I'm back new to 996

[One Nut]

Well after several long years without a 911 we finally got back into another. This one is a 2004 996 c2 cab. Our last 911 was a 1982 911sc. I'll post up pics soon. I know, Wayne is working on the 101 things to do yo your junk... but what should I look at first. It has only 25K miles and is in great shape. are there any maintenence things I should look into now... Thanks for the help

[Rrrockhound]

Welcome to 996 world! If you're not already, you should get familiar with Rennlist.com and Renntech.com because they have a lot more 996 activity than this board. You'll learn fast with them.

Next, change the oil and drive it! Tell it that its days as a garage queen (25K miles in 7 years = about 3,600 mi/yr) are over. The story goes that the cars most likely to have IMS problems are the ones that see very little use. My theory is that since they don't get driven a lot, their owners don't bother to change the oil more often than the factory's suggested interval (15K miles), which is definitely a no-no.

Rennlist and Renntech can give you an idea of some of the common failure areas, but one thing you should do to start is upgrade the radiator cap to the latest part number, since the original ones are known to leak coolant.

Until Wayne's book comes out, this is a nice little bit of light reading:
Amazon.com: Porsche 996 The Essential Companion: Supreme Porsche (9781845840969): Adrian Streather: Books

[One Nut]

Great thanks for the tip. I did run across that book at Amazon last night. Its my wife's car so the mods will be kept to a minimum. And yes it will be driven almost every day.

[dryslick13]

Check out LN Engineering's page for a lot of info on IMS issues and what to look for. There is also a lot of info regarding proper oil etc. I too am a new 996 owner. This info was a little scary but should help keep them going.

[450knotOffice]

I have a 2000 996. It's been my daily driver since I bought it about five years ago. It had 37,000 miles on it at the time - it now has 122,000 miles and counting.

It has been a supremely reliable and well built car. It goes through rear tires about every 12,000 to 18,000 miles, depending on the brand of tire (and always wears them on the inner edge first due to the negative camber Porsche sets up for the rear suspension), it had one alternator replacement about four years ago, I replaced the Air/Oil Separator (AOS) myself last winter (saved money, but it was a tough job), and I finally got around to having my Porsche mechanic/buddy replace my clutch, so while he was "in there", I had him replace the Rear Main Seal (RMS) and the potentially disastrous stock Intermediate Shaft Bearing and flange (IMS) for the re-engineered and essentially bomb-proof LN Engineering version. That was the best upgrade to the car so far and has basically eliminated the potential for an engine destroying IMS failure - which tends to be on 996, 997, Boxster, and Cayman owners' minds. If I were you, I'd replace the clutch as soon as possible, and then have the upgraded IMS and flange replaced with LN's version. You will gain very inexpensive peace of mind. These engines are actually known to be very robust otherwise.

[sparky rowan]

Originally Posted by 450knotOffice

I have a 2000 996. It's been my daily driver since I bought it about five years ago. It had 37,000 miles on it at the time - it now has 122,000 miles and counting.

It has been a supremely reliable and well built car. It goes through rear tires about every 12,000 to 18,000 miles, depending on the brand of tire (and always wears them on the inner edge first due to the negative camber Porsche sets up for the rear suspension), it had one alternator replacement about four years ago, I replaced the Air/Oil Separator (AOS) myself last winter (saved money, but it was a tough job), and I finally got around to having my Porsche mechanic/buddy replace my clutch, so while he was "in there", I had him replace the Rear Main Seal (RMS) and the potentially disastrous stock Intermediate Shaft Bearing and flange (IMS) for the re-engineered and essentially bomb-proof LN Engineering version. That was the best upgrade to the car so far and has basically eliminated the potential for an engine destroying IMS failure - which tends to be on 996, 997, Boxster, and Cayman owners' minds. If I were you, I'd replace the clutch as soon as possible, and then have the upgraded IMS and flange replaced with LN's version. You will gain very inexpensive peace of mind. These engines are actually known to be very robust otherwise.

It's good to know that your car has been so reliable. I just bought a virgin 2000 996 C4 with 108K miles. It needs some TLC and later I plan on adding some mods. I am familiar with Rennlist and spend lots of time there when I had my last 928 S-4. I will post some photos after getting rid of the TT and putting some nice wheels. I look forward to chatting with all of the folks on this board.

[One Nut]

And


Just a few pics.

[450knotOffice]

Really nice!

[peteweishaupt]

x5 on the adrian streather book, plus renntech.org - i have an 02 coupe and have done everything using those two resources. i did the brakes and rotors, polyrib belt and oil/filter particle filter - i used the 'video' on renntech to remove the front bumper and clean out all the debris that get's sucked in. (bought with 38K now, two years later at 64K) also i should mention i have zero mechanical talent/experience - so the streather book was a lifeline..