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What year or model would makes sense to make a safari offroad Cayenne

Hey all,
Ive been a long time lister with many models and owned a 2004 V6 when they first came out and was an awesome car. Sold in 2015 with 160K miles on it and never had the heads off. Maybe Im lucky or just a tinkerer. I live in AZ and VA , offroad in the desert, highlands woods and snow in the mountains. The Cayenne is so very capable off road I am considering selling my Wrangler and build a cool offroad Porsche. It has so many options and unlike my jeep is comfortable on the highways and offroad. What are your thoughts on which model you all think would be what I should be looking for. I am not afraid of high miles. I build motors and do all myown maintenance. Open for thoughts, opionons and comic snide remarks
.

Rennlist had an article on the topic which got me thinking. Looking at something like this.

Cheers, Mike
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a79e3a2d19.jpg

We all know 958's transfer cases are made of Paper Mache and Elmer's glue, so it ain't the best option. I think 957s were the best ones.

The 957's definitely have more options for doing mods but I see the 958 as picking up speed as higher mileage ones come down in price. I'd suggest an 11 or 12 S with higher mileage.

Check out my recent, sort of related thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...ility-etc.html

I don't think the 958's had a rear diff locker option (a rare option on the 957), but since you aren't going for a rock crawler I don't think that matters.

From my research, it sounded like a 958 Diesel would be the best option, since it has great torque and none of the transfer case problems. Personally I'm going for a 958.2 S and will add Eurowise 2" lift and 18" off-road wheels/tires. I'll sort out transfer case if needed, but I just prefer the gas motor and sound. Note that the GTS is lower so not a great off-road option, and the GTS and Turbo have larger brakes so only 19"+ wheels work (also not great for off-road).

Quote:

Originally Posted by forbiddenbeat (Post 18476451)

I don't think the 958's had a rear diff locker option (a rare option on the 957), but since you aren't going for a rock crawler I don't think that matters.

Of course they do, and it's far easier to find on a 958 than a Gen 1 Cayenne.

OP, read this:
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...some-help.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...ffroading.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by garrett376 (Post 18476562)

Good to know – what option gives rear diff locking on the 958?

Quote:

Originally Posted by forbiddenbeat (Post 18476451)

Never thought about the diesel. I have f250 deisel exoerience so not so scary but definately not a ford. With a proper lift I think you could squeeze in larger wheels. Just a gues at this time though. I definately will be sheeding the ground effects and go to tube rock bumpers with hooks and hitch. Then there is the convert to coil overs and ditch the air bags in the upper end models. Do not know if a lift works with the air cars.

Thank for the feedback. I'll keep you guys posted. Hoping it's a holiday project.

Cheers, Mike

Search "overland cayenne" on YouTube. Good stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by notthd (Post 18476907)

Check out Eurowise for their off-road Cayenne parts. They currently do not offer 958 tubular bumpers but do have skid plates, lift kits (for both air and coil, as well as coilover conversion lift kits), and a lot of other accessories.

Quote:

Originally Posted by forbiddenbeat (Post 18477779)

Will do. I am leaning towards a 957 for options availability (dont want to search for the unicorn) and the fact that you mention more off road parts for the earlier models to date. I too think that will change but for now I looking for a S or Turbo. Drawbacks and pluses. Just want the power even if it's not practical. I also wrench all my own stuff so not as scared as I should be to break something. The right car will find me.

Cheers, Mike

Just read this about typical failures and thought it would be usefull to all. - Cheers MikeBy Peter Smith

2003-06 Porsche Cayenne Models

Driveshaft: center bearing support failure. All models.
If you experience vibration during acceleration, a thumping in the center of the vehicle, expect to pay $650 for the part.

Plastic coolant pipes under intake manifold. V8 models.
The symptoms can be a small coolant leak in the middle of the car, or it could be a huge gush of coolant if a pipe splits. Many parts are involved in the fix.

Steering column. All models.
If the steering column fails, you won’t be able to drive the vehicle. You’ll also see a steering column fault light on the dashboard. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,100 for parts, depending on column options.

Ignition coils (they have been updated many times). V8 models.
The check engine light will come on, possibly blinking. Do not drive the vehicle if the check engine light is blinking.
The engine will run rough. Each coil is $61, and all eight should be replaced at the same time.

Driver-side fuel pump. All models.
The SUV will start and then die. It will run on full throttle, when cold, and when there’s less than a quarter tank of fuel — the secondary pump is operational during those conditions. The fix requires the pump and filter housing above the pump to be replaced. Expect to pay about $500 for parts.

Suspension air pump on vehicles with air suspension.
An air suspension fault light will show on the dashboard, and the vehicle will not lower or raise.
Expect to pay $1,000 for parts.

Keyless entry systems: problems with control units and door handles. All models.
Keyless entry will not work and a “key not found” warning will show on the dashboard. There could be many parts required for the fix, depending on what is found. This problem is very hard to diagnose.

Water pump failure. Cayenne V6.
Coolant will leak at the front, and coolant residue will spray onto the hood from coolant slinging from the belt. Expect to pay $145 for the water pump.

Coolant reservoir leaks. All models.
You will experience a coolant leak on the passenger side near the front tire. Expect to pay $90 for a new reservoir.

Panoramic sunroof: pretty to look through, very expensive to fix. All models equipped with the sunroof.
The sunroof binds, creaks, and the glass cracks. Expect to pay $6,000 for parts.

https://ww2.pca.org/media/sites/defa...enne-Turbo.jpg

2008-10 Cayenne Models

Upper front coolant pipe can slip out of housing due to a glue failure. V8 models.
Coolant will leak from the front. The replacement pipes are bolted in. Expect to pay about $450 for parts.

Driveshaft: center bearing support failure. All models.
If you experience vibration during acceleration, a thumping in the center of the vehicle, expect to pay $650 for the part.

Engine’s rear coolant crossmember to both left and right cylinder heads: The pipe slips out due to glue failure. V8 models.
You will experience a coolant leak at the rear of the engine. To fix it, the engine must be removed in most cases. Expect to pay $250 for parts. Labor varies depending on whether the engine must be removed.

High-pressure fuel pump failure. V8 models.
You will experience a longer crank time at startup and a loss of power when driving. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,200 for parts, depending on the vehicle.

Vacuum pump failure: Oil from engine can make its way into vacuum lines and damage servos under intake. V8 models.
The check-engine light will display, and the evap system will fail. Expect to pay $180 for the pump, plus more items depending on how much oil has contaminated the system. Labor varies depending on the level of oil contamination.

Ignition coils (they have been updated many times). V8 models.
The check engine light will come on, possibly blinking. Do not drive the vehicle if the check engine light is blinking.
The engine will run rough. Each coil is $61, and all eight should be replaced at the same time.

I personally prefer 2009-2010 Cayennes with the optional PCM system, because it includes a touch screen that removes some button clutter from the dashboard and gives you modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity.

No mention in that list of bore scoring on the 955-957 V8s, or the electrical issues from corroded wiring harness splices? Those are biggies rendering the vehicle useless without significant expense. Or drooping headliners? Or transmission valve body wear?

Quote:

Originally Posted by notthd (Post 18474867)

Hey all,
Ive been a long time lister with many models and owned a 2004 V6 when they first came out and was an awesome car. Sold in 2015 with 160K miles on it and never had the heads off. Maybe Im lucky or just a tinkerer. I live in AZ and VA , offroad in the desert, highlands woods and snow in the mountains. The Cayenne is so very capable off road I am considering selling my Wrangler and build a cool offroad Porsche. It has so many options and unlike my jeep is comfortable on the highways and offroad. What are your thoughts on which model you all think would be what I should be looking for. I am not afraid of high miles. I build motors and do all myown maintenance. Open for thoughts, opionons and comic snide remarks

Cheers, Mike
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...a79e3a2d19.jpg

Good on you for considering building a Cayenne into a competent offroad ripper as they are exceptional to say the least...that said, as to which model (955, 957, 858.1 958.2) to consider, it all depends on what you want to do with it - rock crawler, mall crawler, or rally raid rig that has gone triple digits pace offroad...I've taken a 2015 Type 958.2/Turbo Diesel Cayenne and turned it into a Rally Raid raid rig that is definitively NOT a rock crawler (that requires big lift/frame drop, massive tires with bead lock rims, etc,) nor a mall crawler (that has a ton of stuff you don't need but sure looks purty) and instead now have something that can do the business on gravel trails done at pace in the Appalachians...so before giving you a bit more on what I have done [and the other ten or so who have built them on my spec], the real question is what do you want to do with it in total?

Here's a bit of mine for reference (or go check my instagrammy of @jcgoodlett2 for mountains more including some trailers for the "PUNTERS: Porsches In The Offroad" film short now making its way in film festivals:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...abfa99cedb.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...15415355b6.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by forbiddenbeat (Post 18477779)

Totally agree that Mike Ngo at Eurowise has built a heck of a offroad business by innovating and bringing to market buckets of products...they were my go to for light but sturdy aluminum bash plates for under protection on your tank area, the engine, and transfer case...they also make a killer roof rack with light option and bluetooth in cockpit controller...depending on if you are planning to build a rock crawler (vs Rally Raid rig), they carry shocks and front bash bars with winches to pull you out of the sticky wickets that occasionally befall the sport of rock crawling...