Just bought '99 996. Need advice, taking a long roadtrip right away

[mknight]

Hello everyone,

I've definitely been a lurker on a couple other forums, occasionaly on this one. In any case, finally pulled the trigger on a '99 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (it has only 9.9k miles). As I will be picking it up out of state, in Florida, and driving north to NC, then TX ... any advice on maintenance etc, things to be mindful of?

I know some of the general stuff: put only 93 or 91 octane gas (preferably without ethanol), use the blue coolant/antifreeze, stuff like this.

But knowing that this car had been garage-kept for 15+ years, only being driven roughly 500 miles a year up until now, should I be careful of anything else outside the "normal" stuff? I don't want to shock the hell out of the engine and everything else

I figure I will end up putting 1500-1800 miles on it, over a 4-5 day span.

Also need advice on a good outdoor cover, as I do not have a garage or covered parking solution ... yet. But this part can wait

[darrin]

few thoughts -

1) have you had a prepurchase inspection performed? Important to have a mechanic that's knowledgable about the car's particulars give the car a thorough inspection to catch any lurking/potential issues before you hit the road.

2) Will you have a complete service performed on the car before you take it on your trip? Even/especially with such low mileage, it's important that fluids and filters all be new/clean -- most folks change out oil annually, regardless of mileage, similar situation with brake fluid, etc.

3) Have you checked the age of the tires? given mileage, they're likely original to the car and upwards of 18 years old -- beyond 6-7 years, tires start to get rock hard with brittle/cracking sidewalls. If beyond 6 years old, I'd recommend getting new tires installed before driving it any significant distance to avoid a potential blowout, which would NOT be fun at highway speed.

4) IMS (intermediate main shaft) -- this is the achilles heel of water cooled boxer porsches (including your 996). I don't have firsthand knowledge of this situation, but if you're not already familiar with the issues surrounding the IMS, be sure to read up on it and seek advice on how to determine if the IMS on your new 996 is an issue that needs to be addressed before taking it on your drive.

5) AAA membership -- especially with a new-to-you car, cheap insurance if you have a worst-case situation. Likely makes sense to insist on flatbed towing given low ground clearance.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Really great advice - if you're looking for a great outdoor cover, check out the link below. They're extremely well made and really popular within our community. Congrats on the new ride!

Pelican Parts - Coverking Car Covers


-Dmitry

[Tippy]

IMMEDIATELY change out the sealed bearing on the IMS with Raby's.

[mknight]

Haha, I figured that at least 50% of the posts would mention the legendary IMS issue. I'm definitely aware of it, even the percentage that 99/early 2000 makes have on failure (roughly 1% because of the dual bearing, compared to 5+% on later single ones). Also going to probably go with the 5 year/100k Aftermarket warranty, though I think they have wiggle-room to get out of IMS-caused engine fails.

Inspection and fluid flushes were all done today. I also do have AAA Premier membership

Though I was going to check the tires tomorrow in person, I should ask how much tread etc is left, whether there is tire-rot or any cracking visible now. Good point

I was looking at the Coverking stuff a little yesterday and they seem to get good reviews. Other forums also think getting a European-based cover is best, as they are usually of better quality than American ones. I know I want one that has a soft inside, that if the wind starts to kick up between it and the 911 body, it won't scratch the crap out of it

[inaminit]

+ 1 on the IMS bearing changeout. The low usage puts your car in a higher risk group according to discussion on Rennlist

[Mark Salvetti]

On the tires, find out the brand and then ask about the date code (knowing the tire type you can figure out where to look and what it means). Wouldn't surprise me if the tires were >10 years old but still looked OK.

Mark

[gtc]

If the engine blows up, try to coast the car into the nearest body of deep water (or a volcano).

[mknight]

I can do that.

So if the tires "look good" and there's no cracks and tread is decent, what is a mfg date I should start worrying about? In other words, if I find that these tires are from Mar 2007 and 10 years old, for example, should I start worrying and think of replacing right away? Or would it be more like 14-15+ year old tires?

[DaveMcKenz]

Tires are very old at 7 years. They're pretty much just for show at 18 years (if original from 1999). BTW I love the 996's and consider them a great value. Since you know about IMS failure, you can decide how you want to handle that.
Best of luck,
Dave

[gtc]

Tire rack has some good info on when to replace tires:
https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Tire%20Age

[Eli W]

Yup, and you can have the car dropped off at a local shop in Florida and have them put on there.

Have you heard about the IMS bearing? JK

Those tires if they are original have to be trash from sitting.


Good luck, enjoy the car. If the engine blows it might have a cracked fuel line too and the car just goes up.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by Tippy

IMMEDIATELY change out the sealed bearing on the IMS with Raby's.

THIS ^^^^^ If not, sell it.

[Eli W]

How much does the Raby's cost?

That looks brilliant! Love the Cayman S and they are getting cheap this looks like the right way to go.

Yeah, if the engine blows it is all over, the car is toast.

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by Eli W

How much does the Raby's cost?

That looks brilliant! Love the Cayman S and they are getting cheap this looks like the right way to go.

Yeah, if the engine blows it is all over, the car is toast.

I think I read on their site that is was about $5K and that includes the rear main seal replacement, and thorough pre- and post- repair evalutaions . Not sure if any clutch work is included. Shipping of the car to Georgia is additional.
I think the cars are still a great deal because people are rightly scared off by IMS issues. This solution makes them pretty bulletproof except for the usual age and use related wear issues.
Good luck,
Dave

[Nick Triesch]

Why pay the big bucks on a warranty If the company has wiggle room to get out of an IMS repair?

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

Why pay the big bucks on a warranty If the company has wiggle room to get out of an IMS repair?

I agree. The warranty is worth something for all the other things an 18 year old car might suffer from. If it won't cover engine failure due to IMS failure, then it's worth quite a bit less. I would not expect the warranty to cover preventative measures, such as a better IMS bearing.
Personally I would not get a long term warranty on a near 20 year old car. I would pay for the IMS Solution and enjoy. Pay cash for repairs as needed. It's a good car.
Good luck,
Dave

[Cook&Dunning]

Trailer it home. To the mechanic. Change the IMS

[DaveMcKenz]

Better yet, have it shipped to Cleveland, Georgia to Flat 6 Innovations. Have them change the IMS bearing and RMS, check the clutch, then pick it up from there.

Check out:

Home (Flat 6 Innovations)

Good luck,
Dave

[Elombard]

Wow a low mile 996 and a big road trip. I would mentally prepare yourself that you might have an issue.

Probably nothing will happen but I would not do it unless you have a strong marriage :-)