i'm seriously considering buying a 2001 or 2002, but being new to the porsche world, i have a few questions:

maintenance
- is it easy to change oil & oil filter?
- spark plugs?
- timing belt and other 30k & 60k interval recommendations?

upgrades
- can a person w/ average mechanical skills install basic upgrades like intake, diverter valves, and exhaust?
- clutch?

reliability
- i wouold like to upgrade to the 470-500hp packages; what is the weak link in the car as HP increases?


basically, i like to do as much of my own work as possible. for those of us on the outside, porsches do have a bit of mystique and i just want to make sure i won't need a specialist to accomplish most of my goals.

thanks,
chuck
(current car: 98 supra ~ 420rwhp - needs a friend)

Having owned a supra and having SOME experiance with the 996 through a family members car I will say the supra is a lot easier to work on then the porsche. Ask yourself this. Do you trust yourself doing jobs like a timing belt on a 100k+ car? If you have the slightest doubt leave it to more experianced mechanics.

Some quick thoughts -
oil change - one of the items to remove requires two wrenches, and if you don't do it correctly, youl have MAJOR repairs (first, drop the engine).
Weak links for HP upgrades - look at what Porsche upgrades in addition to HP with the X-50 package, and you'll know what Porsche thinks might be the weak links - and, the X-50 is less of a HP increase than you are considering.
Take a look at the PCA tech board to see some of the issues regarding DIY work on these cars to get a feel for what is involved.

PM me