I'm going to track a few auctions like this one, for engine & trans

https://www.copart.com/lot/50918655/salvage-2003-porsche-911-carrera-2-nv-las-vegas

Is this a keeper type car? Converting it from tip to manual will hurt the value compared to cars that left the factory with a manual transmission. With a good motor I think $35k might be a struggle, it looks a little rough and the tip really hurts the value. Have the bumpers been repainted?

All that said it could be a fun project. You could 3.8 swap it, I think that’s pretty simple on the 996.

It would be more keeper than flip Matt. A 3.8 doubles the cost of the engine.

There is a 300hp K swap kit and also the Subaru kit and of course LS.

I'm not a purist in any way for cars like this but a 3.6 to 3.8 makes the most sense to me. Far closer to plug and play than a kit, even a very well thought out kit.

If I can get an entire auction car for $15K, that would make the entire thing worthwhile.

I don't know what kit a guy out your way used for his LS swap, but he said it was plug and play when he took me for a ride in it. His car already had the manual transmission though. I would have never thought the LS would weigh less than or the same as the original engine did. I would have thought for sure there would need to be some engine cooling upgrade made but he said everything but the LS was stock IIRC.

I owned a 2004 C4S. At that mileage you are likely approaching time for a suspension refresh. Mine had been a midwest car early in its life. Never again. The rust underneath made working on things like exhaust, suspension, etc. a complete pain in the rear. My cats had failed by then, mufflers had leaks, etc.

Without a running engine, you won’t know if all the other drivetrain parts even work and that could get expensive quick. Unless you can get it super cheap, I think the risk and amount of work involved are substantial.

Rutager, I didn't bother to drive it but it was driven over to a local independent Porsche shop. I know them (they had me Cerakote some pistons), talked with them, they wanted it for an LS and convert to manual and 2WD. So the tip works at least around town but I would change to manual anyway.

So much potential for a car like this, could be a great Safari base though that's not for me.

Shaun,

You’re killing me, how many hours do your days have in them 25, 26, 28?!

No idea on the value of the car beyond what's already been mentioned above. But I love the rust on the bridge in the background. Reminds me of Worcester. Can't believe I'm willingly moving back to MA.

As much as I think this state is one of the top 5 if not top 2 in the country, I can't see moving here from CA. That is pure insanity.

I got the carfax for this car and it was originally purchased in TX and has spent very little time here so it probably is fairly clean underneath.

Seriously, figure out a way to stay in CA.

I did work two 26 hour days leading up to Amelia Island earlier this year.

But you are right about too many projects. What's attractive about this car is a new motor (forget the change to manual) is probably a 2 day in and out affair to have a nice driving car. Door panel on driver side is negligible.

It's so much easier to just work for a living and buy nice things. At least that's what I keep telling myself, to no avail.

It's easier but not nearly as much fun as you know. Or as interesting.

I will say that if this car were one of the interesting blues or reds, it would make the purchase more attractive.

Pelican Parts has got you covered . . .

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PEL996LHTCVR.htm?pn=PEL-996-LHT-CVR&bc=c&SVSVSI=

There's stuff like this, if you want to roll the dice even more than a yard engine

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3573188499643992/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type =post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aae68cc22-dab3-4cc8-8cee-a8230be6fd3e

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1032521991147328/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type =post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aae68cc22-dab3-4cc8-8cee-a8230be6fd3e

It could definitely be a fun project. I’d love to find something like this that I could restore with my 14 year old son, but I’d prefer better exterior cosmetics. I don’t do paint and bodywork, not nearly enough patience.

Shaun, would you plan on dropping one of those motors as is into the car or rebuild it first? They look rough, especially with low mileage.

With the 19 inch wheels, and a 996 C4S you need to budget for a front diff delete, or front diff rebuild and a set of 18 inch wheels for starters.... :)

Based on the pics, it needs new motor mounts to go with the new motor too.

Cheers

this could be the best reason not to get the car. I will need one for my 69 in a few years. I'm not sure if the Restoration Design copy is an exact duplicate in terms of steel quality and thickness. Plus NOS steel really should be used for the entire car.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/1177940-nos-porsche-full-floor-pan.html

Buying that floor pan is a WAY better idea than buying that car, Shaun.


Just one opinion from out west here in the cheap seats.