I'm finally in the market for a used 997 C2S after driving one last week. Stunning car!

I have some questions for those of you who know the cars better than I can hope to ...

1. Are there any significant diffferences in features between the 2005 and 2006 model years?

2. Are there any particular issues I need to watch out for in looking at a used C2S? Any propensities for engine failures, leaks, or things like that?

3. I am seeing some cars on the market with PCCBs at surprisingly low prices. I remember there were some serious issues with the early PCCBs ... were those resolved by the '05 model year? This is a car that will see as much track time as possible. With conventional brakes I would swap out OEM pads for Pagid Yellows on the track, along with R compound tires. Given this, am I better or worse off with PCCBs?

Thanks for input on these questions, and any other ideas or insights folks have.

Lorne @ YVR

 

Answers to your questions...

1-The only major differences between 05 and 06 is the addition of the active passenger side airbag, which is proving very difficult to deal with if wanting to add GT3 seats. Other than that, nothing major.

2- Nothing to look out for as far as unreliability issues, just make sure to check car-fax!!!

3- If you are planning to track the car, you will be VERY satisfied with PCCB's. These have the second gen PCCB system, all the "kinks" have been worked out from the first gen. I even had the chance to ask a Porsche Driving Experience instructor which he would rather have, a C4S with steel brakes, or a C4 with PCCB's, he said he could turn faster lap times consistenty with the C4 with PCCBs. So I imagine an S with PCCBs would be a very capable track day ride.

Kevin

 

What P-cars did have the Gen 1 PCCB's?

 

996 GT2s and as an option on 996 GT3s

 

I had a '06 99S which I traded in on a 997GT-3. I would suggest that if you are looking for a used car, you should look for one with the sports chrono as it makes considerable performance difference in the mid range which would help on tighter tracks. The premium that you pay for the ceramic brakes could be used for other items that you might consider, like a trailer. The ceramics require care when changing wheels as at all costs you don't want to hit the rotors. The factory supplies two alignment pins just to prevent damage when changing wheels. The fellow who answered about the air bag issue is correct. Not only do the standard seats monitor the air bag but now include AWS (automatic weight system) which monitors the weight of the prerson and adjust the air bag pressure. So far I have not found anyone who knows how to turn off the system if you intend to use racing seats.

 

And what exactly were the issues with them?!

 

It would be fun if we could somehow get all the haters in one post, and talk about how bad the PCCBs suck, how great the Z06 is, and how M3s are the Masters of the Universe. Containment, that's my strategy . . .

 

Thanks ... very helpful tips on both the ceramics and seats. I expect I will put race or GT3 seats in at some point. If I end up with an 06 this might prompt me to just put a seat in on the drivers side.

On the ceramics ... the possibility of chipping / breaking one sounds like something to be concerned about. I swap wheels all the time, between street and track use, and wouldn't want to have to be too worried about banging things around - inevitably I am in a hurry.

My one must-have option is sports chrono. I have read all the opinions about it and, for my purposes, it is a very very useful option to have.

Re: the issues on the ceramics ... I recall when they were first introduced that there were warranty claims that were rejected by PCNA because the car was used on the track and, for some bizarre reason, the PCCBs which had been damaged were not covered because they were used in a DE situation. Never could understand that.

Now ... anyone want to buy a lightly used 01 Boxster S??

Lorne

 

amen, Russ for president! Start it up brotha

 

Well said Russ! Don't forget to invite all the teenagers who joined here recently as well whose daddy's may buy them a Pcar if they get good grades

 

Hey ... how do I find someone to buy one for me?? Anyone looking for middle aged guys with a mortgage to sponsor?

 

Did i miss this thread?!

 

The gen I's proved problematic on track. The rotors on cars self destructed, resulting in 5k/rotor repair bills. The GT2 and hard core GT3 owners who bought their cars to track on the weekends raised holy helll.

The new gen rotors have been completely redesigned, in terms of materials and design.

Check the threads on rennlist.

 

Huh? Sport chrono makes no power difference on either the GT3 or the 997S. On the S it adds an aggressive, non linear throttle tip in (which is annoying) and the wart. On the GT3 it adds the wart.

 

Yea i heard somewhat about the issue, wasnt the caliper/braking system, just the ceramic rotors correct? I have the steels on my car right now but ceramics in the box, would like to swap them but not necessary if i will run into any sort of prob's :/