I’m curious what the Porsche community thinks about this one… At what point do you stop modifying a 992 Porsche 911 and just enjoy the car for what it is?

I’ve been going down the rabbit hole with my 992.1 Carrera, trying to make tasteful upgrades without ruining what makes the car special. Wheels, exhaust, aero, suspension, tune, cosmetic details — there are so many ways to make the car feel more personal and more aggressive while still keeping it classy.

But here’s the question: Where is the line between “clean OEM-plus build” and “you should have just bought the next model up”?

For example, I just got done adding wheels to my build (some video below), but would you focus mostly on cosmetic mods like wheels, lowering springs, aero, tint, side skirts, and subtle carbon fiber?

Or would you go deeper into performance mods like tune, exhaust, downpipes, intake, upgraded turbos, etc.?

And how much do you worry about the factory warranty on a newer 992? Is it worth risking warranty coverage for more power and sound, or should the smarter play be keeping it clean and reversible?

Then there’s the bigger question… At some point, should you stop putting money into a Carrera and just upgrade to a Turbo S, GT3, GT3 Touring, or even move into something more exotic like a McLaren, Ferrari, or Lamborghini?

I feel like the 992 platform is already so good that the right few mods can make it feel perfect. But I also know how easy it is to spend $20K, $30K, $50K+ chasing the next level — and then you’re in the price range of a totally different car.

So what do you think?

I think I am done modding my car for now, as my next mods would be turbo upgrades etc, and then I'm back to considering maybe a 992.2 etc.

 

Sometimes the journey is as meaningful and fulfilling as the end result, but when that journey is rapid, you’ve effectively nullified the chase and neutered the excitement…..like when you meet a chick and bed her the first few hours (…I’m generalizing). I think it’s entirely possible to enjoy the car(s) as we simultaneously navigate the modification journey. It doesn’t necessarily have to negatively impact the ownership experience. I think everybody’s path is different, and moving to the “next model up” doesn’t guarantee any more or less satisfaction. You’ve gone through a bunch of cars and are still chasing something, ultimately returning to a “lesser” car relative to the hierarchy. One would’ve thought GT3 ownership would’ve satisfied you, but yet….here we are. And now you’re looking at a 992.2!!!! It just illustrates my point even further. I think it’s a cycle that you’ll never break as I think you just like to change cars for the dopamine hit. Lol! A Turbo/Turbo S would be cool, but if you’re a diehard manual person or if you prefer a nimbler car, the Turbo will not fit the bill. The GT3 is the halo car, but it also comes with compromises….one of them being “the fear of overuse and declining value”. That takes the enjoyment out of ownership to some degree. What’s the point of having the car if you’re scared to drive it?!? The exotics?!? I suppose if that’s your cup of tea and you like that kind of attention those cars could be options. You’ve had exotics (..and I think you still have at least one), so where is there really for you to go?!?? Like I said, it’s a never-ending cycle.

For me personally, I mod most often with a specific path, vision and end goal in mind. Once I achieve the desired result, my modification journey is concluded. For others, they reach the end goal and start all over again. That is a cycle I choose not to be in indefinitely.

Many probably feel like I’ve spent so much money personalizing my Carrera S that I should’ve just opted for a GT3. For me, owning a GT wouldn’t have really changed much nor would it have saved me any money, plus I really like turbocharged motors. Sure, I wouldn’t have pursued the front end conversion like I am currently doing (…simply because I really like the 992.2 GT3’s front end aesthetics; the 992.1 didn’t motivate me to pursue the conversion), but the vast majority of my mod path has been focused on my interior, and there isn’t a model in the lineup that would’ve checked that box. I’ve devoted a considerable amount of time, money and thought into the design of my interior. My modification choices are very specific and the details matter. Aside from that, I’ve done the common mods most other people have done (..e.g. coilovers, wheels, intercoolers, exhaust/cats/tune, etc.).

 

For many owners it’s not about performance so much as personalization. You could compare it to home ownership. Some people buy a home and simply live in it. Some buy a home then do never ending projects and upgrades. Many of those upgrades have a low or no resale return but if they bring enjoyment to the owner then who are we to judge?

 

I would say never. There will always be something to do, just like the above said with a house. If you keep the car long enough you will change. I am planning my 3rd stage of mods for my truck (over 7 years). All relatively mild but changing the tone of it each time. I have a lot I want to do the the 911 without the funds to support it - so it will be a long journey for me lol. With that being said - buy what you want from the manufacturue the first time. Don't try to make a base a GTS, just buy the GTS, etc. Get as close to what you want then mod.

 

+1
There is no "one-fits-all" answer to Will's question. We all own cars for different reasons and use them differently, and when it comes to modifications, the differences in what we look for are amplified. Full spectrum from people who dismiss anybody who changes even a tiny bit on their cars, others go full out and build entire new cars, sort of (yes, I talk about you @f4bones !).

For me personally, it's my hobby, a distraction from life's stress, enjoying the process more than the final state... There is never a final state for me because of what I like to do. Does not matter of I have the fastest, slowest, cheapest or most expensive model...I would tinker with anything I own, and it's just a matter of what I can/want to afford. It also does not matter if the mod is big or small, it's the thought I put in from vision, planning, executing it the way I want and like it (and sometimes it goes really wrong), and I don't care if people hate it as long as I enjoy it. Others may just enjoy it as it comes from Porsche, seeing it in the garage, driving it on twisty mountain roads, or taking it to the track wihtout ever changing a single bolt on it.

 

The very first question you have to honestly ask yourself is how long will you keep her Will. Like me, youre the flipper/upgrader type, always seeking nirvana.

For me I have to come to terms with keeping a car and not allowing the new buyer to be the unpaid beneficiary of my expenditures that didn't create a car I was prepared to even keep.

I get it

Moving forward I made a pact with myself the next car I invested in would be my keeper. As of now, it'll be the car I'll leave my son as the family aireloom. With that in mind, I feel comfortable making her my own in any way I choose, without regret. My last flip was the F458 Spyder > 911 992.1. I truly feel i'm where I want to be even though the F458 prices are skyrocketting, the 992 is a far better lifestyle match.

 

When you’re adding mods just for the sake of adding them or just because you can, that’s the sign that maybe it’s time to stop.

 

I just finish adding Gt3 CCB on my car and lower the car. My next mod is carbon roof and the turbonite airbag emblem which I should have a sample soon

 

too each there own! Mod away

 

i would only consider upgrading to a 992.2 if you end up going with the GTS or the Turbo S with that new T hybird, but reading on the group and facebook group, so many people have issue with that system right now. SO i would stay clear away from it. I currently like my build and I didn't spend that much on it, as I did most of it myself.

 

Title could be: “Follow me as I stop modding my 992” ASMR of pulling mods and slamming them on the floor

 

I am constantly adding little mods to all of my cars, I enjoy it and it makes them very personalized 'just for me" cars. If something new comes along (911 S with a manual) I would consider it, but I don't regret any of my current cars or mods. Will, it looks like you love modding your cars and we appreciate you showing us all that you have done and your thoughts on said mods, so carry on please.

 

Andy, coming together nicely now lowered! what mirrors are that?

 

Looks amazing.

 

The modding itch never really goes away. Whether it’s a GTS, a GT3, or even something like a Lamborghini or Ferrari, chances are you’ll end up modifying it. That’s part of what makes the whole experience so enjoyable—seeing and feeling the results of each upgrade.

I’ve really enjoyed all the mods you’ve done to your 992s, and I hope you keep them for a while and continue sharing them on YouTube. There aren’t many fully built, tastefully modded examples like yours out there. I’d especially love to see some drive-by clips showing how the car sounds now, along with before-and-after comparisons. Also, since you own different 992 trims I would like to hear from you on what you like and dislikes compared to different models with your mods. Also, many of our members that never owned a Lambo/Ferrari/Mclaren and one day might take that leap how is the 992 compared to owning one and is it just a novelty and will always come back to a 992 platform?

I’m also curious what your current quarter-mile time is now that you’re running the Stage 2 tune. Personally, I’d say keep the car, enjoy and appreciate the mods, and maybe add a few more mods down the road.

The 992 is one of the best platforms Porsche has ever made, and you’ve taken it to another level. It’s a truly special build you have—hope you hang onto that beautiful 992.1 for a long time.