[racer]

Do you want a 986 (97-04) or a 987 (05+)the look a bit different.

They are optioned differently and a base 05 2.7 has almost as much hp (240hp) as a 04 older S (250hp). Base 2.5 = 200hp. 2000-2004 2.7= 217-228. Base 2.7 2005-2008 is 240-245hp and then again the 05S (3.2l) is 280hp and the 06S (3.4l) is 300hp

Also the 987 may be a bit more spacious on the interior than the 986. They look VERY different too. Silver and gray were too popular in this era too.
IMS is two stages.. 05+ cars need the engine pulled and the case split. 04 and older appear to be fixable from the outside.
And if it is a problem, it will cost as much as the car itself.
If you are getting a Tip, I'd get the newest most powerful you can so its impact is less noticed.
Also, make sure there is recent TIP service performed. Those can be spendy units as well.