Hello Team,

I'm looking to buy a 996 btwn 2002-2004. I'd like to know a reliable tech shop to get a prospective car's PPI done. I live in Santa Clara - south bay area.

I've created a list of things that I need to look at. I would like to know from you if I'm missing out on something that's imp.

- Reasonable miles 60-90K
- Manual Transmission
- Intermediate Shaft Upgraded by LN Engg
- Rear Main Seal leaks seems clean.
- Porsche Stability Management Unit good.
- Fresh Clutch
- Get PPI done that should include leakdown test and engine compression.
- Look at DME/ECU reports for sensor logs/defects etc.

Also, Any technical or functional reason as to why 2002 and newer is better then 2001 996 ? The old interiors or headlight mods dont really bother me much.

I've been tracking my Miata. I'm looking forward to tracking the P-car and join the club! Cant wait!!!

Cheers,
Maitrey

 

copied from: http://www.excellence-mag.com/resour...ide/1041874889

Model year 2002 brought big visual changes. Gone were the Boxster headlights, replaced by Turbo headlights, which required different front fenders and a new front bumper. The rear bumper was revised as well, receiving body-colored bumper guards instead of the previous black plastic pieces. The body changes resulted in a 15-percent increase in radiator airflow and a 25-percent reduction in front-axle lift. Rear-axle lift dropped by a significant 40 percent.

With the new bodywork came a displacement increase, greater driveability, and 320 hp. The VarioCam Plus continuously variable cam timing and valve lift system, borrowed from the 2001 Turbo, utilized a vane-cell adjuster controlled by the ECU to adjust cam timing over a 40º range. Variable intake valve lift was controlled by switchable flat tappets, with the switching performed by an electro-hydraulic valve. Because piston stroke was increased, from 78 mm to 82.8 mm, displacement grew to 3596 cc. Due to the increased power, the larger, Turbo-spec Tiptronic was also installed in automatic Carreras. It was a big improvement, offering five forward gears, two reverse gears, and 250 (!) shift maps.

Various changes increased the weight of the Carrera for 2002. To compensate for this, longer springs of the same spring rate were used front and rear along with matching dampers. The rear suspension was modified to accommodate the larger Tiptronic transmission. New, narrow-spoke 18-inch wheels were available for 2002; the standard wheels were ten-spoke 17-inch alloys. 2002 911s finally had an effective cup holder — and a glovebox! (Original 996s and Boxsters did not have gloveboxes because it was, astonishingly, not in the budget.) 2002 996s also got pyrotechnically tensioned seat belts that were set to activate should the front airbags deploy. The multi-function display (computer) in the bottom of the tachometer grew to display more information, while the digital speedometer was moved from the bottom of the tach into the analog speedometer. Cabriolets received a rear window made of heated glass, a significant upgrade from the soft plastic backlight used on 1999–2001 996 Cabriolets.

For 2002, Porsche replaced the Carrera 4 coupe with the Turbo-look Carrera 4S coupe and added a Targa model. The latter, like the 993 Targa, features a giant glass sunroof that slides back electrically.

 

Thank you Sir for the awesome info. This confirms that I'll go for 2002 and newer 996.

Maitrey

 

That's a good choice. What ones are you looking at ? If you provide the links, we might be able to help you out a bit in your choice. Just remember to take your time and find the one you want.

 

I'm sure you'll find a PPI shop closer to you but my recommendation would be Kahler's in Dublin. Located on Dougherty Rd just off 580.

 

Yeah I'd like to find a shop closer to SF bay area.

Do you guys know about these couple cars? Any history would be helpful.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3677541006.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3654941240.html

 

If anyone is looking to sell their 2002-2004 Carrera, please email me at maitrey17@gmail.com. I live in South bay area. I cannot respond to private messages since I'vent posted more then 15 messages on the site.

Thanks
Maitrey
650.210.6913