New to me 1999 996 C2 cab.

Noporscheform · 08-02-2016, 01:32 PM

So took a risk today and bought a 996.

Did not due a PPI. (May or may not regret this decision). But the car was priced right had a reasonable amount of service history, and was in very good overall shape with all components working as built.

The option code sticker shows a decent level of options, such as LSD, traction control, PCM. (with very out of date navigation) 8 way leather drivers and passengers seats, sport brake pads and wind screen. The car is navy blue over tan leather, which was a prefered color combo for me. The car is a 6 speed manual. The clutch was replaced 3,000 miles ago. no oil leaks, and dry underneath. Immediately after buying the car I drove it home (about 250 miles) in 100 degree heat, and it was a joy to drive, with all gauges showing normal operation.

Question is what to do next. As there is no indication that the IMS bearing has ever been changed - do I immediately have this done, as well as the AOS? My plan was to replace worn rubber components, inspect and replace all consumables (brake pads if needed). Change the oil and cut open the old filter and inspect for debris, the cooling system was flushed, radiators cleaned and new coolant installed in January, 2016.

AC system leaked checked (held vacuum for 30 minutes) and recharged in June of this year.

Any suggestions. (Pics after I get my phone charged.)

Thanks for your input

dtw · 08-03-2016, 05:23 AM

Mileage?

Doing work yourself, or paying a shop?

If it is a '99, I really wouldn't worry about the IMS bearing - it should be a dual row which had a drastically lower failure rate than the later dual row bearing. This is well documented in the class action suit.

Instead, I would get an oil analysis kit from Blackstone labs, and send them a sample for analysis. If you are feeling like you want even more peace of mind, drop your sump at your next oil change. It is not difficult at all. Inspect the sump pan for metal shavings and/or plastic bits/chunks. I like pulling the sump on these engines and seeing the inside clean enough to eat from.

One other great metric you can do - find a friend with a Durametric setup. You can plug it into your ODB II port and get some realtime diagnostic information. There's a lot of key info, including readout on your camshaft deviation. Look for variances from side to side, as well as overall deviation over the factory specs. Any well-equipped indy should be able to do this for you as well, mine has the actual PIWIS tool from Porsche that does all this as well. You'll likely pay a diagnostic fee especially if they have the Porsche tool, as they have to pay a substantial license fee each year to keep that up and running.

Noporscheform · 08-03-2016, 06:03 AM

I did forget the mileage - it was 73850, records from dealer show clutch at 69,800. Oil has about 2,000 miles it it and my plan was to take it to an Austin independent for a quick look-see up on a lift and oil change. Then home to DIY as much as much as possible. Thanks for the idea. I really appreciate the input and will have it done when Oil changed next week.

Noporscheform · 08-03-2016, 06:05 AM

build date is October 1998

Noporscheform · 08-03-2016, 10:31 AM

engine serial number is M96/0166X02548. This should be the original engine, if i understand the numbering system.

monteolsen1 · monteolsen1's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noporscheform

I did forget the mileage - it was 73850, records from dealer show clutch at 69,800. Oil has about 2,000 miles it it and my plan was to take it to an Austin independent for a quick look-see up on a lift and oil change. Then home to DIY as much as much as possible. Thanks for the idea. I really appreciate the input and will have it done when Oil changed next week.

You got a nice car and a super deal. I bought mine two years ago with 104,000 miles. I did a PPI on mine, which I bought in California and the. drove home to Oregon. I had our local Porsche specialty shop do another inspection and test drive. All was OK. I've been doing most of the maintenance myself. At the ripe old age of 65, I am enjoying working on the car. It is easier to do maintenance on than our Odyssey, F150 and Ford Focus. My car has the same color combination along with upgraded tail lights and Xenon headlights. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. As earlier respondent said, the double bearings are very robust.

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