997lockwood
New member
Firstly, I’m delighted with a long awaited purchase of a rather unique 997 Mk1 Turbo Cab Tip in Macadamia with a tan interior with an array of Porsche Exclusive options, which was made on the 23rd of December '14, unseen, which was a risk but worth it, given only 7 short years ago someone expended nearer £140K on this unique expression of a Mk1 Turbo.
The Turbo was registered in ’08 with 2 owners covering 14.1K miles.
The first major trip was to Le Mans with the Porsche club GB, which having been for the last 14 years, opened my eyes to the subtle benefits of Porsche ownership, which was deeply impressive.
Four months in, I’d appreciate the club members’ views on the following:
1) Porsche warranty
Given a replacement engine is £30-40K, I took the view that purchasing the 2 year warranty was a "must”, the outcome was a £2.3K charge to replace the front rads (more on that later), replacement battery as this was a non-Porsche product, new horn, new bulbs in the rear view mirror, with a further £2.2K for the warranty, therefore a £4.5K new charge in the first month of ownership "ouch”!!!.
Having read general forums ala Pistonheads, there appears to be instances of Porsche refusing to honour warranty claims IF the cars ECU indicates over revs.
What advice would the forum provide to ensure the car can a) be enjoyed without b) invalidating the warranty.
Given this is a Tiptronic and essentially an automatic, does this mean that the engine management system prevents the driver from "over revving” as the freedom is clearly restricted over a manual option.
Please note this car will never be sold and will only be covering 2.5K miles a year maximum,
2) Long terms ownership tips
The car will only be used in summer months and garaged for the winter season, with the 997 being only used when the engine is up to temperature.
I note on some forums, some drivers suggest running the engine for a time before switch off, is this recommended?
3) Exhaust options
The 997 Mk1 enjoys the wonderful Metzinger "rattle”, but appears to be "quiet” when driving, are there any exhaust options that could be considered without invalidating the OPC warranty?
It’s a game-changing car, however, as stated it’s a bit "quiet”.
4) Rad covers
The most expensive cost incurred when procuring the warranty required the replacement of two front rads at £800, on researching other owners experiences it appears that a "design flaw” exists in that the 997 front bumper in that it is completely exposed, therefore if a stone pierces the rad you are going to be in for further expense.
The following company advertises a mesh cover:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3_sXA7zyBk
The question is whether the forum would recommend this option or just to keep "as is”, personally, I love the exposed look as it has cleaner lines, however, having viewed the 997 GT cars at Le Mans without exception they all had a mesh cover.
5) Sport mode
When in sport mode the gear change from 2 to 3rd and 3rd to 4th under acceleration is "lumpy” and not smooth and has a noticeable jolt when changing gear, is this normal or indicative of an "issue”?
6) Tiptronic tips
Are there any tips that the forum would proffer to improve the Tip driving experience?
7) Launch control
Does the 997 Turbo Mk1 have "launch control”, if so what is the correct procedure to use?
8) Ceramic break – replacement cost
The ceramic option is present and delivers "staggering braking performance”, can the forum advise on the indicative factors that should be looked for when the brakes are end of life alongside the associated costs to replace that should be expected?
Summary
I've waited 15 years for a Turbo and as Clarkson remarked "its a capsule of speed" that "truly bends the laws of physics", this is a keeper and I'd appreciate any insights to improve the experience, whilst taking the utmost care of this unique expression of a 997 Turbo Mk1.
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