[GeorgeK]

Matt fully agree,
Except the failure mode of these water engines is usually catastrophic, and requires more work and special tools that the mere mechanic does not have. Do you know the procedure and tools to bleed the coolant in a 996?

Anyway there is a reason the air cooled 911 forum is very much alive here (2 mil. threads vs. 7 thousand). The majority of people here prefer the older cars, which are more representative of the 911.
There is a reason why the water cooled prices have dropped lower than the air/oil cooled prices.
There is a reason why all the interesting 996s, turbos and GTs have 964 derived blocks, and do not display the type of expensive failures that are like a Damocles' sword above the head of owners, and which causes the price drop.

Can you live with all that? very good, more power to you. Funny thing is that you'll arrive on top of the mountain pass faster than I do in my oiler. But I'll have fun (in my view), and won't drive an appliance that has the residual value of a used camry...