I am looking at purchasing a high mileage 996 to have fun on spirited drives and at the few and far between driving event. what items are suggested to be changed on the higher mileage 996 out there? what about if going forced induction like supercharger or turbocharger?

 

Which year and model? There are many mods you can make once you ensure that the car is in good overall shape mechanically. For what you'd spend on adding a turbocharger or supercharger to an existing car, you could probably buy a 996 turbo, which would be a better way to go. I think you'd have more fun with a n/a car by upgrading wheels, suspension, exhaust, etc.

 

Rebuild before you boost:

 

Well our suggestion would be something like this!

 

i am looking at a 99 carrera. At the price of the car with the forced induction kit, it's still going to be about 10k cheaper than a 996 turbo which in this case is like 25%. my goal is to complete this project for under 30k which seems possible so far. If the engine would need a full rebuild then it probably wont get forced induction.

 

Do leakdown test and compression test

 

What are good numbers for a 99? I am looking forward to getting a rear wheel drive manual transmission coupe!

 

Most of the cars do not blow up. Mine did a 108k bty. However, if the PPI comes good and although you still have to consider metal fatigue, there is no reason not to supercharge the engine, and flip a coin. No sense to rebuild and supercharge at the same time as with that money you can get a turbo.

 

SC or turbo on a high mileage car in general isnt smart, but its possible with no problems
The engine has seen wear. and it depends on driving style as well

996 with 60k miles, driven hard, poor maintenance, not garage stored, driven in cold snowy or rainy weather
versus*
996 from florida with 110k miles, gently driven, well maintained would be better choice for SC or turboing
Do the usual PPI before purchase as well

 

suspension, rotors, fluids, bushings

 

996TT is a much better car versus a 996 NA, I drove a 03 996 NA for over two years, the TT just drives much better.

 

How about 996 tt compared to a 996 na - t or supercharged? I am thinking the rear wheel drive could be more engaging

 

You are right the AWD somewhat numbs the driving feel, but there is a reason Porsche uses a different engine for the Turbo. The GT2 has a much nimbler driving experience. The 2002 & later 3.6 M96 crankcase is much stronger than the 3.4 that's why I posted that you should install stronger cylinder sleeves before boosting cylinder pressure.

 

At 75k miles, the chain ramps should be replaced on the chain tensioners on both sides. Replace the chains at the same time since you will be in there, and any bad cam followers/lifters. I would also replace the 3 chain tensioners at the same time. This goes back to the days of the 928, 944S/S2 and 968 with regular chain tensioner pad replacements required.

If you do decide the motor is coming out to do the work, there are a lot of things that you want to do while you are in there due to ease of access which will save on labor in the long run. Stuff that is likely still good, but you would hate to not replace while there isn't much labor involved and have it fail later.
Water pump (these are notorious for the plastic impellers coming apart....similar problems in BMW's as well).
Thermostat and any water hoses that look suspect
Secondary Air Valve
Coolant Tank
Air/Oil Separator
Chain Ramps
Chain Tensioners
Intermediate shaft bearing upgrade (I am a firm believe that this bearing is a maintenance item).
Clutch if it hasn't been done.
Oil Cooler Seals

This car had 60k miles on the clock, and you can see the pictures of the chain ramp wear, etc. Also a 99.
http://docwilenracing.wordpress.com/...6-engine-time/

http://docwilenracing.wordpress.com/...6-ims-upgrade/

http://docwilenracing.wordpress.com/...grade-part-ii/