I'm moving up from my 03 Boxster to a 996 cab, MY 98 through 02. Which would you buy? What are your top 5 mods? Thanks in advance from a newbie to this site.

 

Go for the 02 MY, many improvements over eariler models,

Good luck.

 

The U.S. production for the 996 is 99-01 3.4L and 02+ 3.6L

 

Well you need to drive a few....There are C4's and C2's....The difference is the C4 is an all wheel drive car vs. the C2, a rear wheel drive car. I have a 99 C4 Cab, and I love it, the AWD system handles completely differently than the C2. I personally like the difference and prefer the AWD handling. It's very stable, some say too stable and the AWD and PSM make the car almost impossible to spin. That being said, it can not powerslide out of corners, because the AWD senses the sliding as a loss of traction and applies brake and throttle automatically to certain wheels individually to counter the wheelspin. So if wanna slide around, the C4 isn't the car for you. The C4 sufferes from lots of understeer, but that almost disappears if you upgrade to PSS9 coilovers. WHich is my number one mod for a 996, the Bilstein PSS9 coilover suspension. It's height adjustble so you can drop it as much as you want, and adjust the ride quality as well, from soft to very firm. I find it smoother and less harsh than the stock suspension, while handling much better and lookinh much better. Then next mod would be sport exhaust....

 

I got one for sale if you are interested

 

2002

 

The newest one you can afford.
Best mods-- B&M SSK, and for looks get the side skirts and the rear spoiler. Just my .02.

 

I'd stay away from it and get a 96 993 C4S or something similar if you decide to go for an older car. I've read on other boards about people having to replace their engines because of cylinder sleeves slipping. That was on a MY 99 made in 08/98. That's my $0.02 worth.

 

But then if you buy a 993, then it's the worn valve guide issue. So you can't win...

Rule #1. Unless you plan on rebuilding the car and moding it out, buy the newest one you can afford, in warranty if available.

Rule #2. Especially with sports cars that may be abused refer to rule #1.

Rule #3. If buying used and not under warranty, keep about 10-20% of the cost of the vehicle for repairs, so your not suprised.


Now for which vehicle...(In stock form of course, since many of these things can be fixed for a price)

04' 996 has had the most refinement, many electrical, RMS and other issues are supposed to have been taken care of.
03' Further refinement of the electrical system
02' Facelift, upgraded interior, stiffer chassis, upgraded engine, suspension, transmission(less floaty)
01' No major change
00' Slight engine modification(+5hp), and better production QA. All cars have clear headlamps and rear turn signals. Improved interior finish on some coated parts.
99' First year, some engine quality issues, some electrical issues, floaty front end. Non-Litronic lights have amber turn signals, rear lights are amber.

If memory serves correctly that abou covers it...

Cheers,
Corey

 

Get the latest MY car you can afford. Get it from a P dealer, get a warranty.
The best mod for the money, IMO, aftermarket mufflers and a ssk.

 

Corey, that about sum's it up, Very well said.

 

I would go for a 2002 C2 Cab. Had a chance to drive one for a little, great car. Good luck. Check out some of the ones you see on this forum.

 

I agree, well said.

 

I agree with Volare too, '02+ C2 Cab rocks!

 

2002 and up.