Congratulations 996 bound, I am a former muscle car fanatic also, welcome to the next dimension of automotive thrills. I agree with all the good advice you have gotten here so I will just add that the '99 for $19K with engine swap is entry level price for 996. Long standing advice for buying a Porsche is to buy the best quality car you can afford of the model you want.(996) So if you truly can spend more better to do it now than later. 2002 & later 996 has many upgrades including more power & reliability. I am saving for a 2002 Cabrio 6-speed & I will replace clutch, IMS,& RMS as soon as I get it.
P.S. Wife's car is a Lexus IS350 Club Lexus forum is the best!