AM I MAD (X51 content...)

[Mattjevans]

OK so I’ve got a seal grey 996 C4S at 85k miles that I was initially unhappy with (due to the state not being as advertised and a lot of work needed) but over the past year I’ve come to really love. I’ve come very close to bidding on a couple of 996 Turbo’s on Collecting Cars (they both sold for less than I would have been willing to pay as it happened) but at the end of the day simply prefer the C4S body. But some days I feel its a bit slow and not quite special.

I already had (currently in my garage awaiting my slot at Wrightune) the new CarPlay PCM unit, an full set of rear suspension arms (the fronts were all replaced last year), new top mounts and Ohlins R&T. Once these all go in, the car won’t be going anywhere anyway.

So I keep coming back to two thoughts: X51, and GT2 seats. Now on the latter, my head says if you’re going to change them, Recaro Sportster CS (I have the Cross version in my Defender) is the answer, but it keeps nagging me.

And then X51. Am I totally insane to even consider that ? A Hartech 3.9 rebuild is obviously an option, but again I keep thinking that X51 (and reinstatement of PSE, which mine had at factory but at some point the back boxes have been changed, hardly surprising) would make it a lot more special.

OK, as I read the above, it‘s pretty clear I am actually mad, but I’d appreciate thoughts, or encouragement for me to do foolish things, anyway.
Thanks

 

[Mattjevans]

I should add, I am fully aware I’d never get the money back on X51 (or a Hartech 3.9 for that matter).

 

[SimonS2000]

Hi Matt
I have recently swapped my C4s Cab for a 996 turbo coupe and was going through the exact dilemma.
The rear end of the C4s is very special, but the lack of real power and excitement maded me take the plunge. I to was talking to the guys at Hartech and had decided that was the way forward. But I thought I’d test drive a turbo before I committed to a 5 figure expenditure.
Thank god I did, the turbo completely blew me away and I was smitten.
I won’t lie, I look at the photos of my old C4s and think what a beautiful car it was.
But a turbo is in a different league and you will quickly get over the better looks, once you drive a real old school Supercar. ??
Simon

 

[Mattjevans]

Thanks Simon. It would likely be an option for me to get a 997 Turbo or an AMG GT in the first half of next year, AND be able to keep the 996. So I’m not fully either/or, more just "how far do I go with the C4S”.

I also came into the Porsche and ended up selling my Maserati GranTurismo.

 

[Blade_uk]

Drive the 996 & 997 TT’s before you decide, they are both awesome but very different to drive

 

[Mattjevans]

Interesting - even 997.1 ?

 

[Blade_uk]

both manual from my perspective, just be aware of corroded turbo’s, expensive repair job if your not into DIY

i stripped mine down & removed the turbo’s myself & then paid turbo technics to refurbish them, replaced oil lines, plugs and coil packs, good for another 10 years now

mine is a daily driver kept on the drive

regards

 

[Mattjevans]

thanks