So with 500 miles under my belt, I'm getting more comfortable with the car and enjoying it immensely!

Steering feel is a step up from the M3 and other BMWs I've owned. Wonderful weight and precision. The front of the car is so well put together. I guess the way the two strut towers are connected plays a part in that. When was the full wall connecting the towers introduced in the 911?

Likewise, the brakes seem to be an improvement in feel and I certainly feel more confident with them. We'll see how well they hold up on the track next spring.

I have the stock suspension, but it seems firmer (good thing) than the 99 I've driven before. Did Porsche firm up the stock suspension between 99 and 03? Or is my car just stiff because it's new. I really hope it's the former.

I am so glad I went with the full leather. It's such a pleasure to look at while waiting at red lights, etc. I don't like the way the supple leather looks, but the feel is very nice. I always liked the nappa leather in M cars. I just wish Porsche would make the leather fit well like BMW does on the M cars.

The engine sound is perfect for me. Has a nice character to it, is an improvement over the 99 sound, and is still not loud. Loud isn't really my style, so this is just right for me. Beautiful music inside the cockpit without disturbing our nice quiet neighborhood.

So far, I am very happy. I drive it everyday now because I'm trying to get more seat time before I start going to the track again. And to tell you the truth, I can't bear to leave her in the garage and drive another car!

 

Nova,

Congrats on the new 996, hope you enjoy it. The 911 was redesigned for 1999 model and AFAIK the strut towers were connected via the firewall. In fact, there are vendors out there still trying to sell strut tower braces for the 996 but they are a waste of money.

The brakes should do fine on the track, esp. with street tires. Change the stock fluid for Motul, ATE, or Castrol SRF and you shouldn't have any problems. If you are going to run track tires, you probably want to change out the stock pads for Pagid Orange and may want to look into adding some front brake cooling. But even the stock brakes are way better than what you are used to if you're coming from an M3.

Where are you planning to have the car serviced?

Karl

 

Thanks, Karl. To tell you the truth I never had time in the M3 to get good enough for track tires. So I suspect it will be a long time before I get track tires on this car. Especially since I will spend a few weekends just getting used to the engine placement and weight differences.

Thanks for the advice. Just from my limited (500 miles) experience, it's certainly looking like the brakes are a major upgrade for me.

I bought the car at Arlington, and so far I'm very impressed with the dealership. So I'll be going there in all likelihood. I may get some additional work done at Curry's, where I've taken a bunch of other cars for years. Who would you recommend?

 

They did firm up the suspension a little in '02.
Glad you like it, and congrats!

 

Nova,

I wouldn't recommend Curry's for Porsche. They might be ok for BMWs and rice rockets. Try Ivan at IMA in Merrifield or Charlie at Intersport in Tyson's if you need any modifications or upgrades done.

Karl