996 "New Owner" questions

[FunWithPaul]

Hello 996 owners!

I have wanted a 996 for a while now, so I just bought a $15k 2003 C4S for $20k
(due to last minute bidding, the buyers decide how much they will pay, and,
it is only money...).





"I think" the advantages of the 2001 Turbo, without the turbo, is a reasonable trade off, kinda like the 930 vs the factory "turbo look" model:

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/press-kits/Porsche-Heritage-Experience/Porsche-911-Carrera-Cabriolet-Turbolook.html )

This C4S does need work, and I hope I can do most of it.
I am planning on keeping it forever.

For background, I did a fenders off, glass out, interior out, engine out rebuild, repaint, factory upgrade of my 1974 911, 25 years ago, and still have it.
I know every screw and nut on that car...






But that was a 100% analog and mechanical, designed to be taken apart and put back together car.
I love working on it. The engineers truly thought
"how vill zey take zis apart?"

And I appreciate that. Example: I fixed a broken speedo gear. Myself!

25 years later a CIS fuel line behind the engine started dripping (old lines? loose hose clamp? I don't know, so they all got changed)

This is it today (about to go back up, after replacing the soft lines)




I realize "modern" cars aren't that easy (is a 21y/o car "modern"?...)

What have YOU learned (about your 996) that you think others (like me) should know about?

I know about the IMS issue, but haven't decided on a solution yet, because none replicate the "Mezger" design.
IMO, the sealed IMS bearing was a design flaw (destroyed engines are the unfortunate outcome).
I am sure (by their actions) Porsche thinks "As long as it survives past warranty, we are good..."

What are "acceptable losses"?

I am an airline pilot. I consider the "acceptable loss rate" in my job to be ZERO!

I don't expect anything to last forever, but if if a known flaw causes a "hull loss" (in aviation terms) ie: a "total loss,
what can be done to avoid that "hull loss" ??

I also know "about the bore scoring issue (another Porsche design flaw...),
and that some say it is inevitable (funny, it didn't happen to the previous engines...),
again IMO, it is a design flaw, in the pistons.

I hear about water pumps, and air-oil separator faults
(I dont have any of these issues in my 1974 engine... kidding)

But what have YOU experienced, and wished you knew what to "look out for", BEFORE the disaster?

Thanks,
Paul

[JTT]

AOS is a PIA. Google UAOS and order. Miserable job, but one and done.

Water pump easy job.

Electrical gremlins are real, and my personal kryptonite (I struggle getting my head around electronics). There are about 7 million various sensors and switches that can and do fail periodically. Pick up a Durametric to read and give you a fighting chance against electronics.

[Matt at Pelican Parts]

Beautiful C4S!

Hopefully after some tinkering you can really enjoy your new ride! Keep us updated as time goes on!

[rfuerst911sc]

My 986 S and 996 C4 both have the IMS Solution invented by FSI . It is probably the most expensive retrofit out there but is a once and done . In my opinion the only way to go .

In regards to the AOS go with the Ultimate Air Oil Separator ( UAOS ) . Invented and patented by a Porsche tech in Alabama . I have the " track drain " model which allows an additional 2 quarts of oil to be run .

[FPB111]

Your statement about the IMS/Mezger replacement designs is not true. The Flat Six pressure fed oil “Bushing” is pretty darn close.

https://lnengineering.com/products/the-definitive-guide-and-faq-for-porsche-ims-bearings/ims-solution.html?limit=all

[jwetering]

I've had my 996.2 for about 13 years now, and I have put 112,000 miles on the car. It currently has 185,000 miles on the clock. Prior to this 996 I owned a 1978 911sc for about 11 years. Modified the hell out of that.

I do all of my own work - everything except alignments.

Long story short - life got easier once I got the 996. It's a dead easy car to work on. Clutches, suspension struts, brakes, shifter cables. It's all put together sensibly and, unlike the 911sc, it was a clean sheet of paper so no instances where new technology is shoehorned in to whole mean for old technology.

I dropped the engine last year to replace a weeping oil vent tube, reseal the rocker covers, replace the transmission bushing. I'm replacing the drive shafts next week. I have to take out the trans at some point to replace the selector rod busing...

Frankly the car is one of the most maintenance friendly cars I've ever owned.

[FunWithPaul]

Hello Everyone!
Thank you for the great replies!
I will add those items to my "to do" list.

Yesterday, I put the backend up in the air (and took the rear bumper off), to change the plugs and coils, and do an oil change/drop the sump (I "needed" to see inside) and installed the LN spin on adapter and magnetic drain plug.

I am considering lowering the rear of the engine a bit to get more access. Ever done that?

Lastly, FB111, thank you for that info! I didn't know it was a bronze bushing (I thought it was just an oil fed ball bearing). I will consider that.

Thanks,
Paul