snap of a finger.

Rotmilky

I don't find the 997 to be that any more challenging than the older air cooled 911s or the 928s. There is enough information to do pretty much any routine maintenance or deal with most problems you're likely to encounter. Between that and the workshop manual, you're well covered. So, that's awesome. Plus the people on the board are good to encourage or offer suggestions.

I think my complaint is that at the moment, the amount of information available for the 997 pales to the air cooled models and doesn't come anywhere near as extensive as 928s. I think that's a function of the cars still being relatively new. Wanna take apart your transmission? Well, I'm not sure anyone has really needed to do it. So, you're not going to find much. Split the motor? Not sure there's a good thread on that either (maybe there is...since I've not needed to do that, I haven't looked, but honestly I doubt it). The workshop manual is there to guide you...but can certainly leave some gaping holes for a first time DIY job.

Take the plunge. I think you'll find having a modern heating and cooling system to be worth it if nothing else.

--Von

e3photo

Good points Von. I would expect there to be less information on bigger things,as the model is newer. I don't plan on tearing apart anymore engines,or doing anything major,but Ive always enjoyed being hands on. I didn't know what to expect as far as accessibility on the newer ones. I have always had great help from my fellow 993 wrenchers,and I am glad to see the 997 forum is equally as knowledgable and friendly.
I might start looking at 997's....but don't tell the air cooled guys.


Emerald

Opo

Emerald , you will be fine brother

turbozv

For 997.2, the only maintenance you cannot DIY is PDK clutch oil change... That requires PIWIS...

Little Green

I just did three oil changes, air Filter, Cabin filter changes this weekend. 2001 VW 1.8L Turbo Beetle(Daughter's), 2011 C300 Benz (wife) and my 05 997. The 997 doesn't even need a jack to do an oil change. Outside of waiting the requisite 45 minutes for the oil to drain it was so easy it's embarassing.
The daughter's car was relatively easy again without jackstands but the wifes benz was a PITA. 2 Sections of underside plastic have to come off before you can even get to the drain plug.
997's are made for DIY guys. Brakes are about 18 minutes a corner with no special tools.