997 ownership

[Tonyporsche]

Hi, just thought I,d write this as the gen1 997 gets some bad press and may put people off.
I,ve owned my 06 997 (72000miles) for one year now (first Porsche) and even though I have got through numerous cars, probably close to 100, this is without any doubt the best car I have owned. It is difficult to put my finger on why, it is just superb at everything And I will never be without a 911 again.
Before I brought it I had read all the stories about IMS, bore scoring etc and chose carefully. It cost just below £25k, if I had bought a run of the mill car I would have probably lost about £10k depreciation, so now even if the worse happens and the motor wrecks itself I will just trailer it to someone like Hartech and get it sorted properly so it will hopefully be the only time it needs this sort of attention.
I have replaced the tyres and a few small items to keep it nice, I,ve had one service at Silverstone Porsche where I received fantastic service and I have replaced the oil as an interim to the Porsche services. I put a Dynavin head unit in to give me sat nav, Bluetooth, Parrot phone connectivity etc.
I have not had one small issue with it so far.
So if you are contemplating buying one, do it now, if you are unlucky to have one of the common issues just get it sorted and enjoy it, in the long run you will not be out of pocket when compared to almost every other car out there.
Cheers Tony

 

[caphelps]

I have a lovely 2006 C4s which I bought 4 years ago @ 18K miles and now has 44K.
I have had to cover;
Planned services, tyres, new Clutch, Prop shaft seals, petrol cap, all 4 coils springs, coil packs & heatshields, new Porsche sports exhaust, suspension top mounts & bearings, new steering rack, RMS, horn, battery, headlight control arm, exhaust PSE changeover valve, drive belt, & MAF. ££££££!!!

Not what I had expected from a car with this mileage (never tracked)

Also friends have similar experience and water pump, suspension arms, alternator cable etc seem quite regular.

Speaking to specialist though about major engine rebuilds, they told me they do about 5 a year and they service 1500 - so IMS failure on latter cars I think is blown up a bit.

Clive

 

[STiG911]

Hi Tony!
Glad to hear you're having good times
I also read aplenty before buying, and certainly wasn't scared off - there's a wealth of information out there, but the 997 Buying Guide by Grant Neal is an essential. This was also my first 911 and the realisation of a boy hood dream I've had my '05 997 for five years, she came with a whisker over 70000 miles and I've added almost another 26000 in that time.
She's properly pampered but no Garage Queen, and gets a proper hiding as the maker intended - when conditions permit ;-) - she just gets better the harder you go.
Like you I replace the oil every year regardless, and this is a measure I think all Porsche owners should consider given that it's the lifeblood of the engine. Short runs in cars like these where the oil doesn't warm through fully are the death of many an engine in my opinion.
Wishing you many more happy miles!

 

[STiG911]

Crikey Clive - you've had a time of it!
Aside from regular servicing mine hasn't wanted for anything other than tyres, twice on the rear and once on the front (and even then the fronts did nearly 25k before being replaced!)
Saying that, she did have a replacement alternator from Paragon Porsche where I bought her. I was able to research the actual service history by calling Porsche Reading direct and giving them the Chassis Number (OPC stamps in the book are all well and good, but you'd like to know what work was actually done) It also confirms that the car has been covered by any recalls - sorry, Service Campaigns - issued by the factory. (There are four for '05 to '07 997s, I'm not sure about later cars)
I've fully expected mine to need some sort of Suspension Arm / Drop Link / Top Mount Work come MOT time, but so far - nothing (touches wood)
Hope the future is better for you and your steed!

 

[Tonyporsche]

Thanks, the next job I want to do is replace the exhaust manifold bolts as they look quite rusty, the longer I leave them the worse they are going to get. I,ve started regularly putting Plus Gas on them but am unsure it is getting in. Think I,ll buy the bolts and try very gently, if they don't move I may leave until they really need to come out, any ideas (without oxyacetylene)?

 

[angusc]

My C4S now has 91,500 miles on the clock, two previous owners albeit the last owner only had the car for a few months. I have the full service history and most receipts so can see the work that has been completed. Prior to me purchasing the car it had had regular servicing, new clutch around 60K and front discs. I have now owned the car coming up for 2 years and I have replaced the battery, Water pump and serpant belt at 75K (water pump sheared off on my way down to Portugal in 2014, the 2 x AC Condensers and I also replaced the cooling radiators at the same time. Also I replaced the rear discs, pads and handbrake shoes. I took my car in to Centre of Gravity and Chris replaced a lot of the suspension components including 4 x B6 Bilstien PASM struts, new springs and anti-roll bars as well as a full geometry set up. He (Chris) advised that Porsche only guarantee the PASM suspension for 100K miles so if your cars approach that mileage then you can expect a similar suspension shopping list. I could not believe the difference in handling and ride quality before and after these replacements.......before that, I had also thought that the car "still drove like new" but there is a real difference and improvement to be had.

Regarding the Exhaust manifold studs.......yes they all corrode extensively. One thing that I think should never happen on a £100K car! I already purchased the new studs and copper nuts....but after web researching and looking more closely at my studs, I can almost guarantee that at least 2-3 will likely shear off like raw carrots as soon as the socket wrench goes on! So I have decided to leave it until absolutely required by a manifold or exhaust replacement. If any of the studs shear then the only way is to manufacture a jig to centralise the drill when trying to drill out and re tap the cylinder heads. Or rely on your judgement and luck in drilling out free hand.......

I have added a couple of after market mods, being Mods4Cars RKLBPE1 RemoteKey - Which adds some useful features to the key functions that really should have been there from new.
Also I added the PSE Manual Control Exhaust module that allows the Porsche Sports Exhaust to be opened and then remain open without having to use the dash mounted switch.
I just had a set of TPMS sensors fitted from an after market TPMS that plugs in to the center cigarette socket rather nicely and inconspicuously.

Like you have said, the harder you drive these cars the better they get and the more fun they are! Theses cars were not designed to be parked up in the garage and only used for the Sunday paper run!!

Regards
Chris.

 

[Bear911]

Last February I purchased a gen 1 - born 03.03.2005 - Odd but the engine number confirms IMS upgraded version fitted on manufacture - Checked on last service and no bore scoring - just the odd start up scuffs on all six cylinders which is normal

A one owner 911 with 33,600 miles and a full OPC service history - however - so far and I qwerty this with a for its a bloody good car (parts only) - oh run on Mobil 3000 X1 5w-40

Deflection roller, Beru ignition coil x 2, replace coil pack heat shields, AC condensers, front shocks (pasm) [8|] ( get on with it) -Fit low temp therm , Front discs, pads sensors and plates , rear discs etc, replace the front coolant pipes ( 7 items) - [] both headlight washers , passenger adjustment switch (bonkers at £299-97 - plus you have to get the other two at £20 each) - Front HBA strut SO FAR SO GOOD Porsche remain the best way to travel

However and I am thrilled that I have ordered a complete fabricated exhaust system ( exc the cats and the tail pipes which as Jim Dandy) with marine grade stainless steel straps etc / the engine mounts at £250 each are being replaced at the same time but what the hell the cars eleven years old

Tony I second your opening post with regard to simply how good they - once mine gets the mainifolds etc etc done I will be a grinning (oh the make is Supersprint by the way)
Then its task done, the car is sorted and I intend to pass it on to my son when I eventually pop my clogs

Kindest regards

Peter []

 

[Anthony]

Hey Chaps

I have very recently acquired a C4GTS Cab - and am delighted with it; but I wonder if anyone can tell me how to remove the rear seat backs - is it possible without a massive hoo hah? I note that the squabs and lumbar supports are velcro fixed; it would be useful to have a few cubes of extra space from time to time!
Kind regards

Anthony

 

[Tonyporsche]

Weather is nice so have just been out in mine, not to go anywhere but just for the sake of it. Don't think I have ever done this in another car, only motorbikes. Why? It's pointless but I can't help myself, sunroof open and exhaust child button set to noisy. i,m 56 about time I grew up, nah perhaps not!!!!

 

[Bear911]

There is something about 997 that gives me a twitch

I love my cars so ---------- go for a blast []

Bloody hell lets have some fun - joking apart provided all at my home is well, [] I could put the key in the ignition when the sun becomes to kiss

That crank up and sort your self out does it for me ----- bless us

 

[Bear911]

The sound of any sports cars when birds wake just makes me grin [s5]

 

[Gap]

Hey Chaps

I have very recently acquired a C4GTS Cab - and am delighted with it; but I wonder if anyone can tell me how to remove the rear seat backs - is it possible without a massive hoo hah? I note that the squabs and lumbar supports are velcro fixed; it would be useful to have a few cubes of extra space from time to time!
Kind regards

Anthony

I had exactly the same question myself recently and was pointed to:
http://teamspeed.com/forums/991-997-996-turbo/55987-info-how-remove-back-seats-save-weight.html
which has a link to an official PDF showing you exactly how it's done (though I can't comment on the success yet - may get chance at the weekend).

HTH
Gareth

 

[Lancerlot]

Hey Chaps

I have very recently acquired a C4GTS Cab - and am delighted with it; but I wonder if anyone can tell me how to remove the rear seat backs - is it possible without a massive hoo hah? I note that the squabs and lumbar supports are velcro fixed; it would be useful to have a few cubes of extra space from time to time!
Kind regards

Anthony

It's always worth looking in the technical index in the members only section of the Register forum for technical issues as this is one of the topics listed there.
Regards,

Clive

 

[Anthony]

[] Many thanks - exactly what I wanted to hear! Will give it crack before the next Wine Run!

 

[four2wheels]

Hi all,
last weekend I purchased my first ever Porsche 2006 997 C2s Cab with 1 previous owner and 42000 miles on her. It was last serviced in June 2014 at 38000 miles so due a service. I'm going to change the oil myself with Mobil 1 5w 40. Then wait 90 days and get serviced at Porsche Silverstone along with a 111 point check to get a warranty. Do you think it will matter that the official service will be 3 months later than recommended when stamped in the book? The reason I have to wait to get service is because you can't put a warranty on the car until you have owned it for 90 days. Do you think it would put people off if I did ever decide to sell.? Any advice welcome.

 

[Lancerlot]

Matt,
I don't think you need worry too much about a 12 week late date stamp in the book. Provided the recommended mileage is not exceeded, most will be unconcerned. But you're on a slippery slope if you're already thinking about saleability at such an early stage in ownership. Very soon you might be reluctant to drive it anywhere for fear of reducing its value. [&:]
Drive it, enjoy it and relax. It's a great car. []
Regards,

Clive

 

[four2wheels]

Hi Clive,
Thanks for the advice. I have no intention of selling it and my plan is to get a two year warranty in 90 days time. It's just that I want it to have a perfect history for the future and if I did ever decide to upgrade. Still a little worried about the bore scoring issue though. Do feel like I'm treading on egg shells! Not sure how much of an issue it really is ??

kind regards

Matt

 

[Lancerlot]

There are several ways to check cylinder bore damage. You can have a bore-scope examination, a compression test or cylinder leakage test.
But unless the engine is emitting blue smoke when warm, consuming an excessive quantity of oil or you can see one side or other of the exhaust tailpipes are excessively sooty, you should relax and just drive the car.
It's a wonderful experience - not to be marred by doubts about mechanical reliability. []
Regards,

Clive

 

[four2wheels]

Thanks, Clive. Any advice to avoid it occurring?

 

[Lancerlot]

Keep and eye on oil and coolant levels, have regular oil and filter changes (annual is fine), be sure to fully warm the engine up before employing heavy acceleration and, following long hot runs, let the engine idle for a short period to settle fluid levels and avoid hot spots before switching off.
Regards,

Clive