Considering going from 944T to 966T, few queries

[diabloam]

Hi all, new to this part of the forum, but am quite an active forum member in the 944 section. Here is the car

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=718319&mpage=1&key=ò¯—¯

I wanted to ask a few queries on here as I am considering trading up from my 944 Turbo to a 996 Turbo and just wanted to ask you guys opinion.

I like working on my own car, I am fairly experienced and have done fairly major work to my 944 Turbo and other cars over the years, I also live in the Scottish Isles so have no access to dealerships or specialist and dont trust any of my local garages even with my older 944 Turbo and so do all the work myself. I have a very well equiped garage and quite a lot of experience having played with cars since I was about 10. Is the 996 Turbo a practical proposition for the home mechanic? Could I keep one and maintain it myself to a high standards, of the major issues (more of that later) is there any that cannot be done at home?

Depending on what I get for my 944 Turbo (she in good shape) I would be looking to spend about 20-25k on one, can I expect to get a good example for this amount and what specifically should I be looking for, my only required spec is that it should be a manual as I dont want a tiptronic. But what specifically should I be looking for in terms of issues with these cars and can they be done on a DIY basis.

Also does anybody here do all there own work on their 966T and what has your experience been doing this. Appreciate any pointers, especially since although I have been active for years in the 944 section I am new in this neck of the woods, any help and advice greatly appreciated, thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Shame you can't access the member's DIY section, as it would give to a good idea of the sort of things people do themselves. Pretty much everything is the same as the standard 996 to work on, with the obvious exception of the engine and intercoolers, etc. it is all jammed in there so tightly, access is the issue from above. The inaccessible bits are thankfully relatively problem free.

There is a checklist here you might find useful: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/legacy/clientftp/Register/996/tec_buyers_checklist.pdf

Also check for rusty wastegate actuator rods, and that the rear spoiler is working properly. Check that the car is boosting normally on a test drive, which will also give an indication if it has been chipped.

As for budget, you should find a sound early 996T without too many miles for £20-25k.

 

[diabloam]

Hi thanks for reply, appreciate it. Got a good responce from people in the 944 section about the fairly pleasant dilemma I am facing, but was hoping maybe to get more from you 966t guys about what I am thinking. Does anybody on here do all there own care and maintenance and how do they find it. Would really appreciate any pointers about what can and cant be done yourself. I couldnt get the car serviced or fixed locally as do not have a dealer or specialist on Island and do not trust normal garages anyway (always done a better job myself to be honest). Assume I need full membership to access the members DIY section rather than just being a forum member, is that correct? Is there any other links for advice on caring for and buying a 966T (want Turbo version). Appreciate any help guys, cheers

 

[dhossack]

Hi Richard,
for my own benefit what would be 'normal boost'? Had my car 5yrs and never looked at the gauge much but have seen it up at 0.6 I think? However have had issues in the past with the actuator rods needing freeing up.
Thanks,
Donald.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

0.6-0.7 is the maximum you would get on a standard Turbo at wide open throttle at about 4000-5000 rpm.

Sounds OK to me.

 

[minny]

I have a 2004 turbo that I do a fair bit of work myself. The only time I don't is if access to the part is really tight or I can't be bothered. DIY is a real possibility on the turbo. Good luck looking for one.