At the risk deeming myself worthy enough to copy an epic thread like SM_ATL's Carrera S Journal, I've decided I will make far fewer enemies putting everything in one spot. Rather than creating thread after thread with every new photo and crazy idea I have and feel the need to share, I thought it better to consolidate some of my previous threads and then add to this one as I modify and change my 911 or add to my addiction to anything auto related.

By the way, my name is Matt, and I live about an hour northwest of Orlando in The Villages, FL.

I'll start with a few links to my topics relating to the discovery process of building and ordering my car.

08/18/2013 My initial build and the questions I had about options.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-opinions.html

09/03/13 The car I actually ordered.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...r-details.html

10/13/13 This is when I was thinking about switching order to a GT3.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ce-needed.html

11/19/2013 I changed the order and added X51 Powerkit on the last day for changes.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...pid-today.html

12/20/13 My car was on a boat, or so I thought.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-car-ship.html

I ordered my car on 9/3/13, completed prodution on 12/13/13, finally got on a ship on 1/13/14, arrived in port on 2/2/13, arrived at dealer on 2/6/13, and picked up on 2/7/13. My actual final build is this:
http://www.porsche-code.com/PESIHCB9

911 Carrera S $98,900
Burmester Audio Package $5,290
White $0
Leather Interior in Black $3,690
SportDesign Side Mirrors $600
Model Designation "911" $0
Sport Design Front Fascia $2,990
Bi-Xenon Headlights in Black incl. PDLS $1,485
Carrera S X51 Powerkit $17,600
Headlight Cleaning System Cover Painted in Exterior Color $295
PASM Sport Suspension $890
7-speed Manual Transmission $0
20-inch Carrera S Wheels $0
Wheels Painted Platinum Satin $950
Instrument Dials in Black $0
Luggage Net in Passenger Footwell $0
Smoking Pakcage $0
Sport Seats Plus (4-way) $440
Sport Design Steering Wheel $250

Destination $995

Vehicle MSRP $134,575 (I got 6% off that sticker.)

 

This whole process has been a bit surreal. My wife was expecting me to be running around the house and speeding to the dealership, but I was surprisingly calm through this whole process. I pre-traded my beloved Le Mans Blue E92 M3 in favor of ordering my life's pursuit. This wasn’t an easy decision. I made the transaction on September 1, 2013, so needless to say this was a rough five months not having either my M3 or 911. To my excitement, the car showed up on Thursday, Feb. 6th in the evening, so I picked up Friday at 10 A.M.

I'm sure my 911 story is similar to many of you on the forum. I was born in suburban Pittsburgh and had ridiculously hard working but very young and uneducated parents. I spent most of my childhood living in a single-wide trailer. I remember them selling that "home" in 1993 for $9,000! Despite growing up on the poor side of middle class, my hardworking parents managed to help ensure I got quality education. While working my way through, I graduated from Villanova with a BSEE. I think the blue-collar roots are something that makes owning a 911 much more satisfying.

I mention this because I get quite a bit of flack for the cars I've been fortunate enough to own. Most people don't know my story. If they do, I guess they just don’t understand it. I used to post photos on Facebook, so my out of town friends and family could see my passion. I've learned it’s better to not include others in my enthusiasm for cars as most people don't understand that driving something like a 911 has nothing to do with the "status." For me, it's my personal reward for what I feel like has been an odds defying pursuit for the car I had on my wall as a kid. Anyway, I thought I'd briefly tell my "911 story."

Enough gushing, let’s talk about the car. The build is in my signature. After getting the car home, I spent about 12 hours on Friday and another 8 on Saturday detailing it. This worked out because it rained for three straight days. I instructed Porsche Orlando to absolutely not wash the car. There was quite a bit of iron on/in the paint. I Nanoskin Autoscrubbed after IronX. It was border-line needing a compounding. After testing an area I decided to do it. I used Menzerna FG400 with Meguiar's MF Cutting Pads and Rupes LHR21, new Rupes Duetto, and Griot’s 3” DA. I followed with softer foam pads and Menzerna SF4000. I finished with Sonax Polymer NetShield. Finally I took the wheels off, Opticoated them, and added 7mm/15mm RSS spacers.

I ordered clear LED turn signal lights, but they haven't shown up yet. I took the badges off, but I think it looks a little plain. I'm not sure what I'm going to do there. I also ordered a Coverking Auto Armor car cover to keep it double safe in the garage. I don’t have any other mod plans other than tinting the window and hardwiring a radar detector. I think I’m finally going to ditch the Valentine 1 and get some Escort iteration.

Now I have zero artistic ability, but have really nice camera gear (my wife's a photographer but won't shoot my cars). I made the cardinal sin of photography and shot the car at noon, but I think you'll get the idea. Just be ready for me to photo ***** this thing on the forums.

 

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product/RSKEYSTRAP.html?Category_Code=991S_InteriorKEY

When I saw this in SM_ATLs mega thread, I had to have it. Well, I think I added it to the cart at Suncoast about a dozen times, but I just couldn't convince myself to pull the trigger on a $110 piece of nylon. So I decided I was going to make one. I ordered some black key rings and started searching eBay for some red and black nylon. I figured how hard can it be. While searching I stumbled up a pair of new OEM Porsche GT3 RS pull straps on eBay. The thread had Buy it Now or Make an offer, so I offered $100. They countered at $118, and I bought them. The good news is that I now have one for each key. I'll just chalk it up to the typical P-Car premium, but feel a little smarter getting two for the price of one.

 

I thought I'd spend a few minutes typing out my initial thoughts and opinions on my car thus far. These are simply my opinions and are meant to be honest, not intended to offend.

The Experience
I really haven't had much seat time in a 911. I drove my friend's 997.2 GT3 a few miles and test drove a base 991, PDK 991 Carrera S, 7MT 991 Carrera S Cab, and a 7MT 991 Carrera 4S w/ Sport Chrono. All of this has been in the past year. I honestly had never even been in a moving 911 of any previous generation before this year. Despite having a lifelong mission to end up in a 911, I had no real world experience for wanting one. I don't know when the desire started, but it was early (like pre-teen early). I have built it up in my mind so much so that I was concerned about being disappointed.

For me, I must say the experience the car provides is, dare I say, better than I expected. I hate to be another gushy forum member thinking my car is the best thing ever created, but I think I have no choice but to join the club. The car is darn close to perfect. I don't know how to explain it. The "experience" of owning/driving/staring at is better than I had hoped it would be.

Ride
I ended up getting Sport PASM without PDCC and added RSS 7mm/15mm spacers. This thing is super tight. I hadn't driven a Sport PASM car, so I was unsure what to expect. I really, really, really like it. That being said, I am used to modifying a cars suspension and have had some pretty stiff rides in the past. If I was a person that wants a soft, comfortable ride, Sport PASM is the wrong choice. I was surprised at how stiff this thing is. For a sports car, it's perfect. If you are used to big GT cars, be ready to have your spine adjusted.

I was a little disappointed in myself for getting a couple of fluff options in full leather and Burmester and skipping the only performance option left other than PDK/PCCB in PDCC. I'm sure it's better but am okay not having it. I just tell my non-track going self that the car is lighter without it, and we all know how important it is to save 5lbs to help me pretend I'm better than everyone else.

Options

Carrera S Powerkit: Sorry I don't have a review yet. I haven't had the car above 5,000 RPMs yet. I decided to vary RPMs below 5,000 for the first 500 and start driving normally after, so that means game on this week! I'll keep you posted.

Burmester: In full disclosure, I pretty irresponsibly ordered Burmester without actually hearing it. When I jumped in the car and drove it home from the dealership, I didn't even mess with it. After getting the car home, washed, polished, sealed, etc. I actually turned it on. My first impression was, oh crap, this was a complete waste of money.

At age 34, I think of myself as a new technology adopting yet old school audiophile. I'm a sucker for a smooth sounding pair of mono-blocks powering some good old fashioned silk dome tweeters housed in quality crafted wooden box. That being said, I still love a "rip your face off" home theater with a ridiculous sub. I am very sensitive to "bright" sounding speakers. Usually, most anything with a metal dome sounds harsh to me. My B&O system, that everyone seem to rave about, in my S4 makes my ears bleed.

Out of the box, it is very harsh, heavy left balanced, and is extremely low-frequency heavy. It sounded basically exactly like I was hoping it wouldn't. I was a little surprised it would be tuned so poorly. Now every single other audio/video device needs some calibration/tuning, so I guess it makes sense this one would too. Last night I spent some serious time messing with the very limited adjustment options through PCM. I haven't read the manual yet, so maybe there is a sub-menu I'm missing.

Other Burmester owners' input would be much appreciated. I came up with the following: Bass -2, Treble -4, Balance Right 3, Fader Rear 1, Burmester DSP setting "Live." I'm usually not a fan of messing with the original recording, but the live setting takes away some of the harshness.

So at this point, I guess you're thinking I hate it. For a factory installed system that saves me from tearing apart a new car, I do really like it and would still recommend it. Unlike a quality image on a high-end TV that is pretty standard, audio speakers are very subjective. The ribbon tweeter Burmester uses just happens to be a bit outside my personal preference, but it is by far the best factory optioned audio system I've ever heard. Even if I had heard it prior, I would have still bought it. Giving money to Bose goes against everything for which I stand.

Leather: I got the full leather package. It looks nice. If I could do it all over again, I would have simply done leather seats. I've survived to this point without a leather dash and would have been fine without it in this car.

Sport Plus Seats: The extra shoulder bolstering is awesome! I highly recommend it. I only have the 4-way adjustment. I set the seat once and haven't thought for once second that I needed more adjustment. If they had 50-way adjustment, I'm sure everyone would think they needed it. If you're worried about lack of adjustability, I'd say it's not a problem. These seats are awesome, and something like 22lbs. lighter!

PSE: Before adding the Powerkit, I was really torn about adding this option as I've always done aftermarket exhausts. There have been enough reviews on this and other forums on the virtues of PSE. Although I'm not particularly sensitive to drone, I was really surprised at how much drone I get with the valves open. I didn't expect a factory tuned exhaust to drone so much. I may get some change as the motor breaks in. Again, it's not terrible, but drone is very noticeable.

New Sport Design Mirrors: There has been plenty of talk about how the new mirrors might help with the resonance created from wind buffeting with the windows down. Well...they don't help. The car still buffets pretty badly.

Manual Transmission: I think it's the second best manual ever behind, AP2 Honda S2000. It obviously makes the car slower than with PDK, but I'm not sorry I got it. I am surprised at how little throttle blip is required to rev match on a down shift. I'm still getting used to it. It feels much different than other cars I've owned. I love the auto rev matching in Sport + mode but am afraid I'll never learn how to do it on my own. I'll be in Sport + about 98% of the time, so I guess manual rev matching isn't necessary.

I'm sure I'll come up with more stuff. I'll try and add to this thread as it pops into my head or I discover it. I hope my crazy opinions help others in the ordering process.

 

I'm sure you guys are going to get sick of me photo blasting the forums, but I just can't resist. I got the windows tinted today, and when I pulled into the driveway I noticed the sun setting. I pulled down to the end of the street and snapped a few. This was my first go at a car with lens flare. Some of the photos are a bit annoying, but I thought it looked cool. I shot with 5D MKIII with 70-200mm f2.8L IS II and a B&W Kaesemann Circular Polarizer. The Polarizer takes the glare off the windows and paint, but does make the windows quite a bit darker than they actually are.

My tint guy uses Llumar film. We did the entire windshield with Airblue 80% and what is classified as 15% on the others. It more like a 20%. It's Llumar's higher end ceramic tint. It works well on my S4, so I replicated it on the 911.

I also took a couple of photos of my new fans. As you might imagine, it gets super hot and sticky in Central FL. They are 99539 - 24" 1/4 HP Quiet Oscillating Wall Mount Fans from Air King. I still have to put outlets above the fans, so I don't have wires running all over the place. I hate seeing visible wires.

I also got my 3 year-old son his new Recaro Probooster. It fits pretty well.























































Detailing Supplies

 

Lovely posts so far, Money. I'm in love with your car and your garage, as well as your attention to detail.

1. I had the same "issue" with the 7MT regarding Sport+ downshifts. Being my first car with a manual transmission, I basically avoided Sport+ for a long, long time until I learned how to properly drive the car without the electronic aids. I mess around with Sport+ from time to time, but I still prefer the vanilla Sport setting for daily driving.

2. I also had PSE and was happy with it, though I did replace the center muffler with a CargraphicTS x-pipe. The cabin drone you mentioned is indeed apparent, and is one of the reasons I messed around with the sound symposer on our 991s. If you're interested in reducing the drone and cabin noise, check out my thread. You can block the tube that allows engine/intake noise to enter the cabin, and can also check out Lunar's suggestions for further reductions in cabin noise.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4046980

Looking forward to more updates.

 

Nice car. I'm also amazed at how clean your garage is. Can you by and help with mine?

 

Looks like you optioned the Aluminum package as well, but didn't see it as an option. BTW, think the leather adds a nice touch. It should be standard, however I wouldn't order my car without it.

 

I can't believe your garage...thing of beauty.

Keep the pics coming...looks even better with the tint

 

do you have a pic of the car seat in the rear seat? I have a 2.5 year old and need a cooler seat and fits better.

thanks

 

As you can see in my slight O.C.D. as displayed in my garage, I like to keep my car covered when clean and not in use. I don't like to have to touch the paint, so I won't use a duster.

I've tried and used lots of different car covers. The best by far have been from CoverKing. I've had a couple of their Satin Stretch Indoor only covers on past cars, and I loved them. Well I got talked into buying their new, ultra expensive, Autobody Armor indoor/outdoor, state of the art cover.

http://www.coverking.com/custom-car-...ody-armor.html

They swore it was super soft and very form fitting. I won't use it outside because I would never actually put it on the car after driving somewhere and chance scratching my perfectly corrected paint, but I figured it wouldn't hurt having UV and water protection just in case. I should have listened to my gut and stuck the Satin Stretch. This thing was like $450, I opened the box, felt it, took a few photos, and I'm sending it back. The problem with any car cover is that when you throw it on the car the outer inevitably touches and slides across the paint. This one has a reasonably soft inner lining but the rougher exterior will scratch the paint. Also, that clear license plate area is a no go for me. The will certainly mess up the paint.

The Satin Stretch is useless outside but is just as soft on the outside as it is on the inside, so I'm getting that one. I ordered solid red this time to match the calipers. I'll take some photos once it come in. Just make sure to call them before you order. They always give a discount when you order over the phone.

http://www.coverking.com/custom-car-...car-cover.html

This is the Autobody Armor I'm sending back. I didn't even take it out of the box.

 

I loved the sound of your Cargraphic. The drone doesn't bother me, I was just a little surprised it was there.

All I need is your credit card, and I'm sure we can make it look good.

The Aluminum/Plastic is part of the standard interior. That being said, check out the Aluminum pedal package. I didn't get it. I've seen some photos and it looks pretty sweet.

My mega-baby is three. Technically it's booster for 40+ pounds. I'll take some photos of it these weekend for you and make some comments on how it fits. I haven't tried it out yet.

 

One of my favorite things in the world is when FedEx or UPS shows up with a package. I think I like buying detailing supplies more than using them. There was a Valentine's Day Sale, so I bought a small care package for myself.

My current favorite towel is from Adam's. I needed a few new ones to dedicate specifically for the 911.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-106-a...ing-towel.aspx

I replaced my Griot's Speed Shine with Adam's. It's a little less streaky and pretty much smells better than anything on the planet.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-871-a...w-formula.aspx

 

My first issue of Panorama! Is it odd that I'm super excited to go to my very first local PCA chapter meeting next month? Oh, and the latest Griot's catalog showed up.

 

I bought this Recaro ProBooster so my little guy can go to car meets and other cool stuff with me. He just turned 3 but is about 45 lbs., so I think a booster is just fine for him. I really like this seat. It is super light, so it's easy to get in and out of the car. The seat belt gets a little twisted, but it isn't hard to manipulate it the way you want using the built in guides. I had the back set at its lowest setting, but there was plenty of head room to move it up. I also like how all of the edges of the seat are finished and rounded. Many of the top rated seats have hollow, sharp edges that cut into the seat. At $79 I thinks its the cheapest thing in the car. My key chain cost more.




I also bought the same seat protector that I have in my other cars from Prince Lionheart. It's too big for the car but will do a good job ensuring I don't get any creases or marks in the leather. It also helps keep the booster from sliding around. There may be other that fit better, but I think this one is fine.




Sorry for the lackluster photos. I don't often use a flash and don't have a wide-angle lens. I was shooting with a 50mm, so it was hard to get the proper angles. I think you get the idea.









It's obviously a little big, but you don't notice when the booster is on top. I kind of line how it wrap around the seat to protect the sides and center leather.








Sorry I was watching Dexter.








Notice the nice rounded edges.










A little deceiving, but still plenty of headroom.










I was getting angry because the seat-belt wasn't routing through the guide. Then I realized I was trying to route the passenger's seat-belt from the front.




Little man approved!